MOULIN — Restaurant in Laguna Beach

After finishing an extensive hike to get to 'The Top of the World'- we were in dire need of some fuel. Just off of the South Coast Highway you’ll find a little slice of France. 1 of their 5 locations is located right in the sunny side of Laguna, and that’s where I met the relaxing beach breeze with some major flavors delivered by "Moulin".

As soon as you walk in, you’re immediately going to feel like you've been transported to a classic French café. With every detail of the décor and the huge wall of novelty snacks and wines, you'll hit with the aroma of fresh heavenly bread. This mixed with the sweet smell of grease that's coming straight from the kitchen. You know something good is cooking back there as you wait in line only to be staring at the plates of other customers and the array of desserts and sandwiches in the display case.

Paté Sandwich - ($10.00) - YES!! Paté for breakfast because why not! Let’s start with the bread though, this baguette was nothing short of amazing. From the crunch and chew of each bite you’re taking, to the bounce the inner interior; now that’s some good bread texture. Paté with pickles and mustard was definitely a first for us, and I’m so happy we did it. The pate was just salty enough to mix with the sour and sweet mixtures that bounced off the pickles and mustard. 10/10 would order again.

Hazelnut Choux - ($6.00) - Now THIS is what I'm talking about. Fluffy, airy, sweet and subtle. Everything crammed into a mini delicate looking piece of art. There was no regrets devouring this at 9am for...

12/19/24 Today had eggs with ham, onions and potatoes, side salad greens and what used to be half of toasted french baguette. Well, only two small pieces of potato and much to my dismay a small not even toasted piece of ordinary french bread!!!! I gave it a try again and was disappointed. Buyer beware is my final comment!!!!! 10/10/24 Well early on this October yet another increase of $1.00 on the Napoleon. $1 on a seven dollar item is a huge percent increase. Yet, inflation is actually cooling. Also, there are gnats flying around all the food items as there are no inclosures! Not appetizing. Sky high prices just because of the location for one thing.

1/30/24 So another increase in the apricot pastry; BUT where's the custard in it??? Gone it seems??So higher price AND less the ingredient that made it so good in the first place. 10/16 reply I do agree goods have gone up flour and such BUT I know for a fact your sandwhich was $9 just a couple weeks ago!! I am a semi regular as is my daughter!!! And youor mille fuille was $5 last year!!!Ate there again recently food very good still BUT prices keep rising to the point of gouging in my opinion!!!!! Don't know if I can justify $7.50 for a pastry!!!!! And the sandwhich went up $2.00 in one week that's a huge percentage increase in a hand held deli sandwhich. Gouging!!!???? actually 4.5 there's always a little room for improvement. Anyway, this little shop in the middle of town has excellent French pastries!!! My favorite is the Napoleon or mille fuille. Treat...

Moulin in Laguna is one of those spots where every visit feels like a mini escape to France, but with a SoCal twist. I have to shout out their Caesar salad—easily one of my favorites anywhere (and if you’re in a rush, it’s a quick to-go). It comes loaded with pine nuts and that herby pesto chicken, which is such a unique touch. It’s fresh, vibrant, and just so satisfying. If you’re even half a Caesar salad snob (like me), this one will totally win you over.

The mushroom and chicken egg white omelette is another go-to. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’re making good choices, but it’s still so hearty and packed with flavor. Super light, perfectly cooked, and never greasy—just really well done.

And don’t even think about skipping the pastry case. Their almond croissant is genuinely great: flaky, generous with the filling, and not too sweet. Honestly, it’s one of those rare places where you could come just for the croissants and leave happy.

The vibe is always buzzing—French café energy with a Laguna crowd, everyone from locals on laptops to tourists grabbing a treat post-beach. Service is fast and friendly, but it never feels rushed. If you haven’t tried Moulin yet, you’re missing out. This is my new...