New American Restaurants near Dana Point, CA

“Great food, service and atmosphere.“

“We were staying at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott and Jack’s was recommended to us by another traveler. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and the food and the professional service provided by Adrian. The crabcake was the best I have had and the happy hour options are a big hit.“

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

“Very nice place. The Brussels sprouts were tasty, and the hummus plate was also very good. We ate outside. Service was very good. The parking can be a challenge at times, but we found a spot. The restaurant is INSIDE the center, so the sign is not visible (that I could see) from the outside. When Google brought us here, we thought we might have taken a wrong turn.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Fine dining, excellent service, amazing food“

“Ok, so first up it was a bit pricey. But holy cow the burgers were all amazing, the place was clean, staff was wonderful. If you want ridiculously tasty burgers and don't mind paying for it... I'll give this place 5/5 stars for sure.“

“Loved their chocolate desert!“

“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“

“Went there for the first time the other day—great service and delicious food. Levi was our waiter, and he was extremely professional, courteous, and a true gentleman, which really made the experience special. We ordered the Beach Fire cheeseburger and the brisket sandwich, and both were excellent. The menu looks great overall, and I’ll definitely be back to try more items.“

“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!“

“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 ?“

“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.“

“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!!!“

“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!“

“Thee bestest service ever... and the food is AMAZING!!!! The chef took their time making every element of this menu flavorful, and presentable. I only have wondeful things to say about this restaurant. It is an example of what every restaurant should strive to be.“

“Cool vibe, good food. Happy hour daily from 2-5 with 50% off beer and wine. My only complaint would be the table tops were sticky/dirty looking. Not from lack of cleaning, just seemed to be the varnish they used on the wood. Also, the garlic parm fries are coated in a garlic butter. Very greasy/oily. If you're not into greasy fries, steer clear. Overall though, I would recommend, and I will be back.“

“great NY vibe with good food“

“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.“

“Great wines and knowledgable plus friendly staff!“

“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.“

“Always great wine and food here!“

“Great service, great 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!!!“

“Popped in here for a pizza and a beer. Both were great. Craft brew made by their nearby in house brewery. Nice west coast IPA. Pizza was awesome. Craft made, nice crust, and classic sauce. Good vibes at this place and worth a stop or make it your neighborhood favorite.“

“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!“

“Great food! Great vibe! Great time!“

“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.“

“Our family celebrated my birthday at Bistro K. The calamari appetizer was very good, I had the halibut and it was delicious. The star of the entire meal was the slice of coconut cake they served for my birthday treat. It was amazing - moist and delectable with a perfect whipped cream frosting loaded with coconut. I’m definitely ordering the cake next time I’m there. Yummy!“

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

“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!“

“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.“