Starfish

282

206

962

2 years ago

I wanted to like this place. We arrived at the restaurant at 4:50 PM with a party of five to take advantage of their happy hour. The hostess informed us there would be about a 45-minute wait, which was surprising, but we decided to stay. She mentioned we'd likely be seated at the tables outside in the front of the resturant , which was fine with us. However, I noticed parties coming and going from these tables while we waited. After 45 minutes, I checked in with the hostess, who said she was waiting for one of the front tables to open up....even though I notice other parties that came after us seated there. We waited another 10 minutes, and by this time, I was getting frustrated. It was clear that parties were being seated at those tables while we continued to wait. When we finally received a text that our table was ready, I went to the hostess stand. At the same moment, an employee informed the hostess that he was seating another party of five at the same table we were supposed to have, despite them just arriving. It was apparent that the hostess was selectively seating parties, leaving us waiting for nearly an hour. I've never encountered anything like this before. When we finally got seated, the waitstaff was accommodating, allowing us to order happy hour drinks and food. The sushi rolls were delicious, and the food was okay. However, the frustrating experience with the seating left a bad taste in my mouth, and it dampened the overall enjoyment. I'll probably never return. read more

See all

Business owner information

Jenn P.

Hello Holly,…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Melinda G.

195

4 months ago

Food was absolutely amazing. Margaritas were delish you have to try the spicy wontons.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Belle T.

4 months ago

Awesome food and ambiance. A neighborhood gem for sure. Only thing to know before you go, most of the recipes contain very hot spices. I prefer a milder taste as the heat really irritates my mouth. If you know how to order there, it's very enjoyable. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dana M.

10 months ago

Archie, the owner was at the front desk, we were "walk ins", and he was able to get us in quickly, very professional and accommodating. As usual, food was amazing, sushi rools - top notch, drunken noodles excellent... great wine selection including some French wines. Low key lounge music greatly contributed to cool atmosphere and ambient. Highly recommend! read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michelle N.

400

300

646

2 years ago

This place is cuteeee for a date night, but the seats are super close!! You can hear the other party's conversation (which I don't like.) The food is pretty good, I was skeptical about Asian/sushi/thai in Laguna. But it's definitely a fusion, their spicy wontons are really spicy but it's good! The star was definitely the Chilean sea bass curry! read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angela F.

Elite 26 All-Star

526

1949

2 years ago

We came by here for an early dinner on a weeknight. At 5pm, there was surprisingly a wait. We gave our number to the hostess who let us know it would be about 30 min wait for a table. We ended up getting our table a little earlier. Apparently we came at the same time as happy hour. We got a couple items off the happy hour menu and regular menu. Notably, from the happy hour menu we ordered the crab California roll and star nigiri. These were decent tasting but had a bit too much rice compared to fish ratio. From the regular menu we ordered the pad thai and thai crab fried rice. The portions were huge! Unfortunately these dishes were disappointing to taste. I was most appalled by the thai crab fried rice. Never had I tried hot tomatoes and cold cucumber in fried rice. The flavours did not mesh well at all in this dish. The service was good here, but ambiance is on the noisier side. The sushi is alright but would avoid the thai dishes we ordered. read more

Business owner information

Jenn P.

Hi Angela,…

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

K M.

4 months ago

It's good! The service is always great, the restaurant has great patio seating, and the food is good. The flavors are right, they can accommodate allergies, but some of it is just a little too fusion for me. I like a traditional crunchy roll, and theirs is just elevated (not in a bad way, but it's a little too much for myself). So many people love this place, and I like it too, but just a solid 3.5 stars. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Harriet N.

11 months ago

Unfortunately, I encountered a really bad service this time. You guys should better manage the servers, seem like they are very racist. Our server is Claire, stay away from her as she did not really respectfully serve us. Not only that our food comes out really late compare to other tables who came after us, she did not even come to help when we asked her many times. She even gave us attitude and did not even say sorry when she left us hanging there for a while. You guys need to better manage your servers otherwise this restaurant will lose loyal customer like me. I'm never going back. That was a really bad lunch experience!!!! We felt so disrespectful so I asked her to cancel the rest of the food and left. ***Also, the restaurant was not that busy at all during lunch hours to leave customers inattentive!!!! read more

Business owner information

Jenn P.

Dear Harriet,…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Lindsay C.

151

1 year ago

Loved the food. They had great service and accommodated our reservation well I recommend the duck boa buns!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sarah G.

9 months ago

We were excited to try the food at Starfish until we saw "Opium Hour". This is an Asian fusion restaurant owned by white owners who seem to not fully understand the devastating impact the Opium Wars had on China. Overall the food was quite good and we liked the Cambodian cucumber salad and the ambiance of the restaurant was good as they were playing dance music. However, we were put off by the cultural inappropriateness of referring happy hour as Opium Hour because it sounds more "oriental." Historically, the Opium Wars reflect Western imperialist exploitation of China as Britain forced opium onto Chinese people, causing 40 million to become addicted. As a Chinese person, I felt incredibly uncomfortable seeing this on the bag of a restaurant that serves various Asian cuisines, including Chinese food. Even now, the opioid crisis is a pervasive problem- America's own opioid overdose epidemic is a major issue that should not be overlooked. I posted this review earlier and the business received the feedback well, saying they would reevaluate "Opium Hour," but my review was taken down. I hope they make a change. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 3

Love this 1

Oh no 2

Andy A.

262

141

6 months ago

It was ok... quite expensive for what you get. $18 cocktails that are just orange juice and vodka lol...? No thanks. Even by happy hour pricing at $9 each, it's not worth it. Great ambiance and service, and the food was decent... just wished it was better value. read more

Business owner information

Jenn P.

Hi Andy,…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 2

Andrew C.

5 months ago

We had the most amazing early Valentine's dinner tonight. Our server Brandon was amazing. His recommendations on food and drink were spot on! We will come back again!!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Leo H.

1678

603

1796

2 years ago

Starfish is the best.. Tucked off in a strip mall we was seated right away on the patio my waitress Alexus was very nice service here is great the food is amazing the Solag Drunken Noodle & Thai Coconut Chicken Satay are the best and the crab fried rice & Shrimp Dumplings are so delicious.. I forgot what drink I had but it was tasty.. so if your in laguna beach stop by this place you will not be disappointed.. read more

Starfish - Szechuan Prawns - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - SoLag Drunken Noodle - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Thai Crab Fried Rice - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Thai Coconut Chicken Satays - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Shrimp Dumpings - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

See all

Helpful 14

Thanks 5

Love this 13

Oh no 1

Christian C.

9 months ago

Sent an email to their team on may 31st No response? After I tell over thousands of guests i take care of at the montage across the street that you must try starfish But now I get it OKAY THEN never in my life will I hype this place up. I now never recommend this place and tell all of OUR guests that if they want food poisoning then yeah go here have at it!! Here's the email I left them over 3 months ago Hello Mr. McConnell, Today at 7pm I had the luxury of dining at your restaurant with a beautiful woman. I came in without eating all day since I worked across the street at the montage for 10 hours. I then proceeded to order your sashimi plate. Gobbled it up tasting a bit fishy, and then 15 minutes later I get a sushi roll and as it arrives I feel uneasy. Take two bites and then I go to the bathroom and out of nowhere I throw up all over my underwear and the floor in the bathroom, so then I'm stuck cleaning up this disgusting mess because wow how gross. I then Throw up a bit more and then stick it out for the rest of the "date", now I'm at home throwing up. TLDR; Your sashimi platter has very questionable quality, it gave me food poisoning. I want nothing other than to let you know so you may be able to improve the quality. I love this place it is awesome, but tonight was not. I will be sticking to your cooked foods only, until I hear back! As of today I will be sticking to nothing, this place is some hot garbage run so poorly by Mr. McConnell read more

Business owner information

Jenn P.

Hello Christian,…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 4

Judy Z.

437

273

1 year ago

So yummy! Excellent service, great ambiance, amazing drinks and food! Great date night spot. Can't wait to return! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Krystle A.

336

345

1186

2 years ago

Such a cute spot in laguna semi close to the beach. So much parking bc it's in its own lot with cvs pharmacy. The decor is pretty cute inside, although they serve all kinds of Asian food, it gives more of a Thailand vibe for decoration. Our server was dolly and she was super sweet and attentive. The seating is kinda cramped inside but they also have some seating with lots of heating lamps outside. They have a full bar in the middle of the inside as well. I saw parties of families with small kids and friends at the tables so it seems like a place for all kinds of groups! Now for the food. We went during happy hour from 3-6pm. The drinks were super strong and for the cocktails it was half off. Such a good price and deal! I got the whiskey bloom and my friend got the lychee martini-both super strong and super flavorful. It wasn't really pretty tho... so not picture worthy lol for the appetizers we got quite a few. We got the calamari nothing spectacular but 7/10, the wonton chilli oil (superrrrr extra spicy!!) 6/10 too spicy to eat, the lobster macadamia roll 8/10 kinda pricey if not on happy hour it's not worth it if it was normal priced, the satay chicken skewers had a lot of peanut sauce and the chicken was juicy 8/10, Korean tacos 8.5/10 for me that was the best one...the pickled radish gave a good crunch and the sauce was flavorful and the meat was tender. For the main course yes we ordered more lol I got the seafood curry and I Highly recommend it. It's a tad spicy but the flavor omg spot on! My friend had the scallops, the sauce was a bit strong for me but she liked it, they recommended it with coconut white rice and it did enhance the flavor. My other friend had the grilled cod with squash or something. I didn't like it bc it didn't come with rice lol it wasn't that good for me but they both liked their dishes. The seafood curry was my pick and I think I won with ordering that lol Prolly will come back after a day at the beach. I liked it and I think happy hour is worth it, good deals! read more

Starfish - Mixed Herb Calamari was just ok. Good deal on happy hour tho - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake for free with bday celebrant. It's cute - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Grilled White Miso Black Cod. No rice included just squash, it's ok. Not my fave - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Korean Tacos. I recommend this one! Radish gives a good crunch, flavorful sauce, tender meat - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Whiskey blossom- super strong - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Happy hour menu! Highly recommend good deals strong drinks half off - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Lobster Macadamia Roll. Kinda pricey if not on happy hour, it's ok - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Chili Fire Wontons-soooooooo spicy. You will not be able to sit on the toilet it's so spicy - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Thai Coconut Chicken Satays- super peanut buttery taste, the mango slaw is a good touch - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Seafood Thai Curry. 10/10 recommend - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 5

Oh no 0

Jade D.

