Residents of Laguna Beach have long accepted its mediocrity as a culinary destination with the exception of Amar Santana's Broadway and 242 Sushi Fusion. Add Selanne Steak Tavern to that short list, owned in part by Anaheim hockey star Teemu Selanne. The restaurant occupies a cutesy series of shingled cottages built in the 1930s along Coast Highway. Inside, a single door entrance leads to a charming reception with two-story staircase and efficient hostess navigates the indoor dining rooms and large glass enclosed terrace out front with yearound fireplace. A separate bar lures overflow diners as well as a weekday happy hour that's as much about the food as the cocktails. Walls are strewn with antiqued mirrors with plenty of crystal chandeliers - but juxtaposed with reclaimed plank floors and industrial metal accents.
The Food
Born from the Pacific Northwest, chef Joshua Severson arrives to Laguna Beach following stints at Colicchio’s Craft Las Vegas and nearby t. Regis Monarch Bay. A dinner-only menu offers impeccable Wagyu tartare with quail egg, lobster cappuccino soup and wedge of baby iceberg with heirloom tomatoes and bacon foam. Entrée course include a petite or full fillet mignon with truffle marrow bitter, New York strip of Australian wagyu and smoked Skuna Bay salmon with faro-celery root puree. Our favorite sides include the trumpet mushrooms, Severson's signature mac and cheese as well as the candy-like roasted butternut squash.
Last Word
Laguna Beach steakhouse owned by NHL superstar becomes hottest reservation in the OC with best steak in town.
