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Tabu Grill Reviews List

Tabu Grill

Take an adventure to Tabu Grill. Tabu has a “hip” vibe, called by some as an upscale "Tiki Hut." You won’t want to miss the grilled Mexican diver scallops, served with Potato Puree, Tangerine Beurre Blanc, and citrus baby greens. One of the local favorites is the yellow fin poke, with mango, celery, avocado, and mint, served with soy ginger taro root. If it’s steak your appetite is longing for, our 16 ounce prime bone-in rib eye served with forbidden rice risotto, caramelized chippolini onions, forest mushrooms, chanterelle cream will satisfy your craving.
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73 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
(73 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 73 reviews
5 stars
(50)
4 stars
(18)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.7 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.7 / 5
Service 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Ambiance 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(53)
  • neighborhood gem(46)
  • special occasion(41)
  • romantic(30)
  • notable wine list(19)
  • scenic view(8)
Tabu Grill Reviews List
Review 1 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Dine by the sea!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/17/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Tabu Grill is a small local restaurant. They have an open partial kitchen with a bar surrounding so you feel like you are a part of the complete dining experience. There are few tables outside however the view of the pacific ocean and sunset are amazing. The food is amazing with complex layering of flavours. I had the chicken; which I very rarely order at restaurants because why not choose something you don't eat at home all the time. My husband ordered the Sea Bass, it was amazing! Melted in your mouth. The chicken was the breast, it was tender and juicy, well executed.
The only negative about the experience was service, it took almost 10-15 minutes for anyone to come to our table after we were seated. After that service was spot on.
"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Neighborhood favorite Tabu

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Mothers Day at Tabu was superb! Food service and ambiance was all we could ask for. One of our favorites."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

2nd time much better

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our first experience did not Match the glowing reviews so we gave it another shot. The ribeye was one of the best cuts of meat I've had. My only comment would be the forbidden rice underneath overwhelmed what was an excellent steak by itself. I would've been happy with salt and pepper (not that the forbidden rice wasn't good though). Service was very solid, but got a little side tracked toward the end when they got busier. Wife had salmon on top of the beet salad and loved it."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Tabu Grill is a hidden gem in Laguna. It's intimate Balinese decor and fantastic food/wine list make it a great place for a couples night out or with a group of your closest friends. The staff is friendly, attentive and up to par on the menu and wine list. Indoor dining is recommended as the patio is a bit noisy due to PCH. I have dined at Tabu on multiple occasions and have not been disappointed yet."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good Steak

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Surprisingly good steak but no bar. Very friendly staff."
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 6 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Absolutely amazing evening.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Absolutely amazing evening. From the moment we stepped through the door and greeted warmly by the manager. We were seated immediately and given the choice of 2 areas. The waiter was very informative and friendly. The Poke was amazing but my husbands scallops melted in the mouth. My husband had the duck, which was divine, but my pork chop and pork belly were the best.
Overall a great find for us."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 7 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Celebrated our 15 year anniversary

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Celebrated our 15 year anniversary and everything from the ambiance to the food was outstanding. Our server, Renee, added to our night with the BEST service and recommendations. A perfect experience. We will certainly be back next time we are in town."
Dined on 04/18/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We went to celebrate our wedding

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We went to celebrate our wedding anniversary and got a wonderful dining experience. Sat at the bar and visited with the chefs. Watched them cook wonderful food!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My new favorite!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I think I found my favorite restaurant in OC"
Dined on 03/12/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 10 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food is outstanding with

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food is outstanding with world-class sea bass. Its a beautiful space - small and intimate. They don't have a full bar but the wine list is more than adequate. The service is impeccable and the presentation makes it worthy of a special occasion. We like the beet salad; its light and tasty. Its pricey but worth it."
Dined on 03/12/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Very Special Place

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I can't believe I had not found this place sooner! A coworker recommended Tabu, so I wanted to try it out. The menu is limited but is really interesting. Presentation was fantastic and the flavors were wonderful. The restaurant is small and the tables are close together, but you still have an intimate feel. Our server has a great personality and made the evening special. It's a little pricy, but well worth it!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 12 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Hadn't been to Tabu Grill

