Active Culture

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8 years ago

This is my go-to restaurant when I'm craving something a little lighter. You bet it's going to be more expensive than Taco Bell. It's health-forward and appeals to all those trendy OC mom's who like to be "healthy and fit." They get to charge extra for that appeal. But really, it's a good spot for vegetarian/vegan options. There's a bonus of visiting Active Culture and it comes in the form of a froyo sample cup. read more

Active Culture - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Tara B.

271

5 years ago

Living the clean life across from the pacific at active cultures! Naked coconut with strawberries and hemp protein powder for the win!! read more

Active Culture - Great outside seating too! - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Gina S.

2 years ago

Last few times I ordered my usual Veggie Bowl, I have been ordering thiss since you opened. There was not enough sauce on it, at all. It had little flavor and a very watery sauce at that. I found myself searching around for condiments. Something has changed. When I alerted the girl at the counter to this issue coming back again, she told me I would have to pay extra $2 for it. I'm not stupid. Either someone is skimping on the sauce for some reason, or a decision was made to alter the composition of the dish. Either way, I think its lame. A good rice and bean bowl but not worth $20, with the extra sauce, and tax. I don't know if I will be coming back or not. read more

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Janelle B.

3 years ago

Nicely decorated very beachy. It is a bit small inside though. Prices are high as expected because you're near a beach

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Tammy B.

303

448

1390

7 years ago

The best froyo in Orange County! pomegranate raspberry blended frozen yogurt and banana flambé froyo topped with papaya! They used to have pomegranate seeds to top off the froyo but unfortunately do not anymore so the papaya will have to do ): hopefully they bring back the pomegranate seeds as a topping. They also are now cash free so they only take card. read more

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Sabina L.

168

5 years ago

Went into see what type of refreshments they had an ordered their Java Joy and we were NOT ready for how AMAZING this drink was going to be! I'm sad I took it down so fast! I did attempt to savor it for a couple blocks walking back to the hotel. But dang it, it went down to quick. It was soooooo good! We will definitely come back here when we visit. read more

Active Culture - Java Joy - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Nick K.

113

8 years ago

This place is great. So good in fact, that I ate here twice in one morning. I stoped by here while on a morning walk around 8am and got a naked coconut shake, with added hemp protein. It was delicious to say the least. While there I noticed that had a full food menu, serving eggs and the sort. So later that morning I came back with my wife and daughter and we ate breakfast there. The second time around I got the hummus bagel, which is great especially considering the fair price, 6.99 and my wife got the protein Acai bowl, which was also honestly really good. And presented beautifully. (I'm a sucker for well presented food) I also of course had to get a another naked coconut shake for the road. It was just as good as the first. Parking seems to be great for Laguna, and there are plenty of tables inside and out. Really cool place, looking forward to trying the frozen yogurt next time we're in Laguna. read more

Active Culture - Naked coconut shake - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Business owner information

Faye C.

Thanks for the great review!

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Shayne C.

376

659

2562

11 years ago

I'm a fan of this place ! I was craving a juice !!! -Detox Smoothie FTW !!! -Raw, vegan, gluten, and soy-free -Watermelon, grapes, lime, sea salt, cayenne mix - If you LOVE watermelon, this is a treat ! Very refreshing and perfect on a HOT day ! -My date got the Breakfast Bowl - Organic quinoa, organic almond milk, organic granola, walnuts, honey, cinnamon, and fresh seasonal fruit. This is a great way to start your day ! A great ratio of carbs and protein ! Very filling and the portion size was perfect for him. -Customer service was great ! Gentleman was very chipper and enthusiastic. He liked this juice too ! -Crowded in the afternoon so seating can be a challenge. -One restroom which tends to get a line -Small parking lot. Sometimes we get lucky. Other than that, there is street parking. I really enjoy going here since it's also walking distance to the beach. Can't beat that folks !!! read more

Active Culture - Order to go and you get bigger portions ! Yum ! - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Active Culture - Watermelon detox juice ! My fav so far !!! Yum !! - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Peter D.

3 years ago

The best fro yo in town. Great bowls and smoothies. Kids demand it every time every day

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Nijole T.

4038

10106

19205

6 years ago

The food and drinks here are incredibly healthy, always fresh and very good for you! Service is great, they can get very busy so I suggest ordering ahead if you are in a rush. Their food is always a great reset after overindulging and a perfect light meal by the beach. Worth checking out! read more

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Martha V.

2 years ago

HEATHLY, TASTY, good fresh and quality food. I miss the fresh pressed juice though. Please bring it back :-)

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Bri B.

5 years ago

One of the best bowls I've had!! Their OG sauce is delicious!! I ordered their wholesome bowl which was enormous in itself, plenty of food to get full off of and all natural ingredients. Will absolutely be back to try more!! read more

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Nicole M.

2 years ago

Good food but overpriced!! Cost $1.50 to add peanut butter to my smoothie and I'm pretty sure you can get a whole jar of peanut butter for about the same price. So this place is definitely a splurge! read more

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Jolie U.

5 years ago

It's so freaking good. I ordered the bbq burger, and I love it. I feel good eating it because it's healthy. I would've appreciated a little more tang in the beet sauce, but it probably wouldn't be as healthy if it had that! The drink I got was cool too. :) don't hesitate! read more

Active Culture - BBQ Burger - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Emily T.

