Claes Restaurant

Recommends

CSMobileUser

Joined 5 years ago

go to chilis!!. wooooorst service EVER. first, I complained about the service. despite my complaints, nothing improved. in fact, they brought me the wrong entree. Also, their apps and salads suck. please dont ruin your Laguna trip by coming here.

Doesn't Recommend

justonegreatmeal

Joined 5 years ago

Hostess ruins the evening. Maybe it's because we were there in high season. But I doubt it: The restaurant was only about two-thirds full. We arrived ten minutes prior to our reserved time. The hostess asked us to wait in the bar, which was fine. She told us that she would get us as soon as the table was ready. FORTY MINUTES later, we were still in the bar. I went back to the hostess, who didn't even remember that she had sent us to the bar. She looked at me nonplussed (i.e. confused). I reminded her that we had checked in 40 minutes ago. Finally, two neurons connected and she mumbled, "Okay, your table is ready".

She then had either the audacity, the stupidity or the arrogance to seat us at the WORST table in the restaurant, which again was only about two-thirds full. No apology, no comp'd drinks or appetizer. NADA.

The food was average. The wine list was very good. The service was good (a manager in a suit disciplined our waiter literally right in front of us).

There are literally dozens of good restaurants in this little beach town. It was the only restaurant we visited during our five night stay that treated us with arrogance. No repeat business from us at Clae's, to be sure.

Doesn't Recommend

Topenga

Joined 5 years ago

The view alone cannot make up for their average food and bad service. I went there three times. The first time I was not impressed with the service. The second time, I went there for dinner as well (gave them a second chance because of the view), and again, the service was disappointing. The minute I told the waiter that I only drank water, his mood and attitude changed - he was slow and unfriendly. The food was average, bordering on tastless. Somehow my husband talked me into going there for brunch - I must be a glutton for punishment, but even I have my limits. It was overcrowded, which overwhelmed the staff. It took forever to get the food and when it came it was cold and not at all that tasty.

What is going on with all these restaurants that have the audacity to charge high prices, but don't bother to justify it with good food and decent service? I say, don't tolerate bad service anymore!

Recommends

rpacheco

Joined 5 years ago

Clae's - Fresh food, attentive service.. Just returned from Claes and was leery because of some of the reviews here. But, it was open on New Year's so we gave it a shot.

Outstanding. All of the food was fresh and original. The salads were works of art. All of the fish entrees were fresh and savory.

The desserts included white chocolate mousse with banana pudding - wonderful.

For the appetizers, go with the fish crudo (sashimi) which is a collection of chef's choice. Delectable.

A bit pricey, but the view was magnificent and you pay for ambience.

The service was very attentive and the maitre d' even came to our table to make sure all was satisfactory.

Definitely recommended.

Recommends

ny2ca

Joined 6 years ago

would recommend. Amazing view, great food , great service. Portions a little small... but very tasty. Not a huge menu, but what is there is delicious.

Recommends

cardioscott

Joined 6 years ago

PRICELESS VIEW. Relax with locals, and enjoy the panoramic ocean views.

The food is very good, we have enjoyed salads, steaks and seafood.

The bar will impress any libation afficiando.

This is the must spot in Laguna Beach for dining with a view.

Steps to the beach after dining for picture time!

Doesn't Recommend

cellini

Joined 7 years ago

I won't be back. The best I can say about it is, the ocean view is great during daylight hours and the wine list is pretty good. The food's another story, though. Lumpy, off-tasting soup, sopping wet salad, tough, overcooked shellfish stew. We sent most of it back and they did credit our bill. More than just disappointed, I was shocked at the quality of the food here.

Recommends

dsaeykim

Joined 8 years ago

great view and good service. it's a small restaurant in a small yet charming hotel on pch. i remember going here almost every saturday for breakfast buffet (i always wondered why my parents didn't go to the las brisas breakfast...) and i've always enjoyed it - it had a very comfortable atmosphere, good service and great view of the ocean. anyways, they've remodeled a few years back and it's still a very comfy restaurant with great service and view, now with better ambience. kind of pricey though in my opinion, however everything else including the food make up for it.

Recommends

Cory Birkett

Joined 9 years ago

Unrivaled ocean views, luscious seafood and a renowned wine list make this the perfect destination for a special occasion.. The Scene
Members of the swanky O.C. elite or out-of-towners looking for a perfect view flock to this Laguna Beach showpiece. Located inside the historic Spanish Mission-style Hotel Laguna, Claes has tasteful, dark, sleek wood and a chic art-deco feel. Dramatic oversized windows offer the feeling of literally being perched above crashing waves. Servers pay attention to every detail, offering perfect entree and wine pairings.

The Food
Executive Chef David Mack's aesthetically pleasing presentations of seafood, pasta and steak reflect a tantalizing meld of foreign influences, most present are French and Pacific Rim. The spicy shrimp cake appetizer served with a zesty cilantro salsa is a tongue-tingling delight. Sesame-crusted seared ahi tuna with gentle curry and ginger accents is light and succulent. For a heartier appetite, the hefty teriyaki-glazed steak served alongside a sumptuous morsel of lobster tempura goes beyond the standard. The warm molten chocolate cake is a rich slice of heaven.