Five Feet Restaurant

We had heard great things about this restaurant, so it seemed like a natural choice for our anniversary. We were staying at the Montage, which we knew would have great food, but we were looking to go somewhere fun, where the food would be exciting and different. Five feet had been recommended by a friend, so we were looking forward to an evening of culinary delight. It was anything BUT that. The service was average, the food was average, and it was WAY overpriced for such an average experience. We spent $110 for two crappy glasses of wine, two entrees, and one appetizer, none of it very good. We left disappointed and would not suggest this restaurant overall. If you are looking for something interesting, different, or with decent food, go elsewhere. Cons: Food about average (maybe); way overpriced more

Pushed expensive food, added dishes we didn't ask for. All the food was fried and tasted the same. When we questioned the overcharges we were just ignored.\r \r Snorting manager couldn't be found when we questioned the bill. Dinner for two adults one child no alcohol, $200.00 Crazy for bad Chinese food??? Cons: Toooo Expensive, all food tastes the same more

My husband and I decided to come here after hearing such good reviews from friends who we consider to be foodies. Sadly, we were disappointed in every way. We decided to go all out for the tasting menu based on their recommendation. We arrived and were surprised at the decor and ambience since it was not what we expected. The table pattern looked like splattered paint, not a very good choice when you're trying to enjoy a nice meal. What happened to the standard white linen tablecloths? As soon as we were seated, the waitress asked us if we have ever dined here before. When we said no, she tried to tell us that it would be exactly like the French Laundry. What a laugh! We've been to the French laundry and I can tell you that it is NOTHING AT ALL like it! I felt like they were trying to pull one over on us because we had never been there. I think I saw the ""chef"" come out to greet customers, but only two tables out of the whole restaurant. What about the rest of us? Throughout our entire dinner, the hostess and another waitress kept looking at us and talking in hushed voices. It was quite weird and unsettling. And, througout it all we felt like we were being rushed. The hostess/waitress came out at one point and tried to ""sell"" us the kobe beef for an extra fee. I mean, if we're already paying a premium for the tasting menu, why wouldn't you just include the kobe beef in the tasting menu instead of trying to sell it to us on top of the premium tasting menu. This place has no redeeming qualitites AT ALL. I'm actually surprised this place is still in business. Cons: Horrible food, Overpriced, No ambiance more

My husband and I decided to eat here for our anniversary after remembering what wonderful recommendations we've heard in the past. What a waste of money! Our ""fresh"" halibut tasted like it was delivered on Friday, served on Monday, but unfortunately we went on Wednesday. The food that wasn't past it's ""serve by"" date (appetizer wontons and steak entree) lacked flavor and salt, odd for asian inspired flavor. When asked if we wanted desert for the 2nd time, we were afraid we might be served something from last month. Our bus person was very polite and had a wonderful smile, but other than that, service was just ok. The decor is so eighties and the music was awful! It's funny that music can have such ill effects if one is having trouble stomaching dinner. I feel like they stole our money and our special night. Next time I'll read reviews BEFORE I go to dinner and save myself the frustration. Cons: high priced, poor ambiance, terrible food more

I really wish that I would've liked this place. After reading the reviews on city search and seeing the 4-star rating, I had high hopes. Unfortunately, Five Feet fell flat on everything, and I mean everything. For a weekend night, it was surprisingly empty. I thought it was odd, but didn't think anything of it at the time. The decor looked like an old diner, with the music to match (think Ed Debevic's). Well, with its great reviews, we decided to splurge for the tasting menu with wine pairings. What a waste of $95 for 1 person (before tax & tip)! The waitress was overbearing, pushy, and condescending. The food was average at best. Our first course consisted of PF Chang's lettuce wraps, crab rangoon, and potstickers. The ""famous"" catfish was drenched in a ketchup-infused sauce and seriously could not have costed more than $10 to produce. The wine pours were pathetic and did not even equal a full glass in total. I never figured out how salad caprese and humboldt fog cheese fits into a supposedly ""contemporary Chinese"" menu. Perhaps it was the huge discrepancy in the quality of the food and the price that turned me off. But seriously, $95 for food and wine that would've cost $40 at PF Chang's was over the top. Now I know why it was empty on a weekend night. Don't believe the reviews that raves about this place. It makes you wonder. Seriously though, save you money and eat elsewhere. You'll be glad you did. Cons: overpriced mediocre food, overbearing and pushy wait staff, no ambiance, bad decor more

I have been to 5 Foot before, but we'd ordered off the menu. Last night, the three of us went for the 12-course tasting 'Menu without a Menu.' Chef Kang came up and greeted us and asked if we had any special requirements. My girlfriend (who had not eaten there before) mentioned she was a vegetarian and was allergic to avocado. My father and I said we'd eat anything, and I said I have a very high tolerance for spice. What then followed (over the next 4+ hours) was extraordinary all the way around. I've read several negative reviews here and elsewhere and they all seem to be about the tasting menu. To the detractors I have this to say: the tasting menu prices are clearly marked--so you shouldn't get all huffy or surprised when you see the bill. This is not a Chinese restaurant in the typical sense. This is Chinese/French Fusion food, and boy does it work. This is not the place to go if you have a show to catch or an urgent appointment afterwards. Eating here is an experience. This *is* your destination and only item on your to-do list for the night when you show up. If you want to do the tasting menu, go on a slower night like we did and call ahead of time to see if Mr. Kang will be cooking. Around hour 2 of our night, Mr. Kang came out and asked how everything was going and if we needed to change the pace. We asked if he could slow it down a bit. He did. Seriously, those four hours flew by. By the time we were having the Fromage course, he sat down and shared drinks with us. We got the opportunity to chat him up about the food and his restaurant, and he had great stories to tell for sure! How anyone could come here and have a bad experience boggles my mind. I was watching the other tables while we ate. Every time a server came up to ask people what they thought of their meal, every single one of them gave the same expression--""wonderful!"" Everyone there was very friendly--from the busboys to Mr. Kang. We left stuffed and happy. The perfect meal. Pros: Food, decor, experience more

Five Feet is the best restaurant that I have been to in years. Michael Kang and his catfish is unbelievable. We did have our choice on the menu and our service was outstanding. I want to let the readers know that this place is a find. I believe that the restaurant has been around for over twenty years, and now I know why. You have got to try Mama Kangs potstickers!! They are the best I have ever had. Our waiter was wonderful, he really helped us through the menu and the wine list. This is a definate 10, dont miss out on Five Feet. more

My family and I spent the week of aug. 12th in Laguna. Five Feet or 5' as it's written at the restaurant was one we were extremely excited for. I know Chef Kang from other articles and in passing from other chefs. We initially did not know about the $75.00pp tasting menu that was going on, we also were not told about it when we made our reservation (by phone) or when we arrived to the restaurant. When we arrived the initial reaction was ""what cool place!"" once we sat down it became VERY clear that the decor of the restaurant was given little attention, I love the local artist paintings for sale however I did not enjoy the peeling paint or the remnance of whatever mexican restaurant had been their beore ( I could see where 5' had tried to cover old cactus on the wall). Maybe it's just my NYC attitude but I like a restaurant to not only put it's best foot foward in the food but also in thier care of the space. Our waiter came over and welcomed us, very nice guy, enthusiastic knowledgable but arrogent and rude!!! As I said we didn't know about the tasting meal because no one had told us, when we asked for menus our waiter (i wanna say his name was joe but i'm not sure) looked at us as though we had 10 heads (we were a party of 5). He then proceeded to avoid telling us what was on the tasting menue saying ""let him cook for you, you will like it i promise"" thats all well and good but what meats is he going to cook? what veggies? I need to know considering my sister is a vegan and my mom has allergies. We had to pull teeth to find out that lamb chops and antelope were on the menu. We simply felt belittled by the staff, it was as though they were so far above us in life that we couldn't possibly know anything. Well I know that my lamb chops should not have have been cooked WELL DONE (not liked they asked) and I KNOW kung pao chicken, shimp and scallops should have flavor, they warned me about pepper flakes but yet it was beyond bland. BAD EXPERIENCE AVOID Pros: SO MUCH POTENTIAL Cons: Whole experience is poorly orchastrated more

A wonderful dining experience. At first we were put off by not being in control and ordering what we wanted. But once into sharing, it was a great dining experience. We were a party of three so we had 15 tastings from appetiser to desert. Out of 15, 12 to 13 were great, 2 or 3 were ho-hum, Not a bad batting average. While I didn't have every possible offering, and I am sure nothing in life is perfect, I suspect that some people have a restricted perception of what is good food. My credentials are that I have dined in world class restaurants worldwide, I shop and cook every day, I understand how to prepare food, I understand and appreciate creativity. Keep an open mind and try Five"". Pros: knowledgeable service, high quality ingredients, very creative. Cons: parking. more

I guess I'll have to rewrite my review since my first one was deleted. Tried the new style of dining here with a ""chef's choice"" $75 taster menu. In my opinion, poor quality in every aspect. Salad course was hardly exciting ( tomatoes and greens with balsamic dressing). Appetizers were equally boring ( 2 cream cheese wontons and chicken with rice noodle wraps). Fish course was equally boring ( scallops and shrimp swimming in a curry sauce that too was bland) and ( butterfish filet breaded with veggies). The meat course was tough and stringy ( flank steak and duck breast) which we sent back. It was replaced with a short rib (very fatty) and an antelope filet ( very, very dry and inedible). Service was good and the staff is friendly but I'm sure I'm not the first to complain so response to my critique of our meal fell on deaf ears.\r For $226 plus tip I expected much more. In my opinion, there are so many great restaurants in OC that 5 feet needs to re-evaluate this ""chef's choice"" style of service because the choices will be made by the patrons and that choice will be to dine somewhere else. more

My friend was there and recommended it to us. The fish was just ok, we were not given a chance to order the catfish... They didn't give us that option, must have forgot. DO NOT get the duck salad... It it just plain lettuce and a few strips of dry duck... no dressing on the salad. A two year old could do better. Also, they served venison as the beef dish. If you do not like venison, as I do not, make sure you tell them. Appetizers were delicious. The couple next to us comes from San Diego for the catfish. They loved it. more

I am allergic to nuts - any kind of nuts and some raw fruits. The server asked in the beginning for any kind of allergies as we ordered a 6 course surprise menu where we had no idea what we would get. Well, from 6 courses, 5 had nuts. Walnuts and peanuts, mostly. That was extremely annoying - any middle class restaurant would correct this after the first course - not this restaurant. \r \r Allergies can be deadly - this restaurant did not care. The service was lousy - although the food was interesting - the ones I could taste, at least. Pros: Interesting food Cons: Worst service ever - doesn't care for food allergies on a surprise menu more

I can't say enough bad things about the changes that have taken place at 5 Feet in the last year. When this place had a menu, it was great. Now that there is a overpriced ""taisting menu"" I would recommend to stay away from this place unless you enjoy being disappointed. Everything the past reviewers have said about this place is true. Their bathroom is atrocious and some capital improvements is much needed. It's sad to see the old menu go because it's used to be pretty good. Now you can expect potstickers, lettuce wraps, and Kung Pao chicken as an appetizer. No thank you, I would rather go to PF Changs and pay a fraction of the price. Their new cuisine and the ""no menu"" concept is hardly avante guarde considering the type of food you'll be served. Every dish was as disapointing as the next, and my date and I could only hope that the next one was going to be ""it."" Well ,""it,"" never happened. \r \r The service is as luckluster as the food. And good luck if your date has allergies or is a little finicky because the chef essentially decides what you'll be having for dinner. If you want contemporary Chinese food, go someplace else. Paying $75 dollars per person for this place is an absolute joke. Don't take my word on it, read the other reviews. Pros: Nice artwork Cons: Gas Station bathroom needs much improvement. more

I love the concept of the ""Chefs Tasting Menu"" . It was a unique dinner that included app, salad, fish, meat and dessert for $75. It is worth the money you will spend to try eclectic and creative cuisine that make this restaurant cutting edge. I dont know of any restaurant without a menu. I have read the other reviews and I am positve that they must not know how to appreciate excellent cuisine. I have traveled all over the world and believe me you will not find a restaurant with this concept. He has the first restaurant without a menu--Don't be afraid---the servers are very attentive to your personal dietary needs-my wife is a vegan and she had a wonderful menu prepared for her by the chef. Pros: Tasting Menu Cons: parking more

