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230 Forest Avenue
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
230 Forest AveLaguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-2545
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
197 reviews for 230 Forest Avenue
Review Highlights
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"Appetizer - duck and brie spring rolls." In 6 reviews -
"The prosciutto wrapped shrimp were very nice." In 7 reviews -
"...chilean seabass with goat cheese mashed potatoes was great." In 5 reviews
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197 reviews in English
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Review from Erika L.
Aliso Viejo, CA
5/20/2012
I've been to this lovely place twice before and have not yet had the opportunity to leave a review, but after tonight's impeccable and delicious meal I felt it was time to do so!
We walked up holding hands at about 6 pm on a Sunday night - exhausted from a long day and likely looking a bit sleepy and sun worn. The host took one kind look at us, and whisked us to a table in the back of the restaurant where he noted that there was a "bit more quiet and seclusion". It was a very nice thing to do and very observant of him - we didn't have anyone seated around us until nearly the end of our meal.
We began by splitting one of the specials of the day - a wedge salad with bacon, roasted tomatoes, buttermilk blue cheese dressing, and creamy polenta croutons. They split the salad on two plates for us - presented beautifully - and oh wow - it was out of this world. I don't care for bacon but after my fiance' convinced me to try it I couldn't have imagined it without the added flavor. I highly recommend it if it is offered as a special when you are there. We cleaned our plates.
My fiance ordered the tenderloin stroganoff and I ordered the rosemary thyme chicken pasta for entrees. Both were excellent - the tenderloin was so tasty and melted in your mouth - and there was a ton of it on top of the bed of noodles - way more than one person could eat. Next time we go I'd like to order this myself. My rosemary thyme chicken pasta was excellent as well - very flavorful, chicken was tender and well seasoned, and the artichokes were a nice touch when mixed with the tomatoes in the cream sauce.
We weren't planning on ordering dessert but when we saw the half-baked cake soufflé with a scoop of vanilla ice cream - we were sold. It was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I could have bathed in it it was so good. It is officially tied for my favorite desert in Laguna Beach - my other fave is the harlequin souffle at French 75. Clearly I have a thing for souffles!
GO eat here. It's delicious. Thoughtful food, beautiful presentation, classy atmosphere, great location.
One of my favorite restaurants in the OC, and definitely in my top 3 in Laguna. -
Review from Miguel Z.
Chino, CA
5/21/2012
My girlfriend and I went to this place for our anniversary. They have a great drink selection - the Hess Cab was a good and inexpensive choice. The lamb chops were to die for, it was melt-in-your-mouth tender and had such an amazing flavor. The portion sizes were great and the complimentary anniversary dessert topped of the meal perfectly.
The only minor setback is that due to the size of the restaurant, it's difficult to have an intimate moment. This is, however, a very minor detail. We will definitely dine here again and take her mom for a nice birthday dinner. -
Review from Janelle C.
Costa Mesa, CA
3/27/2012
This review is solely based on my last meal at 230 Forest Ave. I've eaten there a few other times but the last time was flawless. I started out with a Plum Basil from their drink menu. It was one of the best drinks I've ever had. Very smooth and sweet but not too sweet.
For a starter we got the asparagus arugala salad with panko crusted goat cheese. It was light but had lots of flavor. Even the half sized order was a good sized portion and enough for two people to share. Oh and i forgot to mention their crusty demi baguette in the paper bag was warm and crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, just the way baguette should be. It paired perfectly with their herb butter.
The entree that we ordered was the complete star of the show. I recommend anyone who likes seafood and pasta to try it. It was SO GOOD! We got the Fruitti de Mare pasta dish. It came out piping hot, pasta was cooked perfectly, al dente. Lots of fish that was soft and tender and cooked perfectly. Also had large shrimp, clams and mussels. Everything was the perfect texture and consistency and the flavor was superb. The wait staff was extremely friendly and attentive too.
After that meal, this place is definitely one of my favorites in Laguna Beach. -
Review from M C.
Aliso Viejo, CA
5/24/2012
Went with my friend to 230 for the first time for lunch. We ordered:
1. the duck eggrolls - stale and soggy tasting duck meat and the veggie pickles that came with it was bland. In fact blandness seems to be the main ingredient here.
2. tenderloin stroganoff - a big disappointment. I don't understand why they don't season food before serving them. It was so bland, we had to add tons of chili flakes to add flavor to the dish.
3. halibut fisherman's chowder - a little better, but again it needs that extra dept of flavor.
All and all it was a very disappointing experience. I have never paid so much money for food this bad! -
Review from Anne R.
San Clemente, CA
5/14/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Had an excellent fish chowder and an Ahi salad. My partner had the crab cakes and goat cheese salad. Couldn't fault the food or the service. Very pleasant.
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Review from Maria H.
3/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My trips to Laguna Beach are almost never planned ahead meaning NO reservations for me. But interestingly enough, I have always been able to get a seat here despite the fact that I mostly go there on weekend nights.
The main dining area might be packed, but they can fit you at the bar area... and I actually love sitting at the bar. Their bartenders are really cool, except for that female one that I think is gone. (not sure)
Its mostly seafood, but you can find a few steak and chicken dishes. Their french fries and fried onions are so delicious.
I had rude servers, nice servers, attentive ones, goofballs... the rude one was trying hard to justify his error by educating us on how to order Baileys coffee and that it doesn't cost less if we request for less Baileys in our coffee... dewd ... LOL.
The goofball messed up the vegi pasta bowl when brought it full of chicken and was like "huh? I though you wanted the chicken on the side?" and we were like "regardless, all the chicken pieces are mixed inside the bowl"
We also got to see Chef Marc a couple of times and he seems busy?!... we just exchanged some smiles :-)
I think I go there mostly for the atmosphere and a small appetizer, not the food. Don't get me wrong, their food is good, I am not a seafood gal. -
Review from Stephanie O.
Dana Point, CA
5/11/2012
Amazing food! Great Service! I am never let down when I go there! I make it a weekly routine to make sure I satisfy my hunger urges. I crave their food! Must go! Wont be disappointed!
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Review from Nicole M.
Studio City, CA
3/27/2012
Food just doesn't taste very good after someone takes the hospitality out the hospitality business.
My cousin goes to 230 all of the time and brings all of her beach house guests to this restaurant and recommends it to everyone who stays at her house.
Walking up to the restaurant at 7:55 for an 8pm we were told by the manager!!!!! that they still haven't sat their 7:30 reservations and we were in for a 30-45 minute wait. That's fine, but what transpired after than is beyond my comprehension. My cousin remarked we've had the reservation for a week and the manager retorted. Well you added a person and changed the reservation today, so it's not our fault. We had a reservation for 7. My mouth dropped. I've worked in hospitality for my entire life, including 5 star restaurants in the Hamptons, NY and Los Angeles, I was mortified, not for myself but for the owners that this is the first person people interact with.
My cousin was taken back and remarked you can deal with my husband about this, sensing the woman's aggression. She then replied, your husband can talk to me all he wants, it's not gonna get you a table faster. I wanted to leave, but everyone wanted to stay. If they offered us a seat at the bar with a comp drink, and let us know they were getting the table as quick as they can, which is what you are supposed to do, that would have been great. We got 2 free apps when we got seated 35 minutes later.
Waiter was beyond wonderful. Food and drinks were excellent. It's hard to enjoy a place though after an interaction like that. I would never return. -
Review from Jewlee Y.
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I look at the reviews and think WTH? Am I reviewing the same place?
We had lunch here not too long ago, and all I have to say is frozen hamburger patties suck when you are paying what they charge for them.
The seating is so close together you feel like everyone is all up in your business, and they are, they can't help it if their napkin falls in your lap.
Service was a bit snooty for such a sub par culinary experience, but then again it was Laguna. Doesn't Laguna know that they deserve better food?? It's a bit surprising, but maybe most of the good places here are only open for dinner.
Sad. -
Review from Pam S.
Yarmouth, ME
3/31/2012
Dizz's As Is isn't on Forest Ave. it's on Coast Highway. My Yelp search took me to the incorrect address.
I had the best meal of 2012 at Dizz's earlier. The small plates are perfect! -
Review from David P.
Corona del Mar, CA
2/27/2012
We had a reservation on Open Table which was seamless.
There may sometimes be a issue with parking it is on a one way street- so give yourself about 15 min before your resv. for parking.
There is a small outside patio with heat lamps where we were seated. Also in the past I have had meals at the small wine bar and some open seating tables right next to the bar. In that case it is just good timing to get a spot there.
We brought our own wine -corkage of $15. It is very open seating with no real privacy, just a warning to people wanting a romantic dinner.
The food is great - and service was too. We enjoyed a starter Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp. It is served on a Caprese, tomato, cheese, and drisled just the perfect amount of balsamic vinegar. For the main course I opted for the New York Steak, which is peppercorn crusted with a bordelaise. I ordered a bit below medium, but should have ordered straight medium rare.
My girlfriend had the Chilean Sea Bass. Both excellent!! After a wonderful dinner we ordered the chocolate souffle.
I have had on other occasions the Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Frutti Di Mare and Pacific Northwest Cioppino. All have been tasty, and would recommend. I just felt more in a steak mood.
Food here is always consistent, and good quality fresh seafood. Service has been great as well. -
Review from Jackie L.
Los Angeles, CA
3/9/2012
Walked by this charming place and decided to try it out.
Outdoor seating was great but we were in very close quarters. We shared the oysters and the bbq duck and spring rolls. The spring rolls were amazing but the oysters were a bit lacking.
Had the small portion of the salad and it was more than enough for lunch. -
Review from Angela D.
Updated - 2/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Updated review:
Joe, their manager, contacted me and tried to rectify the situation. He was nice and apologetic and urged me to come back and give 230 another chance. I was given a gift certificate but decided to go to their sister restaurant, Watermarc, instead. I am pleased that they care about their customers but won't be back at 230 anytime soon.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2012
My birthday dinner review #2.
Reserved a Table for 10 and took a few minutes to get our table. We got… Read more »
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Review from L J.
Laguna Niguel, CA
4/8/2012 2 photos
I had lunch here on a Saturday afternoon, after 2pm. There was no wait time and we were seated immediately. We had our choice of sitting outside or inside and we opted for outside.
I ordered the Kobe beef burger with Havarti cheese and sweet potato fries (you have to request that the fries be sweet potato) and a Samuel Smith's beer. It's the only imported beer they have and it's good (plus it's organic). The Kobe beef burger was nothing spectacular but still good. I ordered the creme brulee for dessert. Again, nothing spectacular but still worth ordering. -
Review from Maricelle C.
Ladera Ranch, CA
4/17/2012 3 photos
Hubby and I wanted to hang out in Laguna Beach and go on a lunch date one day. Decided to try 230 Forest Ave. which we've passed by before. We had an attentive waitress who checked on us frequently. Casual but classy atmosphere. We started with buttermilk calamari with lemon beurre blanc and citrus cocktail. Best calamari I've ever had! Hubby had the frutti de mare- New Zealand mussels, Manila clams, shrimp, calamari and fish in a roasted vegetable tomato sauce with linguine. He said it was good but could have been better with less salt. I don't often order sandwiches or burgers but I thought I'd try the prime rib dip with gruyere, carmelized onions and herb jus...was so tender, moist and delicious!
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Review from Victoria E.
Laguna Hills, CA
2/6/2012
My boss recommended this place and he was definitely right. I called in on a Saturday to make reservations for that evening and it wasn't a problem. Parking is a pain, but that goes for parking in the area in general.
Items that we tried:
1. crab cakes -- delicious! Has large chunks of crab meat!
2. chopped seafood salad
3. Chilean Seabass -- this was my favorite dish. The seabass was cooked to perfection!
4. Alaskan Halibut -- not a fan of the hazelnut crust
5. half baked chocolate souffle cake
Overall, I loved everything except for the halibut. I'd come back just for the Seabass alone. -
Review from Cyrus S.
Redondo Beach, CA
3/3/2012
Great service. Food was wonderful. We had the Duck and Brie Spring Rolls, Nicoise Salad and the Tenderloin Stroganoff.
It was a beautiful day and we sat on the patio.
Just a question for everyone. Why do almost all restaurants clear one's plate before the OTHER party is also finished? This seems to be a US way of doing it. I wish they'd wait until everyone's done before clearing the plates. -
Review from Murphy C.
Irvine, CA
4/1/2012
230 Forest is OK.
The atmosphere is really pleasant. It is a fun place to eat with lots of people to watch and everyone is in a good mood. Our waiter really did a great job, and we were seated on time for our reservation, which was great.
The food was good, but not awesome. The salad was nothing to write home about, and my entree (pasta for a vegetarian) was fine. The desert was a bit burnt and not tasty at all.
I would have liked to give this place 3.5 stars. It's fun place to go, the atmosphere is great, but for food choices I'd rather eat elsewhere. -
Review from Audra R.
Orange County, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
It seems like they remodeled since last I was here? Cute and modern inside!
Patio is great for people watching!
The FRENCH ONION SOUP!!!! Yes! Awesome rendition! Green salad with chicken was also excellent. Bread and olive butter yummy.
I found prices for the quality and location to be pretty darn good. I would definitely go back to try more of the menu.
$3.50 for iced tea? REALLY!?!?!? -
Review from Ben K.
1/17/2012
They do everything right here, from the fantastic food to the outdoor seating area and the elegant decor, which somehow manages to blend together a pastoral theme with an urban chic vibe.
I had quite possibly the best piece of fish I have ever had here. A meaty piece of mahi mahi, crusted with pine nuts and seared to perfection, served on top of a lemon artichoke risotto. The dish was in perfect balance, an amazing combination of the delicate flavor and firm flesh of the fish, the saltiness and texture of the pine nuts, and the rich risotto underneath cut by the lemon in it. And garnished with a couple deep fried mini artichokes. It's a shame this dish was a special because it definitely has a place on the regular menu.
I would probably be remiss if I failed to mention the whipped garlic and kalamata olive butter they serve with their bread basket as well.
I hope I have the opportunity to dine here again. -
Review from Karen L.
Irvine, CA
12/13/2011
Stopped by here for dinner the other day. What a great place!
Highly recommend the Kobe burger for those that are truly burger lovers. Bun toasted and soft, mound of onion straws added bacon and gorgonzola made it an A+++.
Many good wines by the glass and great happy hour specials. -
Review from John S.
Costa Mesa, CA
Went with the roommates yesterday for a day in Laguna Beach. Two of us got the Rosemary Thyme Chicken pasta dish which had more food than I had expected. I almost got the pulled pork ravioli but that dish only comes with about 5 raviolis so I wanted to have more to eat. The dish was very good. It had a unique white sauce, penne pasta, artichoke hearts, diced tomatoes, chicken and plenty of herbs and spices. It was a very good dish. One of our other roommates got the New York steak strip and it was amazing. It was a large piece of steak with a lot of pepper and mushrooms on it with a sauce. It came with a small side of macaroni and cheese (gourmet style of course). The bread they give you for free appetizers was alright but the butter cream cheese spread they give has black olives and tastes a little strange.
One complaint is that when we were walking by and checked the menu outside they offered so many different things, but when we went in we were given a very small menu. Apparently they offer more for lunch and only a few items for dinner. The dinner menu was pretty much several salads, about four pasta dishes, several seafood dishes, and about three steak or rib options along with appetizers and desserts. The sandwiches and more American dishes are only offered during lunch and one of the meals I had gone into the restaurant for was not offered for dinner.
The service was good. The hostess was almost unsure about letting us come in being underdressed after hiking and I sensed a notion of judgment in her voice, but that was not a big deal because the waiter we had was extremely nice and helpful. When I asked him about the portions he recommended the chicken pasta over the ravioli because it was smaller portions and that I would like it better.
The ambience was trendy and more up-class so you might want to dress up a little bit to go here. The mood was perfect. They keep the room low-lit with candles and the architecture and interior decorating I thought was very well done with a very organized bar set up. The building has an open outdoor seating area separated from the inside by nothing but glass. They had heat lamps out side as well. I would have to say the arrangement they have for outdoor seating was pretty original and very nice. The bread they give you for free appetizers was alright but the butter cream cheese spread they give has black olives and tastes a little strange.
Overall it is normal price for that area of Laguna Beach, the food was great, nice seating area, and a perfect place for a date. -
Review from Joe M.
Marina del Rey, CA
1/1/2012
230 Forest Avenue is great. I went there last night for a New Year's Eve dinner with my girlfriend. It was my first visit and I went there after getting a recommendation from a coworker. I definitely made a good choice.
230's staff were very hospitable and friendly. There is a very cool vibe to the restaurant and it's excellent for a date. We both ordered seafood dishes and they were delicious. We especially enjoyed the prosciutto-wrapped shrimp.
The only thing that keeps me from giving it a 5-star rating is that it was a bit noisier than I like but that should in no way dissuade you from visiting 230. I look forward to returning there for another great meal. -
Review from Sherri W.
Silverado, CA
4/12/2012
This is one of my favorite places to go. I love everything about it. Great food, atmosphere, location.
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Review from Scarlette H.
Laguna Beach, CA
5/10/2012
Total scene!
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Review from Webb P.
Riverside, CA
Wandering through Laguna Beach is so much fun. It's equally fun people watching and car drooling. People have some serious cars out here. Ferrari's and Bentleys and Jags oh my!
After having some beers at a local pub and wandering the streets we found a place that seemed to be sending out a pretty decent vibe. It wasn't too crowded or too noisy and people seemed to be enjoying their food. We sat at the bar sharing part of our table with a few other people. They recommended the Lamb chop starter. We looked at the skinny bones left on their plates and figured the Lamb was worth a try. We ordered 2 of the starter plates of mustard rubbed baby lamb chops (3 little chops) and an order of their Buttermilk Calamari with lemon Beurre blanc. The price for the starters seemed reasonable as we didn't really want to get a lot of food just something tasty. My table mates weren't ready for more alcohol so I ordered an 'old fashioned'. It was too old fashioned for me so I had the bartender make me the Cucumber Cooler instead. Brilliant Choice. I believe it had Russian Standard Vodka and a cucumber liquor of some sort and was served in a martini glass. My nephew and his girlfriend tried a sip of my drink and I barely got it back before it was half gone. All I can say was that it was so good we ended up ordering a total of 7 between the 3 of us and we ate the cucumber too.
The lamb was cooked medium and had very good flavor. I enjoyed the calamari because it was cooked just right and tasted fresh. The two sauces were a nice choice for it--Lemon Beurre blanc and Cocktail sauce. We will definitely try more of the menu the next time we're in town as they had some interesting choices.
While we were enjoying our drinks we ended up talking to a former USC Trojan football player who had just retired from the NFL due to an injury and was vacationing in town. Super nice guy even though he was a little tipsy. Alcohol therapy for his injury? Sorry can't quite remember his name.
We had a great experience at this place and it has left a great first impression on us. We'll be back. Cucumber Coolers rock! -
Review from Rashad M.
Costa Mesa, CA
12/3/2011
"Missing it's Mojo!"... Assuming it had one to begin with
Don't get me wrong 230 Forest has everything right in theory. Good quality food, nice atmosphere, great location, friendly service. But there is something fundamentally missing. I say that because despite the fact that I have nothing but good things to say about the meal I had there, I just can't get myself excited about this place, craving it or wanting to go back there again. The only reason we ended up there is that Alesa next door had 1+ hour wait.
Now, If you do end up here like we did I highly recommend their tuscany wines by the glass and the Chicken, Artichoke Penne.
Really the best way to describe this place is to paraphrase one my favorite characters, Austin Powers: "Missing the Mojo the libido, the right stuff what the french call a certain...I don't what" :).
By the way speaking of Mojo - if you find yourself in the middle of dinner with your "Mojo On" I highly suggest asking for a to-go bag and getting a room. This is intended to the couple next to us who for an entire two hours gave us a soft porn show that would make my favorite TV character blush! Seriously all you did was make out and you didn't even touch your food! -
Review from Girl O.
Anaheim, CA
3/13/2012
Delicious dinner.
loved the bread pudding type dessert -
Review from stephanie l.
Laguna Beach, CA
12/20/2011
This is seriously one of my favorite place to eat. They have the most amazing seafood cobb salad that I crave! The atmosphere is awesome. It's prefect on a warm evening they open up the entire front of the restaurant.
They make one of the best Dirty Martini's I've ever had. If you only have one dinner in Laguna Beach go here they will not disappoint! -
Review from Vanessa H.
Aliso Viejo, CA
9/4/2011
The search for a great eatery in Laguna Beach continues! And I'm happy to add 230 Forest to my repertoire.
I came here for lunch today with the maternal unit, and we very much enjoyed our food. Funny, after seeing so many pictures of the short rib ravioli here on Yelp, I was actually directed AWAY from that dish by our very helpful server. She recommended the Rosemary Thyme Chicken if we were in the mood for pasta (Mom got that) and the Chipotle Lime Chicken sandwich if we weren't (I got that).
Both were excellent choices! The Rosemary Thyme Chicken was served in a tasty asiago cream sauce. My Chipotle Lime Chicken sandwich came with real shoestring fries - the tiny, skinny, crispy kind that I love! As a bonus, the spread that comes with their complimentary bread is also very yummy.
They do squeeze you into a pretty tight space here. Although my reservation was for two, we were seated at a two-seater placed only inches from another two-seater. We might as well have been sitting at a table of four with the strangers next to us. I had a total mortified movie moment when my mom started talking about buying new underwear at Target (coincidence that our pseudo-companions immediately got the check and left at this point? I think not).
Great service, really good food, and easy to spot on Forest Avenue. Now, if they could just do something about the parking (ha!)! :-)Listed in: OpenTable Restaurants
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Review from J R.
Laguna Hills, CA
9/10/2011
Good, but not great...
With all of the superb restaurants withing walking distance, this one is "good for a suburban mall when there's no where else to eat tonight."
Nothin' special. -
Review from Aaron M.
Laguna Niguel, CA
2/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Always am pleased with the service I get. The crab cakes are sooo good! The bartender is also great, he will make you anything you want. I had a Plum Basil Martini and it was delicious. Wonderful atmosphere.
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Review from Ted S.
Lake Forest, CA
9/4/2011
I was looking for a few appetizers and a quick drink while strolling the shops of central Laguna. This place had a decent looking menu, a Zagat blurb on display, and some nice people watching patio tables. They also had a couple of open tables... We were seated by a friendly hostess, and our waiter came by within a few minutes to take our drink orders. So far so good. They brought out a small, warm french baguette, and what tasted like a Kalamata olive flavored butter. This was pretty good.
Several minutes later, still waiting for water, and our drinks, another couple was seated at the table next to us, which was literally separated from ours by a four inch gap. The same waiter took their drink orders, and brought them out shortly. He then took their food orders (hadn't taken ours yet) and then, as an afterthought, turned to us and asked if we were ready to order food. We said yes, and did. I cautiously ordered their lamb chop appetizer and, not wanting to take any chances, ordered it rare, specifying the desired bloodiness. We also ordered their lunch pork sliders with sweet potato fries.
After ten more minutes our drinks arrive, at the same time as our neighbors' entrees. I jokingly commented that they received their order first, and they stated that they were equally surprised, and offered me a bite of theirs. Just being friendly of course. We worked on our drinks, and after another ten minutes our order arrives, the server proclaiming with a smile, "sliders and very rare lamb chops." The sliders were okay. Typical little burger buns with tender pork covered in a little too much KC Masterpiece style sauce. The side of fries was small but good. Nicely fried and still crunchy.
The lamb deserves its own paragraph. Three decent looking and good sized chops. My wife worked on these first, before we switched plates, and said nothing. My first well anticipated bite revealed barely a sliver of pinkness in the center, the chop a definite medium well. No juice, no blood, and no dangling raw tenderness. The flavor was one note, and forgetful.
When our waiter returned, he asked how everything was, and I told him aobut the chops. He stated that he certainly had told the chef very rare. He apologized, and brought our check... and our water... the water we were still waiting for since we sat down.
I hate to be a complainer, but there is one more thing that I just can't stand. The entire table smelled strongly of gray mop water. If you have never worked in a restaurant, and I have, you might not recognize the sour stink of old, dirty mop water. It was on the table, the napkins, and the placemats. Finally, and here I go bitching again, the hostess was nice enough to go pet three dogs tied to a parking meter on the sidewalk. They all licked her hands, probably after spending some time earlier that day licking their own assholes, (sorry for the language) and then went back to her station. In all fairness she did immediately squirt some antibiotic gel onto her hands, but I would have preferred hot water and soap.
Overall, aside from the stink and the overcooked lamb and the canine saliva, I would say this place is okay, but just okay. Have a drink or two and watch the tourists and local plastique pedestrians. It's good for that. -
Review from Leon K.
Mission Viejo, CA
3/5/2012
My wife and I are big fans of Watermarc where New Zealand greenlip mussels prepared with saffron lemon cream deserve a special award.
230 Forest Avenue is an average restaurant, unfortunately. No matter how much we tried to find a better description, we did not find any additional pluses that could change our opinion.
Dishes ordered:
- West Coast Tempura Oysters
- Manila Clams and Greenlip Mussels
- Short Rib Ravioli
The biggest disappointment was the Short Rib Ravioli. Almost everything failed to uplift this dish (and we tried many similar dishes). The pasta was too thick, failing to allow the flavor of the main ingredient inside - short rib filling - to delight the palette. What made it more disappointing the extreme dryness of short rib filling. Almost Sahara dry. The port wine reduction sauce also failed to complement the dish: too thick, not enough acidity, and simply not enough of it to blend and balance all other ingredients. I came close to sending the dish back but instead decided to see if 230 Forest will read this review.
Manila Clams and Greenlip Mussels: the garlic herb broth lacked both garlic and herbs. I could not tell whether these two main ingredients were present.
West Coast Tempura Oysters: nicely done with tempura batter begin very light.
Are we planning to return? No. Disappointing. -
Review from Katherine H.
Los Angeles, CA
7/15/2011
This is a great setting for a lovely summer's evening meal - open, airy, great service. The cocktails are pretty good and the wine list is decent, making for a nice way to start the night.
I had the green salad (good) followed by the salmon, served with corn/potato hash and lump crab. It was very mediocre, not any better than something I'd prepare at home. My boyfriend ordered a creamy chicken pasta dish and it was very tasty and calorie-dense. I kept having to stop myself from picking at his plate. We sampled a few of the desserts and found that the creme brulee was our mutual favorite.
Pretty good. I'd likely give it another try if I lived in the area. -
Review from Kim H.
Irvine, CA
1/28/2012
If you come on a weekend, definitely come before 6 to avoid having a wait. The ambiance is great -- classy, intimate decor. I did notice that some of the tables were a little too intimate -- very close together in that awkward way. I took my parents here to celebrate their anniversary and our table was excellent. The waiter was really friendly and helpful with selections. My mom and I both got the salmon salad and agreed it was delicious--good flavor, good size. The bread they give you is warm and fresh. I'd definitely come back here for a cocktail and some appetizers on a date night.
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Review from jacquelyne m.
San Diego, CA
7/27/2011 Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here
Maui onion soup was too sweet for my taste, I said ok maybe it's the type of onion so I let it pass. As I tried to eat more, the cheese was just not having it as it clung to the bowl and spoon for dear life.
The rest of the dinner was dry fish, hard ass bread... no likey. But I guess a good cougar spot? There were 2 to our left, 2 on our right, four at the bar getting nice and hammered, and as we left two more came in... -
Review from Kevin D.
Upland, CA
7/18/2011
What a joy to find a place in the middle of a tourist area that REALLY hits a home run though they probably don't have to given their mondo-cool location.
I never cook, and eat out daily (my problem). I've eaten here a number of times. It looks like they can sit maybe 20 outside if you like. But because the entire front is open glass you don't feel shut-in if you sit indoors.
I personally like their salads and seafood. This last visit did not dissapoint. The shrimp brochette was fabulous. We had the salmon salad and it was cooked to perfection and seasoning was off the chart.
So because I have never had a bad meal there, I decided to look a little deeper. The employees seemed to be happy, the bartender was mixing it up, and every inch seemed very clean.
There were plenty of awards on the windows, all well-deserved. -
Review from Crystal I.
Laguna Beach, CA
8/16/2011
Yummy food.....a bit expensive for bohemian Laguna, but because the food is dangerously delicious, I continue to visit every year.
I recommend the Tuna Tartar and the Chilean Seabass.
Always busy, so make a reservation and be prepared to wait at least 15 minutes during rush hours. -
Review from Liz M.
Long Beach, CA
8/3/2011
My review acts primarily as a support of what everyone else is saying about 230. Great wait staff and delicious food.
There were three of us yesterday in for dinner. We decided to share several appetizers and a salad. The seafood salad was a generous portion, crisp, and had just the right amount of pizzazz. The onion soup is the best I've had -- super flavorful without being too salty. The duck spring rolls and crab cakes were unexpectedly flavorful -- we'll definitely be back for these!
Our waiter was quick to point out that the appetizers came with two of each item, and asked if we'd like to increase the portion to three. That was really helpful in deciding how much we should order. Our drinks were quickly refilled and I didn't feel pressured into buying cocktails.
Also to note: we arrived at 5:45pm (on a Tuesday) and were seated immediately. Had we tried 15 minutes later, there would have been a significant wait. Make reservations, if you can!
