What A Dish Cafe & Catering

We love this pet-friendly spot and can see why it’s popular. However, there’s room for improvement in the service. We visit on weekends and often notice the absence of management, leaving the younger staff struggling to keep up. On our last visit, we didn’t receive water until nearly finishing our meals, despite asking multiple staff members. We even had to approach the counter for assistance. Additionally, we tipped at checkout, which is done before food is served. It would be beneficial for management to be more present to help train staff on basic service priorities.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

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!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Crab Cakes, Smoked Salmon, Egg Benny, East Coast Benedict

We love what a dish! The food is delicious and the outdoor seating area is adorable (not big, but cute!). Baked goods are delicious as well (try the lemon bars, even if it’s not what you would normally order!).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Wow, I don't know where to start!! I LOVEEEE What A Dish!! I've always been obsessed with their food, the service, and the ambiance of their twinkle-lit courtyard and adorable tree centerpiece, so I actually decided to have my wedding reception there (the ceremony was at the beautiful nearby Heritage Park)! And it turned out incredibleee!! I worked with the manager, Kim, closely for months and both she and her staff were so very wonderful, kind, positive, and helpful throughout the entire process (shoutout also to Tim and Chantel for helping lead the catering and the photobooth, respectively). The dinner and dessert (gahh the cheesecake!) turned out amazinggg and we received lots of compliments, and they were able to turn this cute little courtyard into a beautiful reception area. We'll cherish this special experience for the rest of our lives and now, every time we go to this gem for brunch/dinner, we'll smile knowing the magic that occurred in this courtyard. :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

After a disappointing start to a day at the beach at another eatery nearby, What A Dish Cafe looked promising. And it did not let us down. The food was tasty and fresh, pleasing to the eye, and the service was friendly but professional. Bright and relaxed atmosphere.

Vegetarian options: Cakes, sandwiches and salads are all vegetarian options

Parking: Parking was easy and free, and just a short walk among plants

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Avocado

Food was absolutely delicious. There are so many choices and varieties. First time an won't be the last. Thank you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Location is great. Staff very nice. Food is not so good.

Honestly, I was expecting more. This is one of those places where you order at the counter and they bring you your food to the table. I was wanting an omelette, so I got a “build your own” with cheese, onions, peppers and mushrooms with a side of potatoes. Unfortunately, the omelette was way overcooked and greasy. The potatoes were “ok” and the chai latte very good. I am hoping my experience was a “one off”, but “buyer beware”

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Amazing service! Terrific food! I have been here twice and have enjoyed both times. My partner and I had the bruchetta plate on happy hour. The presentation was superb and I had a pint of delicious iced latte. Our server was really friendly and helpful!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smoked Salmon

Great breakfast/brunch spot in Dana Point! Food comes out fast and the waiters and waitresses are attentive and friendly. We had breakfast but all the other tables food looked amazing as well. I recommend the Breakfast brunch bowl with short ribs.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brunch Bowl

Super comfortable place to have a coffee and a dessert or whatever you like.
We loved the lemon bars and the cappuccino is very good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Muffins were good.. I ordered lemonade however cup was full of ice, I couldn’t taste lemonade

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

The best food it’s so delicious and healthy. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication food ?????????????

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brunch Bowl

I’ve been coming here for years with family and friends love the quality of food here. Good music good vibe and food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

What a Dish *was* one of my favorite places - good food, smaller portions but at a good price, self-ordering with food delivery at table, nice outdoor atmosphere, never crowded...
But our last visit on 7/16/2924 revealed a new menu but with the same items which means one thing - higher prices. Looks to be roughly a 25-30% increase. Yikes! Also, looks like full service now so that's a heftier tip as well. For me, especially with the smaller portions, prices them out of my budget - just too much. Pity.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Loved this pet friendly place with a fairly big patio. Servers were friendly. Substitution was allowed while ordering. Food was nice. The coffee size of matcha was huge ! Take away was easy. One of those place where you order and the they give you a number and the food comes to you. Highly recommend !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brunch Bowl, East Coast Benedict