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Hadn't been to Tabu Grill since they expanded 4 years ago. The ambiance was soft and relaxing. The food was amazing. We especially liked the grilled caesar salad! The owner/host is always welcoming...I would highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 03/06/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Love everything about this

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Love everything about this place!
Fell in love with the wall of candles -- so romantic
"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 14 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great space and very good

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great space and very good food. Next time when i visit i`ll go back for sure."
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view
0points
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Review 15 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Haute cuisine, high prices

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I'd recommend Tabu Grill to friends who want to spend $$$$ to eat local-celebrity-chef food.
You can dine as well for lower prices, even in Laguna Beach. That said, the food is delicious, and although the small kitchen turns out limited choices, they are interesting pairings of artisanal ingredients.
The salad was easy to share, and beautifully plated for two. We four ordered duck breast, sea bass, steak and pork chop: all were generous portions and perfectly prepared. So it was surprising that the $11 dessert we ordered, assuming it enough for a few bites each, was two very tiny discs, billed as a "chocolate malt semi-freddo," but with no hint of malt flavor, and judged mediocre by us all.
"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 16 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was excellent. The

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was excellent. The service was a little slow but not too too bad. The Sea Bass was fantastic! Love the food bar where you can watch your meal being prepared right before your eyes. Great way to see how the kitchen operates."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups
0points
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Review 17 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good place for date night

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food and service were very good. We had reservations on a Friday evening. We were promptly seated when we arrived. I had the Miso Sea Bass. I thought it tasted wonderful. My husband had the Pan Roasted Salmon. He found that equally wonderful. The best dish of the night was the appetizer- we ordered the scallops and they were to die for! It was perfectly cooked! I would definitely recommend this place to friends. The only thing that would prevent us from coming more often is that it was on the bit higher side in terms of price. My sea bass was $44 and the salmon was about the same. Appetizer and wine prices were fair and reasonably priced."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

truly exciting food in a delightful

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"truly exciting food in a delightful "voodoo/polynesian" atmosphere
Bring your own wine: $25 corkage fee but the cheapest bottle on the menu is $52; they will let you bring in two bottles.
not a cheap dinner but loved this place"
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

BEST OF THE BEST IN THE OC!!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was the second time that we ordered the tasting menu with the wine pairings. As usual, everything was SPECTACULAR!! Nancy Wilhelm is back at the "HELM" and it shows. She has steered this amazing restaurant right to the top - BEST OF THE BEST!! (Service and cuisine far exceeds The Studio at The Montage, which is way overrated and overpriced!)"
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Absolutely outstanding in

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Absolutely outstanding in every respect."
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 21 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent food as always.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent food as always. Great experience. Tabu never disappoints."
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Tried the tasting menu (winter

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Tried the tasting menu (winter months) Sunday thru Wednesday. Four course tasting menu changes every week. Excellent food although small (tastingI) portions. Excellent and very friendly service."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 23 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This is one of our favorite

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is one of our favorite restaurants. The chef is amazing. Our favorite dishes are the flatiron steak and the pork chops."
Dined on 02/06/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 24 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

WE HAD A PARTY OF NINE THAT

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"WE HAD A PARTY OF NINE THAT TABU ACCOMMODATED AT THE LAST MINUTE AND THEY DID A SUPERB JOB.
THE FOOD AND SERVICE WAS THE BEST IN THE LAGUNA BEACH AREA.
"
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Good repeat

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We came back here a year later for an early Valentine's Day dinner and were extremely happy with the experience. It's a modest sized restaurant with a sopporting cast of locals at the happy bar on the other side of/around the wall from the main dining area. The menu is appropriately modest but interesting and very well prepared. High grades for the butternut squash soup, beet salad, pork chop and pork belly combo, and an eye raising banana based dessert. Wine and beer only. Waiter knew his wines."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 26 for Tabu Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of the best restaurants

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"One of the best restaurants in Orange County! What a find, chef you outdo yourself every time we visit!!
Simply amazing!!"
Dined on 01/28/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Tabu Grill
Based on the average of (47) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Service 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Ambiance 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic