New American Restaurants near Dana Point, CA

“Great food, service and atmosphere.“

“JACKS was delightful. The restaurant is elegant, the service is superb and the food is outstanding. It was my first time and I was extremely impressed. Jack, the owner, also introduced himself to us, and he is as lovely and delightful as his establishment.“

“Great atmosphere with great service. Loved how an entire team look out for you from the greeting to the end.“

“What A Dish provided the catering for my niece’s baby shower, and I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about them. From start to finish, their care, attention to detail, and genuine concern for making the day perfect were evident.

They listened closely to my niece’s wishes and delivered above and beyond. Every dish was absolutely amazing — fresh, beautifully presented, and delicious. They arrived on time, set everything up flawlessly, and even cleaned up afterward. Without us even asking, they left one of their team members to help serve guests, which was such a thoughtful and unexpected touch.

I want to give a special shout-out to Tim, who was truly a godsend. His kindness, professionalism, and warm presence made the entire event feel even more special. He went out of his way to ensure everything ran smoothly, and our family can’t thank him enough.

If you’re considering catering for any event, look no further. What A Dish exceeded every expectation. We will absolutely be using them again!“

“I like stopping there on bike rides“

“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!!!!“

“Food is excellent, pool games are legit. Good times by all“

“Solid lunch spot after spending enough time at tj maxx. I always get the grilled steak or Caesar wrap, and urban plates has been very consistent with their food quality. Erika and Luis were incredibly kind and patience. Would come back when I'm in the area!“

“Súper recomendado muy sabroso 😋 y muy amables todos 💕🙏“

“Bar Jane may or may not fit in with the rest of downtown San Clemente, but if you’re pondering this question, you soon realize that it’s beside the point. The cocktails here are fantastic, and if that’s an unexpected surprise, then just roll with it and change your expectations to fit the facts. Ethan has served us at each of our visits and has always taken great care of us with drink suggestions and overall service. My understanding is that they share a kitchen with The Cellar next door, but we’ve only ever ordered drinks at Jane. I just wish I lived closer.“

“UPDATE: I have raised to 4 stars because the service has slowly improved over the last few months. Thank you for taking note of customer input and acting on it. As of now 11Aug22, solid service, good food. Taco Tuesday is great. I will continue my regular visits and hope to give 5 stars soon.Old: The last several times we have been to TJ's we have had no service. We are coming off the course hot and thirsty, we seat ourselves and no one comes by for 15-20 mins. No water, no welcome, nothing. If you can get served the food is solid. We have enjoyed breakfast here before and it was really good. When its 90 degrees and golfers are coming off a round on the course, offer them some water would ya? I HATE giving low reviews, but until this situation is fixed it will stay this way.Edit: The director of food and drink responded almost immediately so I raised my review by a star (From 2 to 3). I will go back sometime in the next couple weeks (Anonymously of course), if the problems have been resolved, I will edit this review further.“

“Fine dining, excellent service, amazing food“

“We were visiting friends in San Clemente and had dinner at Vine Restaurant & Bar. The service was outstanding and the food was delish. Great experience“

“We had another fantastic night at Wine Gallery. The food was amazing, just loved the Coq Au Vin and the Scallops. We also got to do a wine tasting with Hartford Court Wines with the owner on site to talk about the winery. Couldn't have been a better evening. Great food and wine, and as always wonderful service from everyone on Chris' team.“

“Each dish is spectacular. Love the calamari ….can be an appetizer to share or eat on your own with a salad. 230:Forest Avenue never disappoints!!!“

“1/4/26:

Came back the second time with some friends.

1. Pear Favor cocktail: 4/5 - great, well balanced with flavors, sweetness and citrusy. I would prefer some spicy.
2. Cob Salad: 3.5/5 - good but lacked of flavors. The dressing was so bland, needs acidity, salt and pepper. Otherwise, it would be terrific.
3. Burger: 3.5/5 - good but I missed the umami, lacked of the charred smoky flavor.
4. Thai curry dish: 2.5/5 - ok, too sour and abit salty. The acidity overpowered everything else.

