Driftwood Kitchen

Approachable, Original California Cuisine in Laguna Beach

Review by Gretchen Schomer Wendel

‘If I could eat this combo of Driftwood’s Chilean Sea Bass on Risotto everyday for dinner I’d be on cloud nine!’

Driftwoods’ Spacious Dining Room With a View

Driftwood Kitchen is located in Laguna Beach, literally on the ocean.

Showcasing unobstructed views of sea, sky and horizon, the dining room feels like you’re on an elegant cruise ship. It’s breathtaking. I wasn’t surprised that the appetizers and entree I sampled were just as breathtaking.

The restaurant focuses on California cuisine that’s inspired yet simply prepared, featuring an abundance of seasonal ingredients. Service was impeccable as well. Wait staffers were friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. The general manager (not knowing I was reviewing the experience) came over mid-meal to check on me, which I found impressively professional.

Since dining here means being so close to the ocean you could almost be swimming, I decided to focus my whole meal on seafood choices. I began with Lobster Bisque. Like hot, fragrant velvet for the mouth, this creamy soup was one of the most amazing I have ever ordered in its amalgam of Maine lobster, Yukon Gold potato and tarragon with buttery nuggets of toasted brioche as croutons. The presentation was simple and classy, with every spoonful a true delight.

Following the bisque came a pleasant surprise: a complimentary selection of cured meat, artisanal cheeses and seasoned nuts presented on a beautiful wooden carving board. The tidbits of savory cured meats, along with the elegant cheeses and exotic nuts, whetted my palate for the next course.

For my entree, I chose the Chilean Sea Bass on risotto. The fish was perfectly cooked to be flaky, delicate and moist. As just the right counterpoint, its bed of risotto was toothsome, creamy and mildly sweet thanks to kernels of fresh corn. If I could eat this combination of Driftwood’s Chilean Sea Bass on Risotto every day for dinner, I’d be on Cloud Nine. A third element of the plate was a snap pea and corn ragout with shaved Parmesan and a popcorn shoot. Not only did this popcorn novelty add an unexpected splash of color, it was also delicious.

Driftwood Kitchen is a restaurant I could have spent hours in, soaking up the ambiance and delicious food. On the night we were there, the atmosphere seemed wonderfully convivial, with all the other tables full of relaxed and happy diners. Add to this the expertly prepared appetizers and entrees, and I felt that I was just at the beginning of an adventure. I’d come back often, to try so much more. I think the Web site states it well. Driftwood is approachable, original, and hard to leave. All aboard?

Location: 619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 95746   map
Phone: 949.494.9707 
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