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Eva's-A Caribbean Kitchen
Category: Restaurants Caribbean Caribbean [Edit]
31732 S Pacific Coast HwyLaguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 499-6311
- Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- 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:
- Romantic, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
220 reviews for Eva's-A Caribbean Kitchen
Review Highlights
"We will be back Eva, and can't wait for more rum punch."
(in 32 reviews)
"i've tried their curry prawns & chilean sea bass."
(in 16 reviews)
"Dessert - special coconut creme brulee was divine."
(in 11 reviews)
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220 reviews in English
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Review from Zan P.
Studio City, CA
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Eeeevaaaa to my Wal-E, the rum to punch and the Carib to my bean - Eva's is it all!! If you want to feel like you've slipped off to a small piece of the Caribbean or a tiny island getaway, then this is the place. I'm not saying just in decor or music, but more in experience. I've been to Eva's a few times before but this last time just amazed me and the sweet (and pregnant) lady wife. When your pregnant wife wants jerk chicken or lightly breaded and fried red snapper, you get it for her dangit! We were the first to show up right at 5 and a beaming and sweet woman accepted us like a mother welcoming her college freshman home. Of course mommy couldn't partake in too much booze, but Eva treated her to an incredible liquor-free homemade pomegranate spritzer. I had one of the best rum-tasting experiences of my life. 20 year, dessert rum, you name it, she has it on the extensive rum list. I wanted to change my name to Ron after that tasting (rum in Spanish ;)). Or Wal-E. all I can say is Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum... Or 3. haha
The fried red snapper, jerk chicken and jerk pork loin are all insane. Including the conch fried balls. My lady doesn't do conch that often and even she was stoked. I think even the baby let out a few kicks of jubilation for them. Ha
David the server was exceptional as well!
It was an amazing experience and I have nothing but love for what Eva provided for us that night!! Go. You'll love it... And you'll want some more of it. That rhymed. -
Review from Drew M.
I make it a point to follow up on referrals from friends, whether it be a book, a bar, or a restaurant. I've heard talk of Eva's from a few friends, and I've had it sitting in my queue for far too long.
I called and made reservations, and Eva was waiting for us as we walked through the door with a smile and a warm welcome. Eva's is small but cozy, just as you'd expect such a place to be. The restaurant is littered with little gems of decor, full of color, and slightly quirky but not out of place. Eva's boasts a giant selection of Rum, and is reputed to have some amazing cocktails highlighting said Rum. I stuck to strictly the food on this excursion.
It's impossible to mention Eva's without talking about Eva herself, and that is absolutely a positive thing. Eva is a very front of the house kind of person, checking in with all the tables, and really spending time to talk with you and make recommendations that show that she's actually listening to what you're saying and not just pushing an agenda. She chooses all the fish that are cooked at her restaurant, and can modify the preparation of dishes a bit depending on your spice register.
I opted for the Blackened Catfish, and had her bring the spice down a bit after she explained just how spicy 3 star spicy really was. Looking back I think I would have been alright, but the way it came out to me still let me enjoy the taste of the catfish without bleeding from my eyeballs.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The fish was perfectly prepared with a Cajun rub that had a little fire hiding inside it, and was served with grilled pineapple, roasted pepper and passion fruit relish. I am a sucker for spicy sweet, so having a sweet relish on top of the fish, complimented by some coconut rice was a hit. I inhaled the dish and probably could have eaten another one. (9/10).
We also had the Coconut Creme Brulee, which had a light coconut taste without overpowering the dish. I was slightly worried about only getting the taste of coconut, but it was subdued and played well into the overall taste of the dish. 8/10.
I have absolutely no reservations about recommending this restaurant to anyone looking for a good date spot, a fantastic meal, and a warm and glowing reception. Eva is truly a delight, and I just felt like I was in someones home throughout our stay, and probably could have sat until they closed without any pressure to leave. Eva's, thank you for a wonderful evening!Listed in: Date Night FTW
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Review from Vanessa H.
Aliso Viejo, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had a breakthrough here.
Those who know me, know that I don't eat seafood. Of any kind. EVER. It's a texture as much as a taste/smell thing, and despite how many times I've been told "But try this. THIS is the good stuff" I never end up liking it. It's like telling a lesbian that she just hasn't met the right guy.
So when I attempted to order the Curry Chicken, Eva (who is super warm and inviting, like everyone else here has said) immediately suggested the Curry Snapper, which wasn't on the menu that night. She saw my hesitation, and launched a full blown campaign detailing how she picks her own fresh fish and never eats fish anywhere else.
Against my usual judgment, I caved in to her very persuasive offer.
Well, color me bi-curious. Because THAT was GOOD FISH. It was such a large portion that I couldn't get through it all, but I kept eating AFTER I was full because I didn't want it to go to waste.
Thank you Eva for an amazing experience. I will be back, as I promised, to try the salmon!Listed in: Date Night in Orange County
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Review from Ann N.
Lake Forest, CA
Amazing flavors. Cozy atmosphere. Great service. Oh and awesome drinks! What's not to love?
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Review from Trang H.
Wow! What a great experience :) hands down the best and most personable service we've ever got at any restaurant EVER. It was like we went to our auntie's house for dinner.
Eva knew right when we got in the door who we were. She greeted us and said, "Hi, are you Kris?" and the boyfriend said, "...yes" and the experience began.
We brought our good friend here for his birthday and we're really glad we did. Eva had an extensive rum list and a host of mixed drinks. Normally that's not something we mention in a review but the shear size of the selection makes it notable.
The place is as inviting and homely as the service. The walls covered with trinkets and designs that can spark even the most bland conversation.
We got our food and loved the place even more. The food was full of rich Caribbean flavors. Plenty of spices and seasoning that really brought every dish to life.
