5 /5
Rating
★
★
★
★
★
I’d seen the outside of this place many times while driving through Laguna Beach and thought it looked like a nice place for a dinner date. My gf thought the same so we decided to try it out. Admittedly, I didn’t look at the pictures of the interior before going, so I guess it’s my own fault for being slightly disappointed by the ambiance of the place. I really love rustic and cottage-like settings, so when I saw the outside, I assumed that’s what I would get inside. It sort of reminded me more of the inside of a Houston’s steak house, but that’s not anything to complain about, per se I had their special of the evening a miso marinated barramundi served over mashed potatoes, and an edamame, corn, and mushroom ragout. The fish could have been abit more flavorful, but it was well prepared and the accompaniments were very tasty. My gf had the halibut and was pretty underwhelmed by it, unfortunately. Again, well prepared, but lacking in the flavor department. The real winner of the evening we both agreed was the dessert. We shared a salted caramel bread pudding with vanilla bean ice cream, and that made up for whatever shortcomings were present in the main course The real highlight of this place for me was the service. Our server, Chad, was very attentive, helpful, and polite. The rest of the support staff was equally helpful and accommodating. They even noticed we’d run out of wonton crisps for our ahi poke appetizer (which, though abit salty, was still good), so they proactively had the kitchen bring out some more at no charge All things considered, Lumberyard made for a nice night out, and I think we’d go back again, if for no other reason than to have another go at the bread pudding