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Sapphire Laguna Reviews List
Sapphire Laguna
The cuisine at Sapphire Laguna is characterized by Chef/Owner Azmin Ghahreman's distinctive international style, its cornerstone is the freshest possible local ingredients. The evolving menu changes seasonally - based on what is freshly caught and available from small farms, nearby markets and artisan suppliers. Chef Azmin's says: "When you dine at my restaurants you are traveling through the world's markets with your palate, and you don't even need a passport." Now, Chef Azmin opens global portals to diners and shoppers who visit him at Zagat rated Sapphire Laguna. Sapphire Laguna also features reach-in wine vaults which house an eclectic wine collection – more than 900 bottles, emphasizing varietals from around the world. All vintages are stored in temperature-controlled units behind a rustic wall made from actual wine staves. In addition, approximately 25 wines by the glass are available. Menu samples and wine offerings can be found on Sapphire Laguna's Website.
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84 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 84 reviews
5 stars
(37)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(46)
- fit for foodies(45)
- neighborhood gem(31)
- special occasion(23)
- good for groups(20)
- romantic(20)
Sapphire Laguna Reviews List
Review 1 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ladies' Lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"All of the guests were seated outside for lunch.outside on a lovely day. There are market umbrellas over the tables in the event that the weather is uncomfortable. We asked our server several questions about the menu and it was difficult to understand his response. My friend is hard of hearing and he appeared to be annoyed when he was asked to repeat his answers. The food was very flavorful and presented nicely, but the service was very disappointing! I do not know if they were short servers or whether the kitchen was backed up, but our food did not arrive in a timely manner. I would certainly give the restaurant another chance, because there is no disputing that the food was very good. The pulled pork quesadillas were awesome!"
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disapppointing
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Althought the food and service was good, we walked away disappointed. We were celebrating a birthday and were told that the restaurant does not provide complimentary birthday desserts. The food and drinks are not inexpensive and, in reality, are quite pricey considering the portions, presentation and quality of food. We have dined in the finest restaurants in the world and have never encountered one that did not offer a complimentary dessert on birthdays. We were not really in the the mood for dessert anyway, but the gesture would have been appreciated. It's just good business,"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 3 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Parents night out
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Decided to go last minute, used open table and we were seated immediately when we arrived. Sat at table for 2 against window looking out over patio next to bar. A little noisy since we were next to bar area. I had white asparagus appetizer, wife North African Dumplings. Both were delicious, and together were amazing...dumplings were very mediterranean, rich and full of spices and asparagus was a very "clean" sort of taste. For entree wife had braised short ribs, I had beef tenderloin. Meat on both was great, but root vegatables with short ribs were watery and undercooked, tenderloin sauce was rich but a little overwhelming"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 4 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Limited menu
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very limited selection. Food was good, not great. Bar scene was packed, not so much in the dining room for a Saturday night. I didn't appreciate the fact I ordered 2 glasse of wine and the waiter brought a carafe because it was a better value. there are many good restaurants in LB, and Sapphire isn't near the top of the list."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 5 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Visit here every time we are
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Visit here every time we are in Laguna - excellent food and just a cool, wonderful and scenic gem!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Average at best
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Not that impressed. Server came to the table twice the entire night, and our water was never refilled. It was a quiet night so no real excuse for the lack of good service. They advertise Barramundi fish on the menu which we wanted to have, but none on the menu. Wont rush back."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2006
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Review 7 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went there to celebrate
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went there to celebrate a birthday and the food was excellent. When I read other reviews, they all said fantastic views. I did not find that to be the case. Wish we had know there was outdoor dining because we would have booked a table. A little noisy inside."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 8 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
While I would recommend this
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"While I would recommend this restaurant to a friend, just barely. Our waiter was aloof, and uninterested. His agenda appeared to be to get us in and out of the restaurant ASAP. This is not an inexpensive restaurant, and we did not appreciate feeling rushed."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
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Review 9 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good overall menu options.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very good overall menu options. Starters of rosemary/sea salt potato chips, chicken tikka masala skewers and lamb ravioli were all excellent. Main dish paella was excellent but short rib was very dry to the point of difficult to swallow and root vegetables were undercooked. Dessert rhubarb crumble had good flavor but had consistency of runny applesauce and the crumble was mushy. Bread pudding was very good."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 10 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service, the best food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great service, the best food I've ever had and a beautiful view - what more could you ask for?"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 11 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have been here a few times
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We have been here a few times but this by far was our best experience. The food was on point. We ordered the rib eye and truffle fires and tuna tartare. We had our kids and they had a fantastic kid menu as well as impecable service. This is our new favorite restaurant in Laguna Beach."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 12 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Too Bad about the service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great Ambiance, Very Good Food, Energetic Bar Scene. But the lack of service will kill the the evening! I have eaten here many times it's always the same thing...poor service. Rush for your order then slow for your food and rush you out the door!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 13 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great local fair in Laguna
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great local fair in Laguna Beach.
