This place is a 10/10 for many reasons. I have been here twice and the food has been beyond incredible. My absolute favorite dish the first time I came was a lobster pasta dish which used flavor combos I never expected. Mouthwatering. I was sad to see it was off menu this time but happy to be informed they had the dish but with orzo instead. Excellent, mouthwatering, delicious. Service is wonderful. Staff are very knowledgable. Place is beautiful and Romantic Drinks are awesome and so creative I will drive back from LA for this great restaurant. My only request- please bring back the lobster pasta dish. read more

Unfortunately I didn't get to go so I'm sure the restaurant is fabulous but my experience with it hasn't been great. I called a week ago to make a reservation for my wife's birthday. When I double checked the reservation last night I realized whoever made it, made it for the wrong date. So I called immediately and am told nobody is available and will have to wait until the next day around 5pm to speak with someone. Our reservation was supposed to be for 6:15 so I felt uneasy about the situation. Ultimately they called me around 9:30am the day of the reservation to apologize and say there was nothing they could do. That was it. They offered to make a reservation for another night but my wife's birthday isn't on another night so that's a wrap on that. Doubtful we'll give the place another shot. read more

We had a mixed experience. While the drinks were genuinely excellent and a highlight of the evening, the food and service didn't quite meet expectations for a place like this. The black cod was disappointing, it had a jelly-like texture and lacked flavor altogether. The rice on the side was only medium quality and overwhelmed with too much garlic which made it hard to enjoy. Service also fell short. The red wine was poured carelessly and the glass wasn't cleaned afterward which is something you wouldn't expect at a restaurant of this caliber. Additionally the Prosecco was poured over the glass in a messy way, reflecting a lack of attention to detail. Overall, while the cocktails stood out, the food quality and service need improvement. read more

New Mediterranean gem at the Montage. It goes without saying, but the view is spectacular with ocean front dining (indoors and outdoors) that stretches for miles down. The indoor venue is also spacious decorated with a cream colored tone giving it a clean, and upscale vibe. Being it was during the Christmas season they had live music with a gentleman playing Christmas carols on the keyboard (not sure if this is seasonal or if they'll have live music on weeknights). To top it all off, the food was also very delicious. Wasn't looking to eat heavy so tried a few of their starter plates. And to our delight the were splendid. 1. Grilled dates: 1000/10. A must order. They were medrool dates with Spanish goat cheese (imported) and sprinkled with pistachio nut bites. Just the right amount of sweet and savory with some creaminess to each bite. Blew my mind. A must try and highly recommend. 2. Melitzanosalada: 100/10. Another must order. Mashed eggplant seasoned with garlic. Shallots, pomegranate seeds, roasted red peppers, parsley (chefs kiss). Comes with their house made yogurt pita (soft, fluffy, heaven) and seasoned veggie sticks. Sooo incredible. Another must try. Now they did also have an edamame hummus plate and ?tyrokafteri (feta) platter as well which I was interested in and would have ordered if with a larger party-sampling platter. 3. Charred octopus: charred octopus (generous amount) seasoned with a tomato sauce and spinach and parsley cream. This was good but felt it was on the slightly saltier side. Would give 7.5/10 4. Kampachi Crudo: fresh kampachi lightly seasoned with lemon and shallots, and topped with capers. Wasn't too bad but the other previous dishes just hit it out of the park so wasn't as keen on this last one. 7.5/20 Overall loved this place. The food, view, and the service was also excellent. Would definitely come back and highly recommend! read more

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Came here to celebrate my birthday last weekend. We had a great time. The food was very good, and the service was excellent!!! We got to sit outside, and the view was spectacular and very romantic. I loved this! read more

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We chose Studio Mediterranean to celebrate a birthday and specifically requested an ocean-view table when making our reservation nearly a week in advance. Upon arrival, we were told no ocean-view tables were available. When we asked why, we were told all ocean-view tables were fully booked. This explanation made no sense to us. If ocean-view tables cannot be reserved, then how could they already be fully booked? If they can be reserved, why was our request made a week in advance not honored? The situation left us feeling that our reservation was not handled fairly. Unfortunately, the experience became even worse after we were seated indoors. During dinner, I was bitten by an insect and my eye suddenly became severely swollen within minutes. We had to end our birthday celebration early and leave immediately. Extremely disappointing experience, especially for what was supposed to be a special occasion. read more

The fish was really good and very tasty, with excellent seasoning. The potatoes were outstanding as well. Our mocktail was a bit too sweet for my liking. The ocean view was spectacular, and the sunset added a beautiful touch to the evening. We visited for my girlfriend's birthday celebration, and most of the staff kindly wished her a happy birthday. We also ordered the lamb dish. However, after we finished sharing the fish plate, the server quickly cleared our table and brought the dessert menu along with a small birthday cake. We never received the lamb, and we chose not to say anything to avoid making a scene. Overall, we left not fully satisfied due to these oversights. Additionally, when retrieving our car from valet, several attendants stood around while I struggled to open the locked passenger door myself. Small details like these made a big impact on the experience. read more

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The anticipated return of Studio Mediterranean did not disappoint. The setting is absolutely stunning and really transports you to the Mediterranean. Chef Dennis is from Greece and knows the cuisine. Expect amazing service and carefully crafted cuisine We enjoyed several different dishes and each was more delicious than the next This is definitely a special occasion restaurant available only to guests of the hotel for now and family and friends of the hotel. They will have a grand opening for the public October 10. read more

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Came here without a reservation on a Friday night, and there was availability. What threw me off is that OpenTable requires you to put a credit card # down for the reservation and no shows/cancellations/modifications within 48 hours of the window will result in $75/per person fee. I have a 3 year old and I get antsy doing things like this in case she ends up sick or our plans change. Regardless, there was availability and we made it here. Valet parking is complimentary with restaurant validation so that was nice. The restaurant itself is beautiful and has coastal vibes and a bright atmosphere. The decor and ambiance are on point. The view is gorgeous overlooking the water but since we were here for a later dinner it was dark and we could not truly enjoy that aspect. We decided to sit inside because of the wind, but the restaurant is kind enough to provide pashmina throws to keep you warm and has plenty of heat lamps. The menu is vast, with lots of seafood options and some vegetarian options as well. For starters, I went with edamame hummus which was delightful. This was served with this ultra fluffy pita bread and some assorted veggies. So creamy and unexpectedly tasty. We both got drinks, my husband with a Figs from Plaka and i got a Meli Sour (Grey goose, aperol, canteloupe, honey, egg whites). I did like my drink. I went for the steelhead fish which was served with couscous and my husband went with the Branzino. We shared the rice and lemon potatoes. I think the rice was a bit dry, and not as memorable, so perhaps try another side dish next time. The branzino is charged by the pound, so keep that in mind for ordering some of the seafood dishes. We ended the night with a pavlova dessert, which was good as well and refreshing. I would definitely return here for a day time thing to enjoy the views and a variety of the other dishes, which all looked delicious. Service was wonderful and attentive as well. read more

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After spending a relaxing afternoon at the beach and at the hotel, we decided to stop by the restaurant for dinner. It would have been beautiful to sit outside, but the sun had already gone down and the temperature dropped, so we chose a cozy indoor table instead. The staff was very nice and polite, although it did seem like they were a bit disappointed that we didn't order wine. There was a sommelier on site who even stopped by to ask if we were interested in non alcoholic options. We ordered the roasted eggplant, the grilled dates, and the melitzanosalata. Every dish was genuinely delicious and so well prepared. The dates were definitely unique. We really enjoyed everything and appreciated the quality of the food. However, waiting for the bill was a different story. It took longer to receive the check than it did to get our entire meal, and we weren't sure what caused the delay. It left the ending of the experience feeling a bit off compared to the rest of the evening. Overall, the food was wonderful and the ambiance was lovely, but a smoother finish would have made the visit even better. read more

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We had an absolutely stellar experience at Studio Mediterranean. We were lucky enough to meet the chef too. We were delighted by the attentiveness of all the staff, start to finish. We enjoyed great service, with a lot of intention & attention to detail. SM really went above and beyond to create the ultimate experience in fine dining. I absolutely loved the blend of Greek Mediterranean with a twist, like a California flare. Everything was presented in a beautiful understated manner, and incredibly savory. The decor and aesthetic is unmatched, and it was a welcomed surprise from the old Studio, that was closed for so many years. The chef has reimagined what Studio is. I truly appreciate all of the detail and thought that was involved. Especially with the build out itself, which was executed to maximize the absolutely stunning and sweeping views that only can be offered at the Montage Laguna Beach. Incredible place to go for a celebration, a romantic date, or a family gathering. Sitting at the bar is also wonderful, as is the lounge area. The food was truly delicious! It was very nice for me as a vegan to have plenty of options. The beans, salads, rice, dates, everything was spectacular. I look forward to coming back again very soon. Make it a whole evening by getting there before sunset, & enjoying the sunset views. Along with delicious food, you have an ambience and the general atmosphere that you can only get in this part of Laguna Beach. If you appreciate beautiful interior design, aesthetic, and architecture, this restaurant is for you. read more

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V was the most amazing guide for our dinner. He was so thorough and suggestive all night. He made my son's graduation celebration from college memorable for our party of 10. read more

They did a lovely update to the Studio, which was why I was excited to take my husband here for his birthday. I called ahead to request a nice table and was instead seated next to the kitchen where "order" and "corner" were shouted loudly throughout the evening. Our table was really in a hallway - not a room - which was beyond disappointing. The food was excellent, but being that our table was so bad, I couldn't helped but leave disappointed. All for the privilege of paying top dollar. So much for being a local. read more

The food was absolutely delightful. We shared the black cod which was a dish id go back for. Roasted and chilled tomato dip was an amazing concoction of labne cheese and Mediterranean spices. Skip the zucchini fritters. They were far too moist and felt as if eating something not cooked. A fellow named Michael who worked there had such an attentive care for our comfort from the moment we sat down. Besides him, this place has work to do in regard to their customer service. At times, we felt forgotten about and no check in after main entree was served led to wasted side dish. Had to ask for bill, got tired of waiting for dessert menu. read more

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Studio Mediterranean at Montage Laguna Beach gave us a night to remember for our 20th anniversary. We started with the oysters -- hands down the best we've ever had. The spread trio was a hit too: flavorful hummus, adorable local veggies, and surprisingly good gluten-free pitas that didn't feel like a compromise. The Snake River flank steak with lemon roasted potatoes was cooked to perfection, and the sommelier nailed it with a cabernet that reminded us of our first trip to PlumpJack -- a nostalgic touch that made the evening even more special. To top it off, they surprised us with a dessert to celebrate our anniversary, and the moon put on a light show over the ocean that felt like it was just for us. Elegant, thoughtful, and unforgettable. read more

Studio Mediterranean - Ocean view - Mediterranean Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Standing ovation for Chef Dennis and his amazing staff who makes dream meals a reality. From start to finish, this whole experience was delectable. From meze to main courses, we ate til we (thought) we could eat no more! Until... DESSERT. Don't miss out on the sweet treats at the end. Worth every calorie. We can't wait to come back and this time I'm bringing friends to ensure we can order the whole menu! read more

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We eat out often and The Studio at the Montage is one of our favorite restaurants. It's perched high on the cliffs with the Pacific waves smashing below. On a good day you you can enjoy their fine dining while looking out at Catalina Island. The grounds are truly spectacular. The Food is Outstanding along with their "Five Star Service". Dee is their lead host and he is outstanding. He strives to make everyone feel comfortable and enjoy a wonderful dining experience. Dee is very personable, attentive and professional and he is what makes dining at the Studio Restaurant truly pleasurable. read more

We went for the soft opening of Studio that reopened on Thursday. This is definitely a great addition at Montage with a delightful Mediterranean touch. Cecil Kepner and his crew have created a very welcoming setting with a very friendly and dedicated service staff. Our party really had a lot of fun. Their seafood is really the centerpiece of your culinary experience. With delicious oysters, the octopus, black cod, branzino cooked with salt. read more

Studio Mediterranean nails that perfect mix of coastal atmosphere, amazing food, and genuine hospitality. We stopped in on a whim and were blown away -- everything tasted so fresh and vibrant. The grilled branzino was perfectly cooked, the lamb skewers were insanely tender, and the spreads (especially the hummus and tzatziki) were next-level. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients and care about every plate they send out. read more

Studio Mediterranean is hands down my favorite restaurant in Laguna beach . Expetional food and service . The ambiance is equally great . If you are a Mediterranean food lover like myself, this is the spot for you . I celebrated my birthday here last week and I had great time . read more

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The food was not that great with a very limited menu. The service was good and very nice place inside the montage hotel. I would not come back. The hotel is very nice and peaceful read more

The ambience is lovely and service is amazing but I literally had the worst meal ever here. The steelhead was fishy, the Israeli couscous was slimy. I asked for them to exchange it for the eggplant but unfortunately it was cold and stringy. I'm sad because I really wanted to like this restaurant. Even the dessert disappointed. Sorry! Won't be back. read more

Such an amazing culinary experience the remodel is beautiful like California. We are greeted by the most amazing host Alessandra who made sure we had an excellent table with the view of the sunset. The environment service and food are one of the best fines in Orange County. Can't wait to go back read more

Studio Mediterranean - Sunset - Mediterranean Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

When Montage opened I held the first charity gala there (an event honoring Harrison Ford) and I held others in subsequent years (honoring Julie Harris and Barbara Eden). Also, I was part of a happy hour group that met monthly in its lobby bar & lounge. I've eaten there on special occasions, but last evening was my first time at Studio in probably twenty years. It was, as expected, an extraordinary meal in an unsurpassable location to view the sunset along the coast. Nothing less than impeccable service. We had the "catch of the day" (à la carte fish dishes sold by the pound) branzino (large enough to be shared) and the black cod meal (it is accompanied by rice seasoned with almonds and apricots)--both of those dishes were sensational, perfectly cooked, perfectly flavored. Our extra side of small potatoes was nothing special, but the side of pita bread we ordered was heavenly--unlike any we'd ever eaten before. We opted for the date cake for dessert (it has a sauce flavored with Kalamata olives)--it was not something we liked and though our server saw we had only taken a bite of it andoffered a substitute we were already full from our meal and declined. We were surprised and pleased to discover the dessert had been removed from our bill without our asking. Also, they handle the parking fees digitally, and the table server enters the claim number into the system which validates it (no charge if you dine there). It's a very high priced establishment but you do get what you pay for. read more

Studio Mediterranean - Branzino, black cod. - Mediterranean Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

The new restaurant is gorgeous and they did a fantastic job of adding light colors and the atmosphere is so welcoming! Our server was Awesome and the food was all extremely good. The only issue I had was an ordered a Belvedere martini and when I received the bill it was $62 and my wife ordered a Tito's martini and it was $21! If you are going to charge $62 for a drink you should let the customer know it before they order it please! Again the Hamachi Sashimi was FANTASTIC and table side Greek salad was DELICIOUS and our Durado was yummy too! read more

Dining at Studio Mediterranean with a friend was an absolutely unforgettable experience. The food was delicious, light, and full of flavor -- every dish was fresh, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented. We chose different plates and couldn't stop eating, as each bite revealed a delicate harmony of ingredients that reflected both creativity and precision in the kitchen. The setting is simply gorgeous, with a breathtaking view of the ocean and the most stunning sunsets that paint the sky every evening. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy great food and conversation while soaking in the beauty of the coast. But what truly makes Studio Mediterranean stand out is the warmth of the service. The entire team -- from the server and bartender to the manager, host, and sommelier -- brings an authentic kindness and professionalism that elevate the whole experience. Their genuine hospitality makes every guest feel cared for and welcome, creating a sense of connection that's rare to find. If you wish to share a wonderful experience with family or friends, Studio Mediterranean is truly the place to be. A perfect blend of elegance, flavor, and heartfelt service -- unforgettable from start to finish. read more

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Another wonderful night at the studio! Dee is the best there! He made us feel so special, he upgraded our table to a breath taking ocean view! The service is great there and Dee is our favorite, love coming to this restaurant especially for the great food and atmosphere! read more

*RACIST-DO NOT GO HERE* When my wife and I walked in, we were dressed nicely--definitely not like we had just come from the beach--but the host, Dee, told us they don't allow shorts and ask patrons to wear pants. I said no problem, and he told me he'd book our table for 15 minutes later so I'd have time to go back and change, which I appreciated. When we returned and got seated, I noticed the table next to us--a party of four--and one of the guys was wearing shorts. They were Caucasian, and although I found it odd, I brushed it off. About thirty minutes into our meal, Dee brought in a family of five--the mom, dad, and their three boys--all wearing very short shorts, and again, they were Caucasian. That's when it hit me: we were the only Asians in the restaurant, and I was the only one asked to change. It bothered me, but I kept it to myself. Later, when my wife wanted to take sunset pictures, I stepped outside with her and saw another Caucasian family already seated and eating, and one of the men was wearing shorts too. That's when I realized I was being racially discriminated against. For the first time in my life, I asked to speak to a manager, and when he came out, he kept trying to dodge the issue by making small talk and asking where I was from. I played along and asked for the check. At first, I was going to leave a $0 tip--only the second time in my life I've tipped below 18%--but my wife mentioned the server was really nice, so I added a 2 in front and left $20 instead. After we left and returned to our room, my wife realized she forgot her small white bag with her lipstick in it, so we both went back to the restaurant. We stood at the front check-in counter and asked if they had seen it--they had kept it for us and returned it. As we were standing there, I noticed another Caucasian couple being seated, and the man was wearing shorts almost identical to the ones I had on earlier. That's when I knew I had to leave this review. DO NOT come here unless you're okay with being racially profiled. The double standard was real, and the experience was disappointing. read more

Studio Mediterranean - Mediterranean Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Phenomenal dining experience! Upon entering the newly refreshed studio Mediterranean, we were kindly greeted by Sheridan, our lovely host for the evening and walked to "the best seat in the house". Turns out it possibly was the best seat in the house because we were facing the sunset on the outdoor patio, but still covered so the sun was not in our face. We were then in the hands of Sean our waiter for the evening. We left it up to him to guide us through the menu and he had fantastic recommendations and was able to accurately romanticize each dish that arrived as if he were the chef himself. Fantastic service Sean. And chef Dennis and his team had prepared each dish thoughtfully and deliciously. We especially enjoyed the salt and coffee crusted Branzino, charred broccoli with pecan tahini and the baklava sundae. The beverages from the Nico and the bar team were excellent and he even came table side to walk us through the ingredients and why they paired well to craft the perfect cocktails. From Claude with his exceptional wine knowledge, Jade keeping our table in perfect order and Axle masterfully preparing our table side Greek salad the team was amazing. Thank you to the manager Cecil and his team for a wonderfull 5 star dining experience.... And Cecil is a master at deboning a Branzino by the way read more

Everything was wonderful. From the staff and service to the food and decor . I would be remiss if I didn't mention the view... wow. read more