Elite 22

339

180

1 year ago

I've been to the Newport location a couple of times, but this was my first time at this location. Great ambiance, great vibes, and great food! I def recommend this place for a date night or dinner with the friends. We came for lunch and got the Star Nigiri Plate, Banh Mi Beef Sliders, Thai Spicy Beef with Basil, and Scratch Cheesecake. All were great, no notes! I also got my usual Red Lotus cocktail - it never misses haha. If you live in OC you haveee to try one of the Starfish locations. read more

Starfish - Thai Spicy Beef wtih Basil, Banh Mi Beef Sliders, Traditional Style, Red Lotus Cocktail - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Scratch Vanilla Bean Cheesecake - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Star Nigiri Plate - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 1

Love this 2

Oh no 0

L B.

3 months ago

Gretchen the manager is amazing. Alexis our server was terrific. The staff was wonderful, good delicious. Highly recommend!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

David

5 months ago

Food is great and flavorful. If you are looking for a place that has loud and energetic ambience, this is a good spot. The happy hour menu is great and the drinks are strong! Love it! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

staci b.

1 year ago

I helped my sister-in-law plan a 50th birthday and we got Starfish to cater. They were very easy to work with in the planning process and super accommodating. On-site, the whole team was amazing and took great care of all the guests. Their Starcuterie board was beautiful and the food was delicious! I'd definitely use them again. Thank you Starfish team read more

Starfish - Starcuterie board - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Wendy Q.

6 months ago

Amazing food, excellent service, sexy ambiance. Get the Hong Kong Lemon Chicken with Coconut Rice and a Lychee Martini-- you won't regret it!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Susan S.

816

950

3 years ago

Another amazing meal at Star Fish in Laguna Beach. Cheyanne waited on us! Kudos! She was Amazing, knowledgeable and sweet, Amazing Sea Bass! Our favorite! How about introducing Coconut Rice Pudding as a desert? Many thank you's, again! 5 Stars! read more

Business owner information

Archie And Gretchen M.

Thanks Susan! You made our day, we so look forward to having you back…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Wendy W.

140

113

1 year ago

Love love love coming here! Patio is great! So is inside, it's dark and sexy inside, great for a date or birthday dinner or even lunch on a weekday. I'm frequently there for brunch. They have many options including gluten free, and can special order for vegan friends. Service is quick and friendly, food is always good and consistent. Patio is dog friendly! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Linda V.

307

888

1194

2 years ago

Bf got take out for me after having dinner with a friend here. I ordered the lobster roll and was not particularly impressed. He asked if it was salty because when they ordered the same roll dining in, it was too salty, which I was surprised to hear because mine wasn't. I've had many a sushi roll in my life and have never tasted one that was too salty so that was a weird concept for me. Based on the hard rice and taste I think I'd find better options in that neck of the woods if need be for a better price point for what you're getting. read more

Starfish - Lobster roll - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Business owner information

Jenn P.

Hello,…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 2

MELISSA B.

126

2 years ago

Had my nephews 16th birthday here, he raves about this place! So he wanted to celebrate it here. I enjoyed it. I felt it was extremely dark in there and hard to see menu (I'm not 16 lol) but it created a very fine dining atmosphere and they have table candle light lol. For a Wednesday evening it was packed, but seating was quick, seating is very close together so if there is 4 at a table next to you enter and exit is a slight issue. We ordered sharable items tonight but my nephew raves about it all.. tonight we chose the Lobster Macadamia roll, I believe the crab california roll, Korean tacos, beef sliders, & steak satays.. ABSOLUTELY LOVED the beef sliders - I ended up ordering another at the end of the meal and I'm not sure how but they were even better than the first order. I truly wished that they had a big portion of it and I would have eaten it all! Everything else was decent no issues. Server was nice and came with a birthday dessert for him and his smile said it all. Would I recommend the dessert they gave....no lol but I'm Very happy he was happy! & I know we will be back to try other dishes. Thank you for making it special for him. read more

See all

Business owner information

Jenn P.

Happy Birthday to your nephew and so happy to hear you all enjoyed…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Madison O.

316

409

633

2 years ago

Great spot for happy hour. I enjoyed two vodka-based cocktails, the Starfish Cooler and the Zen Tea, while friends enjoyed other cocktails, including the whiskey cocktails. The drinks are half-off at happy hour! For food, there's a big happy hour (called Opium Hour) menu and we ordered 6 items among the 4 of us. The beef banh mi sliders and Korean tacos came out first. Both dishes had heaping amounts of cabbage. I really enjoyed the slider, but didn't try the Korean tacos. Friends tried the calamari and weren't sure about the Korean-inspired sauces to go with it, but eventually got used to them. I shared the Sunset Roll and Shrimp Tempura Roll with my boyfriend and those were my favorites. The restaurant was dimly lit with a large bar. We were there from 3-5pm, and by the time we were leaving it was very loud and packed. read more

Starfish - Sunset Roll (top) and Shrimp Tempura Roll (bottom) - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Starfish - Banh Mi Beef Sliders, Traditional Style - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

See all

Helpful 3

Thanks 3

Love this 5

Oh no 0

Connor M.

127

1 year ago

First time at Starfish and definitely won't be the last. I came in solo for a quick bite and drink, and left impressed. The staff were friendly and made sure my drink stayed full. This place has a cool, ambient vibe -- low lighting, modern Asian decor, and just enough buzz from the crowd to make it lively but not overwhelming. Perfect for a chill night out or a casual dinner date. I ordered the spicy tuna roll and a lager. The roll was spot-on -- fresh, with just the right amount of heat and a nice balance of texture. It came out fast and beautifully plated. The lager was crisp and refreshing, paired perfectly with the spice from the tuna. Overall, a solid spot for sushi and drinks with great service and atmosphere. Highly recommend if you're in Laguna Beach and want something flavorful and stylish without being stuffy. read more

Starfish - Spicy Tuna Roll - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Patricia N.

1 year ago

We had the best time at Starfish. I've been to both locations multiple times but, this one was the most memorable. Our gracious server, Leslie, was so sweet and always made sure we were happy guests! I've already made a reservation for Mother's Day! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Danya S.

238

603

3 years ago

Not sure why I haven't been to this restaurant sooner. The food was amazing and their service was even better. Everything we ordered was full of flavor, and I can't say any of the dishes were bad. This location is bigger than their Newport location, and the atmosphere is fun. Perfect spot for a date night or just to get together with friends! read more

Starfish - Kung Pao Chicken Thai Crab Fried Rice Thai Spicy Beef wtih Basil - Asian Fusion Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Nina Y.

1 year ago

This is an Asian fusion restaurant with variety of Asian food which tasted authentic either Chinese, or Thaii style. We had a party of 12. The server is very efficient in taking care all of us. Food was served quickly. It was so yummy and was gone before we were able to take photos. Nice ambition with separate areas to host larger groups. Closer to the beach and easy parking. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Linda M.

4 months ago

We came in for OC restaurant week and let me tell you. Food was soooo good. Service was great. The food came out literally in 10 min. Alexis the server was amazing!!! 10/10 recommend. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Matt S.

1 year ago

Had a great experience this afternoon during happy hour. Leslie was great - super friendly and gave us great recommendations! I recommend the Banh Mi Beef Sliders (traditional) so so good, the Chili Fire Wontons (get the sauce on the side), and the Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Looking forward to going back soon! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Coelette C.

361

8 months ago

Always a sure bet for a good meal, and great Happy Hour! The Enlightenment martini and Spicy Ahi Roll is my 'repeat' order and the Mongolian Beef dish was mouth watering! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jerry P.

1 year ago

Went for Opium Hour for my girls bday and it was perfection. Our server Brandon helped out with not just snagging service but great recommendations. We had the wok fired edamame as an appetizer and then the macadamia nut roll. The steak satays were great with a nice amount of kick on stick Then we had the crab wonton. With all that a split beer and 2 large hot sakes under 85$ you really can't beat it. The guys bussing the tables were also professional and cleared the table regularly. Thanks Brandon and Starfish for making the experience and the expense amazing read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Sharon O.

9 months ago

Starfish is a nail salon. They are very accommodating have lots of color choices. They are through and allow walk in's but prefer appointments. Their products are high quality and long lasting. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ruud V.

Elite 24

1 year ago

Absolutely magnificent. This is a great place of you like Asian food and small plate dining (tapas style). The food is amazing, the atmosphere is buzzing and the decor is beautiful. I've been to the one in Newport Beach also, which is equally great. Will certainly come again. read more

See all

Business owner information

Jenn P.

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Charis R.

Elite 20

283

884

1222

2 years ago

It's not too often I grow to like someplace more than my initial first impression, however it's happened with Starfish! My first time here, I was wanting a sushi forward meal and their sushi selection let me down a little, BUT their Asian-fusion dishes have totally made up for it. We have not had anything we did not like! While I will still enjoy a roll or two (sunset roll, spicy ahi tuna roll), some of our favorite dishes are: crab wontons, thai vegetable curry (add non-gmo tofu), drunken noodles (house cut pad see ew noodles, add wild prawns), mongolian beef and their dumplings. Their ambiance is always excellent as it's lively with great music and moody atmosphere. My husband and I particularly love sitting at the bar where it's first come first serve and enjoy having the staff help curate a special cocktail for us or offer their advice on what dish to try next. One of the bartenders there helped me find my new favorite martini "Enlightenment" which has vodka, muddled cucumber, fresh tarragon, pomegranate juice, splash of citrus and lemongrass. Refreshing and not too sweet. Starfish has quickly become our regular rotation. read more

Business owner information

Jenn P.

Hi! Thank you for taking the time to review Starfish. We do love our…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

PJ S.

3 months ago

All I can say about his place is that we wish it was closer to us here in San Diego...we'd be going all the time. Phenomenal/delicious dishes abound! Service was very good too. Ambiance is great. Only complaint would be lighting...what is it with restaurants that are so dark these days? read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 3 of 40

30832 S Pacific Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Directions
(949) 715-9200
Call Now
Visit Website
https://starfishcalifornia.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Starfish open?

Starfish opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Starfish close?

Starfish closes at 9:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Starfish closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 9:30 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Starfish take credit cards?

Yes, Starfish takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Starfish have catering options?

Yes, Starfish does have catering options.

Does Starfish have a drive thru?

No, Starfish does not have a drive thru.

Does Starfish have a happy hour?

Yes, Starfish has a happy hour.

Does Starfish serve alcohol?

Yes, Starfish serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Starfish allow dogs?

No, Starfish does not allow dogs.

Does Starfish have TVs?

Yes, Starfish has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Starfish have bike parking?

Yes, Starfish has bike parking.

Does Starfish have outdoor seating?

Yes, Starfish has outdoor seating options.

Does Starfish have parking?

Yes, Starfish has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Starfish wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Starfish is wheelchair accessible.

Does Starfish have free WiFi?

Yes, Starfish has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Dynamic dining, nestled in the heart of coastal OC. Starfish brings you diverse Asian fusion cuisine in a tastefully provocative space, offering you a variety of dining opportunities. As your local neighborhood hotspot, explore our coastal beach vibes with intimate settings or large scale celebrations. Over time we have developed a menu filled with flavors reaching from Thailand and Vietnam, to China, Korea, and India. Our menu is comprised of fresh seafood, sushi rolls, curries, noodles, rice, wok-fired meat, and fresh vegetable – all designed to bring together unexpected flavors to both excite and intrigue the palate. We encourage guests to enjoy and share a variety of dishes with a family-style service approach, both with an extensive tapas-style small plates menu and numerous large plate main dishes available. Our seamless takeout and delivery options, party trays, and full service catering allows you choose your experience.

Meet the Business Owner: Gretchen and Archie M.

This passionate power couple brings both boutique fine dining and high-volume corporate experience to the table, creating an unforgettable hotspot in South Laguna. Gretchen, a founding partner, has been leading Starfish into success since the concept was nothing more than a piece of paper. From artful aesthetic details to the complex recipes, Gretchen developed the offerings and ambiance into a sensuous, dynamic, and unforgettable experience. Her skill is in every feature. Archie brings years of heavy-hitting corporate restaurant experience to this South Laguna gem. With a mind for business and plenty of charisma, he has helped to forge a strong local following as well as grow Starfish into a favorite tourist spot. This partnership has created a unique and unrivaled Laguna dining experience. From the first drink to the last bite of dessert, the passion of Gretchen and Archie for their staff and concept is inspiring and contagious. What are you waiting for? Come see for yourself!

More Info

Health Score

Starfish Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Starfish

Are the Korean tacos vegan? They're with soy but I was told they also have meat?

Hi! Thank you for inquiring. I am so sorry but the Korean Tacos are not vegan.They include steak. There are many items on the menu that are vegan including our Singapore Bamboo Roll, Naked Buddha Roll, Tofu Lettuce Wraps, Vietnamese Pho Soup-… Read more

Anything on menu gluten, soy and dairy free?

They do have a delicious whole fish there that I believe is gluten-free and dairy free. I don't know about soy though he would have to call or look up their menu. It's a very tasty restaurant.

View 2 more answers

What time is opium hour?

I believe it is 3:00 - 6:00 pm...

View 2 more answers

Are dogs allowed on the patio?

Hi Christina Thanks for reaching out. On average no, as the patio is small and narrow and there’s… Read more

Is happy hour M-F or S/Su?

Everyday

What time is happy hour?

3p - 6p

View 2 more answers

Are you folks still doing industry night on Monday?

Hi Sarah Thanks for reaching out. We have restarted industry post Covid quite yet. We are looking… Read more

Are there any "secret" off menu items that are highly recommended?

Not that I know if. If you find out please share with me.

Is lunch menu available on weekends? Or only during the working days?

Pretty sure weekends

View 1 more answer

Do you have gluten-free options?

Hi Connie! We can prepare about 80% of our menu with gluten-free ingredients. We are not a gluten-free kitchen, but do have gluten-free alternative sauces and items such as rice noodles we are able to use to accommodate the allergy or dietary… Read more

Will they be open on Christmas Eve?

Hi Vanessa! Thank you for thinking of us! We are open for regular business hours on Christmas Eve! Reservations are strongly encouraged as it is always a fun and busy night. Let us know if we can assist you in making one! :)… Read more

View 1 more answer

View All 14 Questions

LUA Asian Fusion Eatery

Locally owned & operated

Free parking

Amazing service, very accommodating for prom and a large group. Boba is very fresh, and food was…read moreprepared perfectly. Restaurant is small and intimate, ambiance is wonderful

Great service and delicious food served. Definitely will go back to check the other dishesread more

Garlic Butter Noodles: Okinawa soba noodles featuring garlic butter sauce, marinated egg, arugula, and Pecorino cheese.

Bo Kho Sizzling Plate

See all

Brisket Phở Dip: Brisket pho in a baguette: braised brisket, bean sprouts, picked onions, Thai basil, pickled red onion, hoisin, and Srirach

Saigon Beach

I have just finished what may be the best sandwich I ever tasted. It was basically a banh mi…read moreFrench dip. The chicken in the sandwich was perfectly seasoned, the veggies crunchy, and the pho broth for dipping was rich and yummy. Everything on the menu was enticing, and I had a hard time deciding, but watching the other customers it was clear that everyone was enjoying their choices. This place is a jewel, and will be at the top of my list every time I find myself in Laguna.

I love supporting local Vietnamese restaurants so I decided to stop by Saigon Beach after hiking…read morethe area. I love that I was able to look up their menu online beforehand and it was exactly what was at the restaurant. Parking was easy in their parking lot. Once I placed my order at the counter, I grabbed a table on the patio with my dog. The patio was nice and cozy with plenty of shade. Dac Biet Special Skillet (4/5) - this dish came out sizzling with two sunny side up eggs, filet mignon cubes cooked perfectly, and some cherry tomatoes. I didn't see any pate, but I might have missed it. The baguette was lightly toasted and soaked up the sauce perfectly. Thai Tea Float with oat milk ice cream (5/5) - I got this drink/dessert on a whim because of the oat milk ice cream. I am so glad I got it. The Thai tea was delicious and then the oat milk ice cream was amazing.

See all

Asian Kitchen

Family-owned & operated

Outdoor seating

was craving asian food after driving from the bay and this spot came up on yelp! and once again,…read morefellow yelpers did not disappoint. we were seated immediately. we were hungry so decided on what we were ordering quickly. and I say within minutes of ordering the food was coming out. and OMG it was delicious! we had the beef with tofu, fried rice, and honey walnut shrimp. they even gave us free fried wontons. would definitely recommend this place and would come back if ever in town again.

