Inspired by the flavorful food, bold spices and spirit of South Africa’s colorful seaside restaurants, Mozambique, on PCH in Laguna Beach, is both exotic and comforting. The restaurant offers a versatile menu, solid music entertainment, plenty of TVs for sports enthusiasts and an ambiance you’ll enjoy with friends and family alike. Aside from the delicious food and drink menus, Mozambique offers a stunning rooftop dining area with romantic views of the Pacific Ocean. It is the perfect setting for a date night, any night.
1. The Arrival Experience
When you approach the entrance to Mozambique restaurant in Laguna Beach, chances are you’ll encounter at least on one of the two resident Macaws, Pemba or Beira. Both named after African towns, these giant parrots love to run around, greet guests, pose for pictures and sit on the light post or in the tree adjacent to the front entrance. Along with a toucan named Nancy and a Blue Turaco named Beep, these natures set the tone for what you are about to experience. Mozambique is the real deal. The excellent food, great service and amazing location combine to immerse you, authentically, in the warmth and spirit of South African culture.
2. The Food
The restaurant offers a versatile menu—including Orange County’s top-ranked wood-fired steaks, fish and seafood as well as sumptuous brunch on weekends. Many of the signature dishes utilize the little-known South African pepper called Peri-Peri, discovered by Portuguese sailors centuries ago on maiden trips to the Far East trade routes. House specialties include signature wood-grilled Peri-Peri prawns served shell-on with fruit salsa, rice and famous Peri-Peri sauce. Also, on the bestseller list, are vegetable or beef samosas served crispy with a cilantro lime aioli and green salad. Grass-fed steaks are prepared to melt in your mouth, and the Chilean sea bass rivals any you’ve tasted.
3. The Ambiance
Mozambique offers a wide variety of dining and entertainment experiences. You can choose from seven different dining areas including plush interior dining options, ocean panoramic rooftop dining and a serene garden patio setting. Among them, the renowned “speak-easy” piano lounge in the Durban Room features a private bar with fireplace and private patio and firepit. The Shebeen Lounge offers open space dining with stunning ocean views that is upscale, but casual. The Boma Room is the most popular space for hosting large group gatherings and events. Finally, The Garden Patio offers a casual and relaxing ambiance outdoors.
4. The Rooftop
The stunning roof deck at Mozambique is among its greatest assets—and this makes Mozambique one of the most enjoyable places to dine, drink or enjoy sunset appetizers in all of Orange County. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. And, speaking of rooftops, Mozambique has a sister restaurant in Laguna Beach called Skyloft. It, too, offers the appeal of rooftop dining, and Mozambique and Skyloft are the only Laguna Beach restaurants that serve a full menu on the rooftop.
5. The Entertainment
On the music and entertainment front, you’ll enjoy Laguna Beach’s largest happy hour and late-night happy hour menus. Fridays and Saturdays 9 p.m.-closing, Mozambique features live bands ranging in styles from classic rock, Motown, funk, cover bands and alternative rock. Past performers include the following: Macy Gray, George Clinton, Allen Stone, Blind Boys of Alabama, Bill Medley, Booker T. Jones, Blondie Chaplin/Bernard Fowler (Rolling Stones), English Beat, The Untouchables, The Skeletones, The Green, Common Sense, Just Jinjer, Carney, Sugar Ray, Smashmouth and Donavan Frankenreiter. Cover is $5, unless otherwise stated.
With three full bars on each level of the restaurant, Mozambique offers a number of signature cocktails including the Xai Xai—a tribal blend of light citrus rum, Zaya Rum Ultra, fresh guava and passion fruit nectar—as well as our South African take on delicious and refreshing mojitos and mules. Also, Mozambique provides a complimentary safe ride service for guests within 10 miles after 5 p.m. daily.
Whether you’re passing through town, a valued local resident or you’re looking for a great place to gather with friends, Mozambique offers an ever-changing, vibrant cultural and dining experience you’re sure to enjoy.
For reservations, call 949.715.7777 or visit MozambiqueOC.com.