What a joke...I have never been so disapointed with so many things in one restaurant. The place looks and smells filthy and the ladies restroom toilet was over flowing when I visited it during our meal. I must say that the wine list is impressive but they don't even have a sommelier to help with the short novel. Something you'd expect when pay $75 per person before drinks, tax, and tip. We also kept being interupted by the maitre'd trying to get us to do a some special chefs tasting menu. Although some of the dishes were good, I was a little dumb founded how a caprese salad fits into an asian menu, and wasn't overly impressed with anything. \r As for calling it ""Chinese Laundry"" I don't see tht connection to ""The French Laundry"" although they have a tasting menu in common, that is the only thing they have in common. The ambience, service, and food is far supierior to this Laguna Beach dive, and I think Thomas Keller would take offense to be put in the same category. Save your hard earned money and go to P.F. Changs it may not be a memorable dining experience but at least you'll know what you're being served. more

New tasting menu consists of really bad food and really bad service. This was one of my favorite places in Laguna, because their old menu was fantastic, but new 6 course menu is dreadful! Not worth the money and the time. Some courses were overcooked and tasted like chewing leather Cons: Bad food, bad service more

I have never written a review about a restaurant before but the experience I had last nite at 5' warrants a WARNING to others. My boyfriend and I wanted to try a new restaurant and a couple of our friends who had previously been to 5', suggested we go there. We arrived at 7:15 for our reservation and after we were seated we were asked if we had ever been to the restaurant. We both said no. They proceeded to tell us about the ""tasting menu"". There was a 5 course, 6 course or the chefs choice 7-9 course menu (with no mention of the price of our 3 choices). We were both hungry so we decided to go with the chefs choice and it was suggested by the waitress that we do the wine pairing with this as the chef has selected the wine to compliment each course (again with no mention of the price of the addition of the wine pairing), . We both enjoy wine so we decided to go with this option. We had 7 courses of appentizer and entree like items, which were marginal at best in taste. That was folowed by a mini tray of 3 cheeses and 4 mini desserts. All OK, but not great. NOW FOR THE BILL...we were presented with a bill for $858 FOR 2 people (tip not included!!!! Needless to say we were floored. For a price that outrageous we should have been informed of what this was going to cost. This was 4 times what we expected. I have been to tasting menu restaurants before but have never been so shocked at a price specifically relative to the quality of the food. I will NEVER go to the restaurant again and plan to tell all my friends and colleagues about this experience. My advise: Tell your friends about my experience and DON'T GO THERE!!!! Cons: Way over-priced!!!!!!!! Feel I got taken advantage of!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! more

The best fish preparation I have ever had in my life.It beat my mother's cooking.I hope my mother doesn't find out I said that. Pros: take the right map. you will get there promptly Cons: You will have to walk a little to find the resturant. more

This restaurant is unbelievable!! If you have ever dined at ""The French Laundry"" or ""Chez TJ"" in San Fransisco you will understand how faboulous dining can really be. The chef is top notch and very creative. In a world were everything is super sized and homogeneous its nice to be able eat smaller portions and experience different flavors. It is refreshing not to have to think about what to order, but to have orange county's best chef cook especially for me! After reading other comments I dont understand why others have a problem not being able to pick their tasting menu. At Five Feet they do give you options, where else can you find a tasting menu like that?? Take a ride on the super food hi-way... Pros: adventurous Food Cons: small restaurant--you will have to book in advance more

We have been to Five Feet more than a few times over the years and usually enjoy the food and service. The last time we went, we were met with an empty restaurant (bad sign), and no menu. The server told us 'the chef creates unique dishes for you' with no mention of price or how hungry we were. We each were served one large catfish per person and charged 250.00 for 3 people. I left a 20% tip, but now regret not looking more closely at the bill, as the last post said the tip was already included. We will, of course, never go there again. more