Las Brisas

Nestled in Heisler Park and overlooking the Laguna Beach coastline, Las Brisas has been a Laguna Beach staple for more than 30 years.  In fact, travelers come from all over the world to taste the authentic Mexican Riviera seafood cuisine that Las Brisas has become famous for.

Whenever I have Mexican food, I simply cannot pass up the opportunity to start my meal with a margarita. Las Brisas has a variety to choose from, all aptly named after Laguna Beach spots; Main Beach, Crystal Cove, Thousand Steps, Diver’s Cove and Emerald Bay Margaritas, just to name a few. I chose the ‘Thousand Steps Margarita,’ the secret spot. It was a blend of Sauza Hornitos, Triple Sec, lime and orange juice.  It was a refreshing way to start my meal. My husband opted for his favorite, an Arnold Palmer. He was delighted when our waiter, Dante, brought a craft of iced tea and a bottle of lemonade with a cup of ice so "he could blend his own drink and control the ph (acidity) as he wished."

To go with our drinks, we ordered the ‘Coctel de Mariscos’ as an appetizer. It had fresh Mexican Shrimp, Caribbean Lobster medallions, and Canadian crab claws with tequila cocktail sauce. What a wonderful plate of seafood! My husband and I loved every bite and our 5-year-old twins might have even loved it more, especially the crab claws.

Las Brisas is known for how they combine seafood with the flavors of the Mexican coast and I was interested to see how those flavors blended together. I ordered the ‘La Marquesa,’ which is a beef or chicken tamale, a seafood mushroom enchilada, beans with cotija cheese and Mexican-style rice. I was not disappointed! The tamale and enchilada were tasty with just the right amount of Mexican spices, simmered with perfectly cooked seafood and chicken.

My husband chose one of the daily specials, the Sea Bass. I was barely able to snap this picture before he inhaled his lunch. He LOVED every bite! He liked the way they used a light cilantro flavoring for the fish and a tangy green sauce, which didn’t let the sauce overwhelm the fresh fish flavor.

With a magnificent view from the windows near our table, we could enjoy our meal while looking as far south as Dana Point, out over Bird Rock, and north into Heisler Park. This area of Laguna Beach is no doubt one of the more beautiful lookouts in town! Las Brisas allows you to enjoy this amazing view while dining on five-star food and getting top-notch service. Next time you’re in Laguna Beach, look for the blue-striped awnings of Las Brisas and stop in for a meal that will keep you asking for more.

 

Las Brisas also offers group reservations, special events, spacious patio seating, bar service, and valet parking.

By Anne-Marie S.