Knolls Restaurant - Laguna Niguel, California

Katie G.

Knolls is phenomenal. Lauren the manager is so personable. The blue light was so soothing and not overstimulating. I also adored the creative seating. Perfect tables to stack for your larger groups. If you want to stick to your group of four go to the tables with the large glass dividers.

The lounge to the right with a dancefloor and awesome seating/lighting is a space just asking for celebratory events and live music.

Knolls is cozy upscale comforting and classy. Upscale, in quality no arrogance at all about the place which is extremely refreshing in South OC.

Palm Springs charm and classiness while being stone throw to the ocean?! If you don't like it you're simply allergic to chocolate and joy.

This is the place to be. Full heart, full stomach. ❤️💯

Ps: I recommend the lobster Mac n Cheese and the Asian Potstickers 🎉👌

G A. U.

3/21/2025
Great time tonight at Knolls. We had drinks and boom boom shrimp to start. Rocky was our amazing server. We had two BBQ chicken salads and the. Danced while having a few cocktails. Yes Don Julio is a friend for about 4 rounds. The owner Lauren was amazing as well. Great band good times.
Highly recommended.

2/15/25
What an amazing evening at Knolls. The ambiance was positive and the place was hopping. Alexander was our amazing server and was not only professional but kind and personable. We met Lauren the new owner and what an amazing person with a smile that lights up a room and the personality to match. We started with drinks and the boom boom shrimp. We had Don Julio Blanco with pelligrino and three limes muddled with mint and they were fantastic. For dinner my wife had the Ceasar salad with chicken and I had the short rib pasta. The food was amazing. We ordered a pizza and sliders and took most of it home. The coffee and cheesecake were awesome as well. The band was crossroads and played some awesome tunes including steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, the double brothers etc.
Great place, great people and food.
Thank you.
Highly recommended.

9/28/2024
Great spot. We stopped by this evening and sat at the bar as the class of 84 was having a party. Enrique was our bartender and server. We stated with chicken wings which were very good. The band was fantastic with an awesome sax player. My wife had the boom boom shrimp and I had the chicken linguine. Both dishes were excellent. We heard the news that Vee sold the restaurant and I am sure this place will continue to flourish. Good peeps, good service and good food. Highly recommended

1/12/24
Had a great time at Knolls tonight. The ambiance was perfect and the band fantastic. Garrett is our favorite server and bartender and was amazing. The lovely owner, Beata, stopped by a was very welcoming and kind as well. Such an amazing ace and the drinks, food, and service are top shelf. The dance floot.has been expanded and the band area as well. We both had the orange salmon and several drinks and joined our friends their as well for a wonderful evening. Garrett is a true professional and made the evening that much better. Highly recommended.

5/28/2023
Another terrific evening at Knolls. We were seated by Garrett who also served us with the help of Roque. The boom boom shrimp appetizer was quite tasty.
The drinks were fantastic as was the music by Eric Torreo. We had several drinks and each had an entree as well. We also danced a bit and truly enjoyed the overall dining experience.
Good times. Knolls has music entertainment on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Recommended.

5/6/2023
Had a terrific time this evening at Knolls celebrating my wife's birthday with friends. The staff is always amazing and the food is very good as well. Luis was our server as we requested him as he is very attentive, remembers his guests' drinks, likes and dislikes, and makes the evening special every time.
The band was quite good and played a variety of quality tunes. A great hidden gem. The bartenders are also seasoned and experienced and mix a mean cocktail. The calamari, salmon, and shrimp special and other food items were perfect. Luis planned a special dessert birthday dish for the entire party and made the evening that much better!
Highly recommended and ask for Luis as he will truly take care of you!

Kay G.

It’s a funny weird bar with a very specific following. It’s dark with blue lights, decor is a bit dated and trying to be like a speakeasy/lounge. They feature live music and sometimes the talent is great. It’s like the Laguna Niguel version of The Nest in Palm Springs, if you’re familiar. I’ve only had drinks so I can’t comment on the food.

Diana E.

We went to Knolls last Friday for Happy Hour and it was fantastic, great selection of food and drinks at reasonable prices, and great service. Not busy at all. I posted their pokey stack and sliders.

Tomas C.

Great neighborhood restaurant with an awesome bar. Live music on a Wednesday night!. Their margaritas are spot on and our favorite dish from the menu was the Hawaiian Poke, it comes with chips that are just perfectly crunchy and delicious. It has a patio with heaters and a fireplace.

Terrie D.

Went for sundays mysic and it was absolutely great! Loved the band and the food! The service was great too. The owner is hands on and super nice! Fun place!

Tom H.

This place is a true GEM! Excellent live bands 7 days a week, good food and atmosphere with great people. Highly recommend!

Thomas T.

The staff is nice, attentive. Tried the Calamari, Tuna Poke, And Seared Mahi. All are good. The live music is an added bonus. The place is packed on Friday.