What A Dish Cafe & Catering

Consistently Fantastic Brunch Spot Near the Marriott!

Every time we stay at the Marriott Laguna Cliffs in Dana Point, we make a point to walk over to What A Dish for brunch, and it never disappoints. The outdoor seating is charming and relaxed, perfect for soaking in the coastal vibe.

This visit was no exception, the food was absolutely delicious. Everything we ordered was spot-on, flavorful, and came out quickly. You order at the counter, but don’t let that fool you, the service is top-notch. The staff was incredibly attentive, regularly checking in to top off coffee and water, and making sure we had everything we needed.

What really impressed me is how consistently every staff member went out of their way to be helpful and kind. Everyone had a smile, and the whole experience gave off warm, happy vacation energy. You do tip at the time of ordering, which can be a gamble at some places, but here the service went above and beyond. Honestly, one of the best service experiences I’ve had anywhere. This is how it should be handled everywhere.

Can’t recommend this spot enough if you’re in Dana Point. Great food, great vibes, and genuinely lovely people. We’ll be back, again and again!

I really enjoyed this place. The food and service was great!

They brought out the wrong order for me first but they were quick to fix it. The service is great. This place's menu is quantity AND quality!
It was busy when we got there but still had no trouble getting a table.

Charming place. Attentive team members. Delicious food. A pleasant surprise when we needed breakfast quickly. I had the East coast Benedict, did not disappoint!

Was confused on where to sit and how to order when we got there. Food was delicious. And the atmosphere made me feel at home with the pillowed seats lights in the tree and heat lamps.

Crab cakes were good

We always come at the end of the day but are always treated like we are the first ones of the day♡

Lovely experience. Exploring the neighborhood and found this place 🩵 we enjoyed the comfy sofas and relaxing ambiance

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