My wife and I tried Chinese Kitchen a few days ago . We each ordered the Chinese chicken salad and…read moreorange chicken, chicken lettuce wraps. Enjoyed the rice quality. We both thought our meals tastied exactly like what we would expect from PaddaExpress with double the price. Clean, serve was okay.

Lunch special, brocolli beef.

Salt and pepper calamari appetizer with fresh jalapeños

See all

Exterior Picture

Nom

4.8

(76 reviews)

5.4 mi

Women-owned & operated

Kid friendly

I was curious what was special about this place and tried the chicken bowl…read more Things I liked: Edamame hummus: tasted fresh and slightly nutty, interesting new taste Chicken: not too fatty, pairs well with their Thai sauce (which is a lighter version of Thai sweet chili sauce) Oats and black rice: nice carb base, doesn't stand out but plays well with other ingredients Jammy egg: I would highly recommend this, light with a good balance of sweet and salty Things which were okay: Corn: it goes well with the bowl but doesn't standout by itself Sweet potatoes: same as corn Things which can be improved: Broccoli: it's charred broccoli and tastes slightly bitter. I don't think it goes well with the bowl. I'd rather have steamed broccoli or less charred broccoli with a fat like mayo or cheese based sauce Bok choy: this also doesn't go well as ginger overwhelms your palette and it takes a while to reset and taste things normally. I'd suggest changing it to soy bok choy sautéed in sesame oil. Combined with nomnivore rewards, it's still surprisingly great value for money (sweetgreen value territory or even better).

Loved my steak bowl I added the avocado smash,yum!!…read moreThere is a self ordering option but I went inside to ask questions and they gave me samples to try. Which encouraged me to order more items!

See all

O Fine Japanese Cuisine

Great service! My girls were tired from a fun day. I asked our server for paper and anything to…read morewrite with and she came back with some paper & crayon for each of them. I was grateful. Food was yummy too. My girls had the teriyaki chicken and California roll, both yummy. The chicken teriyaki was surprisingly yummy. The Salmon Garlic Ponzu wasn't my favorite, but it's because I love a really good Salmon. However! The Bluefin Tuna w/ Crispy Onion was good. The crispy onion is thicker than you think, which makes excellent for the batter to catch. The specialty rolls: Red Dragon Roll w/Crispy Onion & Seared Yellowtail Roll was really good, again the crispy and onion was a nice crunch touch. Dessert, they have mochi ice cream, which is very familiar to the brand Mikawaya. 1, serving is 2 small size mochi ice cream, cut in half, so 4 half cut pieces. We enjoyed my husbands birthday, while at the same time hoping ours kids keep it together. And we got lucky this round! Great birthday dinner for my hubs. Thank you, O Fine Japanese Cuisine!

My friend and I had always seen this place whenever we're in Laguna Beach and had decided to try it…read morefor the first time the other day. The food was great and the service was excellent, special shoutout to Jolin for helping us and making our first experience special!! Great customer service and very quick; will definitely be returning soon!

Miso Soup with Mixed Mushroom

Sushi Bar

Grilled Sea Bass

See all

The Little Kitchen Asian Cafe

Stumbled upon this little Asian restaurant and was pleasantly surprised. They had pretty much…read moreeverything you'd expect on the menu -- orange chicken, Mongolian beef, egg drop soup, hot and sour soup, and more. The orange chicken was delicious. The batter wasn't overly thick, the texture was great, and the sauce was honestly better than Panda Express. The Mongolian beef was juicy, flavorful, and well seasoned. I also liked the vegetables that came with it. The soups were really well made and exactly what we were craving. They gave us the option of brown or white rice, and both were cooked well. Our waitress was amazing; she's super kind, attentive, and helpful throughout the meal. The inside was a little dark, but the windows were open so there was still natural light coming in. Overall, we'd definitely come back to try more things on the menu.

Let's put it this way.. the food here is so good, we totally forgot to share a pic of it all!…read moreOrdered the Hong Kong Black Pepper Steak and the wife had the Honey Walnut Shrimp. FANTASTIC! Get the cream cheese wontons too! FANTASTIC! The diner is a little chilly, but the service is great! Arrive there is a bad mood... leave a little happier!

Orange Chicken and beef Chow Mein!!

Entrance

See all

Inside

Rosewood Social

Went here for Mother's Day and it was outstanding! The food was so good, the atmosphere is great,…read moreand our server (Emma) was amazing. It was a great experience in every way!

Our new favorite SJC eatery…read more We have frequented SJC quite often recently, mainly focusing on those new restaurants at River Street Marketplace...but have been disappointed because many places are highly priced but the food quality and quantity did not match the price point. Glad we decided to try Redwood Social today, which is near the Mission SJC side. Don't get me wrong...it's not "cheap" either. But the food quality, quantity, service and atmosphere make the price worth it. My kids already asked to return to this restaurant while we were still dining there. Kids loved the steak frites and Jidori fried chicken. Parents got the coconut curry with chicken and NY steak & eggs. Guava margarita packs a nice punch. There are plenty of indoor seating as well, but if the weather is nice, I'd definitely recommend sitting outdoors. Thumbs up.

Dine and drink in our newly remodeled indoor dining rooms.

The best views in San Juan Capistrano perfect for taking in breathtaking sunsets.

