Mouth-Watering New Menu: Driftwood Kitchen & The Deck

Here’s your first look at the mouth-watering new menu from Driftwood Kitchen & The Deck in Laguna Beach. Chef Rainer has created a vibrant selection of dishes to debut with seasonal ocean-to-table selections featuring the freshest ingredients.

On a perfect summer evening, we had the opportunity to try every dish on the new menu while gazing out at the beautiful Laguna Beach sunset. Here is our visual feast for the eyes.

About The Deck

The Deck in Laguna Beach is one of the few seaside restaurants in Orange County. Situated directly on the beach and mere steps away from the ocean, they offer a more laid-back casual atmosphere.

New Menu at The Deck

The new menu at The Deck features fresh land and sea selections with creative craft cocktails.

Pacific Ceviche

For starters, the Pacific Ceviche features marinated local halibut, fresh tomatoes, shaved onions, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing served with fresh crispy tortillas.

Shrimp & Pineapple Boat

This showstopper features an entire carved Hawaiian baby pineapple fully loaded with plump shrimp, scallions, pickled ginger, dill, and a creamy bloom sauce.

New Zealand Lamb Chops

A personal favorite is the New Zealand Lamb Chops seared to the perfect medium rare with Mediterranean couscous, golden raisins, heirloom cherry tomatoes, pistachio, and mint drizzled with a shallot demi-glace with a side of broccolini.

Pan Seared Local Halibut

This locally caught halibut is tender and flaky with a Peruvian purple mash, marinated artichoke hearts, and a yellow pepper coulis.

About Driftwood Kitchen

An iconic restaurant in Laguna Beach, Driftwood Kitchen features sensational California coastal cuisine with panoramic ocean views.

Driftwood Kitchen New Menu

Executive Chef/Partner Rainer Schwarz has created a new menu drawing inspiration from our diverse oceans with fresh seasonal ingredients.

Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna Tartare

Fresh Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna is highlighted with flavors of shoyu, sesame, quail egg, yuzu crème fraiche, and caviar served over a crispy layered Yukon gold potato terrine.

Spanish Octopus

A guest favorite is the new Spanish Octopus served with a spicy Bilbao chorizo with crispy fingerling potatoes over a flavorful romesco and chimichurri.

Heirloom Tomatoes & Stracciatella Salad

Creamy burrata and heirloom tomatoes are complimented by Laudemio extra virgin olive oil, Trebbiano balsamic, and a creamy basil pesto.

New Bedford Scallops

These delicate scallops are sauteed in black truffle butter and served over a truffle potato puree with applewood smoked bacon and roasted forest mushrooms.

Glacier 51 Chilean Sea Bass

Another personal favorite was the Chilean Sea Bass, which arrived in a sake beurre blanc that melted in your mouth like butter. it was served with soy-braised shiitake mushrooms and baby ginger.

Grilled Snake River Farms Eye of Rib Eye

The most tender rib eye is served over creamy kale and Vdalia onion ring with a DWK steak sauce.

New Cocktails

In addition to the new incredible menu offers, there are also some new tasty cocktails to wet your appetite. First is The Deck Squeeze featuring Mcqueen & The Violet Fog Gin, St. Germain, fresh mint, and lemon sour.

For a unique twist, be sure to also indulge in the Caribbean Old Fashioned made with Bumbu Rum, banana liqueur, walnut bitters and orange peel, topped with a bruleéd banana slice.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking to enjoy an incredible meal with the most iconic Laguna Beach views, both The Deck and Driftwood Kitchen have created a new drool-worthy menu that impresses on every level!

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