A Golden Age Hollywood–inspired speakeasy restaurant is set to take center stage in Laguna Beach this summer.
Noble Ace, owned and operated by longtime friends Elizabeth Schreiber and Chef Magellan Moore, will debut at 400 S. Coast Hwy.
Schreiber told What Now Orange County the two met while working in the restaurant industry at Mastro’s Ocean Club. Schreiber, who grew up in Orange County, was attending the University of Southern California at the time, while Chef Moore had recently moved from Ohio after working with several restaurant operations in Columbus.
Schreiber said she had long dreamed of owning a restaurant but was waiting for the right time.
“I left the restaurant world to have a family and do real estate. I would say at least once or twice a year, ‘This is the year we’re going to open a restaurant.’ Finally, a decade later, he [Chef Moore] agreed, and my husband and I were in a position to move forward with it. My husband has always stood behind my dream, and he’s like, ‘If you think you can do it, do it.’”
Chef Moore will lead the culinary program at Noble Ace.
Schreiber said she always knew she wanted to partner with him because of his talent in the kitchen, describing his work as the “magic behind Noble Ace” and stating it has been “really cool to watch him develop this menu and let his creative juices flow.”
The idea is to create a space with different levels of dining to fit everyone’s needs, not fine dining but elevated.
“We want the person who’s coming in after work to get the burger and the beer. And then we want to elevate that experience all the way to our Chef’s Table, which is going to be changing weekly. That’s five courses. This is like if Hillstone and Mastro’s had a baby,” Schreiber said.
She continued, “I love caviar, so Magellan is doing a caviar menu, which is going to be different plays on caviar, like hamachi with caviar. We’re doing standard presentations of blinis, so you can make your experience as elevated as you want.”
Once Noble Ace opens, the team plans to introduce a five-course, seated brunch.
The restaurant will also feature a curated cocktail menu exclusive to Noble Ace.
While guests enjoy the food and drinks, the ambiance will enhance their experience.
“Our overall vibe is Old Hollywood, so think brass, dark green, tangerine, and velvet accents, but also coastal,” she said.
The space will offer several distinct dining areas, each with its own atmosphere. The restaurant will seat up to 150 guests.
The bar will have a casual vibe, featuring a piano and live music, while the upstairs serves as the main dining area. An intimate den will cater to date nights, and wine lockers will be available for regular patrons. Additionally, an 18-person private dining room will offer a more exclusive experience.
Schreiber is eager to achieve her lifelong goal and join the Laguna Beach community, completing a meaningful chapter in her journey.
“It’s kind of full circle because when my husband and I were dating, we basically lived down here. We were here all the time. We just like the coast. It’s a great vibe down here. The people are friendly. It has a lot of potential,” Schreiber said.
She continued, “I don’t think Laguna Beach has seen anything like this, and I think it will bring people together. We’re excited to bring this to guests, to bring hospitality back, and to become everyone’s favorite spot.”
Noble Ace plans to debut in mid-June. Stay tuned!
