In a town like Laguna Beach with six million visitors a year, no shortage of billionaire residents and its own bevy of reality series we often wonder why there aren’t better restaurants. Broadway by Amar Santana proves the exception located in a charming storefront space in the inner village concealed behind two picture windows and single-door entrance. Inside, a large bar staffed by a serious arrangement of professional mixologists works a long bar under row of industrial pendant lights with Edison bulbs and series of five high-top tables available for walk-in dinner service. Loft-style rafter ceiling and exposed concrete walls add an urban feel to a more OC design palette of burlap-covered chairs with nail head detailing and black-and-white artwork.
The Food
An open kitchen displays the true talent of the restaurant, namely chef Amar Santana formerly of Charlie Palmer at South Coast Plaza. The chef sends out appetizers of asparagus with slow poached egg, roasted bone marrow with crusty sour dough and incredible charred edamame with citrus salt and drizzling of limejuice. Main course include generous portions of grilled Scottish salmon with seasonal squash, barley quinoa with slow-poached egg and pot roast with sweet potato puree best complimented with a side of the sweet and sour brussel sprouts with Chinese sausage.
Last Word
Former-Palmer chef does destination eatery in Laguna village that proves one of the city’s best restaurants.
