230 Forest Avenue Restaurant in downtown Laguna Beach is worth the visit for the incredible food & dining experience (4/13)

Located in the heart of Laguna Beach at where else, 230 Forest Ave., this establishment has been around for just about 20 yrs.  It is just a few blocks from the beach and has nice outdoor and indoor seating.  Owner/Chef  Marc Cohen has built a nice reputation and his creative menu offers delicious fresh food that will make you want to come back and spread the great word.

For appetizers, we chose the steamed clams, ahi tostados and tasty lamb chops (sometimes substituted for their lamb ribs).  The French Onion soup was outstanding before we had our entrees. With a great selection of chicken, steaks, chops and seafood, we went with some of their more popular dishes- The Loup de Mer fish from Europe with lump crab on top was cooked to perfection and one of the best pieces of fish I have ever had and you don’t see that exact fish too often in restaurants in the US.  Their signature cioppino included lobster, shrimp, scallops, calamari, salmon, clams and mussels.  This shellfish vegetable broth was incredible and was a great balance of seafood and soup. It was very filling and plentiful.

Don’t miss one of their signature martinis or some great wine options to accompany your meal.  The pear tree martini was delicious for a starter. 

Don’t miss the dark chocolate croissant bread pudding or half-baked chocolate

soufflé cake for dessert to finish off your wonderful dining experience.

http://www.230forestavenue.com/   or call (949) 494-2545

Lastly, make a stop to their sister restaurant in Laguna Beach not too far away that specializes in seafood called Watermarc at 448 S. Coast Highway.

http://www.watermarcrestaurant.com/