50 Best American Restaurants near Ladera Ranch

“Always a great experience here. Staff is so polite and friendly. Food is amazing and portions always require a to go bag. Highly recommend“

“Phenomenal experience every time! If you are not a member of the Rancho Capistrano wine club you are missing out!!!!“

“A treasure trove of an establishment, the staff's commitment to excellence is evident and the bartenders are warm and welcoming. The cultural essence is a highlight, I hope they continue to host more Latin-inspired evenings, the energy is electric and the crowd is fantastic.“

“So much fun! Came here for my birthday and they did everything right- food, ambiance, staff, etc“

“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“

“All the food was great wish they offered more gluten-free options, but our waitress was very helpful and helping to steer one of us towards gluten-free menu options. Service was very very good, our waitress was extremely attentive and very helpful, not overwhelming. Definitely will be back.“

“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.“

“I love this place! I am on an anti-inflammatory diet and this is one of the few places I can eat. Double bonus - they serve grass fed beef, which is the only beef I can have. Their burgers are one of the best I have ever had. My personal favorite is the California Burger. It is amazing!

Dietary restrictions: They have grass fed beef, which is perfect for anti-inflammatory diet.“

“Highly recommend Wine Gallery for a great dinner spot. The patio area is so cute and we really enjoyed everything we ordered. We started with the short rib tacos and caprese house burrata - both were fantastic and you could really tell how fresh the heirloom tomatoes and basil were. The sausage pizza had great flavor and the perfect crust. We finished our meal with the pumpkin pie and vanilla ice cream - delicious!“

“I chose this restaurant due to its proximity to downtown, situated just off the main street. The ambiance, both indoors and outdoors, was exceptionally warm and welcoming. The patio featured outdoor heaters for comfort during meals, complemented by live entertainment that enhanced the experience without being overwhelming. Inside, we were seated in high-backed chairs by the window, allowing us to observe the trains arriving and departing. The service was outstanding, with the staff promptly attending to our needs. The food was exquisite, with generous portions that were satisfying without leading to waste. They offered wine samples to help us select the perfect pairing for our meal. We decided to order the Mac-n-cheese to take with us for a late-night snack after the concert, which proved to be an excellent choice to share. The overall atmosphere was friendly and courteous. I would highly recommend this establishment and eagerly anticipate my next visit.

Parking: Multiple spaces to park, easy to find and pay for parking. Approximately $2 for each hour. Ticket was clear on how long you could park and even provided the time you had until.“

“The Montage Loft restaurant is nothing short of exceptional! From the moment we arrived, the friendly and attentive staff went above and beyond to make our experience special. The highlight of the meal was the steak—it was hands down one of the best I've ever had, perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. To top it off, the view was absolutely gorgeous, adding a breathtaking backdrop to an unforgettable evening. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience!“

“We had. not been here in years and our recent visit did not disappoint. Our server Cole was excellent. The food was superb. Highly recommended.“

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

“Everything is over-the-top, amazing and well above expectation. We will definitely be going back there again. Appetizers and service was top notch. This was the best dinner and night we’ve had in a long time. We’re happy to have found a new favorite restaurant.“

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

“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.“

“Zach and Robert were so friendly! Great staff!

Vegetarian options: Great options

Dietary restrictions: Really great about food allergy modification

Parking: Easy

Kid-friendliness: Great place for families!

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

“Great location in San Clemente for delicious food and great service. I recommend the brussel sprouts! Yum.