A real unexpected highlight from our dishes was the mashed potatoes. They were amazing! Easily some of the best we've had, they had texture, creaminess and so much flavor it could be served in a bowl by themselves.
What really put us over the top was at the end of our meal. I think it was Eva's 3rd time stopping by our table to see how everyone was doing. She was getting ready to box the rest of our friends meal and she said, "You know I've got some extra potatoes in the back, I'll pack you some up in your to go box since it's the end of the night."
We were all soooo shocked! A restaurant has NEVER done that for us before. Eva just so genuinely nice that you can really tell that she loves to feed people. She is definitely passionate about it and she treats everybody with a kindness that most people only get from their family members.
On our way out she thanked us for coming and gave us all hugs as we walked out the door.
It was an amazing experience. One that we won't forget! We would give her 6 stars if we could!Listed in: Favorite Places to Eat
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Review from Christina N.
Orange County, CA
1/3/2012
Came here to celebrate my 21st birthday last year, and boy, was I impressed. I'm pretty open-minded when it comes to ethnic foods, but I was slightly wary to indulge in Caribbean fare. Looking back, it was because there are just not enough opportunities to even look at a Caribbean-style dish here in OC, let alone taste it. For some odd reason, Eva's is the only Caribbean restaurant I know of in my area.
The place looks like a cottage from the outside, and it emanates the same cottage-y coziness upon entering. The interior basks you in warm colors that emit from the art and decorations adorning the walls, and the service that greets you is just as welcoming. Eva herself even peruses the tables, making sure that everything is peachy keen on everyone's little table "island."
If you've never enjoyed Caribbean food, it's time you did! The aromatic spices drifting from my heaping plate of rice, vegetables, plantains, and jerk chicken were as delectable as its taste. Don't forget to order a drink too. The exotic array of alcoholic concoctions here may persuade you to believe that you are, in fact, living it up on a Caribbean vacation. Just try not to hurry outside too quickly. It'll spoil the fantasy.Listed in: Foodie's Delights
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Review from ESPEN K.
Aliso Viejo, CA
1/17/2012
Until I dined at Eva's Caribbean Kitchen I have never even contemplated giving a restaurant a 5-star review...In all of my travels, I can honestly say that this is my one favorite place to dine throughout the planet.
The exquisite balance of food, drink, service and ambiance always makes me wish I could stay until breakfast, lunch and dinner the following day....! Seriously, I have never felt that way about any other 'eatery'....In my book, this is as good as it gets....Go there and truly enjoy a wonderful restaurant experience.....! Eva and her staff will be 'seared' in your minds forever :) -
Review from Ziva P.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 1/5/2012
Once again, we returned for what has become our annual destination. Eva's was stellar in every way, from the guy playing and singing out front to the delicious food, drink, and desserts. Also loved the party atmosphere, very festive. And last, but not least, EVA, herself. The epitomy of graciousness.
Thanks, and see you next New Year's Eve!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2011
Hubby and I had an opportunity to get away for New Years' Eve at quite a lovely hotel in one of… Read more »
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Review from John W.
Laguna Niguel, CA
12/19/2011
My wife and I went on a double date to Eva's with some good friends. We got there at 5pm and were promptly seated. Each of us had an infant with us and they were good the entire time (almost 2 hours)! Let me tell you though, this is not a place where you rush to get in and get out. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
My wife and I started with the cesar salad with chicken. The salad was great and they add pineapple to it. It was a nice change. The chicken was jerked and very tasty. Our friends had the crab cakes, which I tried, and they were delicious. They had lots of crab and great flavor.
To drink I had the ginger beer (ginger ale) which was $5 and not that great. Reed's Extra Ginger Beer is WAY better and 1/5th the price. My wife had the tropical juice that was very good.
For the entrees I had the stewed fish plate which came with a nice piece of fish on top of rice with beans, veggies and a plantain. It was very delicious. The fish was topped with stewed tomatoes, garlic, onion and other goodies. My wife had the pork tenderloin which was amazing. You get 2 thick, perfectly cooked cuts with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies. Our friends split the jerked half chicken which was very good as well. I would not recommend ordering this unless you are proficient at breaking down a chicken, otherwise it is a chore to eat.
The atmosphere is very pleasant with a great island vibe. Eva is coming and going all night and very friendly and accommodating. We even were pleased to hear the live steel drum player.
Make sure to get a reservation! Try this place out. You will not be disappointed! -
Review from Micah B.
Utah, UT
1/21/2012
We ordered takeout and tried the spicy shrimp appetizer, jerk chicken, pork and steak. This review will sound picky but I really did like it. The spices were tasty but the pork was a little dry. Rice and peas - meh. The spicy shrimp appetizer was really spicy - be careful. We mentioned that we had heard good things about the rum punch (thanks fellow yelpers) and the hostess gave us a glass while we waited for our order. Don't leave this place without trying it - it's homemade, unique and delicious.
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Review from Carrie C.
Found this place on Yelp and was so super excited to try Caribbean food. There were so many great reviews and pictures. I was looking forward to this place all day! We got there and it wasn't too busy yet. It was a pretty small place. I have never seen such a huge list of rum..it was pretty impressive. too bad I don't drink. My BF got the house rum punch, the one that is recommended by everyone and he said it was pretty good. I got this guava drink that was sweet, but I liked it.
We ordered the crab cakes, which was way over cooked, to the point where it was super dry and tasteless..and the spicy shrimp, which had a lot of flavor, but ALOT ALOT ALOT of heat. if you can't handle spicy, don't even put this in your mouth because mine burned for 5 minutes straight. even my BF who eats spicy on a constant basis admitted that it was just a bit too spicy.
We ordered the sea bass which our waiter says people come from LA to eat..it's like $38. We wanted to try it. and let me tell you, I think the dish costs about $5. If you want to charge that much for a dish, it better blow your mind away. It pretty much just blew my money out of my wallet. It was oily, NOT flavorful at all, and just was not good. The other entree, the blackened salmon was also super oily and you'd think being blackened it's a bit spicy with lots of spices but, no, not at all. Tasteless. yuck, Also there was ALOT of bones in the sea bass. Yes again, if I were to pay that much for a piece of fish, I'd expect not to choke and die on bones. WTF.
When deciding on dessert, our waiter HIGHLY recommended the coconut creme brulee. He said that he lives off that stuff. Again, I got excited and hoped that it would leave a better taste in my mouth than the food did. So we got creme brulee. yes..the creamy center with the hard sugar top. Where was the coconut? I asked myself that too. They pretty much threw in a few shreds of coconut flakes and decided to call it coconut creme brulee. HORRIBLE. WTF again. unacceptable.
Eva did come by and say hello, nice, but doesn't make up for the fact that I hated her food. Also I had to go to the bathroom a few times, and the place is so small that it's in the back of the kitchen, past the dishwashers and Eva back there grinding her spices. So weird and awkward as I was standing there waiting for the bathroom.
I wonder what it is that people like to come here for and rate so highly of. Maybe the food was just off that night. Or perhaps we're not versed in Caribbean food, but then again, I know what great food tastes like, and it wasn't here. What a waste of a trip down to Laguna beach. -
Review from Karen L.
Irvine, CA
12/30/2011
Wonderfully different. The owner is present, and really cares. Order the sangria...it's great. Food can be as hot as you want; interesting menu. Fun atmosphere. Try it!
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Review from Ctam G.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/7/2012
Wow.... Soup was amazing....I would come back for that by itself. Martini's are wonderful. We had the jerk pork...very moist and flavorful but i wanted a little more spice...next time I'm going for something with a bigger kick. Okay hold on...you ready....the best I mean the best ever creme brulee!! Aaaaaamazing! She adds coconut milk and it is perfect...unreal. Lastly, the best thing about this place is the owner, Eva...she was so nice, made recommendations, told us not to get another main course because it would have been to much food, she cleans tables, seemed like a really nice woman with a beautiful smile.
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Review from Rena T.
Long Beach, CA
10/20/2011
OK OK, I realize I say this a lot but ...
ONE OF THE BEST MEALS I'VE EVER EATEN. EVER.
No, seriously. EVER.
We came to Eva's to celebrate our anniversary and had an absolutely remarkable evening.
The food, the ambiance, the service ... all of it. Exceptional.
It's exactly what I imagine a cozy, little, off the beaten track place in the Caribbean might be like. Definitely an ideal spot for a special evening, such as a wedding anniversary. Very quaint and romantic.
My fish was cooked perfectly - and melted in my mouth like a hunk of butter. The mashed plantains were out of this world. I was a little hesitant to try them and our waitress (who by the way REALLY knew the menu and gave GREAT suggestions - such a nice touch!) assured me that I'd love them. She was right. Awesome!!!!
My husband's meal was also superb. We had the cajun prawns for an appetizer ... holy crap! SO spicy and SO good! Wow!
At the end of our meal, Eva came by to deliver our dessert (which we took for carry out, because we were so stuffed) and also to see that everything was to our liking. We told her it was our anniversary and she quickly zipped back into the kitchen to prepare us a special dessert, on the house! Who does that?! Eva does. What a wonderful, gracious woman! She returned with a beautiful coconut flan, which sadly, I didn't have the heart to tell her that I couldn't enjoy it due to my lactose intolerance. My husband however, happily indulged himself and ate the entire thing. He reports that it was "pretty unbelievable!"
It'll be hard to find a more perfect anniversary dinner spot in the years to come. We just may have to make Eva's our special place from now on! -
Review from Jen M.
Orange County, CA
10/17/2011
I've fallen in love with Eva's so much that I've already decided to have my rehearsal dinner or wedding reception there one day. What can I say about the incredible dining experience at Eva's that hasn't been said already. I guess I will just add to all of the other love letters here. :)
My friend highly recommended this restaurant, saying it's her favorite in Laguna Beach. I now agree!! There's a personal touch to it all that is hard to find elsewhere. And the food is the melt-in-your-mouth kind, tastes home-cooked and authentic. Yuuuum!
Walking into the restaurant I was warmly greeted by Eva herself, who enthusiastically sat our party of three down and handed us the menu. Everything on the menu looked great and I didn't know where to start. Just then Eva brought us piping hot bread and butter, and even complimentary cups of her delicious Calaloo soup! Already impressed with soup and her generosity, I was ready to order some drinks. I got a Ting (Jamaican grapefruit soda), friend got a brown sugar cocktail drink and boyfriend ordered the rum flight (a bit pricy but well worth it as he kept complimenting the tastes of the rum drinks). If you're a rum enthusiast, this is definitely your place.
The music is festive and fun to groove to as you get completely immersed in the tropical but cozy atmosphere of the restaurant. We were also given a complimentary serving of plantains by Eva which made us feel spoiled and so grateful to come there. Ms. Eva has a very real passion for making her customers happy and talking about the food and cultures of the Caribbean. I'd never before experienced a chef/owner enjoying interacting and sharing with customers so much and it was refreshing to experience that.
My friend and I split an order of the Creole Stewed Fish because they were sold out of the Jerk Chicken. They only have a certain number of chickens and it's a popular dish here, so let them know when you reserve to save you a jerk chicken before you come! Not to worry, the stewed fish dish was divine! Eva even brought us two separate plates of it with heaping portions because she's just that awesome!! (love this woman). She reminds you of a sweet relative who always keeps feeding you till you have a happy food baby. Boyfriend's catfish was perfectly cooked too but he was still relishing over his rum flight.
Already very full, we still felt something was missing if we didn't order us a coconut creme brule dessert. It was one of the best creme brule's I've ever had. It doesn't taste so coconuty because it's more coconut milk mixed in giving a very creamy flavor. At the end of our meal, Eva brought my boyfriend an aged rum drink from Martinique and he was about ready to propose to her at this point. If that wasn't enough, she brought me and my friend two dessert drinks in honor of our birthdays coming up.
Eva, you've won over our hearts (and wallets). I never had a dining experience like that before. I will bring everyone I know here. She's been going 11 years strong and I can see why. By the way, she may be partnering with the owner of Break of Dawn to expand the restaurant and create a lunch/dinner menu, sometime around January she said. Keep an eye out for that. -
Review from George U.
Irvine, CA
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a fantastic restaurant. I kept thinking I'd give this place a 3 or 4 stars, but I realized I was being petty, and you'll see why throughout this review.
I make reservations at 7:30 PM to take my friends out who are getting married. I'd figure this is a restaurant we've all heard about, but hadn't tried yet. So we all make our way, found parking and checked in. Turns out, our table wasn't ready. 7:45 ticks by and I'm getting impatient. The owner came out and apologized and asked if we wanted anything to drink. We all start talking amongst ourselves. I said, "Gin and tonic, please." She gave me a look of, "Why are you ordering a Gin and Tonic at my place." So, trying to save face, I blurt out a Cuba Libre. She shook her head laughing and said, "Just wait here, I got it." The hostess is laughing and said, "She'll bring you guys good stuff."
She brought out two rum punch's, a mojito and a guava rum drunk. Delicious! We stood there drinking and talking until we were seated. By the time we sat down, it was 8:00 PM and I was no longer grumpy.
We sat down and ordered the Conch Fritta and the Punani Shrimp. Delicious. The Conch Fritta had a bitter after taste, but the creamy consistency and rich taste in the beginning is the stronger memory of the dish. The Punani shrimp is a fried shrimp with a sweet dipping sauce. The waiter, scattered, left with the appetizer orders. He came back and got our drink orders. After we were done with the appetizers, we waited for our waiter to come back to get our entree orders. I had to flag him down and he apologized for not taking it earlier.
The future bride and my girlfriend ordered the salmon, the future groom ordered the Jerk Pork and I ordered the Jerk Chicken. Fantastic.
We ordered the creme brulee, which surprised me because their custard was a bit different. A little more tart is what I believed was the difference.
I paid for the whole dinner and was not upset by the price. It was roughly $40.00 per person including tip.
Now, I kept thinking about giving this place a 3 or 4 because of the botched reservation time and the service forgetting to take our entree for a while, but then I thought about how they reacted each time. They apologized quickly and resolved to make the dining experience top notched.
I loved dining here and after thinking about how great the staff and owner was to make sure we still enjoyed our dining experience, I'm wondering when I'll come back. -
Review from Avi p.
10/15/2011
Wow, It was well worth the 2 hour drive to get to Eva's.. Excellent food great service, cozy Caribbean feel.. What else can you ask for.. I am always on a quest to find good Caribbean food and this is a daunting task on the west coast where there is not much Caribbean food choices.
Being originally from the Caribbean I have quite a bit of background on the food from my region an can be very picky as to what I consider good food from the mediocre oh what is this crap they trying to sell off as Caribbean food.. I have been to many places where they claim to be original but I end up getting plates that you would find in baja mexico or they use a little bit of coconut ingredients here and there and bam here is your Caribbean food.. No.. True Caribbean chefs can take an ingredient that you will find in any restaurant and use it in there unique way to convert it into something that leave you wondering what did they put in this to make it so incredibly tasty and this is what Chef Eva has done.. She captures you not only with her warm smile but with memorable food that will make you crave more...
Eva's uses a mixture of traditional with a bit of her original style, so you can get an very authentic peas and rice with a chillean sea bass that i dont even think they can recreate in the Caribbean.. The conch fritters are to die for and her choice of unique drinks makes me hungry just writing this.. The prices are very reasonable for the level of food you are getting at this place..
Eva's took me from Appetizer to Main course to Desert making me wish it will never end and I had no complains, except one... just wish they were located closer to LA so I can enjoy this place more often.. -
Review from Mike M.
Atlanta, GA
12/28/2011
Incredible food, that is unique - guaranteed that you've never had anything like it. The service is great and I've never been there without being personally greeted by Eva. It really is a quaint little place thats totally understated and unpretentious - often difficult to find in Laguna.
To eat, I recommend anything "jerk" -- pork loin, or the chicken if you can manage to get it. To drink, you gotta try the Pink Punani or Brown Suga...especially if you like rum. Both drinks taste like vacation :) -
Review from Noel R.
Trabuco Canyon, CA
1/21/2012
I had pretty high expectations for some good food after seeing the good reviews for Eva's Caribbean Kitchen. So you can imagine my surprise when I was completely blown away by how delicious Eva's food is. I am drooling just thinking about the jerk pork that I had for dinner last night. I have never had a more juicy piece of pork. How is it possible that a piece of meat melts in your mouth? It was like a nice juicy pillow of pork. Eva definitely cares about the quality of the ingredients that she uses, it shocked me to hear that she drives to LA every day to hand pick the best cuts of meat. I think the goofy grin of satisfaction on my face after eating dinner is the proof that she knows what she's doing. The flavor of the jerk seasoning was a perfect blend of spices and a little blast of herbs with each bite, but not overpowering at all. I snuck a bite of my wife's sea bass and was equally blown away by how juicy it was, I never had such a juicy sea bass! The flavor was wonderful. You can definitely taste the love in Eva's food. I hope you go try the food and enjoy the relaxing and happy environment at Eva's Caribbean Kitchen. You won't be disappointed.
