We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar

230 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-2114
949-494-2545
Website
Menu
Update restaurant details
Ranked #5 of 133 restaurants in Laguna Beach
Price range: $31 - $80
Cuisines: American, Asian, Seafood, Californian
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Bar scene, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Dining
Cross street: PCH
Description: Don't be fooled by the crowds and the noise; they are all part of the scene here at Laguna Beach's sexy and intense 230 Forest Avenue. The lean deep room seduces you to the open kitchen, bustling bar, and concrete floors, creating a space that is part modern bistro, part martini bar, and part art gallery. It's the perfect spot to see and be seen,laid back Laguna-style. Executive Chef Marc Cohen is consistently recognized as one of The OC's top chefs. You'll be ready to award him a medal, too, after tasting his flashy-to-the-eye, tickle-the-taste buds fusion appetizers and entrees. His dishes are often so stunning that they compete with the artwork on the walls, making for a thoroughly satisfying "artistic" experience.
Reserve with OpenTable
Please enter a later date and time
Write a Review

169 reviews from our community

90% Recommend
    109
    44
    9
    4
    3
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
New York City, New York
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 19, 2013 NEW

We ate here for lunch one day after reading reviews on Trip Advisor. Since we weren't starving, we order salads which were very good. As one reviewer said, the tables are very close but luckily it wasn't crowded when we arrived. Would definitely eat here again if we are back in Laguna Beach.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by MMNielsen for Laguna Beach
Manchester, United Kingdom
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 8, 2013

we had a meal with our 20 month little boy and found this restaurant fantastic - the food was outstanding, the atmosphere really great, and service really very good, our waiter was so helpful. I would recommend the chocolate bread pudding! We could not fault this place and would highly recommend it. It was busy but this added to the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Chicago, Illinois
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 29, 2013

We shared 3 appetizers and an entree salad and were stuffed. Everything was great! Don't miss this one.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by clee4401 for Laguna Beach
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013

We celebrated my partner's birthday with a nice dinner at 230 Forest - not only was this restaurant highly recommended on TripAdvisor, the menu looked delicious! We made a reservation using OpenTable for 830PM, and were seated on time. It was very busy and the restaurant was very nearly full. Our server was very busy and wasn't the first person... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Rkwok68 for Laguna Beach
El Paso, Texas, United States
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013

We arrived around 11:30 am and got a table close to the sidewalk and enjoyed the fresh air and a glass of wine (nice selection) before lunch. All four of us were very pleased with our choices which included the Chipotle Lime Chicken Sandwich, Toasted Brie and Tomato Sandwich, Lake Trout, and I had the Short Rib with Gorgonzola bacon... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Brentwood, Tennessee
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013

Very crowded and NOISY. sitting near bar and the kitchen. dishes clanking, pots sounded like they were being slammed! Tables very close together. We were seated at a 2 top table that was pulled about 3 inches from another 2 top. Fortunately, the couple who sat next to us were nice and we enjoyed conversation together. However, it was awkward... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Louise S for Laguna Beach
Toronto
Top Contributor
157 reviews 157 reviews
112 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
68 helpful votes 68 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013

We stumbled into Laguna Beach after fighting our way through Los Angeles traffic, and at a local store, we got this recommendation. The lady in the store said this was her favourite restaurant, and for good reason. Just earlier, we have been at Redondo Landing, and walked past the seafood, and our hearts and stomachs were set on seafood. 230... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
MV
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

This place always stay busy, and it's for a reason. Great food. We love everything on the menu. One of my favorite things on the menu is the halibut chowder. Simple yet so nice. Makes me hungry just writing about it. The crème brulee is a nice way to finish the meal....if you still have some room.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Long Beach, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 15, 2013

We had a wonderful meal at 230 Forest - it was our 3rd visit and they always do a great job with excellent food and wonderful service. Order the rock shrimp appetizer - it is amazing!!

Was this review helpful? Yes
White Plains, New York
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2013

230 Forest Avenue is located in the heart of Laguna Beach. It is a reliable and good restaurant. The food was tasty and prepared in interesting ways. Our arugula salad was marvelous; warm asparagus made it unique and delicious. The ahi tuna was also excellent. Portions are very generous, if not too large to finish. Service was professional and cordial.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by richchar for Laguna Beach

Travelers who viewed 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar also viewed

Laguna Beach, Orange County
Laguna Beach, Orange County
 
Laguna Beach, Orange County
Laguna Beach, Orange County
 

Been to 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing