Chic New Asian Restaurants in Laguna Beach

While on vacation in Laguna Beach, be sure to check out these TWO new elegant gems in the array of fine dining experiences offered to South Orange County ‘foodies.’ Each restaurant offers a breathtaking but unique atmosphere where the proprietors and chefs offer a new take on Asian cuisine. Dine out as a date or group, or better yet, enjoy their delicious food in the peace of your own vacation rental with take-out.

Katsuya Laguna Beach

Just steps from the Pacific Ocean, in the heart of historic downtown Laguna Beach, Katsuya, is the new brainchild of sbe Restaurant Group under the direction of designer Philippe Stark and Master Chef Katsuya Uechi. The restaurant is the newest in a series of nationwide luxury fine dining experiences by sbe where Stark and Uechi present us with an innovative and dynamic translation of Japanese cuisine for the American palate in a small but smartly modern restaurant.

Katsuya offers ‘robata’ style dinner, excellent for groups or a small party - there is also a bar with some unique takes on classic cocktails. Customers are already raving about their exquisite sushi rolls and sashimi platters. Whether you enjoy the classic spicy tuna or are interested in Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Katsuya is sure to capture your senses.

Right on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), this hip new restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Make it a special night out or stop in for lunch while visiting the local art galleries. Here’s a tip: at night, this place is new and popular, while walk-ins are available, beat the wait and make reservations.

Starfish Asian Coastal Cuisine

In South Laguna Beach, near the Montage Resort, is another new asian fusion restaurant, Starfish. Nancy Wilhelm, who brought us the successful and tasty, Tabu Grill, has paired up with up and coming chef, Jarvis Yuan, in a celebration of coastal cuisine from different Asian cultures. Here, the exotic and delicate flavors of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean and Indian dishes are treated with modern precision which beautifully compliment the elegant ambiance of Starfish.

Starfish certainly offers something different to South Orange County diners. Wilhelm and Yuan are introducing trendy ‘small plate’ or tapas-style design to their Asian inspired dishes which allows customers to try a variety. Their Mauna Kai Ahi Poke and Korean Galbi Tacos are already bringing foodies back for more.

Grab a table for a romantic dining experience or even head to the gorgeously decorated bar for fabulous drink and appetizers with a party. Starfish is open every night of the week for dinner service and there is plenty of parking.