Restaurants in Dana Point
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Best Restaurants
“Authentic Italian cuisine at its finest! The pasta dishes are homemade and divine. The service is top-notch and the staff is friendly. Can't wait to go back!”
“Im a NYer and finding good pizza on the west coast is a challenge, but aPizza makes east coast style pizza that is thin crusted, crispy and delicious. Great service by friendly staff.”
“I used to be a skeptic about those chain steak houses, believing they were overpriced and couldn’t cook steaks to perfection. However, I was pleasantly surprised this time. Every dish was delicious, and the steaks were cooked to perfection. The smoked ones were particularly delightful. The service was excellent, and we had a great time overall.”
“We absolutely love this neighborhood gem. Their specials rock flavors we love, and the chef is always coming up with something tasty. They are very accommodating. They aim to please. Servers Mario and Cruz and are top notch, and make every meal so enjoyable. My favorite (and there are so many here!) pick is almost always their fresh fish special. Last night I had the halibut with the sauce made up of blistered tomatoes, Greek olives, and tomato puree. Sooo delicious. Trying to calm down on the carbs and Mario was happy to offer me veggie alternatives of spinach and asparagus, then made a special effort to make it beautiful. I look forward to returning to that exact dish again! We just love Jack's.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Great meal. Christiana was friendly, attentive and had great suggestions. The steak and eggs was good… the steak had a slight gamey taste (kinda like lamb) but the flavor and tenderness were solid. The mushroom toast dish was amazing. Pizza was solid. French toast was just ok. Overall good experience.”
“Folks that work here gave random strangers with camera's Water. That was an amazingly refreshing thing to do! This is a business i would support any day! Thanks for your hospitality!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“I wondered how I could eat well on vacation. Vibe was across the street from my rental and I was so happy to find it! Meal problem solved! I bought a couple of bowls and a wrap during my stay. I even got my mom and two sisters to visit with me. They found something to try, too! Wish you had a store in Utah, I'd try everything on the menu. I actually got to have ice-cream! Thank you Vibe, Dana Point.”
“I used to be a skeptic about those chain steak houses, believing they were overpriced and couldn’t cook steaks to perfection. However, I was pleasantly surprised this time. Every dish was delicious, and the steaks were cooked to perfection. The smoked ones were particularly delightful. The service was excellent, and we had a great time overall.”
“We absolutely love this neighborhood gem. Their specials rock flavors we love, and the chef is always coming up with something tasty. They are very accommodating. They aim to please. Servers Mario and Cruz and are top notch, and make every meal so enjoyable. My favorite (and there are so many here!) pick is almost always their fresh fish special. Last night I had the halibut with the sauce made up of blistered tomatoes, Greek olives, and tomato puree. Sooo delicious. Trying to calm down on the carbs and Mario was happy to offer me veggie alternatives of spinach and asparagus, then made a special effort to make it beautiful. I look forward to returning to that exact dish again! We just love Jack's.”
“This is a stellar restaurant with a great family-owned vibe. Chef Rob is brilliant and the apps, entrees, and desserts are all exquisite. His creativity that he lets loose in his Flight Club events is unparalleled. They have extra-friendly staff and elite customer service. And the fine dining experience comes with a fair price and an amazing value. Check it out and meet the Chef, you won’t be disappointed.”
“This restaurant is a hidden gem. The food is incredible, the service is amazing, and we love the live piano music. There are so many restaurants in the area to choose from, but we find ourselves always choosing Luxe.”
“Upscale Indian restaurant inside Ritz Carlton. Beautiful resort and the restaurant is decorated nicely. The food was really good. Definitely a must try at least once”
Outdoor Dining
“Great meal. Christiana was friendly, attentive and had great suggestions. The steak and eggs was good… the steak had a slight gamey taste (kinda like lamb) but the flavor and tenderness were solid. The mushroom toast dish was amazing. Pizza was solid. French toast was just ok. Overall good experience.”
“Great experience at Dana Point Ale House! The beer selection was excellent with a wide variety of options! Service was top-notch—friendly, fast, and attentive. The atmosphere is a blast with friends after work, lively, and welcoming. Definitely a place I'd recommend and return to.”
“This has got to be some of the best poke in SoCal! Their fish is super fresh and the sauce doesn't mute the flavors of the fish. Everything is added carefully and you can choose any topping you want to add in making the meal very filling if you get a large! I left their ahi, salmon, octopus combo. It was so good!”
