Greer's OC

Studio, the signature restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach, has reopened as Studio Mediterranean—offering a fresh culinary and design identity inspired by the purity of Mediterranean ingredients and California’s coastal bounty.

Perched cliffside with panoramic views of the Pacific, Studio Mediterranean blends the elegance of fine dining with the relaxed spirit of the seaside. The seasonal menu highlights responsibly sourced seafood from Greece, Spain, Italy and the California coast, along with fresh produce from regional farms such as The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano and Sam Cobb Date Farm in Desert Hot Springs.

Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Dennis Efthymiou, a Greece native whose impressive résumé spans globally acclaimed restaurants including Central in Lima, The Fat Duck in the U.K., and Luce in San Francisco. His passion for Mediterranean cuisine shines through in every detail—from house-made spreads and artisan meats to shareable meze and whole fish fileted tableside.

Summer menu highlights include:

• Edamame Bean Hummus, Garlic Tahini, and house-baked yogurt pita
• Charred Octopus with saganaki sauce
• Tableside Horiatiki Salad with heirloom tomatoes and imported feta
• Coffee Salt Baked Branzino, fileted tableside
• Roasted Chicken with preserved lemon and fresh herb yogurt
• Baklava Ice Cream Sundae with pistachio ice cream and honey caramel

Complementing the cuisine is a refined beverage program led by sommelier Gary Sullivan, spotlighting Greek, European and California wines, along with cocktails that incorporate classic Hellenic flavors. Standouts include the Cyclades Martini with kalamata olive oil and the Odyssey with kumquat-cello and ouzo.

The newly reimagined interiors reflect a sophisticated coastal sensibility, with light wood accents, globe-shaped pendants, plush banquettes and floor-to-ceiling windows framing ocean views. The restaurant layout remains largely unchanged, preserving its open-air terrace and wraparound design. A marble bar and dramatic wine display welcome guests for casual bites or sunset drinks.

Studio Mediterranean also features several private dining spaces, including The Chef’s Table, an exclusive 14-seat experience with views into the kitchen. At the helm of hospitality is General Manager Cecil Kepner, whose previous roles include leadership at Knife Pleat, Otium, and Auberge Resorts.

To mark the grand reopening, Montage Laguna Beach is offering a Culinary Escape package, including upgraded accommodations (based on availability), a $300 Studio Mediterranean dining credit, complimentary valet parking, and a themed amenity. 

The restaurant will begin accepting reservations from the general public on Oct. 10, 2025.