Restaurants in Dana Point
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Best Restaurants
“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 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.”
“This was our first experience at Kahani. It was very very good. In reading the menu there were so many flavors going into the dishes, we had no idea what it would actually taste like. Plus, we were not very familiar with Indian food. We asked our waiter for recommendations. 1st the spinach fritter in yogurt. Fabulous!! Do not miss this. 2nd the stone fruit with beets. Amazing... the description doesn't do it justice. Lastly, sea bass. Very nice. Finished dinner off with Indian chai tea, which had the most enjoyable spices in it. Truly a great dinner. We will be back. .”
“Have usually gone here with two or three people. No matter what we have ordered it is always simply fabulous. The food is consistently very good, the service is outstanding. They have a nice wine selection as well. Highly recommended for very very good Italian food.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Amazing stay, gorgeous views and incredible hospitality! Loved it all and highly recommend!”
“An absolutely amazing restaurant! I met and spoke with the owner - very nice gentleman. We had a party of 15, and the restaurant was extremely accommodating. Highly recommend!”
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Outdoor Dining
“Have usually gone here with two or three people. No matter what we have ordered it is always simply fabulous. The food is consistently very good, the service is outstanding. They have a nice wine selection as well. Highly recommended for very very good Italian food.”
“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”
“This place is a retreat, heaven and happy place. I love it all. ❤️🌱”
“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.”
“Great atmosphere with great service. Loved how an entire team look out for you from the greeting to the end.”
Online Reservation Available
“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 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”
“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.”
Takeout Restaurants
“Ice Cream? Wonderful. Super creamy, and flavors were delicious.
I tried a double scoop of Tiramisu/Oreo. Both were great but Oreo was my favorite.
The young lady serving us was very friendly and very quick.
Overall, a great environment and a great experience.”
“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!”
“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.”
“I’ve been going here for years and years. This staff is incredible. They are about to change management and I hope you keep all the same ladies that have been there for years. I get treated badly at so many restaurants because of how I look and they are always so kind and always have a smile on their faces when I walk in because I used to be a super regular. These are incredible women and I hope they stay if they want.”
“Amazing stay, gorgeous views and incredible hospitality! Loved it all and highly recommend!”
“Always a great time at Monarch Private Beach Club. The service is excellent, the atmosphere is top-notch, and everything is well taken care of. Paul is awesome and always makes the experience even better.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“This was our first experience at Kahani. It was very very good. In reading the menu there were so many flavors going into the dishes, we had no idea what it would actually taste like. Plus, we were not very familiar with Indian food. We asked our waiter for recommendations. 1st the spinach fritter in yogurt. Fabulous!! Do not miss this. 2nd the stone fruit with beets. Amazing... the description doesn't do it justice. Lastly, sea bass. Very nice. Finished dinner off with Indian chai tea, which had the most enjoyable spices in it. Truly a great dinner. We will be back. .”
“We stopped by Dana Point to visit Salt Creek and to my surprise, there was a Rita’s! We’re from Philadelphia so we were very surprised and happy to find a Rita’s! We ordered a blueberry and watermelon gelati and it was delicious! The custard YUM. The Italian ice— perfect consistency! Thank you for your fine establishment!”
“Best bagels in town! I only wish they carried a lactose free cream cheese, but I order mine toasted plain and add my own cream cheese at home. The service is amazing and everyone is always so kind and happy. The drink selection is fantastic and there are boundless combinations you can create with the flavors and spread or topping options. I really do love I love bagels”
“Such a great location and amazing experience! The food was amazing and the customer service was out of this world. Something you don’t see every single day and I really appreciate that. I came here on my lunch break and Ed took care of me. I placed an online to go order and he remembered my name and made sure I had all my utensils and sauces. He also offered me a cup of ice for my water which I really appreciated. He goes above and beyond in his work and I really appreciate that. Thank you, Ed. I will be back for sure.”
“If you’re in Dana Point and looking for something simple, honest, and actually made with care — this little spot surprised me in the best way.
I ended up here in the middle of the day while working in the area. Never been before. I try to avoid chains when I can and pick something new each time. This place caught my eye, and I’m glad I walked in.
It’s a small, family-run vibe — and I mean literally. Looked like a husband and wife running everything themselves. They were both super polite, calm, and you can tell they really care about the food and about every guest who walks in. No rush, no attitude, just warm hospitality.
I went with something safe for me — ramen and salmon sushi. And both were just… really solid. Not overcomplicated, not trying to be something fancy. Just good food made right. The broth had depth, noodles cooked right, and the sushi was fresh with balanced flavor. No complaints there at all.
The place itself is small. Not a big dining room. A few tables inside, clean but definitely more of a takeout–focused spot. They don’t have a restroom available inside, which kind of confirms that they expect people to grab food and go. And honestly — I would.
Not because it’s bad to sit there — it’s fine. But this is the kind of meal that hits even better sitting somewhere by the ocean with the breeze. I’d definitely order takeout from here and eat outside by the water next time.
I paid around $30, which is very fair for the quality, especially in California. They do ask about tip at checkout before you get your food — that part always feels a bit weird to me, but I get it.
Overall — 5 stars for the food and the heart behind the place.
I’ll remember it.
And I’ll be back — probably to pick up a to-go order and take it straight to the beach.”
“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.”
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!”
“Can’t recommend Lupe’s enough. We always have to stop at this location on our way back home to San Diego from LA. We think it’s the best Cali burrito in the area. The best part is they’re not stingy with their salsas or the ingredients in their burritos. The service is always fast and amazing!!”
“Food is excellent, pool games are legit. Good times by all”
“Amazing stay, gorgeous views and incredible hospitality! Loved it all and highly recommend!”
“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!”
“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”
“I’ve been going here for years and years. This staff is incredible. They are about to change management and I hope you keep all the same ladies that have been there for years. I get treated badly at so many restaurants because of how I look and they are always so kind and always have a smile on their faces when I walk in because I used to be a super regular. These are incredible women and I hope they stay if they want.”
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 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.”
New Restaurants
“Really nice spot with a good vibe. Coffee was solid and the place has a cozy atmosphere, great for a quick stop or to hang out for a bit. Service was friendly, though it took a little longer than expected. Overall a good experience, I’d come back and try more from the menu.”
“Our fav Acai bowls ever! After landing in Cali this trip, it was our first stop because our 2 toddlers love it so much! Their Acai recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, but not too sweet….and the fruit is so fresh and delicious! Our fav bowl is the double rainbow with added bananas and almond butter! We actually got to try the sugar free Acai base this past trip, and oh my- it was so good! The owner is so sweet, and humble! So excited for this new dana point location!! *the bowls are large enough to share which is fun!”
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 !!!”