Restaurants in Dana Point
Best Restaurants
Pizza • $$
Italian • $$
“Dropped in randomly and we were pleasantly surprised, every item was fresh you could taste, sauce in cavatelli dish was superb, the salsiccia pizza was really yummy and the avocado toast was solid, will definitely come back again”
Seafood • $$$
“This is a stellar restaurant with a great family-owned vibe. Chef Rob is brilliant and the apps, entrees, and desserts are all exquisite. His creativity that he lets loose in his Flight Club events is unparalleled. They have extra-friendly staff and elite customer service. And the fine dining experience comes with a fair price and an amazing value. Check it out and meet the Chef, you won’t be disappointed.”
French • $$
“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!”
Steak House • $$$$
“I recently had dinner at Bourbon Steak in the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, and it was excellent. The food was cooked to perfection, with every dish hitting the mark. Whether you're into steak or something else, the menu has great options, and everything I tried was spot on.
The service was top-notch, with staff who were friendly and really knew their stuff. Plus, the wine list is fantastic—there’s something for everyone and plenty of great pairings.
If you’re in the area or staying at the hotel, I highly recommend Bourbon Steak. It’s definitely worth a visit for a great meal and a great experience.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Indian • $$$$
“Finally a true and authentic Indian Fine restaurant..I was happily surprised to see and experience traditional Indian cuisine and flavors. CHEF ?? @Sanjay Rawat has done a great job in keeping the food a superb attraction. We had following and siper impressed by each and evey itme invkuding the mint chutney. Well done Chef.
Tuna Bhel
Chaat Pakora
RACK OF lamb CURRY sampler plate (which was a modern version of thali) a highlight for us..
Old Delhi Biryani..
Must go and I will be back.”
Bar • $$$
“Always enjoy staying at the Waldorf Astoria. Nice escape, great location, attentive staff. Perfect getaway.”
American • $$
“Great atmosphere with great service. Loved how an entire team look out for you from the greeting to the end.”
Restaurants with Delivery
Pizza • $$
“You can see your pizza being made. The servers are very good, and the food is excellent. I was with a group and we had several different types of pizza, appetizers, and salads. My fave was the Vampire!! The zucchini chips were to die for!”
Juice Bar & Smoothies • $
“This has become my favorite spot in Dana Point since I moved back a few years ago. Amazing food & juices. Customer service is fantastic with lots of smiles. Thanks Vibe❤️”
Mediterranean • $
“friendly fast service awesome selection of foods. Very good food it's fresh and delicious”
Seafood • $$$
“This is a stellar restaurant with a great family-owned vibe. Chef Rob is brilliant and the apps, entrees, and desserts are all exquisite. His creativity that he lets loose in his Flight Club events is unparalleled. They have extra-friendly staff and elite customer service. And the fine dining experience comes with a fair price and an amazing value. Check it out and meet the Chef, you won’t be disappointed.”
French • $$
“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!”
Steak House • $$$$
“I recently had dinner at Bourbon Steak in the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, and it was excellent. The food was cooked to perfection, with every dish hitting the mark. Whether you're into steak or something else, the menu has great options, and everything I tried was spot on.
The service was top-notch, with staff who were friendly and really knew their stuff. Plus, the wine list is fantastic—there’s something for everyone and plenty of great pairings.
If you’re in the area or staying at the hotel, I highly recommend Bourbon Steak. It’s definitely worth a visit for a great meal and a great experience.”
American • $$
“Great atmosphere with great service. Loved how an entire team look out for you from the greeting to the end.”
American • $$
“There was 8 of us who came here for a dinner with friends. Everything was absolutely delicious, and the service was amazing. The pasta was so good and fresh, the ribeye delicious, and the tiramisu was spectacular. Highly recommend this place !!”
American • $$$
“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.”
Pizza • $
“Met one of the owners today. We have her own to love Flippin when we are craving pizza. Cleaner options, the service is always great. They even offer to let my daughter either make her own pizza or tie garlic knots every time she’s in. True Brooklyn style pizza.”
