5’ (5 Feet) is small, (I suspect it’s called 5’ because you can’t move 5’ without bumping into a person, table, chair, or server) but very inviting, intimate, and hip. The walls are decorated with what appears to be a black and white mural of people and couples all done in pencil. The atmosphere is very hip and classy.   You start with a small Asian salad to share, served with chopsticks.  I recommend starting with some of their fabulous appetizers. The tenderest Kung Pao Calamari (not deep fried either) is a must. New Zealand Mussels and Manila Clams in a black bean garlic sauce; Goat Cheese Wontons; Fresh Heirloom Tomatoes with Pesto and Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese & Aged Balsamic; and the Minced Chicken with Pine Nuts and Plum Vinaigrette are also top selections. The soup of the day, Carrot Ginger with Leeks, was decadent.  Soft shell crab lovers will really enjoy the crispy fresh soft shell crab with mango ginger coulis and mango salsa to start.

The House Specialty is the Famous 5′ Whole Catfish with a Spicy Tomato Citrus Ginger Sauce is the most popular entree on the menu.

The main courses range from Macadamia Crusted Fresh Alaskan Halibut; Fresh Needle Fish (similar to whitefish) wrapped in a Main Lobster Tail; Fresh Atlantic whole black bass served with Chinese garlic noodles wokked with fresh bay scallops and vegetables; Aged Prime New Steak served with cherry hoisin cabernet sauce; Beef Tenderloin Medallions wokked in a red wine garlic ginger sauce with mushrooms; and the oven roasted Australian Rack of Lamb with a porcini mediera sauce.  Watch out for the bones on the bass, the fish is really served whole.  The “Melting Pot” dish consisted of giant scallops (no kidding, these were huge) uniquely topped with brie and raisin chardonnay sauce served with curry spaetzel tossed with spinach and pine nuts.  The flavors and combinations of this dish were wonderful. Besides, where else can you get spaetzel with brie covered scallops?  Prices range from $26-36 for main courses alone.

Make sure to choose some wine to go with your appetizers and another for your entrée from their extensive wine list. The wine list is huge and encompasses wines from all over the world. Very Impressive!  There is even a Chateau Lafitte Rothschild for $4500 available.  There are many wines by the glass to choose from.  There are no cocktails or bar- only wine and beer.

The desserts are absolutely heavenly. The chocolate-chip macadamia nut crème brule was like a spoonful of heaven with every bite. The warm apple tart is also highly suggested.

5′ is located at 328 Glenneyre Ave. in downtown Laguna Beach. The menu changes daily. Reservations are a must especially on the weekend where it gets packed. (949) 497-4955