I had the Misto Salmon Salad for Sunday Brunch - delicious."
I had the Misto Salmon Salad for Sunday Brunch - delicious."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a reservation and still
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a reservation and still had to wait 30 minutes to be seated."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
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Review 15 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Very disappointed in this
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"Very disappointed in this restaurant. It was my moms 70th Birthday and I let the hostess know and they did NOTHING for her Birthday. Will never eat there again!!!!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
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Review 16 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
First-rate, but somewhat overpriced
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This restaurant clearly has an accomplished chef and the menu choices are interesting and expertly prepared, justifying the entree prices in the $30s. Pricing for appetizers and salads in the $10 and up range struck me as excessive, however, as did $12 for a glass of fairly ordinary wine. Readers should probably save this place for a special occasion, but certainly the food is the best in town."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 17 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sapphire's is perhaps one
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sapphire's is perhaps one of my most favorite restaurants in the world. The food is diverse and well executed. Strong wine list. I want to also praise them for their sensible corkage policy which is that they charge $20.00 for corkage however, they will waive that fee if you buy a bottle from them. This is a win-win in my book. Moreover, the food is very good to outstanding. I've eaten here too many times to count. I've enjoyed indoor and outdoor seating as well as at the bar. I can say that where you sit will not impact your service. Sapphire's wait staff is top notch."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 18 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I love the place. Menu options
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love the place. Menu options are interesting. Good food. Ocean view. Colorful, artistic and comfortable decor. Nice shops right next to the restaurant. Parking lot in rear."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic as Always!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my daughter for brunch and it couldn't have been lovelier. The weather was perfect, the view was amazing and luckily, it wasn't crowded. Our food was absolutely perfect and our server, James, was extremely helpful and attentive.
The truffle fries were what you always hope for but never get- Perfect french fries and a delicate truffle taste without being greasy. My daughter ordered the Loco Moco and her steak was cooked to perfection. You could almost cut it with a fork it was so tender. I ordered the fried chicken and couldn't have been more pleased. The chicken was perfect- tasty but not too greasy- and the grits were smooth and creamy. Surprisingly, the greens almost stole the show. They were ridiculously good!"
The truffle fries were what you always hope for but never get- Perfect french fries and a delicate truffle taste without being greasy. My daughter ordered the Loco Moco and her steak was cooked to perfection. You could almost cut it with a fork it was so tender. I ordered the fried chicken and couldn't have been more pleased. The chicken was perfect- tasty but not too greasy- and the grits were smooth and creamy. Surprisingly, the greens almost stole the show. They were ridiculously good!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Had a great time, and enjoyed a fantastic view of the sunset. I would suggest the skewers, they were flavorful and the presentation was the hit of the night. I highly suggest this restaurant!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 21 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Unhappy
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I would not recommend Sapphire for the following reason:
Upon being seated the host announced this was his last night working at the restaurant
The waiter kept kneeling to talk to us at first it was amusing then it was just strange
The ribeye steak was served cold, the plate was taken back, microwaved and still came back luke warm
The sea bass was a tail cut with the skin on, it was such a thin piece after a few bites it wasn't worth the time to separate the meat from the skin to eat, we left it uneaten
The bisque and the desert was great"
Upon being seated the host announced this was his last night working at the restaurant
The waiter kept kneeling to talk to us at first it was amusing then it was just strange
The ribeye steak was served cold, the plate was taken back, microwaved and still came back luke warm
The sea bass was a tail cut with the skin on, it was such a thin piece after a few bites it wasn't worth the time to separate the meat from the skin to eat, we left it uneaten
The bisque and the desert was great"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
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Review 22 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent outdoor dining right
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent outdoor dining right at sunset. Could not have asked for a more ideal date night with the wife."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 23 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a favorite restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a favorite restaurant in the area. Consistently great food, great atmosphere. The service a little slow as we moved through the meal but nothing alarming. Definitely recommend."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food! Great Service!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food! Great Service! Our Server, Michael, was outstanding! Oh and outstanding cocktails too!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 25 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
These guys always do a good
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"These guys always do a good job."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2010
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Review 26 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lifes a Beach at Sapphires
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have enjoyed Sapphires for as long as I have known. The fact that this little restaurants food is not only continental, but good. Makes the whole experience worth it! They also have a private parking lot in the back with coin exit that you can get at the front desk. The service is most excellent. The only thing, is you might always want to either call for reservations or open table yourself. Its a hot spot in Laguna Beach and always packed. The outside has a fire pit and mostly community tables (if you're into that). However the restaurant does a great job in creating an intimate setting. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 27 for Sapphire Laguna
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Eclectic menu and good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Eclectic menu and good food and service, although the service a little pushy. Beautiful restaurant and not too noisy."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Sapphire Laguna
Based on the average of (57) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic