Don't be fooled by the crowds and the noise; they are all part of the scene here at Laguna Beach's sexy and intense 230 Forest Avenue. The lean deep room seduces you to the open kitchen, bustling bar, and concrete floors, creating a space that is part modern bistro, part martini bar, and part art gallery. It's the perfect spot to see and be seen,laid back Laguna-style. Executive Chef Marc Cohen is consistently recognized as one of The OC's top chefs. You'll be ready to award him a medal, too, after tasting his flashy-to-the-eye, tickle-the-taste buds fusion appetizers and entrees. His dishes are often so stunning that they compete with the artwork on the walls, making for a thoroughly satisfying "artistic" experience.
Dining Style: Casual Dining Price: $31 to $50 Parking: Street Parking Cross Street: PCH
"Overall, our dining experience was just ok. This was my third time visiting over two years and had arranged for a party of four (all were meeting from out of town) as a special occasion as the food has been very good. While the food was excellent, the service was disappointing. First and second round of beverages to our table were not done in a timely way. The table we asked for was missing lighting from overhead, when we asked the waiter to adjust or replace the bulb, we were told they were out of bulbs and were offered an alternate table. Food was excellent and I would give them one more try to rebound on the service experience."
Special Features: fit for foodies
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/13/2010
(review submitted 03/15/2010)
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Review 2 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"It was fantastic as always. Food quality is consistently good"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/12/2010
(review submitted 03/15/2010)
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Review 3 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Overall the food was fantastic. Amazing Onion Soup, amazing and fresh Halibut chowder, the Sugarcane tenderloins and Bread pudding are NOT to be missed. Overall it was a good experience. If not for the lax service I would say it was completely top notch."
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/06/2010
(review submitted 03/10/2010)
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Review 4 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Great, good food and good service."
Special Features: fit for foodies
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/06/2010
(review submitted 03/08/2010)
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Review 5 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"I've eaten here before and 230 has never disappointed. Everything ordered was simply fantastic!!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/03/2010
(review submitted 03/05/2010)
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Review 6 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Great Happy Hour specials before going to the Laguna Playhouse. Terrific food. Super service."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/01/2010
(review submitted 03/03/2010)
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Review 7 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"The food was absolutely delicious. I am not a big dessert person, but the bread pudding was decadent!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/21/2010
(review submitted 02/23/2010)
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Review 8 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"The service was great and so was the food. I definitely would recomend this restaurant to anyone. The food was prepared well and the presentation was picture worthy. The sitting is real tight in there, so if your trying to be intimate try to reserve a table that seats four or try to get reservations for outside. Went for Valentines day and the other table was literally just a few inches apart from us so it seemed as if they were having dinner with us. Thankfully they were a pleasant couple and we ended up chatting through dinner and dessert. If you havent eaten here I would put this restaraunt on the list to try while in Laguna Beach."
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/20/2010)
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Review 9 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Our meal was delicious, well prepared, and was enhanced by an excellent wine recommendation from our server. The only slight disappointment was the duck and brie spring rolls, which were less interesting and flavorful than expected. That being said, I would definitely come back here again, and look forward to trying other menu items as well."
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/20/2010)
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Review 10 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Food was awesome as always! First time the service was lacking in a long time. We've been eating here for years and will go back."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/18/2010)
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Review 11 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Food was excellent and service outstanding. Only thing was that our table was literally right next to another (it had been a four top turned unto a 2 two tops simply by separating the tabel no mor than a few inches. When the couple next to us had to leave we had to get out of our seats so they could get out otherwise they would have been stuck until we finished. Then we had to get out of our seats again so the next couple could sit down, but overall the food, service, and nice wine made up for that inconvenience. It is a very small place so it can get rather loud so if you are looking for intimate this may not be for you, but if you are looking for really great food, fantastic service, and a very well priced wine list you need to try it."
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/16/2010)
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Review 12 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Everything was very good except that we didn't get seated until about an hour after our reservation. The hosts didn't remember who I was after asking a few times when we would be seated nor did they come back to give me any updates."
Special Features: fit for foodies
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/15/2010)
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Review 13 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"This is a local hot spot with decent food and a lot of noise."
