Broadway by Amar Santana - Restaurant in Laguna Beach - 328 Glenneyre St, USA

It was our anniversary, and we sat at the Chef's counter. Our server brought us complimentary champagne, which was delightful and unexpected. Watching the three chefs was impressive. They prepare a restaurant full of diners in such a small space. I could go on and on but suffice to say the meal was incredible. And try to save room for desert!

So far this is my favorite restaurant in California! Since trying it, I had probably returned close to 10x within the last year and have left happy every time. Simple, great quality ingredients that are prepared with the utmost care. You really could never ask for more from your dining experience. You really get a sense that the team here takes pride in what they do and work together well. Special shoutout to our server Jordan and the manager Ramses. Thank you for your hospitality! Jordan used to be the mixologist and came up with some of the best craft cocktails that were innovative, unique and often with homemade elements. If he’s your server, he’ll set you up with the best they have to offer. It can get noisy because it’s a popular spot, so I tend to like to go closer to opening. I also really enjoy the local artwork they feature, with the main gallery right down the road. Check out the Anthony Bourdain portrait made out of screws that give depth and texture.

We had an incredible meal with our family. We each got a cocktail to start (some had multiple), and split four starters, three entrees, and two desserts which was perfect for the five of us. Everything was so unique and flavorful. The only minor critique I have is that the squash dish was more salad than squash (though wasn’t described as much) but honestly made for a more balanced meal and we grateful for the green. The raviolo with duck prosciutto bursted with flavor, the octopus and it’s accompanying mousse was a sensual journey for the tastebuds, the bone marrow and oxtail felt like butter on perfectly charred sourdough. The duck was lovely with the sides really bringing out some nice flavors, the beef cheek mole had the perfect flavor blend of spice and chocolate and served with a fluffy bowl of rice, and the stuffed poblano surprised us all. The sweet sauce in contrast to the bite of the pepper was something to behold. We were grateful to have d a side of perfectly fried French fries to sop up all the amazing sauces. The chocolate cake was quite rich but so flavorful and the honey ice cream with lemon meringue was a perfect end for me. Look forward to returning and trying more. The creativity with all of the flavor profiles was really diverse and exciting.

This place is useless! The overdone skirt “steak” came on the plate, auditioning for a role in a cowboy movie as the leather saddle’s stunt double … The salad, don’t get me started there! It made plain crackers seem like a flavor explosion! I would have traded them for a southwest peanut bag, left in the front seat pocket. The octopus, man that was delicious! And the best part, it was just an appetizer, but the biggest dish on the table! And yes that was my dinner, so everyone hated me And let me ask, what’s up with the uncomfortable upright seats? Just as bad as a bad stand-up comedian

What a wonderful experience. Amar is an amazing talent. Flavors, and reductions are just simply on another level. We will return as often as we can afford. We split the Beet Salad, and Ravioli. Both just outstanding. Mains, I had the Smoked Pork Chop. Wow, smoked flavor was perfect and the reduction sauce topper! Wow, what intense rich flavor. If it was so rude I would have liked the plate. Wife had the Halibut and that was also beautiful. Now Desserts, we had the Apple Crisp which I thought was to die for until I tasted my wife's Panna Cotta, Wow rich and tasty. Perfect compo of sharp strawberry sorbet and sweet cream with these tiny coco balls. Oh my gosh another dish worth plate licking. I didn't but I wanted to. Wife also had an Espresso Martini that was excellent, rather than too much sweet Bailey's they take a small amount and make a Bailey's cream foam on top. Well done. Thank you Amar and the entire serving staff for such a wonderful Top Chef experience. I highly recommend Broadway by Amar.

Don't know where to begin - everything was sooo good and tasty and creative. We started with JAPANESE HAMACHI SASHIMI which was so fresh and delightful - make sure you get plenty of the avocado sorbet with every bite. Then we tried the amazing and delicate EGG YOLK RAVIOLO - truly one of a kind and a can't miss on the menu. For a main I had the skirt steak which was cooked to perfection and a bite of the Chocolate pasta which had just made its Fall debuted on the menu. We finished the meal with a newly introduced pumpkin spice espresso martini and CHOCOLATE PRALINE CRUNCH - which is another don't miss item. Make sure not to sleep on their new fall cocktails either. The service was over the top and the dining room was energetic.

We sat chefs table and indulged in an all time unforgettable meal before I lose my taste due to chemo for breast cancer. Our meal was thoughtfully selected by Chef Amarr complete with wine pairings & was an absolute dream come true for us both. Every bite was divine. The open kitchen was buzzing, the waitstaff was attentive and playful, the bartender even made me a custom drink that blended my love of dirty martinis and refreshing cucumber lemon margaritas. I was holding back tears all night as my cup flowed over. Thank you Amarr & Vincente for making us feel like family & for orchestrating this beautiful moment to celebrate life. We will be back to celebrate my recovery soon!

I’ve been coming to Broadway with my husband and/or friends since its opening, usually dining at the bar. The food and cocktails are both innovative and delicious. But what makes this place a real standout is the exceptional, unpretentious service. Staff are accommodating and friendly, and when they learn I’m a huge Amar Santana fan, there he is - graciously chatting with us and posing for pictures. I always leave there happy and very well fed!