Beer Bar • $$
“I was immensely grateful to step into a stunning restaurant that exuded elegance, with an impeccable standard of service provided by the professional waitstaff. The warm welcome from the owner at Homeslice Dana Point was truly heartwarming, setting the tone for a memorable evening. As I perused the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of the exquisite cuisine. Every bite felt like a culinary journey through Europe, and the ambiance was akin to a cozy evening abroad, with fellow diners basking in the joy of a Saturday night well spent.Thank you .Fahim Fazli”
Pizza • $$
“Wonderful experience. Truly exceptional pizza! We had three different pizzas and all were unique and flavorful! The salad was really good as well. We sat outside in the gorgeous courtyard with plenty of heaters on as the fog rolled in from the ocean.”
American • $$
“There was 8 of us who came here for a dinner with friends. Everything was absolutely delicious, and the service was amazing. The pasta was so good and fresh, the ribeye delicious, and the tiramisu was spectacular. Highly recommend this place !!”
American • $$$
“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.”
Beer Bar • $$
“I was immensely grateful to step into a stunning restaurant that exuded elegance, with an impeccable standard of service provided by the professional waitstaff. The warm welcome from the owner at Homeslice Dana Point was truly heartwarming, setting the tone for a memorable evening. As I perused the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of the exquisite cuisine. Every bite felt like a culinary journey through Europe, and the ambiance was akin to a cozy evening abroad, with fellow diners basking in the joy of a Saturday night well spent.Thank you .Fahim Fazli”
Outdoor Dining
Italian • $$
“Dropped in randomly and we were pleasantly surprised, every item was fresh you could taste, sauce in cavatelli dish was superb, the salsiccia pizza was really yummy and the avocado toast was solid, will definitely come back again”
Bar • $
“We love the place. Great beer, family friendly for little kids, clean, nice outdoor section, and the owner Christian could not be more welcoming. We’ll be coming back for years to come”
Bar • $$$
“Always enjoy staying at the Waldorf Astoria. Nice escape, great location, attentive staff. Perfect getaway.”
Pizza • $
“Beach harbor Pizza has the most courteous, friendly, and respectable staff. The staff makes the experience great and the pizza makes the experience even better! don't pass this place up it is the best in town and has the best prices! definitely my go to!”
Italian • $$
“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.”
Seafood • $$$
“We had a wonderful lunch at Monarch Bay Beach Club. The service was attentive and friendly, relaxing atmosphere with stunning views. The food was excellent. As hotel guests, we felt this was the perfect spot for brunch or lunch – ideal for soaking in the beautiful scenery and great weather.”
Seafood • $
“2024.11
The ordering process at Poke is always complicated, but this one was easy to understand. The taste is usually delicious. It goes well with cabbage. The staff was kind and friendly.”
Mexican • $$
“A soul warming food in the cold days!
The food was the familiar standard of Carmelita’s which was tasty no matter where
The service was excellent. The waiter was very knowledgeable about Mezcal and my table was gulping everything he recommended.
The ambiance was simple and almost like fast food join feel.
However, this branch has free parking as an art of the strip mall.”
Italian • $$
“Wonderful food great service, and amazing vibe and the singer…omg I have no words how to express how much I love the singer in the pianist, I had a wonderful time”
Bakery • $
“Great ambiance, pets are welcome, super staff & eats! Lots of compliments check them out!”
Thai • $$
“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.”
Breakfast • $
“Love this place after a paddle around Dana harbor. The Doheny omelet is my go to, and they make great Bloody Mary’s.”
Cafe • $
“Super shop right over the beach. Fast service, good food and drinks.
Parking: Parking is on top of the hill and you have to walk down to the beach or take their pay shuttle every 15 minutes.
Kid-friendliness: It's a beach place. Enough said
Wheelchair accessibility: Easy access”
Pizza • $$
“Wonderful experience. Truly exceptional pizza! We had three different pizzas and all were unique and flavorful! The salad was really good as well. We sat outside in the gorgeous courtyard with plenty of heaters on as the fog rolled in from the ocean.”
Italian • $$
“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.”
Seafood • $$$
“We had a wonderful lunch at Monarch Bay Beach Club. The service was attentive and friendly, relaxing atmosphere with stunning views. The food was excellent. As hotel guests, we felt this was the perfect spot for brunch or lunch – ideal for soaking in the beautiful scenery and great weather.”
Online Reservation Available
Brewpubs • $$
“Great service, Jack was super welcoming and made sure we were enjoying the time there.”