“This place is a retreat, heaven and happy place. I love it all. ❤️🌱”
“The Sunday Brunch at Lantern's Edge was amazing - from start to finish. The restaurant host, Christine, warmly welcomed us when we arrived. The decor and ambiance of the restaurant was coastal and the floor to ceiling windows filled the room with natural light. Our server, Miguel, provided top notch service throughout our meal. I opted in for the endless brunch option that had unlimited mimosas, regular breakfast items, and premium items (jumbo shrimp, crab legs, prime rib, and more) all for $65. We sat outside in the patio that had amazing ocean views accompanied by live entertainment. I noted on my reservation that we were celebrating a birthday and Boran, sous chef from the kitchen came out and personally greeted us and wished my friend a happy birthday. Lantern's Edge is truly a hidden gem in Dana Point. I will 100% be coming back and let everyone know this is the place to be for great food, amazing service, and impeccable vibes!”
“Consistently Fantastic Brunch Spot Near the Marriott!
Every time we stay at the Marriott Laguna Cliffs in Dana Point, we make a point to walk over to What A Dish for brunch, and it never disappoints. The outdoor seating is charming and relaxed, perfect for soaking in the coastal vibe.
This visit was no exception, the food was absolutely delicious. Everything we ordered was spot-on, flavorful, and came out quickly. You order at the counter, but don’t let that fool you, the service is top-notch. The staff was incredibly attentive, regularly checking in to top off coffee and water, and making sure we had everything we needed.
What really impressed me is how consistently every staff member went out of their way to be helpful and kind. Everyone had a smile, and the whole experience gave off warm, happy vacation energy. You do tip at the time of ordering, which can be a gamble at some places, but here the service went above and beyond. Honestly, one of the best service experiences I’ve had anywhere. This is how it should be handled everywhere.
Can’t recommend this spot enough if you’re in Dana Point. Great food, great vibes, and genuinely lovely people. We’ll be back, again and again!”
“The service at Thai This is beyond compare, every employee there is friendly, helpful, and helps to create a great experience whether eating in to-go. We walked in to order to-go food and they seated us and brought us bottled water, again, service beyond compare. Now to the food, the Crispy Noodles (#1) are to die for...makes a great dessert. The Nutty Noodles chicken (#54) were great, and the Kiss Me Not garlic pork was so flavorful. They also included some tempura vegetables which were super yummy. So if you're looking for yummy food, at a great price, and with incredible service, Thai This should be your next dinner night out.”
“This is a stellar restaurant with a great family-owned vibe. Chef Rob is brilliant and the apps, entrees, and desserts are all exquisite. His creativity that he lets loose in his Flight Club events is unparalleled. They have extra-friendly staff and elite customer service. And the fine dining experience comes with a fair price and an amazing value. Check it out and meet the Chef, you won’t be disappointed.”
“Rafael the bartender was very gracious to surprise is with this delicious dessert for our anniversary. He made us a delicious liquor, coffe drink called Callejito yummy. The appetizers were tasty. We had the octopus in lentil curry sauce and the grilled artichoke. Very tasty. We will be back in 2 week.”
Online Reservation Available
“I liked the food here, the staff was always checking in and filling up the complementary salasa and chips. I got the veggie chimichanga and my wife got the wet burrito. I really appreciated them working with my customisation of making it a veggie chimichanga, however, I wish they have a side of the rice and beans which would normally be in there. Other than that, I think the overall food tasted good. We also liked their drinks, we tried the Spicy Mango and the michelada. This was a cute date spot, definitely on the little pricer side bht still good.”
“The food? IMPECCABLE. I went with a large group of friends and we decided to try just about everything, sharing around the table. Yum! Best. Idea. Ever. The Ambiance was just as we had hoped - ideal for us to comfortably hang out and yap a bit. It was a perfectly fun and inviting atmosphere. The service? AMAZING. We had Mikey as our server. He was so fun, so attentive, so friendly. You'd think he was just one of our group. He made us feel welcome and watched over. I can't wait to come back to Salt Creek! And, Yes! We are asking for Mikey! So should you!”
“The Sunday Brunch at Lantern's Edge was amazing - from start to finish. The restaurant host, Christine, warmly welcomed us when we arrived. The decor and ambiance of the restaurant was coastal and the floor to ceiling windows filled the room with natural light. Our server, Miguel, provided top notch service throughout our meal. I opted in for the endless brunch option that had unlimited mimosas, regular breakfast items, and premium items (jumbo shrimp, crab legs, prime rib, and more) all for $65. We sat outside in the patio that had amazing ocean views accompanied by live entertainment. I noted on my reservation that we were celebrating a birthday and Boran, sous chef from the kitchen came out and personally greeted us and wished my friend a happy birthday. Lantern's Edge is truly a hidden gem in Dana Point. I will 100% be coming back and let everyone know this is the place to be for great food, amazing service, and impeccable vibes!”
