Studio Mediterranean
A New Chapter in Oceanfront Dining at Montage Laguna Beach
Perched high above the Pacific on one of Orange County’s most coveted coastal bluffs, Studio Mediterranean has officially opened its doors at Montage Laguna Beach, ushering in a new era of elevated dining that marries the flavors of the Mediterranean with California’s fresh, coastal sensibility.
The reimagined restaurant marks the return of Montage Laguna Beach’s iconic Studio, long celebrated for its cliffside setting and culinary excellence. Now, under the direction of Executive Chef Dennis Efthymiou, a Greek native with Michelin-star experience spanning three continents, Studio Mediterranean introduces a lighter, more vibrant interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, infused with California seasonality, artistry, and soul.
“Studio Mediterranean is a personal expression of my Greek heritage, enhanced by California’s seasonal bounty,” says Chef Efthymiou, whose impressive background includes time at globally acclaimed restaurants such as Central in Lima, The Fat Duck in the UK, and Luce in San Francisco. “Every dish tells a story. We want guests to experience the warmth, texture, and spirit of the Mediterranean lifestyle, right here on the Laguna coast.”
The menu celebrates sustainability and coastal simplicity, with seafood sourced from Greece, Spain, Italy, and California, alongside produce from local farms like The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano. Highlights include charred octopus with saganaki sauce, tableside Horiatiki salad, coffee salt-baked branzino, and a decadent baklava ice cream sundae that redefines the word indulgence.
Inside, the atmosphere is equal parts coastal sophistication and understated luxury. Natural wood tones, globe-shaped pendants, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic ocean views that feel almost cinematic. The wraparound terrace invites golden-hour cocktails and long, lingering dinners, while The Chef’s Table offers an intimate private dining experience for up to 14 guests overlooking the kitchen’s artistry in motion.
Driving the front-of-house experience is General Manager Cecil Kepner, whose background includes roles at Otium, Shutters on the Beach, and Michelin-starred Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa. Together, Efthymiou and Kepner bring warmth, precision, and high-touch service that capture the Montage spirit at its finest.
As the sun sets over the Pacific and the scent of lemon, olive oil, and sea breeze drifts through the terrace, one thing is clear Studio Mediterranean isn’t just a restaurant reopening. It’s a rebirth of coastal dining sophistication in Laguna Beach.
Meet the Chef: Dennis Efthymiou
Executive Chef, Studio Mediterranean
Born and raised in the coastal town of Igoumenitsa, Greece, Dennis Efthymiou grew up surrounded by the sea, fresh produce, and a family that lived for cooking. By age 13, he was already working in local restaurants, inspired by the purity of Mediterranean ingredients and the art of hospitality.
After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education in Athens, Efthymiou honed his craft in some of the world’s most prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens, including Central in Lima, Peru (voted the world’s best restaurant), The Fat Duck in Bray, UK, and Luce in San Francisco.
Before joining Montage Laguna Beach, he served as chef of restaurants at the InterContinental San Francisco, where he developed contemporary Mediterranean menus that earned critical acclaim.
A San Pellegrino “Young Chef” nominee and a finalist on Food Network’s Chopped, Efthymiou now brings his global experience and Greek roots to Laguna Beach, crafting a menu that blends authenticity with California freshness.
Culinary Motto: “Let simplicity shine—great ingredients do the talking.”
Studio Mediterranean