Saying Goodbye to Dizz’s As Is: A Laguna Beach Institution

After nearly five decades of serving the Laguna Beach community, Dizz's As Is is officially closing its doors, tonight. Marking the end of an era for one of the town’s most beloved and eclectic restaurants.

First opened in 1977, Dizz’s As Is quickly became a local institution! For 48 years, the restaurant welcomed generations of diners who came for the food, the atmosphere, and the unique experience that felt unlike anywhere else in town.

Housed inside a charming converted cottage along Coast Highway, the restaurant had a warm, slightly whimsical feel; something locals often describe as “quintessential Laguna.” The interior was filled with vintage artwork, antiques, and mismatched décor that gave it a cozy, lived-in personality. The lighting was dim and golden, conversations flowed easily, and the entire experience felt more like dining in someone’s eclectic home than a traditional restaurant.

Then there was the menu.

Rather than a typical few pages, guests were handed what felt like a book, with each entrée on its own page. Dinner was also a full experience: meals traditionally began with a vermouth aperitif, followed by house pâté with sourdough toast, then soup or salad (I would get both), and finally the entrée itself. It was the kind of classic dining ritual that feels increasingly rare today!

Over the years, Dizz’s became a place people returned to again and again; for birthdays, anniversaries, and special evenings with friends. Many longtime guests describe it as a hidden gem where the atmosphere was intimate enough to actually enjoy conversation, something harder to find in modern dining.

For me, Dizz’s As Is has been part of my life for the past 11 years.

The first time I ever went there was for a friend’s birthday, and it instantly became one of those places I loved introducing people to! There was something about the experience! The quirky décor, the multi-course meal, and the relaxed pace of dinner, that made it memorable every time.

Knowing the restaurant was closing, I made sure to visit their final week (luckily twice!). The first night we sat at the bar, soaking in the lively energy that always seemed to gather there. A few days later, we returned and sat in the dining room for one last proper dinner.

My boyfriend had never been before, so it meant a lot to share the experience with him. I'm very lucky to have so many wondeful memories there with my parents, grandparents, friends and now my boyfriend!

Of course, we had to order the famous Dizz’s Cappuccino, which the restaurant is known for. Even though Tara, the bartender, had run out of milk, she went the extra mile and made it with cream and water so we could still enjoy the staple. My boyfriend is a huge coffee lover, so I was especially happy he got to experience it and it absolutely did not disappoint!!

As for the food, I’ve always had a soft spot for the veal piccata, though the lamb has always been another favorite of mine.

But honestly, what made Dizz’s special wasn’t just the food.

It was the ritual of the evening. The vermouth to start. The pâté and toast. The soup or salad. The feeling that dinner wasn’t something to rush through, but something to enjoy slowly.

That’s what Dizz’s did so well. It was always an experience!

For decades it served as a backdrop for birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, celebrations, and first dates. For many in Laguna Beach it wasn’t just a restaurant, it was a tradition.

After 48 incredible years, Dizz’s As Is leavs behind decades of memories and a legacy that will always be part of Laguna Beach history.

For many of us, it will always be the place we loved bringing people to. The place where dinner felt like an experience with the community.

Thank you for all the wondefrul years, you will be deeply missed!!

-Gerson

Written by Gerson Seise REALTOR®  Cell: 949.533.7053
GERSON SEISE REALTY - Real Brokerage Technologies