Restaurants in Dana Point
Best Restaurants
“Decided to try RJ's for breakfast when visiting friends in Dana Point. We had to wait about 20 minutes because it was packed with people. The service was very good and all employees helped each other since it was so busy. The breakfast menu was huge and everything was made from scratch. Definitely worth the wait! Would highly recommend RJ's to all my friends and family.”
“So after reading about this Hillstone copycat we finally decided to try it. Houston’s which is one of the Hillstone brands has changed their signature Tortilla Soup recipe and not liking the new version I decided to try the Coastal Kitchen version. I rate it a 9.5 copy of the original from Houston’s. It needed a little more cheese but was excellent in every other aspect and it alone will bring me back. The starter salad with the honey mustard dressing was on point and actually better than Houston’s. Our guests had the chowder which in every way resembled the Houston’s version. Their French Dip was enjoyed by our other guest and the fries were perfect. My wife’s blackened grouper sandwich was merely ok and quite frankly since most of the menu is an excellent Hillstone knockoff then I would suggest recreating the Gulfstream Gulf Coast Style Fish Sandwich. The only negative menu item we sampled was the Chicken BLT. It was not awful but the chicken was overcooked as was the bacon and it doesn’t even come close to competing with the Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich at the Hillstone locations. I’m all for innovation and signature changes but if you’re going to do that then maintain the same high quality and taste standard for all the menu items. All of us agreed we will be back to try the rest of the menu for lunch and dinner. Service was excellent and the atmosphere although a little acoustically challenging was comfortable and inviting. I came close to rating this establishment five stars but they just fall a little short of that mark. Still well worth a visit and I hope to revise my rating in the future. Look out Hillstone you have a worthy challenger and that’s high praise in itself.”
“Lyle was awesome with accommodating my family and our frenchies as always. The food is unbelievable and well worth the price. The whole experience is superb not to mention the view . Absolutely great place to dine”
“One of my favorite local spots. The food is always on point and fresh. The service is always great. Go for breakfast and get some incredible pastries. They’re delicious and they rotate the selection constantly which makes it fun. Their pasta is made in house, so we love going for dinner as well. I’ve tried several of the pasta dishes and I’ve never been disappointed. I could ramble on forever. Just make reservations (you have to call at least 24 hours in advance) and leave a little extra time to park. The lot in the back is small and if you can’t find a spot there, you’ll need to street park.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Food was insane. Got the gluten free crust and arguably one of the best crusts/pizza I have ever had period. Worth it for the price extra charge. 100% going back.”
“The halibut piccata was delicious! So was the salmon and filet mignon. The house Chianti was good. Service was great - we did not feel rushed and could really relax and enjoy. The brownie sundae was ok - brownie a bit dry and ice cream more like ice milk (not real creamy). All in all, I would recommend this restaurant.”
9
Kahani
“I didn't expect to find Indian food here at Ritz. I asked staff for nice quiet spot where I could eat and work. It turned out to be an elegant spot with superb food. The menu offers both gringo Indian and authentic. Choose the authentic at the bottom of the menu. Superb!!!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“aPizza Doho is one of the best new restaurants to pop up in Dana Point. The pizzas are creative and flavors are always on point. Service team is fantastic - always a great experience and welcoming vibe. Personal favorites are the Stingray pizza, the Frito Misto appetizer and the Doho Chop salad. Also their lunch special is the best deal in town and can easily feed 2-3 people. Parking is challenging in the center, but the fight for a spot is worth it for aPizza Doho!”
“On vacation and looking for a healthy food option. Came across Vibe. Large delicious portions. Inside of place clean and nice staff. Wish I had more room to try their smoothies. Looked so yummy!”
“Decided to try RJ's for breakfast when visiting friends in Dana Point. We had to wait about 20 minutes because it was packed with people. The service was very good and all employees helped each other since it was so busy. The breakfast menu was huge and everything was made from scratch. Definitely worth the wait! Would highly recommend RJ's to all my friends and family.”
“So after reading about this Hillstone copycat we finally decided to try it. Houston’s which is one of the Hillstone brands has changed their signature Tortilla Soup recipe and not liking the new version I decided to try the Coastal Kitchen version. I rate it a 9.5 copy of the original from Houston’s. It needed a little more cheese but was excellent in every other aspect and it alone will bring me back. The starter salad with the honey mustard dressing was on point and actually better than Houston’s. Our guests had the chowder which in every way resembled the Houston’s version. Their French Dip was enjoyed by our other guest and the fries were perfect. My wife’s blackened grouper sandwich was merely ok and quite frankly since most of the menu is an excellent Hillstone knockoff then I would suggest recreating the Gulfstream Gulf Coast Style Fish Sandwich. The only negative menu item we sampled was the Chicken BLT. It was not awful but the chicken was overcooked as was the bacon and it doesn’t even come close to competing with the Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich at the Hillstone locations. I’m all for innovation and signature changes but if you’re going to do that then maintain the same high quality and taste standard for all the menu items. All of us agreed we will be back to try the rest of the menu for lunch and dinner. Service was excellent and the atmosphere although a little acoustically challenging was comfortable and inviting. I came close to rating this establishment five stars but they just fall a little short of that mark. Still well worth a visit and I hope to revise my rating in the future. Look out Hillstone you have a worthy challenger and that’s high praise in itself.”
“Lyle was awesome with accommodating my family and our frenchies as always. The food is unbelievable and well worth the price. The whole experience is superb not to mention the view . Absolutely great place to dine”
“Great place for oysters. Thursday is oyster night with the best prices around.If you go for happy hour, or make a reservation, be sure to get happy hour seating. You can’t get happy hour at every table.”
“Food was insane. Got the gluten free crust and arguably one of the best crusts/pizza I have ever had period. Worth it for the price extra charge. 100% going back.”
“The halibut piccata was delicious! So was the salmon and filet mignon. The house Chianti was good. Service was great - we did not feel rushed and could really relax and enjoy. The brownie sundae was ok - brownie a bit dry and ice cream more like ice milk (not real creamy). All in all, I would recommend this restaurant.”
“I had lived in this area for many years, but never been to Jimmy's until yesterday. And it was fabulous! My friends and I went for her birthday and had a great time with great food, drink, service and the atmosphere was fabulous!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free buns”
“Rita's Italian Ice has been staple for me as someone raised on the East Coast. It was an absolute joy to find one in Dana Point. The custards make for a great dessert. Highly recommend!”
“Great spot. Nice setting. French inspired make reasonable modifications to food. Good sized portions and quality. Great coffee too. A go to spot for breakfast.Dietary restrictions: Gluten”
“My fiancé and I had such a nice time cake tasting for our elopement. They made us feel so special with champagne and a cute picture opportunity at the end. So sweet and such a nice ambiance to make a special decision even more special! Would definitely recommend!!”
“Best vibe in town. Live entertainment, flat screens for the big games. Outside patio and pet friendly. Best happy hour menu from 2 - 5 M thru F $5 Smashburger $5 Craft Beers.”
“I went there the other day for the first time and had some sushi. It was probably one of the best sushi places in Laguna Niguel. It was very delicious. I ordered the dragon sushi, baked scallop and baked salmon. The service was fast. I highly recommend this location. I will definitely go back.”
“I love stacks. The first time I went to any of their locations was 11 years ago. I love that they've had enough success to expand more and more over the years and still maintain the same level of food throughout each location. I do wish they would go back to rotating their specials more frequently but I think that's probably harder to do with all of the locations they now have. My typical go to nowadays is the island chilaquiles.”
“I had lived in this area for many years, but never been to Jimmy's until yesterday. And it was fabulous! My friends and I went for her birthday and had a great time with great food, drink, service and the atmosphere was fabulous!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free buns”
“Great spot. Nice setting. French inspired make reasonable modifications to food. Good sized portions and quality. Great coffee too. A go to spot for breakfast.Dietary restrictions: Gluten”
“Best vibe in town. Live entertainment, flat screens for the big games. Outside patio and pet friendly. Best happy hour menu from 2 - 5 M thru F $5 Smashburger $5 Craft Beers.”
Outdoor Dining
“The steaks were very pricey$$$$, my wife had the parmesan spaghetti and i had the ravioli. The ravioli was very good, but the spaghetti was to die for!! it's a modern decor, very nice, but not stuffy. It was a cold and rainy evening so we ate inside. at 6:30pm the place was nearly empty, but really picked up by 8pm.”
“One of my favorite local spots. The food is always on point and fresh. The service is always great. Go for breakfast and get some incredible pastries. They’re delicious and they rotate the selection constantly which makes it fun. Their pasta is made in house, so we love going for dinner as well. I’ve tried several of the pasta dishes and I’ve never been disappointed. I could ramble on forever. Just make reservations (you have to call at least 24 hours in advance) and leave a little extra time to park. The lot in the back is small and if you can’t find a spot there, you’ll need to street park.”
“A local owner (went to the local high school back in the day) who's involved in the community. Oh, and a great Cali beer selection for all tastes (changes frequently) delivered with genuinely good service. Cheers!Parking: Close to harbor, coastal views (1 block away), and many restaurants.”
“I stayed at the Monarch for a business meeting. The property and resort is absolutely outstanding. From the friendliness of the staff to the condition of the property, my experience was superior. I will definitely return!”
“Can’t get enough of this place! The food items are so unique and love the drinks. Staff is super friendly. Don’t miss out on their avocado toast called “The Funk”. Got it gluten free. It’s out of this world.”
“Went on a Saturday night. Fairly busy, but not too crowded. It was just 2 of us, so we ordered drinks and played ping pong while we waited for a pool table to open up. Had to wait about 10 min. Server was very kind, bartender was busy and direct. Overall it was a clean place with decent tables and cheap drinks. You pay hourly for the tables. Would come back again.”
“I was happy with the service and the quality of food. I only had the new Modern Greek Salad so I can't judge the rest of the menu, but the salad was delicious and seemed really fresh. The workers here were happy to help me and served me with a smile. Overall, I enjoyed my experience here. The best salad in the center!”
“A rare, true beach bar in California. One of the best gems on the coast, everybody, there is so cheerful and very polite. Drinks and food are wonderful . Views are stunning -best service by far-Complete with surf music and right off the sand. Watch, surfers and dolphins and occasional whales while drinking your favorite cocktail, does it get any better?”
“Very lively evening, and likely due to that, the service was a little slow. Had a few cocktails all around $15 a piece and some appetizers. Everything was good, but the oysters were tiny, as were the mussels. I should have taken a photo of the oysters....Also, more bread is needed. Had to order more as two pieces was not enough for the tasty broth. The ahi tacos were bountiful and filling.”
“Amazing service, fabulous food!! Enjoy our meal! Love the asparagus fries...one of the best linguini and clam sauce I ever had!! Best tiramisu too! Only concern is that the bathroom needs to be checked in on more frequently...a bit dirty. The restaurant could use a little bit of an update...but will certainly return soon!!~”
“Our meal here was absolutely fantastic... We tried the hummus and liver pate appetizers to start, our companions had the salmon and we tried the lemon sole and lamb(the Volcano). Everything was so delicious and beautifully presented. Great service and yes one could carry on a conversation...”
“Another wonderful evening at Lucci's! Back to my favorite Lasagne Melania I. Others had the special Lobster Ravioli. Excellent as usual! Best service! Fun atmosphere. Donna played accordian music which we love. If you have never eaten here, you are missing a gem!”
“The ordering process was smooth, they got our food to us quickly, the food was delicious and atmosphere was chill and casual. We got fish tacos (pico not so spicy) and queso smothered spuds (also not spicy). Would recommend and go back.”
“Food, u can find better in grocery store cold section.Service, u may found one of two good waiter. But the rest, lol.But If ur correct skin color, i think you may get better service. I was there for one hour waiting for my food and check. Waiters treat different people very differently.View, my hotel room has a better view.”
“As if the restaurant name isn't enough to make you smile, the menu and the warm welcome will lighten your heart. Excellent service. Start with the appethaizers and move to the Have Wings will Travel section. All four dishes were delicious with #40 my favorite - the Road Runner / Kai Himapan with Spicy chicken cooked with cashew nut and roasted chili. I will definitely return with the same friends and a few more. Nice vegetarian options.”
13
Dana Kai
“I went there the other day for the first time and had some sushi. It was probably one of the best sushi places in Laguna Niguel. It was very delicious. I ordered the dragon sushi, baked scallop and baked salmon. The service was fast. I highly recommend this location. I will definitely go back.”
“Very lively evening, and likely due to that, the service was a little slow. Had a few cocktails all around $15 a piece and some appetizers. Everything was good, but the oysters were tiny, as were the mussels. I should have taken a photo of the oysters....Also, more bread is needed. Had to order more as two pieces was not enough for the tasty broth. The ahi tacos were bountiful and filling.”
“Amazing service, fabulous food!! Enjoy our meal! Love the asparagus fries...one of the best linguini and clam sauce I ever had!! Best tiramisu too! Only concern is that the bathroom needs to be checked in on more frequently...a bit dirty. The restaurant could use a little bit of an update...but will certainly return soon!!~”
Online Reservation Available
“We needed to find a place last minute to host a small baptism dinner in Dana point and we are from SanDiego area, I was looking online and found this Gem!!! Not only were they accommodating and very patient the whole staff there were great!! They were all happy and polite. The food came out at perfect timing. All the guests were happy and kept saying how they enjoyed themselves. The food was Delicious (prosciutto flatbread) was my favoritethe desserts were good too! The prices were very reasonable The atmosphere was perfect for the occasion. We will definitely be back the next time we are in town can't wait to try their breakfast menu and one of those cupcakes!”
“It was a great experience overall, I got the warmest welcome from the staff. They attended to my every need and were intuitive to my other needs I did not verbalize. I wanted to take a picture of my special day but was too shy to ask. The wait staff offered to help me take a picture. I appreciated the thought to detail. I felt very welcome, the drive was well worth it!”
“Our visit started off a little rough in the lounge for a drink before dinner. Our server was inexperienced and wasn't very friendly and made mistakes with drink orders. After a drink, we moved to the dining room for dinner, and our server was awesome. Our meals were delicious and the view of the marina was nice. The restaurant is clean but a little dated and due for renovation.”
“Great happy hour values! $5.00 bubbles! The green chill fries @ $8.00 were amazing. The pork was very flavorful and delicious. Only con was it was very noisy. We were sat on the patio next to the street. Lots of revving engines. Our server Kelsey was great! We'll be back!”
“I had the eggplant and it was delicious! We tried the pizza and it was pretty good. I would not go there just because for the pizza. We were there at lunch and the menu was limited. Don't know if it's the same menu at dinner. My husband had a pasta dish and he enjoyed it. I'm not sure if they make their own pasta. I will go back for the eggplant!”
“Celebrating a special birthday and we couldn't have been more pleased. Our server was awesome! The menu was robust and definitely mouth watering. Our meals were so delicious. I highly recommend the Eggplant Parm, although truly everything was so good. We enjoyed the atmosphere out on the patio for our celebrating! Can't wait to go back!”
“I've been here before but this time around was the best visit. The server Shane had the best service and recommendations. He told me to start with the cocojito. That drink tasted great! I got a couple entrees as well. While eating my fries, Shane told me about their "secret sauce" and ran to the back to get me a side of it. The cherry on top was being able to watch all the NBA games. They had the warriors game on the big screen. Ambiance for sports fans is top tier. I will be definitely be coming back!”
“My husband, my son, and I love Carmelita’s! The salsa, refried beans, and chips are above average. I get the spinach enchiladas and they are excellent every time!”
“Kaycee is amazing! So friendly and happy to serve her customers. She literally listens (I'm high maintenance) and delivers what you ask for with a smile on her face. Patio is great in warm weather and dog friendly! I highly recommend, but be sure to ask for Kaycee to take care of you. Happy hour has great deals.”
“Breakfast was delicious except the fried chicken with churros was a bit dry & salty. The lobster scramble & American breakfast were perfectly cooked. Service was excellent!!”
“Restaurant with a beautiful view of the Dana Point Marina. Food is delicious. Scallops were seared beautifully and fish was blackened nicely. First time ever eating Mexican oysters and they were good! Make a reservation for sunset time and ask for a window seat by the water.Parking: Large free parking lot by the marina.Wheelchair accessibility: Stairs all over so I believe this restaurant may be difficult to navigate.”
““I highly recommend this business.”We have a birthday celebration in there last night.Glen was our server,he was very friendly and helpful with us we gave him 10 stars for his service.”
“Our meal here was absolutely fantastic... We tried the hummus and liver pate appetizers to start, our companions had the salmon and we tried the lemon sole and lamb(the Volcano). Everything was so delicious and beautifully presented. Great service and yes one could carry on a conversation...”
“Another wonderful evening at Lucci's! Back to my favorite Lasagne Melania I. Others had the special Lobster Ravioli. Excellent as usual! Best service! Fun atmosphere. Donna played accordian music which we love. If you have never eaten here, you are missing a gem!”
“Food, u can find better in grocery store cold section.Service, u may found one of two good waiter. But the rest, lol.But If ur correct skin color, i think you may get better service. I was there for one hour waiting for my food and check. Waiters treat different people very differently.View, my hotel room has a better view.”
Takeout Restaurants
“Nice place and really friendly baristas! The matcha was a little bit over powdered for me so it was hard to drink as it was sort of bitter. The coffee was delicious though!”
“Excellent Pizza with amazing flavor. The toppings were more than plentiful. They offer good choice specialty pizzas or build your own. The crust was very tasty all by itself. It's quick serve kind of place with both inside and outside seating. You're at the beach so bring a light weight jacket. Staff very friendly and recognized local repeat guests. We will definitely return soon!”
“Lovely juice place in Dana Point. I saw the store while looking for parking right before doing hike. I got açai bowl and the energy juice drink. The servers are amazing and patient. If you download their app, you get 5$ off ;)”
“I had the pleasure of eating in Zen Sushi on Valentine's day 2024. The food was excellent, the service and the atmosphere were very good!Fish was fresh, sushi and sashimi were delicious and we really enjoyed our time and the food!”
“Cozy little restaurant with a menu full of Chinese comfort food. So far I've tried the beef chow mein and beef & broccoli and have enjoyed both. Service is also pretty quick, so you aren't going to wait long.”
“Had my best EVER jersey mikes sandwich here today. Ordered on the app and picked it up. I requested hot peppers and they gave me the scoop to ask for “CPR” cherry pepper relish.GAME CHANGER. this was THE BEST sub I’ve had. I will definitely be ordering again and thanks to the team for the tip!”
“Great customer service at this location. This location really cares about the integrity towards the restaurant. Every time I come here, I am always thankful for Rafael and Magdalena for their great management. They are on top of everything, very polite and care for the needs of their customers. Food is always looking presentable and on point at this location.”
“Nice pizza, sandwich, salad Italian place. I really enjoyed the caprese sandie. It's a very large sandwich so I was only able to eat half. Packed with lots of arugula and mozzarella plus a giant slice of tomato. The bread app was really good, basically Parker house rolls covered with cheese/garlic/butter and comes with marinara sauce. My sister has the lemon pasta and loved it as well. I would just say that they missed giving us napkins and utensils in our order tho they knew we were eating next door and the order took a lot longer than it should have. Would love to dine in next time and try other items.”
“Great food with many options, one side of menu is vegan and other side is everything else. Great option for those who have a vegetarian or vegan friend/spouse. Recommend to make a reservation as seating is limited.”
“Stopped in for dinner as our hotel's steakhouse was booked and the reviews were good. Food was great! We had nachos for an appetizer and then we each had a cheesesteak. Waiter was great, but he was slow to come back so my husband got to-go boxes from the bar as well as paid there. We saw a family with kids there. Towards the end of our meal someone was setting up some equipment-not sure if he was going to be a DJ or if there was going to be a band. Fun atmosphere.”
“We came to this place for some breakfast and were not disappointed. When we came in, there was no line, although while we were there, people were coming and coming. The food here is amazing, and we really liked the croissant and the croque madame. The service is quick, and the personnel is friendly.”
“We ordered breakfast here on our last day since we didn’t have time to dine in the restaurant. The coffee, croissants, and breakfast sandwiches were just what we needed.”
“During our stay I came to the marketplace everyday. The staff were super friendly and helpful. The ambiance is very nice too. It's a fast casual food market with breakfast and lunch options. I had the Patty Melt for lunch one day and it was so good, hit the spot. We also enjoyed some of the pastries. One day for breakfast I had the salmon toast and the portion size was huge! They definitely give you plenty to eat. It is more expensive than other places outside of the hotel, but like I said the portions are big and it's convenient.”
“What could be better than sitting at the beach eating wonderful crispy fries and other delicious snacks. Everyone’s happy kids and adults services is great. There are a lot of options, including vegetarian options, and as my granddaughter says, “this is the best place ever.””
“Very family oriented. It's all about having FUN with pizza. Great, helpful staff.Dietary restrictions: I can't do spicy stuff. Their make your own pizza toppings works perfectly for me!!”
19
Thai This
“As if the restaurant name isn't enough to make you smile, the menu and the warm welcome will lighten your heart. Excellent service. Start with the appethaizers and move to the Have Wings will Travel section. All four dishes were delicious with #40 my favorite - the Road Runner / Kai Himapan with Spicy chicken cooked with cashew nut and roasted chili. I will definitely return with the same friends and a few more. Nice vegetarian options.”
20
Zen Sushi
“I had the pleasure of eating in Zen Sushi on Valentine's day 2024. The food was excellent, the service and the atmosphere were very good!Fish was fresh, sushi and sashimi were delicious and we really enjoyed our time and the food!”
21
Raya
“It was a great experience overall, I got the warmest welcome from the staff. They attended to my every need and were intuitive to my other needs I did not verbalize. I wanted to take a picture of my special day but was too shy to ask. The wait staff offered to help me take a picture. I appreciated the thought to detail. I felt very welcome, the drive was well worth it!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Great burgers, In-N-Out vibe burgers (without the sauce)... they're very thin patties, so do yourself a favor and go for the double!! Also good prices and super friendly staff! If you're in the mood for a burger and are a fan of In-N-Out style burgers and fry's, this is a great local option.”
“Carlos Mexican restaurant REVIEW: 1. Food: 9/10. california burrito was exquisite, ingredient flexibility is awesome, slight portion mismanagement with the beans and meat compared to the rest on said burrito, but mainly just nitpicking. 2. Ambiance: 10/10. Do note we came at a down time. ambiance was calm, had a distinct hawaiian feel. 3. Cleanliness: 8/10. Bathrooms were meh. rest of restaurant was acceptable 4. Service: 10/10. Helps to speak spanish, but waiters are equally friendly if you aren't bilingual. Fast service, food was out in 15 mins, and my water glass never fell empty. final score: 37/40= A-”
“This location is amazing! The staff was so friendly and very attentive. I communicated with the manager Silvestre and he helped us very much. The food was delicious.”
“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!”
“Great Starbucks, probably my favorite one in town. I come here often to do some work. Lots of tables, and very well lit.Bathroom can be a bit cleaner, though.Super friendly and helpful staff.”
“Fan of The Habit. Tasty fresh food and beverages and reasonably priced. Visited on a rainy day and kinda wished it was warmer inside. Felt cooler inside 60s than outside. I like it when it's warm inside but not hot like some places...maybe like 73 degrees or so. Otherwise delicious as always. Also the manager is very attentive and not afraid to be part of the team he leads.”
“Our visit started off a little rough in the lounge for a drink before dinner. Our server was inexperienced and wasn't very friendly and made mistakes with drink orders. After a drink, we moved to the dining room for dinner, and our server was awesome. Our meals were delicious and the view of the marina was nice. The restaurant is clean but a little dated and due for renovation.”
23
Craft House
“Great happy hour values! $5.00 bubbles! The green chill fries @ $8.00 were amazing. The pork was very flavorful and delicious. Only con was it was very noisy. We were sat on the patio next to the street. Lots of revving engines. Our server Kelsey was great! We'll be back!”
24
Stella's
“I had the eggplant and it was delicious! We tried the pizza and it was pretty good. I would not go there just because for the pizza. We were there at lunch and the menu was limited. Don't know if it's the same menu at dinner. My husband had a pasta dish and he enjoyed it. I'm not sure if they make their own pasta. I will go back for the eggplant!”
Cheap Eats
“Our food was excellent! My family ordered the #3 Breakfast Burrito, the Carne Asada Burrito. The Chicken Quesadilla, and a Cheeseburger. HUGE portions!Little patio. Next to a busy road. Great stop for a quick bite before hitting Doheny Beach.They did not honor my Entertainment coupon unfortunately.”
“I don’t mind waiting for a good poke bowl, but standing under the sun for 20 minutes was a little too much. The fish was fresh, and the wasabi sauce was perfect.”
“Every time I’ve come to this location I’ve had a great experience; the store is very clean, quiet, and accessible to customers. I’ve ordered online a few times and my order has been ready for pickup when I’ve arrived. My order has been accurate each time and tasted how I wanted it to; I’m a spicy Italian fan. The workers I’ve interacted with have been friendly and helpful so I’ll definitely come back again.”
“The best poke in Orange County by far.For $20 you can get a large bowl with a 1/2 of tuna, salmon or shrimp. Fish is always fresh and the service is always really friendly.Highly recommend”
“We love this place because it is mostly outside, has an upbeat vibe, and even when it is cool, they have plenty of heaters to keep you warm. There is no real table service, but there is a great beer selection, (they consistently have Pliny The Elder), and the food is average, but I don't eat beef. My husband and son rave about the burgers. Will we come back? Yes. Why? Beer and Burgers, (I'll keep eating fish and salad.. lol)”
“We have come here several times to enjoy the sunset at the Dana Point Harbor. Lots of seating available outside this place with umbrellas. Had the matcha lavender latte and the macaroon. Both were delicious with the drink being nice and hot like I enjoy it. There is a lot of walking available around the harbor and people watching. Lots of dogs and strollers. It’s an enjoyable time anytime at the oceans side.”
“It was my boyfriends and I first time at this restaurant. We came for some breakfast and lunch. Food was super delicious. I got the breakfast sandwich and a decaf coffee. My boyfriend got the avocado mushroom omelette. And a stack of pancakes that were delicious!!The service was great as well! Definitely coming back.”
“Excellent custom sandwiches at a great price! The Squaw bread is the best! They have a menu of sandwiches that you use as a starting point, and then you customize the way you like it. Plenty of parking available. There is a little outdoor patio in the back, or you can hike about 3 minutes down towards the end of the street and sit on a bench overlooking Dana Point Harbor.”
“Great place to go if you want a good cold beer and to meet some very friendly locals! I’m a solo traveler and always check out the local watering holes…. so far in my travels, This is my favorite one!! The bartender welcomed me the minute that I walked in and included me in conversations. Lots of laughs and overall a fun evening!! No food but the very attentive and kind bartender took it upon herself to bring in homemade tacos for taco Tuesday free for all patrons…. They were amazing !! if you’re looking for some friendly people to hang out with and a fully stocked bar this is your place!!!”
“This place is so cute, their workers are sweet and they have a wide selection of donuts. I was looking at other reviews and one person critiqued them opening at 7am, I think their hours from 7am til 2pm are perfect! Donuts are a morning and an afternoon snack. And they had wide selections of drinks for both kids and adults, including nesquik chocolate milk to Diet Coke. I will say their ham and cheese croissants sell out fast, that I recommend calling ahead to ask them if they have ham and cheese so when you can you can just grab and go! I had the girl pick out whatever she wanted and my family was very happy with the selections, they're moist, they're not too sweet which is so surprising!”
“Lovely staff! The barista was extremely helpful and offered great suggestions. It is inside the Ralph’s so it was nice getting a espresso drink to wake me up a bit prior to my morning shopping.”
“The food was delicious and full of flavor. Great salsa bar to add more flavor to your food. Customer service was excellent. They got one of our burrito orders wrong and happily and quickly got us another burrito. I wish we had one in Oregon!”
“If you’re looking for someone from Dana Point or SJC, chances are you will run into them here… just pull up a chair and wait. Great space for Locals.Oh and they have drinks too.”
“What a great morning!! My mornings get even better when I visit the local starbucks across the street! The Best Customer Service Like Ever!!! Very Consistent and reliable! My order is always perfect! I wish I lived nearby I would make this my only starbucks to go to!”
“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.”
25
180blũ
“Great view and okay selection of small plates. We went here on a weekday afternoon. Seating at Restaurant Raya was 39 minutes wait hence we decided to have a drink and small plate at 180Blu. There were not many people but still service was very slow. We ordered fries, taco and oysters.Oysters were fresh and good.The view is fantastic. Order s glass of wine or champagne and enjoy the view.Parking: Parking is valet and it is $30 for day time valet.”
“Celebrating a special birthday and we couldn't have been more pleased. Our server was awesome! The menu was robust and definitely mouth watering. Our meals were so delicious. I highly recommend the Eggplant Parm, although truly everything was so good. We enjoyed the atmosphere out on the patio for our celebrating! Can't wait to go back!”
“I've been here before but this time around was the best visit. The server Shane had the best service and recommendations. He told me to start with the cocojito. That drink tasted great! I got a couple entrees as well. While eating my fries, Shane told me about their "secret sauce" and ran to the back to get me a side of it. The cherry on top was being able to watch all the NBA games. They had the warriors game on the big screen. Ambiance for sports fans is top tier. I will be definitely be coming back!”
28
Carmelita's
“My husband, my son, and I love Carmelita’s! The salsa, refried beans, and chips are above average. I get the spinach enchiladas and they are excellent every time!”
“Stopped in for dinner as our hotel's steakhouse was booked and the reviews were good. Food was great! We had nachos for an appetizer and then we each had a cheesesteak. Waiter was great, but he was slow to come back so my husband got to-go boxes from the bar as well as paid there. We saw a family with kids there. Towards the end of our meal someone was setting up some equipment-not sure if he was going to be a DJ or if there was going to be a band. Fun atmosphere.”
“Kaycee is amazing! So friendly and happy to serve her customers. She literally listens (I'm high maintenance) and delivers what you ask for with a smile on her face. Patio is great in warm weather and dog friendly! I highly recommend, but be sure to ask for Kaycee to take care of you. Happy hour has great deals.”
Latest Reviews
“I have been coming to Casanova since childhood. I love its consistency, the staff, and the food. Lovely rigatoni mama rossa, eggplant parmagiana, and chicken marsala. Their house salad is simple but delicious - I wish they would bottle and sell the dressing! It is definitely a lovely neighborhood Italian restaurant, with tons of regulars and an awesome happy hour.”
“So freaking delicious. I ordered the ginger tea- was surprised it came with a little tea pot! The taste was spicy and herby. The gluten free spring rolls were fresh and a lovely appetizer! Love the peanut sauce. The eggplant curry was so lovely for a winter meal. The base tasted kind of pumpkin-y and had a subtle kick! Let's not forget the carrot cake... moist and airy frosting. It doesn't get better! All this left 2 stomachs stuffed. And the prices are fairly reasonable! I will definitely be back to try more dishes.”
“Nice pizza, sandwich, salad Italian place. I really enjoyed the caprese sandie. It's a very large sandwich so I was only able to eat half. Packed with lots of arugula and mozzarella plus a giant slice of tomato. The bread app was really good, basically Parker house rolls covered with cheese/garlic/butter and comes with marinara sauce. My sister has the lemon pasta and loved it as well. I would just say that they missed giving us napkins and utensils in our order tho they knew we were eating next door and the order took a lot longer than it should have. Would love to dine in next time and try other items.”
Most Popular Restaurants
““I highly recommend this business.”We have a birthday celebration in there last night.Glen was our server,he was very friendly and helpful with us we gave him 10 stars for his service.”
“Restaurant with a beautiful view of the Dana Point Marina. Food is delicious. Scallops were seared beautifully and fish was blackened nicely. First time ever eating Mexican oysters and they were good! Make a reservation for sunset time and ask for a window seat by the water.Parking: Large free parking lot by the marina.Wheelchair accessibility: Stairs all over so I believe this restaurant may be difficult to navigate.”
“aPizza Doho is one of the best new restaurants to pop up in Dana Point. The pizzas are creative and flavors are always on point. Service team is fantastic - always a great experience and welcoming vibe. Personal favorites are the Stingray pizza, the Frito Misto appetizer and the Doho Chop salad. Also their lunch special is the best deal in town and can easily feed 2-3 people. Parking is challenging in the center, but the fight for a spot is worth it for aPizza Doho!”
“I was happy with the service and the quality of food. I only had the new Modern Greek Salad so I can't judge the rest of the menu, but the salad was delicious and seemed really fresh. The workers here were happy to help me and served me with a smile. Overall, I enjoyed my experience here. The best salad in the center!”
“A rare, true beach bar in California. One of the best gems on the coast, everybody, there is so cheerful and very polite. Drinks and food are wonderful . Views are stunning -best service by far-Complete with surf music and right off the sand. Watch, surfers and dolphins and occasional whales while drinking your favorite cocktail, does it get any better?”
“I just want to send a big "Thabk You" to the wait staff and kitchen staff. I recently visited this location with a patient of mine and we were met with nothing but absolute kindness. I'm not going to mention names as it might be impolite. The food was hot and not rubbery (eggs get that way). So again thanks to all that served us and we will be back!!”
“I went to Olamendis for a work lunch today - we all enjoyed our dishes - I ordered the shrimp tostada and it was excellent - all of the ingredients were so fresh. And the margaritas looked amazing - I'm going to come back to try one!”
“Family favorite! We love the stir fried green beans, Snow White chicken, and the honey walnut shrimp but everything we've had is good. The people are also super friendly.”
“On vacation and looking for a healthy food option. Came across Vibe. Large delicious portions. Inside of place clean and nice staff. Wish I had more room to try their smoothies. Looked so yummy!”
“Harbor House Cafe offers a delightful dining experience with its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious food. From hearty breakfast options to tasty lunch and dinner choices, there's something for everyone. The welcoming vibe make it a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.”
“We needed to find a place last minute to host a small baptism dinner in Dana point and we are from SanDiego area, I was looking online and found this Gem!!! Not only were they accommodating and very patient the whole staff there were great!! They were all happy and polite. The food came out at perfect timing. All the guests were happy and kept saying how they enjoyed themselves. The food was Delicious (prosciutto flatbread) was my favoritethe desserts were good too! The prices were very reasonable The atmosphere was perfect for the occasion. We will definitely be back the next time we are in town can't wait to try their breakfast menu and one of those cupcakes!”
“Nice pizza, sandwich, salad Italian place. I really enjoyed the caprese sandie. It's a very large sandwich so I was only able to eat half. Packed with lots of arugula and mozzarella plus a giant slice of tomato. The bread app was really good, basically Parker house rolls covered with cheese/garlic/butter and comes with marinara sauce. My sister has the lemon pasta and loved it as well. I would just say that they missed giving us napkins and utensils in our order tho they knew we were eating next door and the order took a lot longer than it should have. Would love to dine in next time and try other items.”
“We love this place because it is mostly outside, has an upbeat vibe, and even when it is cool, they have plenty of heaters to keep you warm. There is no real table service, but there is a great beer selection, (they consistently have Pliny The Elder), and the food is average, but I don't eat beef. My husband and son rave about the burgers. Will we come back? Yes. Why? Beer and Burgers, (I'll keep eating fish and salad.. lol)”
“If you’re looking for someone from Dana Point or SJC, chances are you will run into them here… just pull up a chair and wait. Great space for Locals.Oh and they have drinks too.”
“The steaks were very pricey$$$$, my wife had the parmesan spaghetti and i had the ravioli. The ravioli was very good, but the spaghetti was to die for!! it's a modern decor, very nice, but not stuffy. It was a cold and rainy evening so we ate inside. at 6:30pm the place was nearly empty, but really picked up by 8pm.”