Mosaic Bar & Grille

The view is really what you pay for because the food has little flavor and is nothing special. As an appetizer we got the guacamole and salsa. The guacamole was missing salt and lime so it tasted bland. The salsa was just tomato and had no spicy kick to it. For our lunch entrees I got the burger and my wife got the halibut sandwich. Our fries were hard and both the burger and the halibut sandwiches were bland. The Arnold palmers were good but when we asked for a to-​go drink the waitress only brought us the cup so we had to pour our watered down drinks that didn’t even fill the whole cup. For a $ 100 lunch I sure expected to get a better flavored lunch and a fresh to-​go drink upon when requested.
I much rather have gone to a hole in the wall burger place to get a good burger.
The only reason I gave it one star is because the view is amazing. Can’t beat it.

Yes it’s pricey, but today– we SPLURGED!
Happy to report that we were thrilled after «diving» into ‘Mosaic’ for the 1^st time.
The view itself… Spectacular-​Front & center! The food, drink & service… Impeccable!
Bartenders & wait-​staff know your last name, so they refer to you by ‘Mr. & Mrs.’ (insert name). Thank you Nick, Brandon & All. Top notch!
TOUGH choice, as «everything» being served to various tables looked amazing! But we finally made our choice based on a patron next to us. My husband & I shared their ‘Grilled Lobster Sandwich’ with a side of organic mixed baby greens. Plenty for 2, and it was DELICIOUS! My hubby had an ice cold beer & I had a Mai-​Tai. A perfect afternoon with the perfect date.

No doubt you come for the ambiance because the food is just ok. But the service is top notch! And thank God my lunch date was the bomb because this would’ve been a complete waste of $ 150+…and that’s just for one person!
We started with the «ceviche». Which isn’t ceviche, it’s more like baja shrimp cocktail because it is made with tomato juice and not fresh limes. Anyway, it was just ok. Seemed fresh and chips were warm so that’s a plus. We also had the crab cakes, which were horrible, and the steak cobb. Portions are decent. But the quality of food is typical hotel food. Nothing spectacular. I’d rather make the trip to Terranea and eat at Nielson’s where I know the food is bomb at a much more reasonable price. And their view is better.
Def won’t come back unless absolutely necessary. And to top it off, valet is still $ 15 even with validation. After spending close to $ 300 on lunch you’d think parking would be free or $ 5. I think this establishment gets away with these outlandish prices based on location and clientele. Which is sad and unfortunate for the «average» consumer.

Mosaic is one of my favorite spots on a sunny afternoon! Try the Mahi tacos, tasty and filling. The view is perfect.

Beautiful spot at the Montage Laguna to enjoy lunch outside while enjoying the gorgeous ocean cliff views of the Pacific. The food was great and the service was spot on. For our table we enjoyed the Mosaic Tacos (shrimp), Laguna Club, Blackened Halibut Sandwich and the Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich — everything was delicious!

Delicious food. Very conscientious. Gluten free options. Gorgeous view and great service.

$ 8 iced tea /​pp (free refills of course :-)
$?? appetizers
$ 26 burger
$ 30 tacos
$ 28 chicken salad
$?? desserts
Yeah it’s a bit pricey… BUT the chilled ambiance and exquisite ocean view is worth it! At least that’s what we’re telling ourselves after spending $ 150+ on lunch for three. Haha!
In all seriousness, the burger and chicken salad were reportedly delicious; the fish tacos were good but not as flavorful as I had hoped.
Ample portions all around.
Nice presentation.
Excellent & attentive waitstaff.
Exquisite view of the ocean and of The Montage idyllic plush greenery.
Great company, good food, unparalleled view… Good times.
Will likely return.

I paid $ 20 for the view and $ 5 for the burger… what terrible food, I’ll guarantee it was from a freezer. Just processed crap you’d see in the freezer aisle or a college cafeteria.
Service, ambiance and view are 5 stars but wow even with all that you feel like you overpaid for the low end food.
This is one of those «just for drinks» places, get a beer enjoy the view and move on to a real place for dinner.

I have been there a few times. The views are spectacular! On the last 2 times I was there it was a disaster… We had a couple salads — they were regular salads with cheap dressing — and 2 sandwiches; one turkey burger — which didn’t taste like anything at all and it was fried on an old oil, tasting horrible — and a regular — and over cooked — burger. (Each sandwich was about $ 35,00!) It’s really expensive, it’s not a gourmet sandwich and the service sucks. Without drinks you’ll easily spend $ 160,00 for a couple sandwiches and salads and you’ll definitely regret it! If you want to go there any way have a drink and enjoy the view… Or valet and sit inside; by the piano… That’s the way to do it!

Great views, but just disappointed. There are so many better places in the surrounding area. The salad was old and over dressed. The dinner entrée was not worth the twenty eight dollar price. But the final straw was the bar tender sending out cocktails and beer in glasses that were fresh from the dishwasher. No one wants a warm cocktail or hot beer…

My friend and I decided to take a drive to the Montage for lunch since I couldn’t come up with any better ideas. I am so so glad she suggested this place! First of all, the wonderful drive down the PCH to get here was so enjoyable with breathtaking views of the ocean. Then once we arrived at the resort, the valet service is just wonderfully friendly, courteous, and so welcoming.
If not for my friend I wouldn’t have known how to get down to the Mosaic outdoor patio dining area as you have to take the lift down to level 1 and walk all the way out past the pools to get there. You can’t really miss it as that’s where everybody will want to eat their lunch (or just have a drink) on a wonderful day like this day. The setting was just oh so perfect with the resort behind and facing the gorgeously breathtaking landscaping and panoramic ocean views. It doesn’t get any better.
We approached the podium where the friendly hostess greeted us and was more than happy to seat us. Thank goodness we were early as it seems many people actually make reservations for the best tables here… not that there are any bad tables. Anyway, we were seated immediately and before we knew it, our friendly server came over to greet us, took our drink orders and passed us the menus.
We had a hankering for some chips and salsa so decided to order the Chips, Salsa and Guacamole… OMG, the guac is so good! I knew I had a dinner appointment so decided to keep my order simple and ordered the Tuna Salad Wrap which was filled with Hass Avocado, Vine-​Ripened Tomatoes, Red Onions and Alfalfa Sprouts… I had a choice of regular fries or sweet potato fries and so went with the latter. It was all good… fresh, packed with the ingredients, and the sweet potato fries hot and fresh out of the fryer.
My friend was a bit more extravagant with her lunch and ordered the Grilled Lobster Sandwich… which came with Applewood-​Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Watercress, Yellow Tomatoes, Roasted Red Bell Peppers, Dill-​Caper Aïoli, on Grilled Sourdough bread. It really looked absolutely mouthwatering! I must have been good as my friend absolutely could not stop raving, drooling and moaning with each bite of her sandwich… yea, kind of like that diner scene from When Harry Met Sally. I guess it must have been good as she keeps reminding me that she has the best taste in great food! :)
All this good food, re-​fillable iced tea, great service, amazing setting… goodness…life doesn’t get any better :) Sure, prices are way up there, but this is the Montage after all :)

I want to start this by saying that The Montage is pretty much my favorite place on earth and for the most part they can do no wrong in my eyes. We hosted our rehearsal dinner at Loft, have celebrated my birthday here, and spend more time at the Spa than I probably should admit. The Montage is my happy place. That being said — imagine what the rating would have been had I not had so much positive «history» with this place on the whole.
My husband and I walked in about 1:30 on a Saturday for lunch. We were seated quickly but in the direct sun (it was 95 degrees outside and there was no breeze). It took 10 minutes to get a glass of water, and another 5 before our waiter showed up. We asked if he could help us with some shade, to which he replied «um, I can try». 10 minutes later we finally found ourselves with a bit of relief from the sun (my husband actually has a sunburn this evening). The waiter finally took our drink orders, then disappeared.
He came back with our drinks and took our food orders — two salads. Mine was the organic baby greens and my husband has the Ahi salad. They came out promptly but my husband’s was so small that it looked like an appetizer — ridiculous considering the price, and even more so when you compared it to my huge salad. He finished it quickly and wanted to order something else, but our waiter never reappeared. When he finally showed up 30 minutes later my husband had given up on ordering more food and we just asked for the check.
My cocktail was supposed to be a yummy rum cocktail with orange juice, strawberry, etc, but it tasted exactly like a screwdriver. Super disappointing, especially for 17 bucks.
Bottom line? Dismal food, dismal service. One star because I still love The Montage and another for the gorgeous view, but I doubt we will be back.

Here’s my idea of the perfect PTO day.
Get yourself one of those Sport-​Brella Beach Chairs at Dick’s or BB&B. Park outside the Montage on PCH (the meters take credit cards and max out at 3 hours). Walk to the Mosaic bar. Chat with Nick (great guy; good bartender). Expect that the food will be pricey (consider the location). If you order something to eat, you can grab a table. If not, sit at the bar and ask Nick to tell you about his trips to Bali. Soak up the view.
When you’re done, sling the chair over your shoulder and head down to the beach.

Good food, great service. The only downside is the fact that the prices make me think I am in Grand Cayman and not the US. (Meaning everything is very expensive) Of course the extra plus is the breakfast and lunch menus extend to poolside and regardless of price that makes for an additional plus to an already great experience.

What a beautiful place to have lunch. The view and setting is just gorgeous. We were seated close to the glass wall overlooking the beach and just had a salad and burger. Food was good but you go here for the view and ambiance — don’t go expecting a deal, that’s not what this is about. Take your lovely wife or husband or date and enjoy the resort, walk on the boardwalk and eat outside at Mosaic. You won’t forget it and you will look forward to your next afternoon at Montage — it’s special

The rating is an average of the view (3 stars) and the food (1star),
And since so many reviewers are giving this place a lot of stars because of their admiration of the view, I’ll stick to reviewing the food and the pricing, as there are many other places in Montage and in the surrounding areas where you can get similar and better views, with better food, and service.
That said it doesn’t merit price-​gouging simple entrees or drink cocktails that are Chili’s chain quality at best. I had their calamari (~ $ 20 for a couple of mouthfuls, it was OK, but for the price, I wasn’t overwhelmed), their skirt steak (the meat was Chili’s quality, but the side dishes like the beans and corn, were abysmal, and the side salsa tasted like it came out of a jar, and that went for ~ $ 45, (surprised yet?)
I am not averse to paying high-​end prices for high-​end food and service, but it isn’t like they were serving lobsters, Kobe beef or caviar, or any real cuisine for that matter.
Then there are the drinks: $ 25 for a margarita? c’mmon.
As far as service goes, it also sucked, you actually get more attention at Chili’s but I tipped them anyway despite their inexperience since it seemed to me they weren’t that bright but were trying hard all the same.
I’m comparing this place to Chili’s, and not Morton’s or RuthChris, deliberately, as it is Chili’s level and style cuisine at Morton/​RuthChris prices, minus the waiters!

I staying at the montage and I came down to the pool for a bite with my sister. The view is just fabulous! You should come here just for the view alone. Great crashing waves on the cliffs with small coves. The beach is just a shirt 5 minute walk from here.
I got the shrimp pita and lobster salad. It was great. Everything was soft and tangy. Then I tired their strawberry lemonade. Absolutely cooling with the warm weather. And then I got their coconut lemonade which, if it’s like a piña colada, I will most definitely try next time
My sister got a strawberry lemonade along with shrimp nachos. Delicious. I didn’t like the anchovies but the heavy cheese and shrimp with avocado was to die for.
For desserts, we got the cremé brûlée, Black Forest sandwhich, and s’mores ice cream. My absolute favorite was the cremé brûlée. My sister like the s’mores ice cream but apparently, it’s going to be taken out of the menu since the season is changing. We both didn’t really enjoy the Black Forest sandwhich. It came with a chocolate dipping sauce and some kind of berry sauce. Either way, it was too sweet or too sour.
And let’s not forget the service! Antonio and Kelly was our server. They were great people. Helping us move umbrellas so that we would be comfortable. And bringing us sun block when we didn’t have any. Always helpful and making sure I was comfortable.

A+ for view and location. Located on the first floor of the majestic Montage hotel, Mosaic bar and grill opens up to both the pool and the ocean below. There both bar seats and tables each with an umbrella to give just the right amount of shade.
This review is based solely on the menu for OC restaurant week.
For the first course: choice of
Crab cakes or tortilla soup.
I personally preferred the crab cakes a little more. The tortilla soup had chunks if avocado in it which I found to be a little odd. Although I love avocado, I found the soup to be lacking in substance.
Main course: choice of
Grilled shrimp wrap with chips and salsa
–my favorite, the shrimps were grilled perfectly and seasoned well. I like how light the dish was yet filling.
Prime burger with rosemary shoe string fries
–everyone thought the burger was a bit bland. The burger is a decent size and comes with your choice of cheese. The fries were really crunchy, fragrant and the best part of the dish.
Avocado pita
–we didn’t get to try this
Dessert:
S’mores sundae
–two scoops of chocolate gelato? It was so creamy and light. There was a tiny cube of mocha brownie and a toasted marshmallow all topped with a drizzle if chocolate syrup.
Overall, I think the meal was delicious. The view didn’t hurt. We had no idea that there was self parking in the back of the hotel last valet for about $ 1.50 an hour. Valet with validation is $ 11. Make sure you walk around to the beach and enjoy the view

The View!
If you want amazing food, eat at Studio.
If you want to be outside, watch the sun sink into the ocean, have great servers and good food and drinks, try Mosaic. It’s romantic!
The Ceviche is really well prepared, fresh and flavorful. The drinks are good — nothing out of this world, but solid. And you can even watch football at the bar. ;)

On Sunday, Jen and I went to Sawdust Festival and took the trolley to the Montage. We love this area and had such a great time here. We even brought her dog, Coco. Walking around the path was gorgeous, and we caught the sunset, as it faded into the water.
Today, was a rough day, due to some family news that I didn’t expect. I left the house to keep from getting depressed, and it turned out to be as great of a day as one could expect, given the circumstances.
Since we were in casual clothing, as weren’t sure if we could find any place on the resort to blend in with, but Mosaic was just the spot. As we walked to the top of the stairs, we even saw a bunny rabbit. I thought that was cute, and not sure if they are part of the resort, or just found the jackpot to hang out, hehe.
Jen and I shared a chicken burger and chicken tortilla soup. Everything was delicious and our server was a sweetheart. We had a nice firepit nearby, a talented musician and singer next to us, performing classic rock ballads, and a view of the ocean. What more could you ask for?