Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.

230 Forest

230 Forest Ave. (Pacific Coast Hwy.) Send to Phone
Laguna BeachCA 92651
949-494-2545 | Make Restaurant Reservations
Manhattan-style bistro in downtown Laguna serves up satisfying fusion cuisine.

Cuisine

Open

Lunch & Dinner daily

Features

  • Full bar
  • Reservations suggested
  • Entertainment
  • Casual dressy

* Click here for rating key

230 Forest, located in the heart of downtown Laguna, is chef Marc Cohen’s flagship restaurant in OC. And while he’s gone on to open other locations under his less interesting Opah concept, Cohen’s talents still shine mostly brightly here even though his fusion cuisine does at times seem rather outdated. First off, this chic spot with its minimalist and artsy décor is usually abuzz with a crowd of locals who come to hang out at the tiny wine bar. For those who come to dine, there's a lively outdoor patio and the main dining room, which has some NYC sophistication with brick walls and ever-changing modern art work. For starters, try the rock shrimp or the ahi tartare with its accompanying papaya, wonton chips and a crab-and-wasabi caviar. There are also pasta bowls (lobster Alfredo, shrimp scampi), lots of seafood dishes (wild king salmon, day boat scallops), steaks, chops and always-on-the-menu baby-back ribs. The specialty martinis here are seriously potent, so be careful when ordering up a second round. The wine list hits some good notes, mostly from well-chosen California producers.

User Ratings & Reviews for 230 Forest
 
Best Restaurateur of the Year
Top 40 Restaurants

Once a year, we examine the best of the best, and compile our list of the Top 40 Restaurants in the country, featured in our Annual Restaurant Edition. Also check out the Top 40 Cheap Eats, and Best Restaurateur of the Year.

Browse our Recipes
Cook Up a Storm

What's for dinner tonight? Or for your dinner party this weekend? Check out our recipe section to find healthy meals such as Broccoli Rabe Soup and sweet treats like Dark Chocolate Dipped Pineapple with Pistachio.

Food Trucks, the hottest trend
Taco Truck Trend

A phenomenon that started in East Los Angeles is sweeping the nation: food trucks are emerging from coast to coast, offering Korean tacos, French take-away and even gourmet desserts.

Latest Cookbooks
Latest Cookbooks

Whenever a chef or important food personality publishes a new book, we are among the first to review it. Find out what's worth whisking around with our cookbook reviews!

 
 


RESTAURANT AWARDS

Just published! Our annual restaurant issue features the Best Cheap Eats and our Top 40 U.S. selections, including including Corton in New York and more!