Why Mozambique Is Worth Your Happy Hour!

I hadn’t been to Mozambique in several years, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. But last month, we found ourselves at the top bar, ocean horizon stretched out in front of us, and suddenly it all came back why this place has been a Laguna Beach favorite for so long. The staff and bartenders were on point, friendly without being overbearing, and clearly knew how to make a happy hour feel effortless.

The drinks immediately stole the show! Mojitos, a dirty martini, a glass of wine each one hit exactly right, perfectly balanced and dangerously easy to sip while the sun set over the Pacific. And then came the bonus the peri-peri prawns are now on happy hour!! We each got our own order, and the sauce? Still the reason these prawns have such a reputation. Splitting calamari and enjoying a wedge salad alongside them rounded out the perfect spread simple, fresh, and exactly what happy hour should be.

It’s wild to think that this spot was once Tortilla Flats, a lively Mexican haunt full of margaritas, music, and chaos. Now it’s Mozambique, a place that blends those local vibes with South African flavors, wood grilled steaks, seafood, and a touch of oceanfront magic. Fun fact I even know someone who helped train the original waitstaff when Mozambique opened here a little circle of Laguna history you can still feel in the energy of the room.

By the end of the night, it was clear Mozambique isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a spot to linger, drink, watch the sunset, and let the food and views do the work. The peri-peri prawns are still phenomenal, the drinks are worth lingering over, and the whole experience reminded me why this restaurant has stuck around Laguna Beach for years. Please do yourself a favor and check it out!