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Poor)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/12/2010
(review submitted 02/14/2010)
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Review 14 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Really good food, friendly service and a nice atmosphere. Went with 1 other couple and had a very nice meal. The wine list was on special on Mondays 1/2 price if the wine was under $70. Needless to say we did partake. Also had the $30 3 course special. Great soup, and salad, main course fish was a good deal and the short ribs fell off the bone. Tasty dessert too. Not massive portions, just enough and still a good value. Well worth a visit."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/01/2010
(review submitted 02/03/2010)
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Review 15 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"A great number of seafood choices and an enjoyable pre-theater dinner."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/23/2010
(review submitted 02/02/2010)
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Review 16 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"The food was incredible and the ambiance was even better. I definitely recommend it to anyone"
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/21/2010)
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Review 17 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Good)
"Definitely a Laguna Beach local restaurant. We sat outside for lunch, and our waitress greeted every third person walking by on the street. Kind of quaint, in that respect. Food: The prosciutto and prawn appetizer was very nice, especially with Champagne. The flatiron stake salad was ok. The bread pudding was delicious but burned on the edges. Some nice wines at reasonable prices."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/15/2010
(review submitted 01/18/2010)
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Review 18 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"The best dining experience we've had in a long time. Both food and service were impeccable. Sea bass was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth. Olives in my husband's martini were homemade (hand-stuffed with bleu cheese) and were almost a meal in themselves. We will definitely go back for special occasions. (If I ate here more often, I'd weigh 300 pounds as the food is SO good!)"
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/15/2010
(review submitted 01/17/2010)
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Review 19 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Good)
"Food was very good, as was the service. The restaurant itself is quite small with many tables crammed into a small space, so expect to be very close to other diners. As with many restaurants in Laguna Beach, they keep the front windows open year round, so it can get quite chilly."
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/15/2010
(review submitted 01/17/2010)
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Review 20 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Terrific experience. Our server was a bit abrupt at first, then she warmed up.
Excellent food. Wine list a bit disappointing. Have been before and will go again!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/13/2010
(review submitted 01/15/2010)
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Review 21 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"This place is a favorite! I've gone several times for lunch and have ordered the scallops off the dinner menu...they are incredible! Thanks to those that called attention to the chocolate bread pudding as it is probably not something I would have ordinarily selected. Worth every calorie!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/10/2010
(review submitted 01/12/2010)
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Review 22 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"FOOD & SERVICE ARE ALWAYS AWESOME AT 230 FOREST. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG ON ALMOST ANYTHING ORDERED."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/09/2010
(review submitted 01/11/2010)
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Review 23 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"We have been to this spot a few times this year and always have great food along with wonderful service."
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/05/2010)
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Review 24 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"We went there and had a great experience. Personable staff. The manager stopped at our table and chatted with us for about 5 minutes. Super nice guy. Our waitress was very sweet and efficient. I even had special requests for my dinner and it was not an issue whatsoever... Def recommended...! Living in Las Vegas, we have some of the best restaurants so it's difficult to impress us, but this place was just amazing all around."
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/30/2009
(review submitted 01/01/2010)
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Review 25 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"I made reservations for Saturday night after Christmas. We arrived about 15 minutes late and were seated promptly, without fail and a warm greeting. The lamb appetizer was delectable! We also shared the warm asparagus salad with arugula and found the textures, temperatures and tastes equally inspiring. Since we would be dining after 10pm, we decided to dine light and split the halibut. It was served on two plates with extra sauces and trimmings. This was the best prepared halibut ever experienced with a two inch thickness, super tender, flavorful and accompanied by the most amazing reduction sauces. A very wonderful meal and can hardly wait to go back for lunch!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/26/2009
(review submitted 12/28/2009)
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Review 26 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Spectacular and interesting food, with terrific service. This was our 3rd visit and each time has been consistently excellent. The French onion soup was classically prepared; the swordfish beautiful, and our 18 year old daughter reported the filet to be the best she has ever eaten. It is definitely vibrant (quite noisy) and became a bit crowded by 8:00 p.m."
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Energetic)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/21/2009
(review submitted 12/06/2009)
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Review 27 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Was Excellant fom the service to the presentation and the food was great"
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, hot spot
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/27/2009
(review submitted 12/02/2009)
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Review 28 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"We had a great time at 230 Forest. I had been worried about the noise since it is a very 'happening' place, but we sat on the heated patio and were fine. Tables are very close together, but that wasn't a problem because everyone is having a good time and enjoying the food- we talked to the folks next to us who wanted to know what we had gotten (I highly recommend the procuitto wrapped shrimp-yum). Food was first rate. I had two appetizers rather than an entree and it was more than enough. For such a busy place, the service was surprisingly good. Overall a great experience and we will definitely go back."
Special Features: fit for foodies
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/21/2009
(review submitted 11/23/2009)
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Review 29 for 230 Forest Avenue
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"I'm a regular 230 customer and it never fails to impress. On this visit we both had the braised short-rib special; it was fall-off-the-bone tender, the braise complemented and did not overpower the rib, and the potatoes were a perfect side since they did not compete with the flavor of the short ribs. I rarely order desserts, but the 230 is the exception. Everything on the dessert menu is worth the extra time you'll spend at the gym the next day. However, the chocolate bread pudding (made from croissants I found out on this trip) is beyond-belief good. As usual, the service was top notch, friendly and attentive but not hovering. The 230 is the place my out-of-town friends always want to visit again when they are in town."
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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