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GREAT Location, GREAT Ambiance, OUTSTANDING Service, EXQUISITE Menu & DELICIOUS Cuisine! The Staff were AMAZING with their Hospitality! Celebrated My Wife's Birthday & made for an unforgettable Evening! The Valet Parking Staff were Courteous & Professional. Thank You! read more

Best dinner ever! My husband and I went there last night for a date night. We ordered the hummus trio- the edamame hummus was amazingly creamy, the regular one has a delightful spice the pomegranate one was okay. The yogurt flatbread made in house is to die for! Goat cheese stuffed dates were amazing and my Dover sole was outstanding!! Our server Tumi was attentive, kind and made our evening so special. I trusted her recommendations, which were perfect and I cannot wait to return!!! Thank you for such a lovely evening!! read more

branzino was good, 2lb @ $62/lb. lobster pasta was good 1/2 lemon chicken was ok. A little dry for me. This would be enough to feed 1 person. MOST ANNOYING: we split the bill in 1/2. The suggested gratuity for each of couple however was base off the entire bill and not 1/2 the bill. Good thing we checked. WARNING: if splitting the bill, look to make sure you don't check mark the 20% or whatever is at the bottom as it is based on the entire bill, not your half! read more

My husband and I went to Studio Mediterranean to what we thought would be a wonderful Thanksgiving experience. Something different for a change with no kitchen cleanup. Ha! This was without a doubt THE WORST meal I've ever had...so bad we left without finishing! For $300 a plate we expected more than the chunk (not sliced) piece of cold, dry, tasteless turkey with cubed sausage sitting next to it. The Pumpkin Hummus was weird and made no sense and the beet salad was a soggy, sour mess. Forget the side dishes that arrived after hacking through the turkey cube with a butter knife. The only thing pleasant about this experience was the excellent staff. Will not be going back! Kitchen cleanup is a pain but at least I know I'd be getting a 3* meal!! read more

My partner and I and our good friends enjoyed an exemplary meal last evening at Studio Mediterranean. Having dined in establishments all over the world I can confirm the food and service was world-class. The setting brings to mind Carmel by the Sea meets the Amalfi Coast while remaining distinctly Laguna Beach. Chef Dennis created outstanding dishes that were both delicious and unexpected. The management staff of Cecil, Melia and Dee welcomed us warmly and provided just the right amount of attention to make us feel at home without being intrusive. Our server Sean and his assistant Fabiana did exactly the same. Finally, our sommelier, Claude provide us with knowledgeable service that brought the entire experience together in an excellent way. I highly recommend this jewel of fine dining when visiting Laguna Beach. Nothing could have made our evening better. read more

Not a good start after we were really looking forward to the re-opening. We are local and came to celebrate our 11yr anniversary. Host acknowledged our anniversary at entry but nothing after that - no congratulatory treat that was proposed when we made the reservation over phone. We were sat 15 minutes after our reservation time with a drink menu only. Hostess advised Pricilla was to be our server then corrected herself that Nicole would be helping us. Someone came by later named Malia to grab our drink order. Then our server ended up being a nice gentleman that I did not get his name. He advised they were having an issue in the kitchen. He did not give us the food menu until almost an hour after our reservation. I ordered a basic gin and tonic valued $15-$25 elsewhere - they charged $40 that is more than the bottle of gin costs! I received the correct cocktail after 2 trys. Several meals were brought to our table that were for other guests - lots of miscommunication with the staff. Our meal was mediocre and value not worth the price. Crudo was about 3in in length and sliced paper thin - could barely taste it, the bites were so small. Steelhead was ok - little fishy in center. Lobster was ok and lima bean side was good. We hung out for a while after meal because server was busy - looked like he was attending all over the restaurant. In the meantime, we saw a mouse run across the walkway into a tree nearby. After waiting for 30 min or so, we finally had to ask for the check. He also advised he would call our vehicle up to valet. We waited a while for that as well. Not a good experience for us overall unfortunately. They really need help in organization and communication too. Hope they can get better... read more