“The service at Thai This is beyond compare, every employee there is friendly, helpful, and helps to create a great experience whether eating in to-go. We walked in to order to-go food and they seated us and brought us bottled water, again, service beyond compare. Now to the food, the Crispy Noodles (#1) are to die for...makes a great dessert. The Nutty Noodles chicken (#54) were great, and the Kiss Me Not garlic pork was so flavorful. They also included some tempura vegetables which were super yummy. So if you're looking for yummy food, at a great price, and with incredible service, Thai This should be your next dinner night out.”
Takeout Restaurants
“Really love this ice cream shop! They have a vegan chocolate chip peanut butter flavor that is so creamy, you can’t even tell it’s made with almond milk. It definitely hits the spot when I’m craving ice cream. It is located in a small shopping strip along Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. There is a small parking lot to the side as well as more parking above the shopping center. It’s a great place to walk and less than 10 minutes from Dana Point Harbor. They are also open late, which is a plus!”
“I was immensely grateful to step into a stunning restaurant that exuded elegance, with an impeccable standard of service provided by the professional waitstaff. The warm welcome from the owner at Homeslice Dana Point was truly heartwarming, setting the tone for a memorable evening. As I perused the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of the exquisite cuisine. Every bite felt like a culinary journey through Europe, and the ambiance was akin to a cozy evening abroad, with fellow diners basking in the joy of a Saturday night well spent.Thank you .Fahim Fazli”
“Visited during their soft opening and everything was wonderful! Great location, clean store, friendly staff, super refreshing smoothie and wonderful avocado toast and wrap. The sweet owner was there welcoming us in and even gave our furbaby a fresh treat. Will be back again and again!”
“Came here for dinner with my mom to celebrate the 15th anniversary of my dad’s passing. The fish was fresh, the miso soup was delicious, and the staff were so hospitable! We loved that it was quaint inside and easy to walk to from our Inn. Definitely recommend Maki Yaki!”
“Came in on busy July 4th and service was impeccable! The staff were extremely friendly, food came out fast and it was perfect. My family was down at the beach, I came over and got burgers and fries for everyone. The zucchini fries were amazing!! Thank you for working on the holiday!”
“Overall great place as atmosphere.
Service needs major overhaul.
I believe you can visit only as member of the club or guest of Waldorf Astoria.
Good amount of amenities for a beach club.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Rita’s in Dana is always such a treat! The staff is super friendly, the service is quick, and everything is always fresh and delicious. The Italian ice and custard combos are amazing—perfect on a hot day. The shop is clean, welcoming, and has that fun local vibe that makes you want to keep coming back. Definitely a go-to spot for anyone craving something sweet!”
“I always receive great and friendly service when eating here. The menu variety is impressive and the food is delicious, fresh to order. I’ve enjoyed the shrimp tacos, fried chicken sandwich, chicken fingers, fish and chips.
Seating outdoors with great ocean view is always stellar.
So nice to have a great cafe with many food options when visiting the beach.”
“🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Absolutely phenomenal Thai food! This place exceeded all my expectations from the warm, welcoming service to the explosion of flavors in every dish. We ordered the Pad Thai and platter sample - everything was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented.
You can tell they use fresh ingredients and put real heart into their cooking. The staff was so kind and attentive, even offering recommendations based on our spice preferences. Cozy atmosphere, fair prices, and generous portions - what more could you ask for?
Definitely my new go-to Thai spot. Highly recommend to anyone craving authentic, delicious Thai cuisine! 🙌🍜🇹🇭 next time I am going to try Tom Yam soup”
“I come here often because the service is great and the Manager Silvestre has wonderful customer service and so friendly. He brings your food out to you and always greets you with a smile. He remembers your name when he sees you and makes sure all your food order is always precise with no issues.”
“I’ve never had a bad meal at the Craft House. Every single thing I’ve ordered was delicious. Kate & Nate are the very best and make dining there so fun!!! I could eat there every day!!!!”
“I was immensely grateful to step into a stunning restaurant that exuded elegance, with an impeccable standard of service provided by the professional waitstaff. The warm welcome from the owner at Homeslice Dana Point was truly heartwarming, setting the tone for a memorable evening. As I perused the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of the exquisite cuisine. Every bite felt like a culinary journey through Europe, and the ambiance was akin to a cozy evening abroad, with fellow diners basking in the joy of a Saturday night well spent.Thank you .Fahim Fazli”
Cheap Eats
“Moulin Café is one of those hidden gems that has the power to refresh your day, whether you stop by in the morning for a bright start or before sunset to wind down. The atmosphere immediately draws you in with its charming ancient décor that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a European café by the beach.
The staff are consistently welcoming and kind, adding warmth to every visit. Their pastry selection is impressive—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Pair that with their well-brewed coffee or indulge in one of their subs, and you’ve got yourself a perfect café experience. The menu strikes a wonderful balance between quality and variety, making it easy to find something you’ll love every time.
Its location close to the beach makes Moulin a convenient stop before or after a seaside stroll, and the fact that it has a restroom available adds practicality for longer visits. The overall vibe is cozy yet lively, and it truly feels good to spend time here, whether you’re enjoying a quick coffee break or settling in for a longer chat with friends.
Moulin Café is more than just a café—it’s a destination that leaves you refreshed and satisfied. Highly recommended!”
“I absolutely love this restaurant. The customer service is above and behind. The street tacos are my favorite. It melts in your mouth so good. We have had many things off their menu. Nothing disappoints. The selection is huge and everything you could order will be the best. Enjoy you will certainly be back.”
“Food is excellent, pool games are legit. Good times by all”
“Really enjoyed my stay! The rooms were quiet and comfortable, the hotel bar was fantastic, and the room service was excellent. Loved the thoughtful little amenities—they really made a difference.”
“Always enjoy staying at the Waldorf Astoria. Nice escape, great location, attentive staff. Perfect getaway.”
“I liked the food here, the staff was always checking in and filling up the complementary salasa and chips. I got the veggie chimichanga and my wife got the wet burrito. I really appreciated them working with my customisation of making it a veggie chimichanga, however, I wish they have a side of the rice and beans which would normally be in there. Other than that, I think the overall food tasted good. We also liked their drinks, we tried the Spicy Mango and the michelada. This was a cute date spot, definitely on the little pricer side bht still good.”
“Wonderful food great service, and amazing vibe and the singer…omg I have no words how to express how much I love the singer in the pianist, I had a wonderful time”
“Delicious and fine food, stunning scenery, exceptional personnel. Absolutely recommended!”
Latest Reviews
“I was immensely grateful to step into a stunning restaurant that exuded elegance, with an impeccable standard of service provided by the professional waitstaff. The warm welcome from the owner at Homeslice Dana Point was truly heartwarming, setting the tone for a memorable evening. As I perused the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of the exquisite cuisine. Every bite felt like a culinary journey through Europe, and the ambiance was akin to a cozy evening abroad, with fellow diners basking in the joy of a Saturday night well spent.Thank you .Fahim Fazli”
Most Popular Restaurants
“The food? IMPECCABLE. I went with a large group of friends and we decided to try just about everything, sharing around the table. Yum! Best. Idea. Ever. The Ambiance was just as we had hoped - ideal for us to comfortably hang out and yap a bit. It was a perfectly fun and inviting atmosphere. The service? AMAZING. We had Mikey as our server. He was so fun, so attentive, so friendly. You'd think he was just one of our group. He made us feel welcome and watched over. I can't wait to come back to Salt Creek! And, Yes! We are asking for Mikey! So should you!”
“I wondered how I could eat well on vacation. Vibe was across the street from my rental and I was so happy to find it! Meal problem solved! I bought a couple of bowls and a wrap during my stay. I even got my mom and two sisters to visit with me. They found something to try, too! Wish you had a store in Utah, I'd try everything on the menu. I actually got to have ice-cream! Thank you Vibe, Dana Point.”
“I always receive great and friendly service when eating here. The menu variety is impressive and the food is delicious, fresh to order. I’ve enjoyed the shrimp tacos, fried chicken sandwich, chicken fingers, fish and chips.
Seating outdoors with great ocean view is always stellar.
So nice to have a great cafe with many food options when visiting the beach.”
“I absolutely love this restaurant. The customer service is above and behind. The street tacos are my favorite. It melts in your mouth so good. We have had many things off their menu. Nothing disappoints. The selection is huge and everything you could order will be the best. Enjoy you will certainly be back.”
“This has got to be some of the best poke in SoCal! Their fish is super fresh and the sauce doesn't mute the flavors of the fish. Everything is added carefully and you can choose any topping you want to add in making the meal very filling if you get a large! I left their ahi, salmon, octopus combo. It was so good!”
Recommended
“I am not a vegan but I must say that this restaurant is the best food I have had in a long time. The service was great and the ambience very nice. The food amazing !!!”