Aegean Cafe
540 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA
949-494-5001

The bar is a cool hangout. With belly dancers, Greek dancers, and dancing waiters nightly, the place gets pretty loud. The food is traditionally Greek, and served with dramatic flourishes. There are island influences--plenty of fresh fish, including baked seabass, grilled halibut, swordfish, and whole red snapper, all served with fresh vegetables. Diners will find large portions of moussaka, pastitsio, dolmades and spanakopita, all of which are prepared in a homey, traditionally rustic way, much as they are in villages found all over the Greek mainland.

In addition to standard Greek desserts like galactabouriko and baklava, the kitchen turns out a fresh walnut cake and will serve yogurt with honey and walnuts on request. The yogurt is made on the premises and is so thick you can stand a spoon up in it.

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.