Laguna Beach’s Ocean‑front Eatery Joins OpenTable’s Top 100 Hotel Restaurants

Perched on the cliffs of Laguna Beach with the Pacific rolling out like a living tapestry, Splashes at the Surf & Sand Resort just snagged a coveted place on OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants list. It’s a big deal—not just for the chef and staff, but for anyone who’s ever dreamed of dining with the ocean at your back.

OpenTable compiled the list using more than 10 million verified reviews gathered between May 2025 and April 2026. Restaurants were judged on overall ratings, the share of five‑star votes and a handful of other metrics. Splashes, which showcases contemporary coastal cuisine built on fresh, local ingredients, ticked every box, earning it a spot alongside five other California gems.

What makes Splashes stand out isn’t only the food—though the seafood, prime steaks and seasonal plates are spectacular—but also the view. Diners can watch sunrise spill over the horizon while sipping a glass of California‑grown wine, a combination that seems to resonate with today’s travelers. In fact, OpenTable reports that 61 % of Americans say they pick a destination because of its food scene, and 60 % admit they’ve booked a hotel specifically for its restaurant.

“Restaurants aren’t just an itinerary line item anymore, they’re the anchor,” said Matt Davis, OpenTable’s head of North America Hotels. That sentiment rings true in Laguna Beach, where locals and tourists alike are flocking to hotel eateries not just for convenience but for the experience.

Splashes joins five other California spots on the list:

• Gemma at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills – a rooftop Pan‑Asian haven with sweeping Southern California views.
• SingleThread Restaurant & Inn in Healdsburg – a 55‑seat, farm‑to‑table tasting‑menu jewel.
• Sky Room atop the Fairmont Breakers in Long Beach – offering harbor‑side American fare.
• The Girl & the Fig in Sonoma – a Provençal‑inspired, vegetable‑forward destination.
• The Pony Room at Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe – known for comfort food, agave spirits and a curated wine list.

One surprising stat from OpenTable’s data: 92 % of diners have visited a hotel restaurant without actually staying at the hotel. That tells a story of restaurants becoming standalone attractions, a trend Splashes is clearly benefiting from.

For Laguna Beach lovers, this is a badge of pride. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or simply craving a memorable meal, you now have a nationally recognized reason to make your way to Splashes – where the food, the view, and the vibe all come together in one unforgettable setting.