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Review from Rajat R.
Palmdale, CA
12/24/2011
Fantastic rum selection and then the blackened salmon tasted out of this world. Great place and must eat restaurant.
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Review from Hazel Q.
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's damn near impossible to pinpoint one amazing thing about Eva's... it's seriously ALL spectacular. I was going to start by saying the service is fantastic, but it's so good it's hard to even call it service. You honestly feel like family. Eva is truly an amazing person, and you can tell within moments of meeting her that you're going to like her. It's really a rare quality, but part of what makes this restaurant shine.
Of course the other parts are the deliciously strong cocktails and the Caribbean grub. The rum punch! If I could only have one beverage (and no risk of diabetes or liver disease) for the rest of my life, I'd pick Eva's own rum punch. So damn perfect.
The food! Oh, the food. Wowzers. You all know that I'm no expert foodie, but I'm going to pronounce myself qualified to say that every bite of I had at Eva's was phenomenal. From the jerk pork loin to the blackened salmon to the creme brulee. All of the flavors were so interesting and expertly put together - you could really tell it was made by someone who cared.
There are few better restaurant experiences I can remember in my lifetime than my night at Eva's... and I sense many more to come in the not too distant future. -
Review from Ed W.
San Clemente, CA
9/10/2011
What a great little find last night right on PCH. We have passed this place a zillion times and never stopped in before. It is such a fun little spot. The decor is total Caribbean and the restaurant is set up in such a cool way that you forget you are right off busy PCH. Eva does a great job of transcending you to the Caribbean.
The food is very authentic and the service was exceptional. They have an amazing drink list including everything imaginable with rum! Definitely add this one to your 'to visit' list. -
Review from Alex D.
Aspen, CO
11/28/2011
Eva's deserves its accolades. It is warm, inviting, and the food is delicious and spicy. The staff makes you feel like a longtime local, and the funky yet comfy decor automatically shifts your mood. I couldn't decide between two rum drinks -- our server suggested one that was less sweet, which was delicious, and then later after our entrees she brought me a half glass of the other drink just to try it. I was impressed. A wonderful 90-minute getaway.
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Review from Alli Y.
Irvine, CA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Now I do have to say, I have to go back and try again not w/kids. I took my family there and this restaurant is small. If you have little kids, I would recomment not going!! No kids menu and most of the items would have a kick.
The place is a little hard to find and my google map had it on the wrong side of pch so be careful. They were out of the chilean seabass which had great reviews. Bro-in-law go the Pineapple Glazed Pork Loin Boneless cut of pork loin marinated in dark Puerto Rican rum, garlic, and the other stuff then grilled. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and pineapple chutney--the pork chops were good size and 2 of them. Dad got the special fish of the day which I can't remember. It was ok.
Got Mom the Blackened Catfish- good house Cajun spice blend, then
seared in a black French skillet and oven roasted, served with
grilled pineapple, roasted pepper and passion fruit relish. Sister & I split the Chicken Stew- pieces of chicken sautéed in garlic, ginger, a dash of this and a little of that, green onions, soy sauce and tomatoes. It was good but could probably make at home.
The bread was fresh & warm. We had to wait for 2nds since that's all the kids ate. No room for strollers since we had 1 asleep.
Food was good, just not sure I'd go outta my way to get back there again. But I think I need to try maybe w/ a friend or something. Less choatic. :)Listed in: OC
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Review from Bill J.
Uniontown, OH
Authentic Caribbean flavor in Laguna Beach. Eva will make you feel like family.
The food: If you like spicy, they have incredibly spicy options here. The Cajun prawns bring me to tears, but yet I can not stop eating them. I even save that sauce for the garlic mashed potatoes, so I am crying through the whole meal. It is a different burn, a good burn. However, there are plenty of non-spicy options available. My wife loves Eva's and she won't go near spicy. For the entree, I typically go with the BBQ Salmon but this time I tried the Garlic Caesar Salad with Jerk Chicken. Really flavorful jerk seasoning.
Drinks: While most places have a wine list, Eva pulls off a Rum List. Try the Tortuga Pineapple Rum on the rocks or just go with a rum punch.
Dessert: the flaming bananas in passion fruit liqueur over vanilla ice cream is my choice every time. They also have a great key lime pie, guava cheesecake, and chocolate bread pudding.
Eva and the staff: Eva is originally from Guyana. When we said that we had just returned from neighboring Trinidad, we were instantly family and she comped our appetizer. We go here exactly once a year, every July, and Eva remembers us, year after year. But it is not because we had been in Trinidad. Eva makes everyone part of her family.
Atmosphere: Yes, the place is small. We always sit at one of the five outside tables on the patio. They have patio heaters if it gets chilly. There are 10-12 tables inside. The inside is decorated with hundreds of colorful ceramic masks. They make the most of the space here. You have to walk through the kitchen to get to the single restroom.
Location: across PCH from the ocean, Eva's is in the block between 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue. This is 3.8 miles south of downtown Laguna Beach, 1.4 miles north of Crown Valley Pkwy. If you are coming down from Laguna Beach, watch for the traffic light at 3rd Avenue. Eva's is half a block ahead on the left.
Eva's is our favorite place in Laguna Beach, hands-down. -
Review from Barry B.
Laguna Niguel, CA
9/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Thank's to all the yelpsters who have reviewed this hidden S. Laguna gem. This is one of the coolest restaurants I've been to anywhere in the world and could easily be on an island as on the PCH in Laguna. Small, quaint and romantic. Great service and open kitchen. Eva herself investing the time and legitimate care for her clientele will keep her and her intimate and charming cafe' a winner for years to come. Oh yeah the food! Curry Snapper delectable! Soup not sure what it was but excellent.
