What a wonderful experience our party had at VIII. It's a small, intimate and inviting atmosphere. Service is upbeat and very personable. We had eight wonderful courses, which were more on the traditional side but prepared and plated rather beautifully. I don't think there was anything our party did not like. The portion sizes were just right and we left neither stuffed nor wanting more. I am certainly looking forward to coming back when they change their menu for the new season. While I'd like to keep this gem a secret, I do hope that they continue to do well. read more

See all

My husband and I finally checked XIII by Selanne off our list, and after dropping some serious coin on the Chef's Table experience, I figured I'd share my honest thoughts. First things first--service? Absolutely top notch. We barely had time to settle into our seats before the experience began. They welcomed us with complimentary champagne that was dangerously good (and they kept our glasses full... no complaints here). We also ordered tableside dirty martinis because... when in Rome. The meal was eight courses, so let's get into it. The canapés were a strong opening. My favorite was the tempura eggplant. It had a foam on top that unfortunately didn't quite foam the way it was supposed to, but the flavors still landed. The A5 Wagyu sando melted like buttah... but someone in the kitchen definitely fell in love with the salt shaker. The king crab blossom was delicious too, although I kept thinking it needed one more crunchy or crispy element to really send it over the top. The raw course started with an oyster that basically slapped my taste buds awake. The toro with compressed melon was excellent, and while lightly seared salmon isn't usually my thing, it was buttery and beautifully prepared. Then came the summer vegetables, which might have been the sleeper hit of the night. The roasted Jimmy Nardello peppers with labneh, roasted almonds, and house-made focaccia were incredible. Every bite had different textures, and as someone who loves texture in food, I was very happy. The California sea bass? Give whoever cooked that a raise. Absolute perfection. Moist, flaky, balanced... easily my favorite dish of the evening. My only tiny nitpick was that the fennel root could have spent another minute or two roasting, but that's really splitting hairs. The handkerchief pasta had wonderful flavor with the corn, ricotta, and squash, but I couldn't decide if the pasta was intentionally very al dente or just a touch underdone. Then came my second favorite dish--the pork secreto. This was actually the first time the chefs shared the story behind a course, explaining it was inspired by The Taco Stand's al pastor. More of this, please! The charred pineapple was phenomenal, and the whole dish was incredibly balanced. The dry-aged rib loin was served three ways, and while I loved the cherries and sauce, the steak was, once again, just a little too salty. I appreciate bold seasoning, but I still want to taste the beef. Then dessert arrived... Listen... I'm not even a dessert person. This thing was ridiculous--in the best possible way. Every bite had a different texture, every component worked, and it ended the meal on such a high note. It was a full-on party in my mouth. Now for the part that keeps this from being a five-star experience. We specifically paid extra for the Chef's Table because we were expecting something a little more intimate and interactive. Maybe I've been spoiled by Trust in Santa Ana, where the chefs really engage with you throughout the meal, talk about the ingredients, techniques, and inspirations. Here, aside from the pork course, there really wasn't much interaction. It honestly didn't feel much different than sitting in the regular dining room. And then there's the value. I have zero problem paying for an expensive tasting menu. If it's worth it, take my money. But at this price point, I think the experience should either include the wine pairing or offer something else that really separates it from a standard tasting menu. An additional $125 per person for the pairing felt like a tough pill to swallow, so we skipped it. Overall, I'd give XIII by Selanne a 7.5/10. The service was flawless. The sea bass deserves its own fan club. The pork secreto was outstanding. Dessert was one of the best I've had in a long time. I just walked away wanting a little more... more interaction, more storytelling, and a Chef's Table experience that felt truly exclusive. It's already very good, and with a few small tweaks, I honestly think it could become exceptional. read more

See all

While the location and beautiful plates you see pictures of might give the impression this place is "stuffy"- the warm friendly service makes it homey. Cozy, quaint room of a dining area that's not overly filled with chairs and tables. Small personable staff. They were quick, friendly, and knowledgeable. I did visit the main steak house for the restroom and that place (while beautiful as well) was a LOT of hustle and bustle! So I really appreciated the atmosphere at Viii. FOOD: incredible. I really think that's the only word. Everything was amazing. Too bad it's not socially acceptable to lick your plate clean because lord knows I wanted to! The stuffed pasta was probably my favorite! PACKED with flavor and the creams/sauces I could've drank in a cup! I also loved the tender shrimp in scallop with the Serrano pepper oil- it was such an amazing blend of clean, crisp flavor! It was my first time trying duck here, and it is a RICH flavor. I found I'm not a huge duck fan- but that's not their fault- liked the crispy skin and the duck ju tho! Wagyu beef- everyone expects to be amazing- it was. Braised beef cheek- tender and flavorful. But let me tell you about the unique flavors of dessert! Avocado coconut ice cream, with crispy lemon meringue with a tajin sprinkle, and dressed with an olive oil something- never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined those flavors together- and I don't even like coconut- but this all came together AMAZING! The coconut wasn't over powering so I really enjoyed it- and the sour and spice of the lemon meringue cut thru the rich fatty avocado and olive oil- YUM!! Wine: wine pairing were great! Dessert came with an "ice wine" first time trying that- and WOW that packs an amazing punch of flavor. Loved all the wines and how much fun facts you received with each bottle. Food 10/10 Service 10/10 So what are you doing!? GO CHECK IT OUT! read more

VIII by selanne - Table setting - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

See all

It had been a while since my last visit to Selanne Steak Tavern which I loved for Easter brunch, so when I heard about their new, ultra-intimate concept, VIII by Selanne, I couldn't wait to check it out. We were seated at the chef's counter directly in front of all three chefs, and it made the entire evening feel immersive and exciting from start to finish. Fair warning: this is a true tasting-menu experience. If you're a picky eater or not ready to commit to a 3.5-4 hour dinner, this probably isn't for you. The first seating begins at 6:15pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and you won't be walking out until close to 10pm (or later). We opted for the wine pairing, and within moments of being seated, the Blanc de Blancs started flowing, an elegant way to begin the night. An off-menu mushroom broth with foam set the tone, followed by a Trout Belly Tartlette and Wagyu Tartare that were so good I could have happily eaten multiple rounds and called it a day. The Hiramasa crudo was beautifully balanced with citrus and mint, and another surprise off-menu course, a curry soup with roasted cauliflower, was both visually stunning and unexpectedly delicious. The lightly cooked trout with maitake mushrooms completely won me over, especially with its accompanying sauces. Then came an intermezzo that absolutely blew my mind: strawberry gelato/sorbet with olive oil and balsamic. The perfect, refreshing palate cleanser. The Castelfranco caramelle pasta was a standout, perfectly al dente with a celery root sauce that complemented without overpowering. The Iberico pluma with cone cabbage and mustard jus changed my usual opinion of Iberico; even though I'm normally sensitive to its aroma, this preparation was flawless. Next was the dry-aged duck with badger flame beet. This was another dish I wouldn't typically order but ended up loving. On its own, the Bordeaux wine felt too bold and bitter for my taste, yet with the duck it transformed completely and made perfect sense. Interestingly, a Duckhorn Cabernet (my usual go-to) didn't pair well with the duck and was much better just on its own. Dessert was just as beautiful. The smoked chocolate with passionfruit, lime, and a forest-like foliage garnish was creative and delicious, though the lime slightly overshadowed the chocolate for me. The final bite was a chocolate truffle with pâte de fruit which tasted like the most elegant chocolate-covered strawberry when eaten together. One of the most special aspects of VIII is how personal the experience becomes. Much like dining on a small luxury cruise, you get to know the chefs, the sommeliers, the servers, and even your fellow guests at the counter. This is something truly exquisite for Orange County. If you're a foodie who appreciates an intimate, highly curated, and interactive dining experience, VIII by Selanne is absolutely worth it, perfect for celebrating a special occasion. read more

See all

A French Laundry in our own backyard in Laguna. An A++ for ambiance, impeccable service and creative menu of only the freshest seasonable products available. Truly a memorable evening and on our list of restaurants worth repeating. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed my second visit to VIII. Sitting at the Chef's counter is like enjoying a show with your dinner, with the culinary team continuously assembling the next piece of art right in front of you. Since I visited first very early on in their operation, this time we enjoyed an entirely different menu. The first time was impressive, but the team has elevated the progression and flavor profiles immensely. Portion sizes were perfect, an a great variety of vegetable, seafood and meat courses. Sitting at the counter means some extra courses, such as a delicious soup tribute to romanesco, and unbelievably tender beef cheeks inspired by comforting pot roast. Perfect for a chilly evening. My favorite course of the evening was the castelfranco caramelle- deliciously light yet indulgent handmade pasta with an amazing combo of celery root and black garlic sauces. Although the imberico pork inspired by a pastrami sandwich was a close second. Chef Vince is leading a team of true artists. The wine pairing was a worthy add, as it always is under the creative eye of sommelier Vito. Thoughtful, a mix of both complimentary and contrasting flavors throughout the experience. My friend and I were also lucky enough to be sitting at the counter with some VIII regulars who added so much fun and laughter to the evening. Thanks Selanne team! read more

See all

What a great night. We did the chef's counter and it was a lot of fun chatting with the chefs, get some additional little tastes, and of course enjoying the company and food. Service was great. We've been all around the world trying different tasting menus and this is honestly one of the better ones. It's not out there, Chef Vince is not trying to challenge your mind's ability to discern what you're putting in your mouth, this is just high quality and creative and delicious. And filling! The wine pairings were awesome, and love the bottomless champagne idea. Ubering is required. read more

See all

The team at Selanne really blew me away here - we had such a memorable experience, and I've been thinking about it for weeks. Thank you Chad for bringing us over here! Eight courses plus some surprises (like a tasting of my favorite ribeye and mushroom) and a wine pairing of eight wines from eight countries got me good. Every dish was delicious, some with a backstory or memory, all presented with great care. I loved interacting with the chefs (Vince, Mateo, Aspen) at the counter, and watching them in their element. The space itself is intimate and cozy. I've been to a few tastings elsewhere but as a whole, none ever felt this personal or down-to-earth. This place really is the full package. Keep in mind, the menu does change every so often, and they have seatings on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan accordingly. Just try it. read more

Very private ambiance, comfortable chairs, and nice music. Only for those who appreciate good food, don't go if you are picky and don't like to try new things (or if it takes more than 5s to order a burger at in and out). Take it easy on the wine, they will keep filling the glasses. I am not a huge fan of mixing proteins but the amount they serve for tasting is just right. It was all great but my favorite for the night was the Pate en Croute, fantastic!!! I guess food critics would argue about the presentation of the jam, but I am not a food critic and I care about the taste only. Maybe they could do thematic nights and avoid mixing too much the proteins and wines, who knows, but maybe that's what the critics ask for...service is also at par with the food, not sure how they memorize all the descriptions! Well done folks! read more

See all

A life changing food and wine experience I will not soon forget! This is a long and intimate dinner in a quaint a beautiful setting. Elevated cuisine served along side a classically grounded, yet creative and innovative series of perfect wine pairings. book well in advance as there is only 20 seats and books out quickly! I will return soon for the fall menu read more

VIII by selanne - wine pairing for 3rd course - Seafood Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

VIII by Selanne is hands down the best place to get an absolutely amazing tasting menu experience. Chef Vinny Terusa and Sommelier Vito Pascal have clearly taken the already amazing food and ambience at Selannes and brought it to a new level. My Fiance and I luckily got the Chef's counter seats so we could watch the preparation and plating of all the dishes. If you're considering going, pull the trigger and you won't be disappointed. read more

See all

We had dinner here and it was by far the best meal I have had in 8 years. I would go here before the pricing goes way up and it's impossible to get a reservation. Honestly I would be shocked if they don't get 1 or 2 Michelin stars in the next 12 months. We are already booking our next visit when they change the menu. Book a reservation as soon as you can because it will get impossible to get in once the word gets out. read more

My brother and his GF took my mom and me to VIII by Selanne Steakhouse to celebrate our birthdays--and WOW, it was beyond amazing! From start to finish, it exceeded our expectations. The food was absolutely delicious... and DO NOT sleep on the wine pairing!! It truly elevated every course and was reasonably priced for this type of menu. I've been to a few other restaurants with tasting menus, but this one was by far the most memorable and well worth it. The level of detail put into every dish and pairing really shows! We had such an amazing night--it was fun, flavorful, and felt really special. Definitely a birthday celebration to remember!! read more

See all

Fantastic! Excellent food. Great wine pairings. Wonderful staff. Definitely recommended.

Last night we had the unique pleasure of dining at VIII by Selanne in Laguna Beach (directly next to Selanne Steak Tavern) celebrating my birthday (again!), and I'm still bursting (literally and figuratively!) from the experience! From start to finish, everything was exceptional. We were first greeted in the courtyard with a glass of bubbly, then had our photo taken before heading upstairs to begin our culinary journey. Every course felt like a work of art -- beautifully plated, expertly composed, with flavors that were intentional and superb. The pacing was perfect -- not rushed-- giving each dish its moment to shine. One of 3 chefs introduced each course to us, and since we did the wine pairing we had the unique experience of Vito sharing his boundless knowledge of wines and their regions. It's very intimate with only 20 seats and one seating per evening, and a real immersive dining journey, with perfectly paired music to complete the atmosphere. The staff clearly knows the seasonal menu inside-out and guided us through each course. This is a premium 8-9 (I lost track) course chef-tasting-menu experience and it absolutely exceeded our expectations! Hint: don't have lunch the same day! A rare combination of artistry, hospitality, and flavor -- thank you and kudos to Kevin & Sylvia- I can't wait to try next seasons culinary adventure! BONUS: they even accommodated my dairy free request, which I informed them of at time of reservation, including non-dairy cream for my coffee! A+++ read more

It's a wonderful time. A beautiful, intimate space with a show kitchen. The food and service is unrivaled in this area; eclectic, delicious, unique and special. read more

Michelin, you must check out VIII. Each course is a flavor explosion, a work of art. You cannot get gourmet food of this caliber around here. The service is superb. We were treated like royalty (not disgraced royalty) and the somm creates memorable pairings. We were even sent home with breakfast for the next morning. I would add more stars if I could. This was not our first or last time at VIII. read more

Job very well done. We absolutely enjoyed everything about our evening at VIII by Selanne. We felt like special guests of honor. The staff was knowledgable, fun and personable. The restaurant, very cozy, seating around 20 guests. We started with a great sparkling wine from South Africa and proceeded to devour eight courses and their expertly paired wines. Each dish was a work of art. Dishes were incredibly varied as were the wines. At one point the chef came from the kitchen to introduce himself and describe the course being served. There is only one seating a night so you can really take your time to enjoy the company, food and ambiance. We will look forward to another night of feeling like special quests in someone's exquisite home. Thank you for a beautiful night! read more

VIII by Selanne was an amazing chef tasting experience that went above and beyond. The 8 courses were perfectly paired with wines from our server Vito. Service, food, and atmosphere was better than most Michelin restaurants I have been to. Highly recommend. read more