With a panoramic oceanfront location and modern French cuisine infused with California influences, Studio is the portrait of beachside indulgence.

A refined and inventive menu reflects masterful attention to detail accented with an elegant, creative touch. Since its debut in early 2003, Studio at Montage Laguna Beach has become a culinary destination for discerning gourmets and oenophiles alike.

Set on an oceanfront bluff in the artistic village of Laguna Beach, Studio is designed to captivate the senses. Ocean breezes, sweeping views and lush landscapes create a refreshing sense of place at the water's edge and a fitting backdrop for the shared enjoyment of fine food and wine. Situated facing due west, the Craftsman-inspired restaurant - reminiscent of an elegant yet charming beach cottage - treats guests to a striking view through expansive doors and windows, often open to the refreshing ocean breeze.

Custom-built wine vaults flank the entryway and spotlight more than 2,500 bottles of the restaurant's wine collection. The unique, turn-of-the-century bar adds a sophisticated and classic touch, while the large communal bar area offers an interactive dining experience for sampling fine wines or small tastes from the restaurant's award-winning kitchen. The picturesque dining room seats up to 80 guests and perfectly captures the feeling of the area's early Plein Air paintings. Rich, dark browns and rustic wood beams combine with elegant shades of cream and sand to create classic and warm décor with modern sensibilities. Tables are well spaced throughout the dining room to ensure an intimate experience and are appointed with carefully selected linens, the finest Raynaud china, and classic Riedel glassware.

For a more intimate dining experience, guests can enjoy the private dining room overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or for the ultimate indulgence, guests can arrange to dine at the Chef's Table, a warmly appointed dining room adjacent to the kitchen, complete with a stone fireplace and the interactive attention of Chef Craig Strong and his staff. Guests will create a menu and wine pairings based on personal preference or place themselves in the hands of the Chef to create a unique tasting menu for the evening. Guests at the Chef's Table also have the opportunity to watch the evening unfold in the kitchen and learn about its design, which echoes that of a residential French country kitchen. Warm granite surfaces, tiled floors and walls, and Craftsman-style cabinetry frame the imported focal points of this French kitchen, including an exclusive Molteni range and Pavailler ovens.

The cuisine of Studio is Modern French with California influences. Chef Craig Strong draws inspiration from a breadth of cultures to create succulent dishes that pay homage to the bountiful fruits and vegetables of our region. Because of his strong relationships with local organic farmers, Chef Strong has exceptional access to the finest seasonal and artisanal products, making them the star attractions of his ever-changing menus.

To complement the cuisine of Studio, talented sommeliers have carefully assembled an artful collection of more than 2,500 boutique and esoteric selections. The educated sommeliers are always on hand to offer pairing suggestions, tastes of hard-to-acquire vintages and help in creating specialized menus for guests based on their wine preferences. Studio is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations may be made calling (949) 715-6420.