American • $
“I love coming here for brunch with my boyfriend. We've been coming here for a year now. I love their Cambridge Eggs Benedict with Norwegian smoked salmon, red onions and capers with a side of house salad. Their house salad is to die for made with dates, candied pecans, mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. Yum!! The East Coast Eggs Benedict is pretty good too. And the original Eggs Benny!!! My boyfriend likes ordering the El Capitan, that's good also. The price is reasonable. Their mini desserts are heavenly, the chocolate buttercream is drool worthy. I like my meals with their iced tea.
I love the service and atmosphere there too. I love sitting outside on a nice breezy day breathing in the ocean air!!”
Seafood • $$$
“I live in san clemente and rarely leave my zip code for anything including dining. I wanted to try something different for my wifes 50th birthday dinner and so glad I did. This is close to home and checks all the boxes.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“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!!!!”
Seafood • $$
“Delicious and fine food, stunning scenery, exceptional personnel. Absolutely recommended!”
Seafood • $$
“Harpoon Henry's has been a harbor staple for decades. Consistently good food, friendly people, great view. Large bar and lounge area... great for watching sports.
Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible”
Mediterranean • $$$
“Al Fresco Dining at Aveo Table + Bar located at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. Loved the 7 Curry Pancake and Local Fisherman's Halibut. They need to bring those Apple Fritter donuts on the menu!”
Italian • $$
“The best Italian food in Orange County. Happy hour is great! Best Casanova’s martinis.”
Steak House • $$
“The food? IMPECCABLE. I went with a large group of friends and we decided to try just about everything, sharing around the table. Yum! Best. Idea. Ever. The Ambiance was just as we had hoped - ideal for us to comfortably hang out and yap a bit. It was a perfectly fun and inviting atmosphere. The service? AMAZING. We had Mikey as our server. He was so fun, so attentive, so friendly. You'd think he was just one of our group. He made us feel welcome and watched over. I can't wait to come back to Salt Creek! And, Yes! We are asking for Mikey! So should you!”
Mexican • $$
“A soul warming food in the cold days!
The food was the familiar standard of Carmelita’s which was tasty no matter where
The service was excellent. The waiter was very knowledgeable about Mezcal and my table was gulping everything he recommended.
The ambiance was simple and almost like fast food join feel.
However, this branch has free parking as an art of the strip mall.”
Italian • $$
“Wonderful food great service, and amazing vibe and the singer…omg I have no words how to express how much I love the singer in the pianist, I had a wonderful time”
Takeout Restaurants
Japanese • $
“I don’t really live in the area but was craving some fish and this spot sounded real chill. Turns out it was more than chill, it was fantastic! Atmosphere was comfy and the man taking my order was nice. Food was 10/10 satisfied my craving for sure and would def come back again to eat if I come by here.”
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt • $
“The cherry chocolate flavor was really good and the server was very kind explaining the limited edition flavor (cookie monster).I'll definitely come back if I'm in the area.”
“This place is a retreat, heaven and happy place. I love it all. ❤️🌱”
“Food is excellent, pool games are legit. Good times by all”
Hamburger • $
“Burger and zucchini fries were awesome. Burger was dressed fresh and zucchini fries piping hot and crisp. Prompting for a tip for a drive-thru Burger struck me cringy tbh though.”
American • $
“This is a wonderful relaxing spot to enjoy good food, beer and wine, kick back around a firepit and watch the beach go by! Live music started just last night and going through the fall, TBA. See you on the sand!”
Mexican • $
“Once again, the food, service and atmosphere were exceptional! Wonderful gem in the middle of Dana Point! Today we had the delicious Seafood Mocajete for two!”
American • $
“I absolutely love this restaurant. The customer service is above and behind. The street tacos are my favorite. It melts in your mouth so good. We have had many things off their menu. Nothing disappoints. The selection is huge and everything you could order will be the best. Enjoy you will certainly be back.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“we visited from the UK & we had an amazing time. the food was great & the live band was brilliant. your staff were very friendly also”
French • $
“Love the O.J., Croissant with Cheesy Omelette and Quiche was pretty good. Also tried the Custard filled pastry and Marble pound cake next day. This location was a much better experience compared to the Newport Beach location, employee here was friendly, helpful and smiled, which made us want to come back.
Out of all the locations, we visit this one the most. Ava hands down is the best! Always friendly and great to deal with.”
Pancakes • $
“I give 5 stars for this restaurant from the Deliamar shop with support and respect Great food and great service.”
Cafe • $
“I had a light breakfast and needed a little something to hold me over so I went in to see what they had in their pastry display, when I remembered they had food here I looked at the menu and was pleasantly surprised to see they had Tripas as an option for their Tacos!! Yum!!! The portion was more than what I wanted as a holdover, but can you ever truly complain about that?!? Also got an Apple Fritter and that was fluffy and flavorful, I’ll be back to try some more things in the future!!!”
Thai • $$
“The service at Thai This is beyond compare, every employee there is friendly, helpful, and helps to create a great experience whether eating in to-go. We walked in to order to-go food and they seated us and brought us bottled water, again, service beyond compare. Now to the food, the Crispy Noodles (#1) are to die for...makes a great dessert. The Nutty Noodles chicken (#54) were great, and the Kiss Me Not garlic pork was so flavorful. They also included some tempura vegetables which were super yummy. So if you're looking for yummy food, at a great price, and with incredible service, Thai This should be your next dinner night out.”
Seafood • $$$$
“The service provided by the staff, from the front desk to valet parking and restaurant waiters, was exceptional, with a remarkable level of attentiveness.”
Brewpubs • $$
“Great service, Jack was super welcoming and made sure we were enjoying the time there.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Juice • $
“Mendi and her staff were amazing today! First time stopping in and they walked me through the menu and specials they had going. The sandwich was amazing and the smoothie was so good, you could tell it was made with fresh organic ingredients. The moment you walk in you can tell the place is clean and the well taken care of. Loved it and will be back!”
Fast Food • $
“The manager at this location is amazingly kind!! I came to pick up my app order at the wrong location, totally MY mistake. Instead of sending me to the other store, he called to confirm my order and made it fresh for me!! Thank you so much for making my day so much better!!”
Coffee Shops • $
“The recent remodel done here is great work. really makes the lobby look good”
Coffee Shops • $
“Very warm and friendly service, engaged in a chat based on my coffee thermo that I got from my travel while getting my seasonal drink fix.This location is difficult to get into if you're north-bound on PCH (-1 star), but when you need your coffee, your will to get into this Starbuck can be strong.There is a drive through, but I parked to take a break from driving. There are less than 10 spots with 2 ♿️ spaces,I think (can see one from my photo).Will return, especially if I'm going south-bound on PCH. Enjoy!”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“OOPS They did it again!!!Great cakes.Thank you.I have no words to describe the cake I ordered for my daughter's birthday and they delivered exactly how I want it.”
Fast Food • $
“My service has never been so fast, and a fast food place has never had such a happy environment. the worker were clearly happy and our cashier Kathy V. was INCREDIBLE! She deserves a host/waiter position seriously! her conversation skills and extraverted attitude are on the spot! Shout to her constant freindly, entertaining, and kind personality!”
Hamburger • $
“Best in class. Green bean fries are the bomb!”
Sushi • $$
“Suchi chef Kevin made a beautiful artistic flower for my granddaughter -it was a beautifully cut flower made out of a cucumber to compliment her Suchi dish !
I appreciate the delicious Suchi and beautiful service !
Thank you Kevin for putting a smile on our faces !”
Cafe • $$$
“Always enjoy staying at the Waldorf Astoria. Nice escape, great location, attentive staff. Perfect getaway.”
Seafood • $$$
“I live in san clemente and rarely leave my zip code for anything including dining. I wanted to try something different for my wifes 50th birthday dinner and so glad I did. This is close to home and checks all the boxes.”
Cheap Eats
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Seriously the best custard and Italian ice I’ve ever had!!! The customer service and menu options were fantastic! The lady at the front is super sweet and my family enjoyed the experience. Definitely going to come back! Worth it!! Wish I found this place sooner 😍”
Hawaiian • $
“I live the avocado salad and they are generous with their scoops of the spicy tuna!!”
Chinese • $
“Food we chose was from the vegetarian menu. We ordered the family meal for 3 people. They even made a substitute for egg roles. Very nice employees at the Dana Point restaurant. Will be going back again.
Vegetarian options: Check out the menu.”
Thai • $
“Excellent food at reasonable prices. Service was fast and friendly. Small restarant.
Parking: Parking behind the restaraunt in "the row". Take the side street up the hill from the restaraunt and then turn left into "the row". drive to far end of parking area for the shortest walk. Take the stairs at the end of the parking area down to street level, take the sidewalk to the left, and the restaraunt is close on the left.”
American • $
“Great sports bar with great food options. I highly recommend the Thai pasta and pizza. Wings are perfect and cocktails are amazing!!!”
Pizza • $
“First time in 20 years, our Chefs Special was missing ingredients!! Still tasted good.”
Coffee Shops • $
“We always try to find the best donuts when on vacation. Primi’s donuts did not disappoint. Traditional favorites. Fresh and delicious.
Wheelchair accessibility: Easy access”
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt • $
“Good yogurt and toppings, but we were disappointed the girl didn’t want to get the whipped cream, she said “we ran out of whipped cream” yeah right!!!😡”
Bakery • $
“I have been getting crumble for a while they have excellent flavors and all works and so kind and helpful.
Kid-friendliness: all the flavors are delicious and many are sponsored by kid friendly candys.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“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!!!!”
Bar & Grill • $$
“we visited from the UK & we had an amazing time. the food was great & the live band was brilliant. your staff were very friendly also”
American • $$
“Always enjoy staying at the Waldorf Astoria. Nice escape, great location, attentive staff. Perfect getaway.”
Fine Dining • $$$
“The service provided by the staff, from the front desk to valet parking and restaurant waiters, was exceptional, with a remarkable level of attentiveness.”
Cafe • $$$
“The service provided by the staff, from the front desk to valet parking and restaurant waiters, was exceptional, with a remarkable level of attentiveness.”
Latest Reviews
Italian • $$
“The best Italian food in Orange County. Happy hour is great! Best Casanova’s martinis.”
Vegan • $$
“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 !!!”
Restaurant • $$
“I was immensely grateful to step into a stunning restaurant that exuded elegance, with an impeccable standard of service provided by the professional waitstaff. The warm welcome from the owner at Homeslice Dana Point was truly heartwarming, setting the tone for a memorable evening. As I perused the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of the exquisite cuisine. Every bite felt like a culinary journey through Europe, and the ambiance was akin to a cozy evening abroad, with fellow diners basking in the joy of a Saturday night well spent.Thank you .Fahim Fazli”
Most Popular Restaurants
Seafood • $$
“Delicious and fine food, stunning scenery, exceptional personnel. Absolutely recommended!”
Seafood • $$
“Harpoon Henry's has been a harbor staple for decades. Consistently good food, friendly people, great view. Large bar and lounge area... great for watching sports.
Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible”
Cafe • $
“Super shop right over the beach. Fast service, good food and drinks.
Parking: Parking is on top of the hill and you have to walk down to the beach or take their pay shuttle every 15 minutes.
Kid-friendliness: It's a beach place. Enough said
Wheelchair accessibility: Easy access”
Steak House • $$
“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!”
Mediterranean • $
“friendly fast service awesome selection of foods. Very good food it's fresh and delicious”
Juice Bar & Smoothies • $
“This has become my favorite spot in Dana Point since I moved back a few years ago. Amazing food & juices. Customer service is fantastic with lots of smiles. Thanks Vibe❤️”
American • $
“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.”
Seafood • $
“2024.11
The ordering process at Poke is always complicated, but this one was easy to understand. The taste is usually delicious. It goes well with cabbage. The staff was kind and friendly.”
American • $
“I love coming here for brunch with my boyfriend. We've been coming here for a year now. I love their Cambridge Eggs Benedict with Norwegian smoked salmon, red onions and capers with a side of house salad. Their house salad is to die for made with dates, candied pecans, mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. Yum!! The East Coast Eggs Benedict is pretty good too. And the original Eggs Benny!!! My boyfriend likes ordering the El Capitan, that's good also. The price is reasonable. Their mini desserts are heavenly, the chocolate buttercream is drool worthy. I like my meals with their iced tea.
I love the service and atmosphere there too. I love sitting outside on a nice breezy day breathing in the ocean air!!”
Mexican • $$
“Great food with excellent service… great views with a cool indoor atmosphere … our go to spot when in the area!”
“You can see your pizza being made. The servers are very good, and the food is excellent. I was with a group and we had several different types of pizza, appetizers, and salads. My fave was the Vampire!! The zucchini chips were to die for!”