Tonight we enjoyed an excellent dinner with friends at Sapphire, in Laguna Beach, celebrating our friends birthday and wedding anniversary. It was very worth the drive from Long Beach. I was so excited to find that is the exact site and patio of the old Pottery Shack, one of the iconic and great places that my family visited and shoppped at frequently in Laguna during the 70's-90s. The service was excellent, very attentive to us all evening. The food was outstanding, rich in flavors and sauces, with very large portions and reasonable prices. The brussel sprouts with pork belly slices, balsamic vinegar glaze and yellow raisins is a perfect appetizer to share along with their grilled focaccia bread, and the delicious Sapphire Salad. For dinner, we had the famous halibut with a medley of tons of various fresh vegetables, the perfectly seasoned and grilled rib eye and the delicious Chicken Schnitzel and vegetables. The best part for us was that they are very dog / pet-friendly and made sure our small dog had a water bowl and even grilled up a plain juicy chicken breast special for him on my request. We also enjoyed a table with a partial ocean sunset view. We ended a perfect dinner celebration with the spiced bread pudding and vanilla bean ice cream and their delicate creme brule. This was a 5 star dining experience, highly recommended and we hope to be back to enjoy their great brunch one weekend soon. Thank you...
Read moreThe food is great and the location is a great but if service is a factor for you, you will need to let that go! The last several visits have been horrible. The hostesses are beyond rude, act as if you are bothering them, just down right rude. They are incapable of smiling, they all look angry and if your not happy with sitting at a table where the sun isnt glaring in your face, don't ask to sit at a different table because the answer is a strong "NO" in a very announced tone. Whatever you do, don't ask to move 1 of the 12 umbrellas they have, not only will you get a look that is just so wrong but you will be told " no, I am not able to move any umbrellas" The food is for sure saving this place because the service is horrible. This is after she told me "wait outside and I will be there in a minute" . If they had the same expectations for their team members and how they want their customers to be treated as they do their food, this place would be perfect! The waiter was fine but don't ask for an extra side of anything because you will be treated as if they are doing you a favor. And don't expect to be asked how everything is until its time for the check. He was fine but when you compare this restaurant to a place like Nicks or South of Nicks, where they actually appreciate your business and welcome you with a smile vs. an look and tone of announce there is...
Read moreSapphire: Laguna Beach Gem with Michelin-Star Service
Sapphire stole our hearts (and stomachs) after a day trip to San Diego! We initially fell for its sister restaurant, The Pantry, during a delightful breakfast earlier that day. But Sapphire took things to a whole new level.
Customer service? Unmatched. Remembered from our breakfast by Amy and welcomed with genuine warmth by operating partner Sal, we felt like VIPs throughout the evening. Their passion for hospitality is palpable and adds a special touch to the dining experience.
Ambiance? Picture-perfect. The restaurant exudes a modern yet cozy vibe, with warm lighting and tasteful decor setting the stage for a memorable night. We particularly loved the outdoor patio, buzzing with life yet still feeling intimate.
Food? Absolutely stellar. Don't miss the Wagyu burger – it's a juicy, flavorful masterpiece that lives up to the hype. Every bite was pure satisfaction. The menu offers a fantastic array of other options, too, all showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and culinary creativity.
Overall, Sapphire gets a resounding 5-star rating from us. If you're looking for a delicious dining experience with service that exceeds all expectations, this is the place. It's not just a meal, it's an experience.
P.S. Huge thanks to Amy and Sal for making our night truly special!...
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