359

4 years ago

Often unfriendly/curt staff repeatedly over the years. Some staff act "better than" instead of being polite or kind. Yikes. Food used to be soooooo yummy! I came here all the freaking time in the past. The quality and portions were awesome and fair!!! Now....I dunno...I'm totally down to pay more for a local, family owned business. I support wanting to help small business. However, this is something else!!!! the portions are WHACKKK!!!! so tiny & wayyyy too little food for the steep price. Plus I feel the quality of the food has gone downhill. I'm very petite & don't eat much but I'm always hungry like 40 minutes after I finish my "meal" (it's like a snack for a toddler tbh ) I used to be good for like 4ish hours with the past meals pro tip:much nicer staff & slightly bigger portions at SC location! read more

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Elisabeth S.

147

376

6 years ago

How is it possible I have never written a review for this. When I lived in Laguna Beach, I would go here every chance I got and the only sadness was that I couldn't get both the Wholesome Bowl with that delicious OG sauce (WHAT IS IT?) at the same time as a delicious fro yo smoothie. OMG, both so filling and so good. I think the last time I was really happy was either living in Spain or SoCal. Miss u. read more

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Nhuhao D.

203

6 years ago

I got the Bountiful Bowl and one of my friends got a Delightful Bowl. Both were really delicious and quite filling. Great for breakfast or afternoon snack. We took our bowls down to Laguna Beach through a little street near by for an afternoon picnic. My bowl was really refreshing and the location was a plus. Staff were friendly and finished our orders pretty quickly. They also have a small parking lot in the back if you can't find street parking. read more

Active Culture - Delightful bowl (left) and Bountiful Bowls (center & right). Both were really delicious and quite filling. - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Niko V.

3 years ago

great food and great service, would recommend to anyone who's feeling like eating healthy with an amazing ocean view.

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Christie L.

363

514

1304

11 years ago

One of my favorite places to in Laguna Beach! There is a variety of healthy options from bowls, warps, salads, smoothies, shakes, and self-serve froyo. Everything sounds great on the menu, which makes it hard for me to make up my mind every time I come here. It is a bit expensive, but many of the ingredients are fresh and organic. Bountiful Bowl: SO GOOD! It's basically a huge bowl of greek yogurt topped with an acai bowl. Two of my favorite things! On top of the acai is granola, flaxseeds, bananas, blueberries, strawberries and agave. It is very filling though, so this could totally be a meal in itself or a snack to share. Velvet Acai Bowl: YUM! The acai is blended with bananas, strawberries and almond milk and then topped with granola, more bananas, strawberries, blueberries and honey. This bowl is also quite large, and there aren't smaller options. I have tried a savory bowl too, but I forgot which one it was. It tasted great as well! I also had a smoothie awhile ago, which is great if you are on the go. I can't wait to be back to the other delicious healthy options!! :] read more

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Nael C.

5 years ago

Love the discount and delicious healthy goodness it's worth tasting the yummy food I got ice cream and an active bowl read more

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Sara S.

2 years ago

Great food and amazing yogurt. Come here all the time. Salads are great! My kids love the yogurts and I love the kombucha

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Rebecca K.

4 years ago

This location is so cute and the bowls are to die for. I literally get one and can never finish it all because there is so much in it. Love how fresh everything is. read more

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Josie B.

3 years ago

Amazing! I ordered the quinoa and lentil bowl! Absolutely delicious! I was blown away by their OG sauce! So highly recommend if you want something healthy! The service is quick and the staff are very friendly! read more

Business owner information

Abbi B.

Thanks for your review Josie! We're so happy to provide quick,…

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Sarah L.

2 years ago

Waited 30 minutes, staff never checked up on us, I had to get up and check on our food. Was told they were about to make it, 20 minutes later, they brought it out but forgot our smoothie. Waited another 40 minutes and got up to go check on it when they were barely walking up with it. Very disappointed with the staff and wait time because all the to go orders were being taken care of before us even though we had ordered first. read more

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Yuki M.

Elite 23

147

1443

8570

6 years ago

People here are very friendly and the dining area outside is very welcoming. Inside is very sparse but that's probably because they have art on display so they don't want to distract from the piece. I dunno. The young man at the counter was very helpful in recommending a smoothie. He asked what I wanted and I told him I'd never been there before and that I was feeling really sluggish. He recommended something that I forget the name of but it had blueberries and coffee beans in it. Odd. It tasted awful and I tossed my $9 drink into the trash after one sip. However, I'm still giving them 4 stars because I have to be fair in my own biases and the fact that I dislike smoothies and bananas and I failed to pay attention to the fact that what I got had bananas in it. On a personal level, it tasted pretty bad, but I will say that it was fresh. The smoothie had a very nice texture and you could taste the freshness of the ingredients. I actually only needed to use their restroom but felt bad just barging in so I figured I'd give them a try. Even though I threw my drink away, I did get a chance to see how friendly the staff are and as I walked out, I looked at the patio seating and thought, "That's a really nice place to sit. I'll probably come again and try something else." read more

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Yulia F.

4 years ago

We love this place very much. Every time we have their bowls , our whole family says..... YES, this is the best place for tasty food. Thank you guys. read more

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Stacy G.

2 years ago

Best salads and smoothies in Laguna!!!! Quick service. Quality ingredients. Yummy frozen yogurt.

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Jennifer M.

4 years ago

They use corn syrup in their frozen yogurts. They are not transparent enough about their ingredients yet claim to be "clean label."

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Armin A.

155

202

547

8 years ago

Amazing spot to get some fresh frozen yogurt. Can't beat the view and delicious yogurt here. Fresh ingredients and super lovely staff. We also got to try their all natural juices and shakes as a sampler. Definitely give these guys a visit. Will be coming back next time I'm driving by. read more

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Anais P.

3 years ago

Waited over half an hour for a bagel, I went to ask and they said it was the next up, after another 10 minutes and several other orders delivered before mine, it turned out they had never even started to make it. Got a refund and left. read more

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Lamar T.

2 years ago

Madison is the best! She should get promoted or a raise. So welcoming and attentive from even before we walked in with her beautiful smile. She is truly a pure and rare soul! Also food and yogurt are top tier as always. My favorite experience at this restaurant so far all thanks to Madison and everyone else working tonight! read more

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Maria K.

Elite 21

388

590

5 years ago

Some of the tastiest acai bowls and fresh smoothies around. I appreciated that they were honest about the wait time, and even more appreciative when they got me my order far ahead of schedule. Friendly staff and great setting. read more

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Bri B.

4 years ago

Everything here is FANTASTIC! Make sure to get extra OG sauce! Nachos and the wholesome bowl are my go to's

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Taylor H.

2 years ago

ordered a medium protein bowl for doordash pickup option & they completely didn't put on peanut butter, which is the main ingredient of the bowl... was pretty pissed off considering their açaí bowls are on the more expensive side . read more

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Chloe W.

4 years ago

I was just at active culture with one of my girlfriends and she ordered the Laguna Beach bowl. After consuming over half of the bowl she proceeds to find a MAGGOT in the food she is eating. An inch long bug that thankfully she spotted out before eating. This caused my friend to brutally vomit in their bathroom. They claim this happens a lot bc they are all natural. I certainly will NOT be going back here. read more

Active Culture - The maggot in question. - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Rachael A.

4 years ago

I love the yogurt! Love that it taste healthy and sweet! One of my favorite spots in Laguna. Always a go to read more

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Tara C.

Elite 22

138

4 years ago

Active culture was great! I only popped in for a smoothie - I got a blue green envy (kale,almond milk, almond butter, chia seeds, cocoa nibs) but it was great. Only downside is that they were packed and I had to wait a while before my smoothie was ready. It was definitely worth the wait but just be aware that if they are busy it could end up taking a while. read more

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John L.

4 years ago

Wholesome bowls are great! Love having a delicious meal without feeling heavy after and knowing it was much healthier than other quick options. read more

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Mel J.

6 years ago

This place is great. Customer service was fantastic. The location has a bit of a view. If you cross the street, and go towards the beach, there are benches with unobstructed views of the ocean. My Wife and I got Wholesome Bowls and Berry Smoothies. read more

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Page 6 of 19

1006 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Directions
(949) 715-5188
Call Now
Visit Website
http://activeculturecafe.com/

Full menu

Hours

What time does Active Culture open?

Active Culture opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Active Culture close?

Active Culture closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Active Culture take Bitcoin?

No, Active Culture does not take Bitcoin.

Does Active Culture take credit cards?

Yes, Active Culture takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Active Culture have catering options?

Yes, Active Culture does have catering options.

Does Active Culture have a drive thru?

No, Active Culture does not have a drive thru.

Does Active Culture serve alcohol?

Yes, Active Culture serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Active Culture allow dogs?

No, Active Culture does not allow dogs.

Does Active Culture have TVs?

No, Active Culture does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Active Culture have bike parking?

Yes, Active Culture has bike parking.

Does Active Culture have outdoor seating?

Yes, Active Culture has outdoor seating options.

Does Active Culture have parking?

Yes, Active Culture has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Active Culture wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Active Culture is wheelchair accessible.

Does Active Culture have free WiFi?

Yes, Active Culture has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, bowls, wraps, salads, açaí bowls, smoothies, shakes and more! Order online, download our app or stop in and order in our cafe. Delivery is available daily.

More Info

Health Score

Active Culture Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

Ask the Community - Active Culture

Are there gluten free options?

Absolutely. This is a very health-conscious café. I think everything is gluten-free! Check out their menu. http://activeculturecafe.com/laguna-beach-menu/

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Adonis

Went for a to-go dinner tonight and had a great experience! It's an order at the counter style…read moreplace, and the men serving us (I'm assuming they're the owners?) were SO kind. We waited a little while they served the people in front of us, but they were really helpful and kind to us and our baby. The interior is really fluorescent lit, but don't let it turn you off- the food is good!! I got the gyro & chicken pita wrap- VERY good and all of the ingredients tasted fresh! My husband got the gyro wrap and my baby had chicken w/ fries and everyone loved their meals (baby included).

Amazing food and customer service. The perfect meal to have by the beach. Everything always tastes…read moreso fresh and good!

Interior

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Shawrma

Jan's Health Bar

My husband and I are locals and we had no idea that Jan's existed. We ordered two crunchy kale…read morewraps for lunch today and my mind was blown. Everything from the texture, crunch, little surprises (dried cherries), and the sauce - AMAZING. So much flavor in a healthy package. Worth every penny for fresh delicious food!! Not to mention, the friendly warm greeting we received walking into the restaurant. Bright smile and excellent customer service. Five stars!!

Our daughter lives nearby and highly recommends Jan's.We all got wraps with salads.Luckly can sub…read moreout strawberry vinaigrette (not a fan of garlic dressing) Off the beaten path,pricey but it's Laguna Beach!Excellent service

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Wigz

Spicy tuna melt on dutch crunch will melt your sorrows away. Tina's bar (in the back of wigz) has…read morethe TV's, drinks, and vibe spot on. Great place to watch a game and get a sando. Staff is great, especially Greg - always friendly and welcoming. They remember the locals! All and all, Wigz is the spot.

Pleasantly surprised!!…read more After moving my daughter out of the dorms we went down to Laguna and she recommended this place. I wasn't a fan of getting a sandwich but I will say IM GLAD I DID! Our sandwich was delicious! The bread is out of this world. The arugula so fresh. Clean, cute place, not far from the water, just on the main steeet. Thankfully we got parking right outside front.

Laguna Italian.

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Laguna Italian

Kitchen in the Canyon

There's paid parking nearby or the lot parking that requires walking or public transport to get…read morehere. There's plenty of seating inside and outside. It can definitely hold a larger groups size. The staff are nice and friendly. You'll order first then recieve a number for your table. The drinks arrived first then the food. Both arrived at a decent time. I got the breakfast sandwich. It was really good. The bacon was great! The buns were nice and toasty. The hash browns were pretty good and light. The lavender latte was good. I could use a bit more lavender flavor but that's a personal preference. I easily drank it all. I'd return here again to try more.

One thing to note, which isn't a drawback, is that this isn't a typical sit-down restaurant. You…read moreorder at the counter, take a number, and find a seat. There's really no table service, just food runners and bussers. And you grab your own water. Definitely seems like they're trying to cut costs by having no waiters. The food is mid at best, with overpriced menu items. I ordered the lumberjack breakfast, the waffles and eggs were decent, but the hash browns sorely lacked any seasoning or flavor. Their texture was similar to soggy fries. I told myself, "okay, maybe just a miss on this one item." I came back a second time and tried the eggs Benedict, and that too lacked any flavor or seasoning. Definitely disappointed with this place. There are better spots in Laguna that match the vibe. It is convenient, though, since it's right next to the Sawdust Festival. Most likely won't be coming back.

Breakfast burrito and fresh apple juice

Inside view

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Inside

Heidelberg Cafe & Bistro

Ordering: The line was a bit long, and there are no reservations, so tables get taken quickly. It's…read moreworth being prepared to wait a little during busy times. Food: The food was good and reasonably priced. We actually ate it so quickly that I didn't even have a chance to take a picture! Solid food at a fair price. Service: The cashier was friendly, and the busser was quick at cleaning tables and keeping things moving. Environment: I'm glad I stumbled across this place. It was kid-friendly and had a welcoming atmosphere. I would definitely come back again!

We stopped by this spot while visiting Laguna Beach and decided to give it a try for breakfast. My…read morepartner ordered the bacon breakfast burrito and thought it was just okay, nothing memorable. I tried a few of the chips that came with it and unfortunately they tasted stale, which was definitely disappointing. For my meal, I ordered the Eggs Benedict (the poached eggs with hollandaise sauce). It was okay overall, but I found it pretty flavorless. The hollandaise sauce didn't add much flavor, and the dish wasn't very memorable. I had to add a lot of ketchup and hot sauce to add flavor... One thing I did appreciate was that the restaurant appears to be family-owned, and I believe it's been in business for over 16 years. It's always nice to support a local business, and the prices were fair for the Laguna Beach area. The location is also a plus. It's within walking distance of the beach, and they offer validated parking with a parking structure located behind the restaurant, which makes visiting much more convenient. Overall, the food was not anything that would make us want to return. Between the stale chips and the lack of flavor in my meal, it felt more like a one-time visit rather than a place we'd seek out again.

Inside

AVOCADO TOAST.

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La Sirena Grill

Excellent each time we come here. High quality and great tasting fresh food! Eaten here a lot and…read morebreakfast was just as good as lunch and dinner. Love it.

Man. lol…read more Ok. So this is a basic average Mexican place in Laguna beach. Below average service. Entitled Gen Z workers who expect $10 tip for just getting your order. Food was bland. Service forgettable. Outside was gross ... dog feces on the lawn not picked up All in all .... A totally forgettable food experience. A memorable terrible one ( one person cost $42!! For garbage food ) Skip this place. For sure.

Huevos Rancheros

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Beer Menu

Zesty Olives- Laguna Niguel

Great, casual place with a few fun photo opp areas and outside seating, although thats not…read moreimportant because the food is the reason for coming here. The pasta flight was amazing. Best Alfredo I've ever had. Full bottles of wine, pasta made in a cheese wheel-can't ask for more. I've found a new go-to spot!

