Montage Laguna Beach, the oceanfront flagship resort of Montage Hotels & Resorts, announces the highly anticipated reopening of its award-winning and beloved signature restaurant, Studio, reimagined in both design and gastronomic identity into Studio Mediterranean. Perched on a cliffside bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Studio Mediterranean debuts as an homage to the purity of Mediterranean ingredients with light, sustainable and innovative flavors of California cuisine, just in time to welcome longer days and golden-hued sunsets of summer.
“The transformation of our signature restaurant into Studio Mediterranean marks a defining moment for Montage Laguna Beach and adds a vibrant new destination to the heart of Orange County’s culinary scene,” said Victorio Gonzalez, managing director at Montage Laguna Beach. “Blending beautiful design, a distinctive culinary vision, and unmatched service, our team has reimagined a space that has long held a special place in the community. Studio Mediterranean is more than a restaurant—it’s a destination where locals and travelers alike can gather, celebrate and connect through exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds us.”
At the helm of the restaurant’s culinary direction is Studio Mediterranean’s executive chef, Dennis Efthymiou, a native of Greece whose passion for Mediterranean cuisine is informed by an impressive background in global Michelin-starred kitchens. Trained in Athens and seasoned at internationally recognized restaurants like Central in Lima, Peru, The Fat Duck in Bray, UK, and Luce in San Francisco, Chef Efthymiou now brings his deep-rooted heritage and artisanal focus to Studio Mediterranean.
“Studio Mediterranean is a personal expression of my Greek heritage, enhanced by California’s seasonal bounty. We’ve created a menu that honors the traditional flavors and coastal lifestyle of the Mediterranean while embracing a fresh, modern sensibility,” said Chef Efthymiou. “Every dish tells a story, and I’m proud to share that journey with our guests at this iconic cliffside location.”
Studio Mediterranean’s seasonal menu is rooted in sustainability and prioritizes responsibly sourced seafood from direct artisanal purveyors throughout the Mediterranean Sea, Greece, Spain, and Italy, and the California coast. Fresh produce from Greece and California farms like The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano and Sam Cobb Date Farm in Desert Hot Springs; domestic lamb, beef, and chicken; as well as house-made spreads create a well-rounded and flavorful journey.
Highlights from the summer menu include:
Complementing the cuisine, Studio Mediterranean’s celebrated beverage program returns with a thoughtfully curated wine list spanning New and Old-World varietals by sommelier and Studio veteran Gary Sullivan, with a focus on Greek, European and California producers. Signature cocktails elevate classic Greek flavors, including:
Filling a space beloved by locals and guests alike, Studio Mediterranean’s interiors showcase a serene yet sophisticated dining destination with natural wood materials, coastal and neutral hues, and modern furnishings, like globe-shaped pendants and stylish banquette seating with plush pillows. Crisp white beams and floor-to-ceiling windows frame the ocean like artwork and offer unobstructed views of the Pacific. Honoring Studio’s original residential-style architecture, the layout of the restaurant remains the same, allowing the sea breeze and conversation to flow across a wraparound outdoor terrace to the expansive main dining room for evenings shared in good company. At the center, a sleek marble countered bar and a dramatic wine display spark curiosity, inviting guests for pre-dinner drinks, a casual light bite, or to simply soak in a breathtaking oceanfront sunset. In harmony with Hellenic values, Studio Mediterranean embraces connection with multiple private dining rooms, including the return of The Chef’s Table, offering exclusive dining for 14 guests with direct views of the kitchen.
Driving Studio Mediterranean into its new culinary era is general manager, Cecil Kepner, whose hospitality career includes key roles at the Auberge Resorts Collection, Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, Otium in Los Angeles, and most recently, Michelin-starred, Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa. His expertise in creating exceptional guest experiences shape the vibrant energy and high touch service that defines Studio Mediterranean.
Studio Mediterranean will open for dinner service Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm beginning June 26, 2025, exclusively for Montage Laguna Beach resort guests. To celebrate Studio Mediterranean’s opening, guests are invited to indulge in the Culinary Escape offer, including accommodations with complimentary view upgrade (based on availability), $300 Studio Mediterranean dining credit, complimentary overnight valet parking, and a special Studio Mediterranean-inspired food and beverage amenity. The restaurant will open to the broader community for reservations on October 10, 2025.
For Studio Mediterranean images, see here. For more information about Studio Mediterranean visit www.montage.com/lagunabeach/dining/studio-mediterranean/ or follow @StudioLagunaBeach. For more information about Montage Laguna Beach and overnight reservations, please visit www.montagehotels.com/lagunabeach or follow @montagehotels and @montagelaguna.
