Fresh Fresh, Craft Cocktails and Ice Cream Concoctions You Have the Time For
Soaking in Laguna Beach sunshine and dining on coastal fare is a SoCal secret recipe for a day well-spent. Waterfront restaurants, quick service cafes and taquerias line the seaside town, but what’s missing from Laguna’s colorful array of eateries is a casual seafood concept—until now! Introducing Laguna Fish Company, your new go-to for fresh-caught fish and handcrafted cocktails in an easy, breezy atmosphere.
When a quick, convenient bite is preferred, it usually comes at the compromise of quality. Laguna Fish Company, however, is making a name for itself with fresh, local fish in a quick-service setting. Dreamt up by the creators of Skyloft and Mozambique, they responded to a need in the community and now promise the same customer-centric service and chef-inspired dishes as their sister restaurants. Laguna Fish Company even hosts a full bar and eloquent drink menu to pair with seafood offerings. Find this new eatery at the south end of Main Beach in the historic Heisler building off Laguna Ave and PCH.
The spacious sunlit interior opens to a welcoming counter where guests can order crispy fish and chips, refreshing poke bowls and plated halibut entrees. Take a seat in a sleek leather booth and enjoy a cool ocean breeze; the clean and casual setting is fit for dining with family and friends! There’s ceviche to share, martinis for the girls, beers for the boys and even a menu for the kiddos.
Chef Angel Velazquez shared more about the idea behind Laguna’s newest eatery. His menu creations were inspired by the creativity that comes with a new concept. “We created a menu with a little bit of Latin and South American influence. You get your spicy ceviche, your chiles and something more local like the red snapper—and then what everybody loves, the fish and chips,” explains Velazquez.
Velazquez uses a saltine cracker breading to give the fish and chips its signature crunch. The fried fish is paired with a housemade jalapeño tartar sauce, adding a smoky hue without too much spice. And no beachside menu is complete without tacos! The Laguna Tacos are one of Chef Velazquez’s menu highlights. He details, “Crispy corn tortillas add a little bit of smokiness, topped with shrimp, the catch of the day and sofrito peppers” for a satisfying bite. The menu also features a raw bar (oyster platters, anyone?) and healthy options that leave customers refreshed and refueled.
Alongside the seafood menu is a full-service bar. Draft beers are locally sourced from Laguna Beach Brewing Company and pair perfectly with a fish sandwich. Cocktail highlights include the Basil Martini and Smoked Apple Elixir. The Basil Martini’s electric green hue comes from muddled basil and freshly squeezed lemon, sweetened by simple syrup. This classy cocktail complements lighter dishes like the citrus kale salad.
The Smoked Apple’s mezcal tang and elderflower notes pair well with heartier fare, such as the grilled halibut Veracruz plate topped with salsa. Finish your meal with delicious fried ice cream in a handmade waffle cone or a creamy malt with a cherry on top.
Fresh seafood, picturesque cocktails and a diner-inspired ice cream menu make Laguna Fish Company a triple threat. The eatery officially opened on Dec. 29, 2022, and has been honoring its customer commitment from the beginning. “We take a lot of our guests’ suggestions. I always try to listen whenever they come in, whether the feedback is good or bad,” Velazquez shares. Take our word for it and try it yourself!
Laguna Fish Co. is open seven days a week starting at 11 a.m. and for weekend breakfast starting at 9 a.m.
Laguna Fish Company
400 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.715.1002