Interesting and flavorful assortment of island drinks including non-alcoholic. And of course warm chocolate cake with homemade coffee ice cream to close. Eva's - definitely to be cherished and visited again and again. -
Review from Audra R.
Orange County, CA
5/23/2011
Whoo hoo a restaurant where its a chef-owner thing, in OC? No, really!??!
Yeah a real restaurant, so few and far between in these parts...
Eva is delightful, checked us in and showed us or table. She had a great warmth and energy- perfect for Caribbean food. The ambiance is fab, low key, beachy casual and super intimate dining. Great for a table of 4 friends or a double date. I think the front patio is better than inside.
Food was great, not the best ever or super gourmet, but boy was it nice to eat some food with FLAVOR!!! Conch was good, crab cakes, pork loin, very good. Portions were large.. Key lime pie was very tart, but I prefer it that way, I think that is more authentic.
Drinks- rum rum rum. I could not believe the amount of rum they had available to try from every region of world- Africa, the Caribbean, the middle east it was crazy! The mojito was authentic, no nasty sweetness and the pink punani, YUM, HAHA!
Service rocked, water glass never empty, etc...
2 appetizers, 4 entrees, 7 drinks, 1 coffee, 1 dessert $179, talk about value!!!!
Will totally be back
PS. Make reservations, they only have about 30 seats and they book up FAST. -
Review from tran l.
Aliso Viejo, CA
9/2/2011
The. BEST. pork. loins. ever. Seriously! Actually everything is pretty darn tasty, full of flavor and seasonings, but not overly-salty. Portions are very healthy (share!)
The plantains are pretty great, too. The rum menu is incredible, though a bit pricey. We haven't made it to dessert ever, because we're always so stuffed after the entree (again, very large portions). Would recommend sharing and trying different dishes. Try to call for reservations.
This is a great place for a dinner date, also for small group dinner. Intimate, but not stuffy. Comfortable, but not dive-y. Bring a sweater if dining at night on patio. -
Review from Mike Q.
5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sensational, spectacular, remarkable, extraordinary, amazing, and yes, effing awesome. Our dinner experience at Eva's was so good that we were scrambling for the proper superlative. From the first sip of Eva's own rum punch, to the last bite of the crème brûlée she insisted on us trying, everything was simply phenomenal. (Hey there's another word.)
What really sets this cozy little joint apart is Eva herself; the warmth and friendliness that she exudes permeates the entire dining experience from drinks to dessert. This being our first time here, our dinner foursome was shepherded along with helpful suggestions from Eva at every step of the way, from beverage suggestions, to tastings of appetizers, to a complimentary dessert to help celebrate our friend's birthday. He even got serenaded with an impromptu "Happy Birthday" song from everyone in the restaurant, led by Eva herself.
As for the Caribbean fare we actually ate and drank, everything we had was fantastic, starting with their selection of rums and rum-based libations. When the rum and cocktail menu is several pages thicker than the actual dinner menu, that's when you know they take their rum seriously. And the appetizers and entrées lived up to the precedent set by the drinks - bold and bright flavors singing of their Caribbean lineage. The jerk pork loin I chose ended up being the table's favorite, and I was more than happy to share. It was a very convivial atmosphere where we were passing around drinks and bites to each other so as to not miss out on anything.
Walking out of the restaurant with satisfied smiles on our faces, having been hugged farewell by Eva with an open invitation to come back at any time, we all agreed: Now THIS is how you run a small restaurant, with passion and love clearly the driving motivation. In a word, it was phenomenawesometastic. -
Review from Felice S.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 8/1/2011
I went back for my one year anniversary with my bf and it was even better than the first time, minus the live music. To start with, we had the Corn Crab Cakes. I really liked it, especially with the mango salsa. I had the Creole Stewed Fish and my bf had the Sea Bass for the main course. Both were superb, but I think the Sea Bass was better. Eva was really nice; she charged us nothing for the dessert. We had the Chocolate Bread Pudding a la mode and that was delicious as well. Service was great. I always leave this place very happy. :)
Highly highly suggest visiting!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/7/2010
I really loved every minute of my dinner. First off, my bf and I were lucky enough to get a parking… Read more »
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Review from William T.
Los Angeles, CA
7/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Quick version: Exceptional service, exceptional food and generous portions. If you're in the area, driving down to SD from LA, or up to LA from SD, make sure you stop by for dinner. Even at 4.5 stars, Eva's is underrated on Yelp!
Long version:
I'm a firm believer that the service aspect of any restaurant is just as important as the food. Eleven months ago, my girlfriend and I came to Eva's for our one month anniversary. While the food was exceptional, it was the fact that the owner/chef brought out the food with a warm smile and actually connected with her patrons that won me over.
Fast forward 11 months, and I knew we had to return to Eva's for our one year anniversary. This time, we were greeted by the lovely Chef Eva. We ordered the Crab and Sweet Corn Cakes for an appetizer and my girlfriend got the Creole Stewed Fish. I knew I wanted a fish dish as well, but wasn't sure if I wanted the Salmon, Catfish or the Seabass. Chef Eva said she'd surprise me and went back to the kitchen. Onto the food!
The Bread - Usually an afterthought and merely just a filler, the dinner roll is fresh, warm and delicious. Paired with the room temperature butter (SO much better than the hard slabs most places have), it's a great way to whet your appetite.
Crab and Sweet Corn Cakes - The crab cakes arrived and were just as good as we remembered. Crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside. Combined with the mango salsa, it was a delightful. Not too heavy for an appetizer, and perfect to share if you're a couple since they come with 2 pieces.
Creole Stewed Fish - I actually got this the last time we game. It was just as delicious as before. The fish is very moist and tasted fresh. The Caribbean spices were very flavorful without overpowering the taste of the fish, and the voodoo sauce definitely has some magic of its own.