The service was good.“

“Finally, I’ve been looking for a place across mission Viejo/lake forest/laguna area that was not an over priced sandwhich chain with low quality ingredients and flavor.

They have a place or 2 like this in Costa Mesa/newport area.

Basically everything here is fresh, authentic, unique, has that east coast vibe, unique flavors, custom sandwhiches and drinks. Everything we had was delicious, we’ll be coming back.

We ordered chicken parm, italian, and veggie sandwhich. We’re coming back for the pastrami and roast beef for sure.

Father and son business also, excellent service“

“Loved their chocolate desert!“

“Super great food and staff! Our waitress was awesome and the food had great flavor. The fried pickles were perfect. The brisket sandwich had some great flavor combinations! Would absolutely recommend to anyone! The frozen huckleberry lemonade is a must try and the Pineapple Express martini is as well. Love it“

“If you want a unique dining experience this is the place to go. The wait staff and servers they were all on point very attentive I never had to look around to look for anyone if I raised my head somebody was right at my table to find out what I needed or how they could serve me. Awesome awesome experience wonderful food. I will be back!“

“Had a wonderful evening out with my wife at Ironwood Cellars in Laguna Hills. We had reservations for 5:30 p.m. and arrived early. We were greeted by Joe, the manager on duty, who was very kind, professional, and welcoming. Art was our server and is amazingly gifted in customer service professionalism and overall people skills. Yes, showing the love. We started with tequilla drinks from the bar, and we each had a wedge salad. Joe sent us over a wonderful Agnolotti appetizer as well, which was more than kind. The ambiance was positive and upbeat, perfect for the evening. Sergio was also quite attentive in making sure our table was serviced properly. We ordered our entrees with my wife having the halibut dinner, and I had the famous giant meatball dish. Both meals were hot & tasty and presented well. We had a terrific time, and Art surprised us with a complimentary dessert 🍨 with berries. The restaurant is so nice and offers an outdoor patio and bar seating as well. The wine list is extensive, as are the craft beers. Highly recommended.“

“It was fantastic! Amazing craft cocktails I've never had anything like before. Food was also fantastic. Local fish, local produce, how can you go wrong. Get the Tessie for a drink, amazing cocktail ?“

“Amazing steaks, the bone in rib ey and filet mignon for my girl was perfect. Barely talked the food was so good haha. Kyle was so gracious and welcoming , it was our first time here. I rarely give full stars but honestly this place and the staff deserve it. Expectations exceeded. Do your self a favor and stop by 🤙“

“It was my first time here, and the food is delicious. Love the simple & quaint decor. Definitely will be back!“

“good service food it's so delicious 😋 atmosphere everything is incredible“

“The food was very good and the service was excellent. I'm a glad I gave this place a try!“

“great NY vibe with good food“

“I use to go to RH with my family in the 70's. Atmosphere always transported us to Hawaii. They were famous for BB ribs, drinks, unique salad (with mayo dressing) and even served a bowl of crudite' with celery, salami, etc. every meal. I didn't like the modern re model, however, NOW THIS RE BUILD iS so cool! Just like the 1970's but better!! Dim lit and Hawaiian music set the mood. I was really anxious to try the ribs again. The service was GREAT appetizer excellent but, ribs, BAD! They were not edible. Hard and chewy, like beef jerky. I was so disappointed and all of our party ordered and received the same. I may try again but won't order ribs!!!“

“Aurelia (Manager) & Manny provided amazing customer service that exceeded any I have received at a restaurant in a very long time! I had an issue with my order and they went above and beyond to speak with their team, circle back to me, and address the issue. The food was delicious, as well. I will return here!“

