230 Forest Avenue — Restaurant in Laguna Beach

From Five Stars to One - A Disappointing Evening at 230 Forest Avenue I am absolutely gutted to write this review, as 230 Forest Avenue was once a cherished favorite. My family and I frequented this restaurant regularly, lured in by their tantalizing menu and intimate ambiance, a rare oasis amidst the city's hustle and bustle. It had been a constant in our lives, a place of celebration, reflection, and shared joy. However, after our most recent visit, we were left with a bitter taste, and it had nothing to do with the food.

Five minutes prior to our arrival, we booked a table for four through OpenTable, a convenience we often utilized with no prior issues. Upon reaching the restaurant, we were greeted with an unexpected and disheartening turn of events. The hostess, usually a beacon of hospitality, treated us with an inexplicable frostiness. She pointed out that our reservation was made only minutes before, implying that it was somehow invalid or less deserving of respect.

Despite our frequent patronage and having never encountered such an issue before, we were promptly turned away without a hint of remorse or consideration for our situation. We were left to face the bustling evening crowd with a sour taste of disappointment, an empty stomach, and a cherished memory tainted.

What was once a haven of culinary delight and warm hospitality quickly transformed into an arena of disrespect and disregard for loyal customers. The abrupt and unwarranted dismissal, coupled with the lack of any attempts to accommodate us or even suggest an alternative solution, was the antithesis of the professional and courteous service we had come to expect from 230 Forest Avenue.

As loyal customers, we felt betrayed and disappointed. We understand that restaurants operate within constraints and rules, but the manner in which we were treated was unacceptable. At its heart, hospitality is about making people feel welcome and valued, not turned away at the door because of a technicality. It was a stark contrast to the 230 Forest Avenue we used to know and love.

I am giving this review one star, not for the food or the ambiance, which were always impeccable, but for the egregious service and treatment we received. We came for a meal but left with a bad taste in our mouths, and it was not from the food. It's truly disheartening to see such a beloved place lose its essence of customer service, which was once its crowning glory.

Until there is a significant improvement in how they treat their customers, we will be seeking out other dining establishments who value our patronage and treat their guests with the respect and courtesy they deserve. We hope that 230 Forest Avenue can return to the restaurant we once loved, but until then, we will have to bid them adieu.

Check out the place next door, Alessa Little Italy. Way better food and...

It's not that I'm angry, just disappointed. This was our third visit in three years and unfortunately it's probably going to be our last. Having loved the food and atmosphere on our first visit and so returned almost a year later and again had a great time. Our third visit has soured the taste and as we overheard another couple discussing how let down they were we may not be alone.

We arrived early in case we could be seated, we were told it would be very unlikely to be before 9. No suggestion of taking a place at the bar and as 9 came and wait no updates either. We asked and were told 'a table are just standing so it should be a minute', 25 minutes later we ask again, this time with the owner nearby.

Apologies were made and an appetizer offered in apology which was appreciated.

The food sadly was just a touch lacking, short ribs a little dry tomatoes seemed fresh from safeway. No offer of water, and when provided, no refill. The cheesecake was okay.

Overall it feels as if they've had some staff turnover, the front of house staff soured things from the outset and in spite of many waiting staff it was a challenge to get some of the basics right.

As a side note and for anyone else there on this evening , there also happened to be a couple intent on pushing social boundaries which really lowered the tone and went...

This is the patio in Laguna if you want to see and be seen, ideally while pretending you just “happened” to stop by after the beach and didn’t strategically pick your outfit for it. The trees offer shade, which is nice, because otherwise you’d melt into your chair like a wax figurine.

We came for “drinks and a snack” but accidentally ordered enough food to qualify as dinner for a mid-sized family. The Bacon Wrapped Dates were sticky, sweet, and impossible to eat without looking like you’re auditioning for a barbecue sauce commercial. The Spicy Tuna grazing plate comes with three pieces, but they’ll make it four if you’re with a group—because apparently they understand math and diplomacy. Also, the rice was so crispy it could probably survive re-entry from space.

The Wagyu Sirloin Carpaccio was paper-thin and amazing, with truffle aioli that makes everything taste better in the same way a cheat code makes video games easier. For drinks, the Ruby Rickey was light and refreshing (i.e., you could drink several before realizing it), and the Mission Fig Margarita was the perfect choice for a hot afternoon.

The servers and bussers were friendly, efficient, and had that uncanny ability to refill your water without you noticing—possibly magic.

Five stars. Would come back in a heartbeat… assuming I can find a beach outfit worthy of that...