Zesty Olive is quick service restaurant built around one very good idea, fresh fettuccine, extruded…read moreright in front of you, then tossed into a massive wheel of Italian Parmesan until it becomes a rich, glossy Alfredo style pasta. And it starts at ten bucks. That's a ridiculous bargain. In a white tablecloth Italian restaurant, the same cheese wheel theater could easily run north of thirty dollars, probably delivered by someone wearing an apron cleaner than your kitchen towels. You can add chicken and other toppings, but I went with the three flavor pasta trio, served on a wooden plank. It's visually impressive, filling, and compared with most quick-service food these days, a genuinely respectable value. There is, however, one important thing to understand before walking through the door, everything begins with Alfredo. Pesto, tomato, and the other flavors are added afterward, but the creamy cheese sauce is the foundation. If Alfredo isn't your thing, this probably isn't your place. My wife is firmly in that camp, so she ordered a salad. That's where the operation started to wobble. The lettuce was wilted, and the green goddess dressing had an odd, unpleasant flavor. We also ordered pita bread, which appeared to have been removed from a plastic bag, cut into pieces, and dropped onto a plate without heat, seasoning, or much thought. It was cold, slightly stale, and depressing. The frustrating part is that both problems are easy to fix. Toast the pita. Brush it with olive oil. Add a little salt and herbs. Treat the salad like someone might actually be excited to eat it. The pasta trio, though? Solid. Rich, satisfying, and an excellent deal. Judging by the packed dining room on a Friday night, plenty of other people have reached the same conclusion. Zesty Olive has the Alfredo pasta experience down. Add one genuinely good olive oil based pasta for people who don't want the cream and cheese, and bring the salads and sides up to the same standard as the main attraction. Do that, and they may have a real winner.

Bright and colorful interior

ZESTY BOWL

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Avocado Toast

The Pantry

I'm being so honest when I say this hidden gem holds some of my favorite food in Laguna Beach…read more Right off the coast, this cozy cafe offers great food, delightful service and beautiful views. My go-to is their breakfast burrito. This is a honker of a burrito, packed with egg, cheese, bacon, guacamole, sour cream and chorizo. Most breakfast burritos are a bit skimp on the eggs but not this one -- you get what you pay for, and more. The flavors are outrageous and trust me, you'll want two salsas on the side. For $14 and the amount of food and locations of this place, the Pantry is a no brainer when you're in Laguna.

This place surprised me! It's definitely a small coffee shop vibe inside. About 5 tables, coffee…read moremenu plus various food items! Crème brûlée latte was so yummy! The breakfast burrito was made to order so it was customizable. The burrito is definitely shareable! There was outside seating but it seemed to be reserved that day for Mother's Day! Service was quick and friendly. Short walk to the beach!

Jared does it again with an amazing breakfast burrito

Avocado Toast

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The Taco Stand

Taco Stand never misses -- but just know this is not the exact same experience as the San Diego…read morelocations. The flavor profile here is definitely a bit smokier/charred compared to the Taco Stand spots down south, especially compared to La Jolla. There are slight variations in how some of the food is cooked and prepared, but it's not bad at all -- just different. If you come in expecting an exact replica, you may notice the differences. If you treat this location as its own thing, it's honestly really solid. Huge shoutout to Carlos at the register for the excellent customer service. We ordered food both for here and to-go, and everything was packed separately exactly how we asked. We also made a few modifications after placing the order, and Carlos went out of his way to track down our ticket and write the changes on it himself to make sure everything came out correctly. Food was still great, service was amazing, and we'd definitely come back again.

The meats are tender and well-seasoned, especially the Al Pastor! The Baja fish and shrimp tacos…read moreare equally impressive, and there are plenty of vegetarian options too. Don't skip the fresh churros served with condensed milk! For the wait, it did take us at least an hour to order and get the food :,D

California burrito- good carne Asada in there

Great spot

Pollo Asado taco

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GG's Bistro

From the moment we arrived, the customer service was exceptional. The food was fresh, flavorful,…read moreand prepared with outstanding quality, showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine. For those with dietary restrictions, they offer a dedicated gluten-free menu, which is a thoughtful and appreciated touch. Combined with the beautiful beachfront views, the entire dining experience was outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for excellent food, attentive service, and a memorable atmosphere.

GG's Bistro is an absolute gem in Laguna Beach! The food was incredible, the location couldn't be…read moremore beautiful, and the restaurant itself has such a warm, inviting atmosphere. What truly made our experience unforgettable was the outstanding hospitality. Everyone made us feel so welcome--it honestly felt like we were sharing a meal with family. From the moment we walked in until the moment we left, the service was exceptional. If you're looking for amazing food, a beautiful setting, and genuine hospitality, GG's Bistro is a must-visit. We can't wait to come back!

Mediterranean King Salmon

Crushed peppers steak

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Chicken Rice Bowl

Wild Strawberry Cafe

The food and drinks are amazing here! My personal favorites are the banana bread latte and the…read morebreakfast burrito. The staff is so nice and always very friendly as well. the ambience is fantastic, I would definitely recommend coming here on a weekend for brunch. Milan is a cashier here and he is always super welcoming and sweet!!

My friends and I LOVED this cafe! We stopped by on a Friday morning around 10 or 11am. The line…read morewasn't too long, and we were able to find seating for all 5 of us. Drinks were all so good. My friends got the nutella latte and dirty chai latte, and I got the hot matcha latte. The lattes were perfectly sweet and creamy. Their matcha comes unsweetened, so you can add syrup or use sugar packets to sweeten it. Most places sell watery matcha, but this one is decently strong and very vibrant in color. Still craving that nutella latte! Savory foods were amazing. I got the half turkey sandwich, and my friends got the chorizo burrito. I'm usually bad at finishing my food, but I got through my whole plate! I don't eat pork, so I didn't try the burrito, but my friends described it as cheesy and filling. Can definitely share one burrito between two people. The sweet foods were too sweet for me. We had banana bread, matcha cookies, and matcha scones. Really want to come back soon!

Pastrami sandwich with strawberry salad

Outdoor seating

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Interior and exterior decor.

C'est la Vie Restaurant & Bakery

I dined on the patio with my friend to enjoy the beautiful view. Our server Rett was punctual, and…read morehe made us the best drinks. Rett made me want to come back, and I definitely will this summer !

The experience was amazing! Food and view made everything so special for our anniversary. Our…read moreserver Gabriel was friendly and professional. He even surprised ours with an anniversary dessert. Will be back again.

Deck seating July 31, 2025

Interior

Eggs Florentine

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South Swell Ice Cream

4.4

(191 reviews)

0.2 mi

We have been the San Clemente location but first time at this location. Usually there is a long…read morewait so be prepared but they do go fast. We ordered soft serve swirl dipped with caramel drizzle and butterfinger and a frozen banana dipped in chocolate topped with Oreos. We enjoyed them both and worth the wait. There's no seating inside, it's very small but they have a couple seats outside.

The Hunt to find the best ice cream after a beach day continues…read more.. Sunday evening 7ish pm about a 20 min line (not a fan for lines) You get the option for soft serve Vanilla, ice cream bar or frozen banana. we decided on three ice cream bars. Once we got to the counter everything looked pretty standard, familiar. We got a sprinkles bar, butterfinger bar and strawberry shortcake bar. Nothing impressive, basic vanilla w a topping. I suppose I was expecting some more exciting ice cream flavors, combos. If you like straight forward basic ice cream this is your place. otherwise you'll be a little disappointed. The place is small, no indoor seats, two outdoor wobbling tables, each w wobbling umbrellas but they look cute. Staff too busy chatting to suggest anything. $7.50 per bar, It was ok. Likely won't go out of my way to look for parking or stand in line. But it's always fun to try new places.

Smores Bar and Castaway soft serve

Pink drizzle + Oreos + sprinkles + chocolate & vanilla swirl + dipped in chocolate

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The castaway and the bonfire

Gelato Paradiso

If you're in Laguna Beach, Gelato Paradiso is a must. In my opinion, it's the best ice cream shop…read morein SoCal. What really stands out is their non dairy selection during the summer. They always have several flavors to choose from, which isn't easy to find. I've tried quite a few of them over the years, but the coconut is still my favorite. It's incredibly creamy, rich, and tastes just like the real thing. There's almost always a line, but don't let that scare you away. It moves pretty quickly, and it's absolutely worth the wait. This time the line wasn't too bad, which was a nice bonus. I stop here whenever I'm in Laguna and it never disappoints.

I came here on a Thursday evening and it was about 20 min line to order. I got a variety of gelato…read morewhich included pistachio, strawberry, cherry, and s'mores. This is easily the best gelato I have had. Definitely worth the wait! Super flavorful with various flavors to choose from! Food(50%): 9.6 Staff/service(25%): 7.5 Value(25%): 8.0 Overall: 8.7/10

Lovely gelato hidden in an alley

Waffle cone

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Small Gelato Cup, Spoon, and Napkin

Wigz

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Oak

Food was delicious! Our server was great and the service was quick. I personally loved the pasta…read moreand the burger. We also got the ahi tuna tacos and those were great. Also loved how the owner was right at the front when we got seated and said hello and also asked us how our food was when we were leaving. Great place we will have to come back and try next time we are in Laguna!

I had such a wonderful experience at Oak Restaurant. The mushroom burger was absolutely delicious…read moreand perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and beautifully prepared. The combination of ingredients was unique and satisfying, making it one of the best burgers I've had in a long time. The dessert was also outstanding the perfect way to finish the meal with amazing taste and presentation. Beyond the food, what truly made the experience special was the incredible hospitality. The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, creating a comfortable and memorable atmosphere. Thank you, Oak Restaurant, for the amazing food and excellent service. I can't wait to come back and enjoy another great meal!

Pickle Martini & Rye Not? Paper Plane Cocktail

Seabass

Sweet & Spicy Ribs

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60 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Liz B.

1317

9 years ago

When active culture first opened in Laguna it was fabulous. It has steadily declined in quality, consistency, and customer service since that time. I always order the same few items and they NEVER are consistent with the ingredients. They tend to skimp on their sauces now so we have to order extra sides which tack on additional costs. I have given them chance after chance but I am only satisfied 50% of the time and their food is not cheap! The ingredients should be consistent all of the time paying those prices. One time I called and spoke with the manager and she argued with me. Really bummed me out because I am in the customer service industry myself and you never argue with your customer. I consider myself a very fair person and it has taken me a long time to write this review because I keep giving chance after chance. I feel very young people run this business now and it seems that the owner is not as involved? They answer the phone almost like they aren't listening to you and the music is always blaring ...I think better training and quality control would do the store some good. Just today we ordered bowls and my bowl was almost completely shredded carrots... I literally paid $15 for shredded carrots. I don't feel comfortable calling and complaining because honestly I don't think it will do any good and I don't want to deal with a commbative staff member. I hope active culture will tighten up it's quality control and perhaps have specific measurements for each ingredient that is in the bowl or their salads because the idea of the company and the sauces are so good! But I'm just not gonna go back until this happens read more

Tim M.

10 years ago

I had give one star to write review a negative five star is what I am actually giving , THE WORST SERVICE seems very unorganized and business seems to be dirty behind counter where some food prep area is at , you must wash hands if you are handling money and food , and wash hands with hot water and for more than the 5 seconds I counted while waiting had the time , self serve yogurt bar was dirty with kids grabbing all serving spoons and they are below the so called sneeze guard , other people grabbing with hands only , order was placed on phone to be picked up at , paid for order and stood there for 40 min no one asked or looked for my order made eye contact more than once , shouldn't have to ask for order people should pay attention to customers standing 5 feet from front counter ten other orders went out that we're placed while I stood there waiting .The 80's gothic people working there need to clean up their act to work in public place you are not at home you are at work have some respect for yourselves , I hope that one of them wasn't a manager none seemed to have those skills , this is my opinion and my own experience at this location not say that everyday except this one has been perfect there . I run my business with attention to all customers at all times that is how it should be ran pay attention to customers and they return with more work , bad news travels much faster than good news . Heres hoping that the owner reads reviews and actually does something , even though I know better . Wonder what new business will be there next ? read more

Carla C.

Elite 23

154

211

1380

3 years ago

I recently enjoyed another delightful meal at Active Culture, and once again, I couldn't resist ordering my all-time favorite, the Wholesome Bowl. This dish never disappoints, with its wholesome combination of organic brown rice, organic black and red beans, cheddar cheese, green cabbage, salsa, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a delectable seasoning, all generously drizzled with their tantalizing OG sauce. The burst of flavors in every bite is truly a treat for the taste buds. But that's not all - Active Culture offers a variety of other fantastic options. I highly recommend trying their Big Salad, a hearty and satisfying choice, or the Southwest Wrap, which packs a punch of Southwestern flavors that are simply delicious. And for those who love a refreshing and guilt-free dessert, don't forget to indulge in their Velvet Acai Bowl. It's the perfect way to cool down and satisfy your sweet cravings while keeping it healthy. Active Culture consistently delivers flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying meals, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious dining experience. read more

Emily J.

10 months ago

This is a must try if you're in Laguna. The staff is amazing and helpful, very clean store, the view is beautiful and the frozen yogurt is marvelous. I had the vanilla coconut frozen yogurt (dairy free) with cookie dough. It was refreshing to see it so slow at 5 o'clock. I normally get their food but decided to get a treat today and I don't think I've had frozen yogurt this good in years. I wish they had a location closer to us read more

Frederick W.

193

7 years ago

Use to love this place...not sure what's changed? The last three times I have got the wholesome bowl unfortunately, the portions have got smaller, perhaps a change in staff or a way to keep cost down? I keep trying, giving the place the benefit of my doubt. As of now, I would rather drive to San Clemente for bowl. Also, not as clean and organic as they would like you to believe. read more

Bella H.

8 years ago

I didn't notice this place was vegan until the third time I ate it. They have amazing açaí bowls and their hummus salad is to die for. I used to be so against vegan because I love cheese and often would think how much some of their bowls would taste so much better with cheese and when I asked they told me it was vegan. I love this place read more

Brooke M.

14 years ago

I'm obsessed with the whole bowl! The laguna bowl is good too, as are the shakes and smoothies. I like that they have organic frozen yogurt (sometimes more than others) and other organic ingredients. I just wish their sisters (Velvet Yogurt) also had the organic stuff! read more

Jesse R.

9 years ago

Great bowls and smoothies. The location is beautiful. I took my daughter here after she got her haircut across the street. We came on the recommendation of salon. We wish there was something like this in Irvine. We will take the drive to eat here again. read more

Leslie S.

14 years ago

Love their food and yogurt, but the people who work here are really rude. They act as if you're bothering them when you're ordering. I do come here quite often, though, because the food is really healthy, so it's worth it, I guess. read more

Theresa K.

8 years ago

Great açaí bowls and I love the wholesome bowl. Some of their salads would taste better if they added chicken to them, but they're still pretty good. I ended up grabbing one to go and putting chicken on top to make it better. read more

Kara T.

7 years ago

One of the most yummy places I've been to in a while. I love the bowls that they serve as well as the frozen yoghurts. There outside seating patio is amazing because you can see the ocean. Just an amazing place!! ;-) read more

Kristan A.

7 years ago

Active Culture is seriously amazing. The food has amazing taste; not the usual tasteless healthy food you find elsewhere. And, the fro-yo is spectacular. I am upset I didn't grab food to take home with me! read more

Victoria H.

244

399

11 years ago

This was my first time here, it's the same like yogurtland except there yogurt is is a bit more creamy. They have alot of toppings to choose from. It was very stuffy inside but outside was nice and cool. read more

Grace D.

6 months ago

Most of the employees just are not nice.... I love their menu but it kills my mood every time. It feels like you're a burden to them and they are annoyed at you. It makes me not want to come anymore read more

Laura L.

8 years ago

The best açaí bowls I have ever had in my life. Although I miss when they used to be half the price they are now I still go back once in a while to treat myself read more

Britney J.

7 years ago

Really good vegan food, but it's super expensive. I can only get it once in a while because it's pricy $$. The staff is nice though and the food is pretty good read more

Norm R.

12 years ago

great local great location great yogurt and bowls beach boat or pick nic .. little pricie for beans and salad but very good . under $10 per person _+ read more

Victoria C.

12 years ago

Love this place!! Best healthy bowls in Laguna Beach. The frozen yogurt is fresh and delicious. My son can't get enough. The view is awesome as well. read more

Natalie W.

462

10 years ago

Took 20 minutes for 3 smoothies to be made when no one was in line in front of us. The smoothies were grainy, mushy, and warm when finished as well. read more

Wayne G.

7 years ago

This place is so delicious. The wholesome bowl is my go to and the OG sauce is unreal.. they have good smoothies too. Would defiantly recommend. read more

See more unrecommended reviews

Active Culture - juicebars - Updated August 2026

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This is a great place. I came 3 days in a row while here on…read morevacation. The smoothies and playas bowls are great. Better than anything ive ever gotten in NJ where i reside. I tried different drinks and playa bowls. Everything was very good. I must shot out LUCY. Shes the best. She took my order the two times i came there. She is the best. Her smile and greeting was very welcoming. Shes good energy. Made my experience there very pleasant. Only complain i have is about a young turkish boy that made my coffee. He did a terrible job. Coffee was terrible . 10 mins to make a iced cold brew. I dont think he knows about coffee. I would definately recommend this and come everytime i visit CALIFORNIA.

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Christina was so chill and the smoothies were the bomb.com!!! Will be back! it's so walkable and…read morethe area is so nice.

Great smoothies and açai bowls here. They are hidden and we had to find them, but glad we did in…read morethe location is perfect right by the beach. You can order at the kiosk, which is pretty cool. Service was good and clean. Will come back.

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I literally live right next this Better Buzz Coffee, and I finally stopped in, and I'm so glad I…read moredid! I had the best drink ever; it tasted amazing. The General Manager was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the service was excellent from the moment I walked in. It's so nice having such a great coffee shop in the neighborhood. I'll definitely be back regularly. Highly recommend!

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I had a lovely experience here! The setup at this location is a grab and go counter or drive thru…read more They do have tables along the street and one near the corner, which still made it a great place to sit and enjoy our drinks. Everything was very clean! Service was very friendly and welcoming! We got a churro latte and a plain vanilla latte and both were very good. Definitely worth a stop if you're passing by and need an afternoon pick me up.

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This café has really gone downhill over the past year. I brought my mom here for Mother's Day…read moreyesterday, and the experience was honestly uncomfortable from the start. While taking our order, the gentleman at the counter never once looked me in the eye. Instead, he kept staring and smiling off into the distance at something outside, even though there didn't seem to be anything there. It made the entire interaction feel very strange and awkward for all of us. To make matters worse, the drinks we ordered, which were very simple, were all disappointing. It's frustrating because this used to be a place I came to regularly and genuinely enjoyed. Unfortunately, after this experience, I don't plan on coming back and wouldn't recommend it to others anymore.

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We were looking for a spot to get a cup of coffee and something for breakfast, but since we weren't…read moretoo familiar with Laguna Beach, we turned to Yelp, and found Shirley's Bagels - and what a find it was!! It was already hoppin' first thing in the morning, so we had a great feeling about this spot! We got a bagel breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg and cheese on an everthing bagel and my hubby and I figured we'd split it. Well, after the first bite of the fresh baked, warm bagel sandwich, I knew it was a mistake that we were going to share. It was so dang delicious! We gobbled up our halves, then ended up ordering another bagel sandwich, plus some extra bagels to take home. I told the guy that helped me the second time that it was our first time there and that we really enjoyed our bagel sandwich so much, that we had to order another one - and he wasn't amuzed. I thought he might enjoy hearing a little positive feedback on how much we enjoyed our bagel sandwich but he wasn't too interested - almost gave me the vibes that he was still half asleep, so that was kind of a bummer! But as for the bagels, these are probably the BEST bagels we have ever had!! Oh, and their coffee was super delicious too! And if you stay there and have your bagel and coffee, they offer one free refill of coffee, which was really nice!! They have tables inside and and a few outside, so just stay and enjoy your bagel and coffee while it's hot and fresh!!

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