“Excellent everything!!!!!“

“Delicious 🥰familiale belle vague 🌊 beach 🏝️☀️“

“Breezy Experience #breezy #goodfood #filipinofusion #brunch #familybusiness“

“The Lumberyard located in beautiful downtown Laguna Beach is a great place to have lunch or dinner. There is a new $16 lunch menu and I decided to try the fish tacos. There was a choice between salmon or halibut for the tacos which included shredded cabbage with a pink cream sauce and a side of black bean and corn salad. I chose the halibut for my taco and it was cooked perfectly. It was a generous portion of fish in each of the tacos so it could easily be split with a friend. The service was excellent. Our orders were taken within about five minutes of sitting down and the food came out quickly after we ordered. I would recommend the Lumberyard if you are visiting Laguna Beach. You will need to have reservations during the Art Festivals or when there is a play at the Playhouse.“

“Had a wonderful dinner with my family, including 19 month old daughter. The restaurant was super accomodating with the baby and the food was incredible. We had the rotisserie chicken, I always say if the chicken at a restaurant is good then they know what they're doing. The filet was great too, all the sides and even the seared salmon from the kids menu was cooked to perfection. Salmon skin perfectly cooked with a solid crisp and was not overcooked, really easy to overcook salmon. Wine list was fantastic. Pretty extensive between old and new world. We had the Goldeneye Pinot Noir; a favorite...thanks for a great dinner.“

“Great wines and knowledgable plus friendly staff!“

“When you taste them, you'll know he qualities they possess that you can't resist“

“Always great wine and food here!“

“Great food! Great vibe! Great time!“

“Wow! Super yum to say the least. It’s always great when the new local restaurant hits it out of the park! My wife & I started with the bacon & meatballs appetizer. She then had the fried green tomatoes & French onion soup while I had the ribeye. Delicious!“

“We live right up the canyon and had never visited. Highly recommend!! Great food, reasonable prices, our waitress, Cassidy was so great! She was efficient with everything and just had the nicest personality. We will be back!!!“

“Great food, especially for the price in Laguna.

This Finneys location is particularly enjoyable, being one of the only 'watering holes' in Laguna, comprised of 30% locals every night.

They have great bar tenders overall, however there is high turnover. You'll be lucky if Kelsie is at the bar to serve you. The group of locals that rack it up 6-7 days a week were extremely disappointed to learn that she is temporarily only working 1 day per week. She contributed greatly to building the community here and its unfortunate that I won't be seeing as many locals as a result.“

“Very nice outdoor seating, great food, music. Nice place and close your o the surrounding neighborhoods!“

“Delicious pizza. Thin, crusty, slightly salty and greasy dough. We had the cowboy surfer and black and blue pizzas. Exciting and thoughtful flavor combinations. The staff was really friendly. Not too cheap, but it’s 2025, what do you expect really.“

“Great music venue! We had a blast playing here Mother's Day for Kim and her outstanding team. Thanks, Barnoa!“

“The food is very tasty, good presentation! delicious 😋“

“I have been to the Sessions in Newport beach a few times and I love everything about the place, great food, great service, and the owner greeted me personally! I would 100% recommend this place for a great family meal!“

“I absolutely love The Bistro K. They have the best staff who have been there a while and the owner and her family are the best! A great breakfast menu makes it a perfect place to start the day. The lunch & dinner menu will keep you coming back. They have a long history in the restaurant business and it shows in every meal. It was a real pleasure to see Tony there when we were there in April. Very sorry we missed Katia- such a wonder host and just a delight to meet.

You can’t beat the prices either. I wanted to order everything on the menu!

So much fun to watch customers come in and be greeted as old friends and family. Everyone has a table at The Bistro K ❤️

5 stars all the way.“

“Mulligans has everything you want in a bar. 2 separate sections for pool tables, they make one pool table a pingpong table upon request, and have delicious food! Be prepared to wait a while if you're ordering on the weekend nights! They have a back patio and allow me to bring both my non service dogs in with me inside and out. The pub people are very friendly and like to mingle with every one else. Is great!“

“Good place to go to eat, even if you are not a golfer.
First visit, we sat inside, but there is a large outdoor dining area.
I had the Western BBQ Bacon Burger. It was good, plenty of bacon and tasty BBQ sauce. We also had the Butter Toffee Cake for dessert, very good.
Table service was a little lacking, but wouldn’t keep me from a second visit.
Prices are reasonable.
Recommended.“