As for my dish, Chef Eva came back with the...
Pan Roasted Chilean Seabass - On the menu, this is described as "the BEST, they say." That is not a hyperbole. This is, without a doubt, the BEST piece of fish I have ever had. The fish was perfectly blackened, and moist and flakey throughout. Every bite literally melted in my mouth. I'm Asian and normally take a mouthful of rice with every piece of fish/meat/veggie I eat, but this fish was so damn good, I had to eat it sans anything else on the plate (save for the mango salsa) so as not to waste the flavor.
As for the dessert, we ordered the...
Chocolate Bread Pudding a la mode - Chocolate. If you love chocolate, GET THIS. Even if you just like chocolate as a friend, you'll want to consider a long term relationship after having this dish. The chocolate is the star here, but the cinnamon from the bread pudding adds some depth to the flavors so that you don't get sick of all the ooey, gooey chocolate. Combine all that goodness with a bit of the ice cream, and you have the perfect way to end a perfect meal.
Here's the kicker. As I mentioned, Chef Eva said she'd surprise on the fish dish. She certainly did when she brought out the seabass, but at the price of cheaper dish. Moreover, when the bill came, I noticed that we were not charged for the dessert. See, when we arrived, Chef Eva asked if this was our first time there. I told her that it was our anniversary and we'd been there on our first month anniversary. I'm not sure if that was the motive behind her wonderful gesture, but regardless, it definitely made an impression.
Of course, given the quality of the food and the exceptional service, I felt compelled to properly pay for what we received. And this, my friends, is how you earn a 65% tip. -
Review from Kimberly P.
Orange County, CA
5/12/2011
WOW!
Great food, great atmosphere, great hostess. Need I go on?
I've been dying to try this place based on all the positive reviews. Well, guess what? They're all true. Eva is super nice and personable and her food is awesome too!
From the moment we walked in she was fussing over us. Offering a sample of her rum punch, cola champagne and fresh hot rolls. The rolls were overdone in her opinion and so she brought out more.
The drinks were great. We tried the mojito and after that rum punch sampling I just had to order a full size!
The food was full of flavor. We ordered the chicken stew, pork chops and blackened salmon. All came with sides of rice, vegetables and plantains. I'll be honest, I've never liked plantains. They've always been too sweet for me, but I figured if everything else tasted that phenomenal, I might as well give 'em a chance. Guess what? I think I like plantains now...
Her chicken stew was tender and packed with flavor. The chops weren't dry and cooked throughout to perfection. The salmon? You guessed it. Moist, tender and delicious.
We were celebrating a special 21st birthday and at the end of dinner she brought out a coconut creme brûlée with a candle! Although I'm not a sweets fan, creme brûlée is my kryptonite and this one did not disappoint.
I walked in here expecting the best based on the reviews, but I never expected our experience to be so great, and with hugs all around from Eva as we left! We'll definitely be coming back. -
Review from sean A.
Santa Ana, CA
8/17/2011 10 photos
Eva is an amazing chef and host. the food is absolutely delicious especially the pork loins. the rum punch and pomegranate mojito are refreshing and a perfect quencher from the spicy kick
you must dine here. -
Review from Cindy B.
Orange, CA
6/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best date night ever! This place is amazing! Once you walk in you get hit with this wonderful coconut smell like your somewhere tropical. Once you walk in your greeted with big smiles. Your then escorted to your table where there are beautiful colorful candles and caribbean decore all around.
We had the best server Melanie who did our ordering for us from appitizers, dinner and drinks. She asked what we like and preferred. She was right on the money with every choice. They had a house cocktail that was amazing and garnished with a flower. The food tasted so fresh and flavorfull. Oh the the dessert was heaven with a warm soft yet hard sugar crust that had me going in for more!
Eva even came out to our table to drop of cups of different rums to taste from all over the world. She even wrote them down and told us where to get them if we said we really liked a specific one. We left feeling great thanks to our tasty drinks and our bellys very happy and not to mention a big hug from Eva.
They get pretty busy so I would call ahead for a reservation! -
Review from Patricia P.
Dana Point, CA
11/18/2011
My husband and I continue to rank Eva's as one of our favorite restaurants. We have tried several of the entrees. Most recently we tried the Curry Snapper and Jerk Steak. The Snapper was prepared with just the right amount of curry spice and was so flaky and moist. The steak was cooked to perfection and the flavor was amazing. On our recent visit, we sampled the Caribbean Vacation rum flight. Usually, I try one of Eva's flavorful "libations," but this time we decided to share a flight. The whole experience is always so personalized, especially when you get to visit with Eva. Instead of opting for dessert, which I never have room for after the amazing entrees, I sampled a rum cream suggested by Eva. It was heavenly! Thank you Eva for yet another great dining experience!
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Review from Adam L.
Richmond, VA
6/1/2011
I was in town on Business and was researching unique places to eat and came across this place. I decided to check it out, and boy am I glad I did! Possibly the best dining experience of my life. My friend and I were seated and waited on by Eva herself and she was by far the best server I have ever had. She asked about us and where we were from and made recommendations on what to eat and drink. She called us by name the entire time, as well as referring to all the locals that were eating there by name! She knows everybody!
Now I am not a drinker but my friend enjoyed several of the vast list of beers she had, many of which cannot be found easily. She even brang out a few beers she thought he would enjoy and a Jamaican soda for myself on the house!
The food there was AMAZING! The spices she used were unreal, as they literally burst in your mouth. From the house rolls to the Conch fritters to the Blackened Salmon (with Eva's secret hot sauce) to the coconut Creme Brule, everything was absolutely fantastic!
Before we left she gave us both hugs and thanked us for coming. I promised her I would write a good review, as good reviews on Yelp are what led me there in the first place. If you live in Laguna Beach or are passing through, make sure you check out Eva's Caribbean Kitchen. I GUARANTEE you will not be disappointed! -
Review from Lisa G.
Irvine, CA
7/1/2011
The best fish curry ever! It's nearly impossible to describe the richness of the curry seasoning gracing the red snapper at Eva's. This bests all of the curry sauces that I have enjoyed over the years in India.
The evening wouldn't be complete without one or more of Eva's Rum Punch perfectly infused with ginger and cinnamon. I would also start the evening with a bowl of the delicious Callalou Soup. My boyfriend, Jeff, enjoyed the soup so much that he had a cup for dessert too!
If you really like fire, the Cajun Prawns are a must. These were so hot that Jeff, who has sworn off bread, had a large bite of bread slathered with butter just to take away the sting.
Finally, the atmosphere reminds one of being in the Caribbean and the service was superb. And....Eva's has the most robust selection of rum in the O.C. and perhaps in the United States. -
Review from Ryan M.
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the absolutely best dining experience I've had in a long time!
Earlier in the day, my girlfriend and I were talking about having dinner in Laguna Beach, but we both were in the mood to be "wow"-d, and we both agreed that's hard to come by with the endless choices of "American (New)" in Laguna. After a quick search on Yelp, we thought this place looked interesting and the new food experience piqued our interest. Sadly, no online reservation system so I actually had to dial the phone and talk to a human to make a reservation. Oh, the humanity!
Reservations for 8pm on a Saturday night was easily made around 4:30pm the same day.
I was slightly concerned about finding parking as there is no valet service, just a bit of street parking on PCH and the side streets nearby. Luckily I scored a parking spot right in front.
We had reservations at 8pm and arrived on time. The host (in sandals and jeans) told us it would be a couple minutes. A few minutes later, Eva herself came out and told us it would be a few more minutes. We were seated after about 10 minutes total. There isn't any place to really wait besides standing on the sidewalk on PCH.
We were seated at small secluded two person table in the alleyway. There were strings of red lights strung along the wall, which set a nice mood.
Our waiter was super casual; white t-shirt, jeans and sneakers. He covered the specials with us and gave us some insight into some of the popular cocktails. Their rum selection is HUGE! You can order a flight of different rums for about $20 each. We settled on Eva's Rum Punch and the Brown Sugar. Both were excellent and highly recommended.
For an appetizer, I ordered the conch fritters. The menu (and waiter) mentioned that they do take a bit longer to make than other items, but they came out pretty fast. Quite excellent and highly recommended if you enjoy the taste and texture of conch. Might not be the best choice for a newbie.
For entrées, we both went with the specials. Originally she wanted to order the Chilean sea bass, but the waiter told us that it wasn't available that night. Apparently, Eva had been to the fish market and wasn't satisfied with the fish quality that day, so she decided to not offer it.
I ordered the red snapper curry, and she ordered the Cajun escarole. When our food came, and we both took a bite, we let out a unified "Mmmmmm". The curried red snapper was perfection. Ultimately, the Cajun seasoning on the escarole was too much for my girlfriend so I swapped dishes with her. It's always fun to share anyways.
Halfway through our meal, Eva came by and checked on us. We thought that was a very nice touch to the experience.
When it came time for dessert, the waiter just showed up with a coconut creme brulee with caramelized brown sugar on top. He told us it was compliments of Eva since she didn't recognize us and figured it was our first time dining there. How awesome is that?!?
We were floored by such a perfect meal and experience.
A+Listed in: Our Yelp-tastic Relationship
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Review from Michelle W.
Fountain Valley, CA
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend lives a block away from Eva's. We've been meaning to try it out ever since we came back from Puerto Rico without getting to eat any regional foods there. So last night, mainly because I didn't want to drive 15 minutes to Downtown or Dana Point, we decided to go to Eva's.
When we arrived, most of the tables were taken except for a little one in the corner, which we were more than ready to take, but I think it was Eva, I'm not really sure, cleaned up a table next to the window for us. It was really an ideal spot considering the window was lined with lit candles. The restaurant itself is a quaint little restaurant with some steel drum music playing in the background. It has a open kitchen, but it doesn't disturb the ambiance of the restaurant.
Most of the items on the menu are seafood but there are plenty of other things if you're not a seafood lover. The rum selection... well, let'st just say, it's an overwhelming selection. I think most of the place is dedicated to storing rum. For appetizers, we ordered the Conch Fritters and the Cajun Prawns. Wow, the Conch Fritters were pretty filling and full of flavor. According to the boyfriend, "it made his pinga mas duro." The Cajun Prawns were pretty friggin spicy and out of control. They pretty much burn well into the next day and made him tear.
For our entrees, I had the Jerk Steak and he had the Blackened Catfish. Both of our dishes were equally tasty. He had the rice, I had the garlic mashed potatoes. Super good. For dessert, we got the Coconut Creme Brule which is not always available, but very creamy and tasty.
Originally, I had wanted to get the Espresso Martini, but they didn't have whatever it was that they needed to make it, so Melanie, the waitress, suggested the Brown Suga which was an excellent substitute and they pour right. Boyfriend got the Coco something which was very tasty and done right.
All in all, even though it was a little bit on the pricy side, we left there with a bill over a hundred, it was worth it and well exceeded my expections. Yay! -
Review from Sonya V.
Irvine, CA
7/22/2011
It feels good to be part of the Eva's family. You really do feel that way from the moment you step through the door.
Small, cozy and intimate, this is a wonderful place to partake in the exceptional food that is served by the friendliest of people.
We ordered a variety of dishes and passed them all around the table. Everything was spectacular with perfect seasoning.
Start our with some rum punch, and end with a key lime cocktail. Can't go wrong.