See all

Perfect for date night

Shootz

4.5

(154 reviews)

5.4 mi

I ordered this from Doordash one afternoon without expecting too much but I was pleasantly…read moresurprised! The musubi was the best that I have ever had and the Katsu Chicken was perfectly fried. You get a lot of good food for the price! Even with doordash, the food was delicious and tasty, which doesn't always happen with delivery! I've visited the location in person at Riverstreet Marketplace and everything is just as good, if not better!! I highly recommend and I tell everyone I can about this amazing local spot.

I've been to River Street a few times, but hadn't tried any of the spots in the food hall until…read moretonight. It looks like a barn and the inside is light and bright with multiple food stalls. Since I'm from Hawaii I wanted to give Shootz a try. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the food. I got the katsu chicken sandwich and the musubi. The sandwich was a 10 out of 10. The musubi a 7. The service was quick and very friendly, especially since it was almost closing and they were still happy to help.

Some of the indoor seating directly across from Shootz.

Kimchi Butter Katsu Chicken Sandwich

See all

4 Pc Spam Brulee Musubi

China Moon

Family-owned & operated

Whenever I generally complain about not knowing what to eat (sadly often), my friends and family…read moresay "what about that Chinese place" because everyone I've taken here has loved it. Some of my favorites have been every dumpling, egg rolls, the scallops, the filet mignon chow fun, and the pork fried rice. Meat is always tender. The young lady that served us was so attentive, kind, and patient. I think the sun comes out every time she smiles. Cute casual atmosphere. They are busy for a reason.

This review was for a take out order. The food was ready for pickup when promised…read more The BBQ Fried Rice was decent in flavor and plentiful in size, but should have had more pork in the order. The Ma La Beef was mediocre. While the sauce was flavorful, the beef was chewy and tough. I won't order it again. I had higher expectations for their food and was a bit disappointed. I sincerely hope that my next take out order is better than this.

Chinese food family style

See all

Beer, wine, spirits and more!

Yuzu Laguna Beach

My best friend took me here for my birthday dinner so it was my first time at Yuzu LB. We had…read morereservations and upon arrival, we were seated right away. We ordered sake, a couple different rolls (the Miss Lyn is a must try!), spicy crispy tuna rice, and the albacore fried onion plate. Everything tasted so fresh and so good. The albacore had slices of jalapeño, toasted garlic, fried onions, and ponzu sauce all over it. I wish it came with more than (6) pieces cuz this is not a shareable plate to me!! But Yuzu is also a more refined and elegant sushi restaurant, so I had to remind myself to check the AYCE expectations at the door! Service was on point and we never went without needing anything. In fact, the restaurant seemed to have a healthy number of staff everywhere, just ready to be at your service! Parking is street parking or there are the random smaller lots dotted around Laguna Beach.

I've visited their sister restaurant, Ponzu in Palm Springs, many times, so I was excited to try…read moreYuzu Sushi in Laguna Beach. I'm happy to say it exceeded expectations. The food was excellent from start to finish. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, the fish quality was outstanding, and every roll we tried was delicious. It's clear that a lot of care goes into both the ingredients and execution. The service was friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the meal, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Overall, we had a fantastic time. Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. If you're looking for quality sushi in Laguna Beach, Yuzu is absolutely worth a visit. I'll definitely be back.

See all

Splashes Restaurant

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to your receptionist for helping with our friend's proposal…read moretoday. She was incredibly patient and kind throughout the whole process. Our plan changed twice(maybe more), and she adapted to every change without hesitation. She also helped hand the flowers to the groom-to-be, which made the proposal more special. They even gave the couple a beautiful corner table by the window so they could enjoy the ocean view. It was absolutely perfect and made the moment even more memorable. We truly appreciate her kindness and the amazing service from your team. Everyone went above and beyond to make this proposal a success, and we're so grateful. Thank you for helping create such a beautiful and unforgettable memory!

This is the perfect restaurant to have a fancy meal or a girl's brunch!…read more Whenever I come across any restaurant known for its views or ambiance, the food is often subpar so I didn't have high expectations coming here. But wow did that change my mind!! The margherita flatbread was a table favorite and approved by my Italian friends. We also loved the alaskan halibut tacos & crispy chicken sandwich. The portions were big enough to share or eat individually so it felt worth the price. As a party of 8, we honestly had a great experience with our food, service, and waterfront seating. The staff were not quick to rush us while we celebrated my friend's birthday with a cake and pictures, so that was very much appreciated. I would absolutely come back for my birthday or any special occasion! Some things to note: - $10 valet parking with validation but there's plenty of metered street parking out front - 20% service charge automatically added to the bill

Lunch at Splashes

Girl & Dug Winter Salad

See all

Breakfast at Splashes

Selanne Steak Tavern

Celebrated my husband's 39th birthday at Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach last night, and it…read morewas an amazing experience from start to finish. We went with a family-style approach so we could try a bit of everything. To start, we ordered the bread service--definitely worth it. The bread was warm and soft, served with a tomato topping and two incredible butters: a rosemary butter with a subtle citrus note and a rich beef tallow. We shared the wedge salad, which was phenomenal--packed with flavor and even had a slight kick that really elevated it. For mains, several of us ordered the skirt steak, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. My mother-in-law had the filet and loved it. We paired everything with two bottles of Daou Cabernet, which complemented the meal beautifully. The sides were just as memorable--we ordered two mac & cheeses (so good), a baked potato, honey-glazed carrots (a standout), and mushrooms. Everything was delicious and perfect for sharing. The ambiance and service really made the night. We sat outside under a pergola with beautiful lighting, which created such a cozy and special atmosphere. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made the entire evening feel seamless. Overall, Selanne Steak Tavern is absolutely worth the price for a special occasion. By the end of the night, all of us were already saying we couldn't wait to come back.

My husband and I chose Selanne to celebrate our anniversary, and our dinner started off…read morewonderfully. The food was excellent, and our waiter, Nigel, was friendly, attentive, and made our evening enjoyable. Unfortunately, our experience took a disappointing turn after we got home. Two days later, we reviewed our credit card statement and discovered that the restaurant had charged us an additional $690 that was not part of our bill. We immediately called the restaurant and were told that a manager would contact us the following day to resolve the issue. We never received that call, so my husband had to follow up himself. Even after explaining that the charge was clearly not ours, we were told we would have to wait while they determined whose bill it actually belonged to. The restaurant made the mistake, yet instead of reversing the incorrect charge immediately, they expected us to wait while they sorted out their own billing error. As a result, we had to put our credit card on hold and spend a large part of our afternoon on the phone trying to resolve an issue that should never have been our responsibility. It's unfortunate because our anniversary dinner was otherwise a great experience. However, the lack of urgency and poor customer service in handling such a significant billing error overshadowed the evening. Because of how this situation was handled, we will not be returning.

See all

C'est la Vie Restaurant & Bakery

Loved it here! Beautiful views and great food. The cherry on top was our sever hana. Very attentive…read moreand interactive. Never had to ask for anything cause she was on top of it! Great experience! I would come back just for the service alone

Love Gabrie! He took great pictures of us upon request, so funny, and sociable. He made our dining…read moreexperience top tier!!

Deck seating July 31, 2025

Interior

Eggs Florentine

See all

Wild Strawberry Cafe

Ordered to go and paid extra for avocado…read more Unfortunately there was none when we opened it despite it being not busy when we went so not sure how it was missed Cute Ambiance but nothing special edit: owner reached out and made things right. Appreciate the customer service, 5 stars for that

We skipped coffee this time and just ordered breakfast burritos. We were so bummed to see the…read morechorizo burrito was discontinued! The bacon burrito and avocado burrito were still really good. If I had a complaint, it would be that you pay extra for adding either avocado or bacon, when the burrito needs them for flavor. They don't have their own salsa, but offer Tapatio if you want it. Overall, they were pretty good but I'm excited to try something else next time. Come here to support the nice staff members, listen to good music, and be walking distance to good stores. Lines are long but the wait is worth it. 3.9/5

Pastrami sandwich with strawberry salad

Outdoor seating

See all

Interior and exterior decor.

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.

I've been to a different location before (La Jolla) and I think this location wasn't as good. I'm…read morenot sure what the difference was but the tacos weren't as flavorful especially when it came to the Carne Asada. At the La Jolla location you can see the staff making the tortillas + churros and this location the tortillas were packaged. I'm not sure if they use the same ingredients but this could have changed the flavor profile. They were still yummy don't get me wrong but they just weren't as good as I remember them. I ordered chips and guac as well and the staff forgot to include it in my order so I had to go up to the counter another time which was quite a hassle given it's a very busy restaurant with the line out the door the entire time I was there. The salsa selection is rather nice especially when most restaurants are trying to cut down on salsa options + use the lower quality ingredients. You can tell the ingredients in the salsas were high + they even have a few creamy options which is hard to see at most Mexican restaurants these days. I do think the guac was a little limey but it wasn't bad when you added it to the tacos. If you go I would recommend you go with zero expectations of eating inside as there are about 5-6 tables + waiting a long time for your food. The beach is 10 steps away so you can always take your food to the beach too!

California burrito- good carne Asada in there

Great spot

See all

Freshly made churro with a sweet cream sauce for dipping.

K'ya Laguna

K'ya is back in Laguna Beach -- and the food is just as good as I remember…read more I used to be a regular at K'ya Bistro years ago before the space changed concepts, so I was really excited to see it return to the same location. Walking back into the space brought back a lot of great memories. I was actually surprised it wasn't busier on a Thursday night just a week after their grand opening, because this place used to always be packed. The food was great across the board. We ordered a mix of happy hour items and entrées and everything was well done. Highlights: Happy Hour / Starters * Bacon-wrapped dates - Incredible. Perfectly crispy bacon, creamy blue cheese inside, and the sweetness of the date. Easily one of the best bites of the night. * Coconut shrimp - I'm not a seafood eater, but my friend devoured them and said they were excellent. * Hummus platter - Generous portion with cucumbers, carrots, plenty of pita, and a large serving of hummus. * Wine - Very generous pours for happy hour. Entrées * Steak tips - Cooked perfectly and well seasoned. * Sausage with polenta - Really flavorful and comforting. * Salmon bites - I didn't try these, but my friends loved them. There were four of us and we ordered quite a bit -- and still couldn't finish everything. Portions were generous and the pricing felt very reasonable, especially for being right on PCH in Laguna Beach. One note for the owners: I'd love to see this place succeed long term. The food and location are great, but I think a stronger marketing push could really help bring people back in -- things like inviting local food reviewers, boosting social media, and making sure the website clearly shows the current menu and happy hour specials. Overall it's a great space with solid food and good value for Laguna Beach. I'm really excited to have K'ya back and look forward to coming again.

We went to K'ya on a Thursday night. It was pretty empty so I was a little skeptical. The drinks…read morewere yummy and they had live music. She was pretty good! It's a really fun menu and all sharing plates. We ordered the hummus, deviled eggs, olives, bacon wrapped dates, beef, and meatballs and it was all really delicious. We need to keep our local eateries going! Try it, the food was great!