Parking: There is a free parking lot just around the corner that had plenty of spots, but I imagine on weekends it's probably harder to find parking.“

“The Chili Fries, and the Stand Burger is the Best.“

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

“great NY vibe with good food“

“Took my cousin and her son to Jack's this evening. We all had never been, and being beach town residents, we gave it a try. Orange Roughy for me with the spinach and mash, Rainbow trout and Ravioli for remaining dishes. All outstanding! One dessert (pictured) which tastes even better than it looks. Waiters were punctual and fantastic. A great dining experience. Recommended 5 stars.“

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

“Brunch with my bestie. We were sat outside with a view of the private beach. We watched the occasional surfer and serene waves while sipping prosecco and enjoying each other's company. The staff is lovely. The seating is comfortable. The food is delightful, and we enjoyed very nice surprises, such as precisely how big and delicious the cinnamon roll is. I've never in my life been excited about a cinnamon roll. This one changes everything. It's perfectly seasoned, perfectly browned outside and fluffy inside, and perfectly gooey - not at all runny. The seafood salad and eggs benny were just as good. I never thought about using focaccia for eggs Benedict, but here we are and it ruined us for any other configuration for this dish. Every single interaction was sincerely positive, and I can't say enough about how each encounter with a team member, even brief, remains on my mind. An unforgettable experience. Will return and will recommend.

Parking: Parking is valet only as far as I can tell.“

“I used to live in Santa Barbara and am a huge fan of Finney’s. Tried Laguna one for the first time.
Service and vibe are very nice but food was bad.
Chicken and waffle taste like precook and coconut shrimp isn’t seasoned. Pizza dough was very dry but taco was excellent.“

“Rafael the bartender was very gracious to surprise is with this delicious dessert for our anniversary. He made us a delicious liquor, coffe drink called Callejito yummy. The appetizers were tasty. We had the octopus in lentil curry sauce and the grilled artichoke. Very tasty. We will be back in 2 week.“

“A true gem of a restaurant, offering delicious food and a delightful atmosphere perfect for a date night. The culinary experience is matched by the ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening.“

“Easter Brunch 2023 was outstanding! So many options for a Starter, Entree and Dessert. Frankly, when our beautiful server came over to see what I wanted, I wanted ALL the starters as I have enjoyed them for years! The Filet Mignon eggs Benedict was perfect. The bottomless, large mimosas were so fun with choices of orange juice, pineapple or watermelon; I tried them all😊 We all passed around our desserts. The Crème Brûlée and Flowerless Chocolate Cake were standouts for sure“

“My wife and I love this place! The food is great and the service is good too. I would have given the service 5 stars, but they get so busy on the weekends that sometimes you wait a while. The servers themselves are very cool and accommodating though.“

“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.“

“My wife found this little gem whereas we stopped in on a beautiful Saturday morning for brunch. Ramos Cafe did not disappoint. Brunch was delicious and the atmosphere quaint.“

“Lovely experience Charming All around and great food 💕“

“Beautiful ambience on a golf course the food was fresh and tasty not heavy, even though the portions were a good size! Friendly stuff our server Jennifer was really sweet and helpful. Overall we had a great double date night! Can't wait to go back and try the rest of the items on the menu!“

“I mostly always build my own omelette and its always amazing. Great fast service with a smile😎“

“Always a great experience at Rancho Capistrano Winery. We dine there a minimum of once a week and the staff always makes you feel at home. Janay knows our order when she walks up to the table and it is that personal detail that makes it a special local experience. Wine is always good, would like to see Zach come back on the menu. He and the wine are what also keeps RCW a favorite. If you are not a member, make the decision to be one....member nights on Tues and Thurs make for an affordable night out when everything else is getting priced high and higher. Customer Service is in some ways a lost art, the staff here knows how to take care of their customers“

“Fresh, tasty, great combination of flavors and options on both salads and sammies. The natural sodas are a nice touch. Gotta try a cookie!💛 Staff has been consistently courteous and responsive. I’ve been three times. I CRAVE their salads.“

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

“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!“

“Always great wine and food here!“

“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!!“

“For the best pizza, look no further but go to OC PIZZA, Mission Viejo! the pizza is made with high quality cheese and ingredients, perfectly baked! loved their OC signature pizza and Tomato Basil pizza! Don’t forget to try their wings and mozerella sticks! Great atmosphere, awesome sitting by the bar (great selection on beers and wines), great staff and service! Great place for families with kids who can play inside at arcade setup within the restaurant! oh yeah what more could one ask with football live streaming and delicious breakfast to dinner menu with happy hours?! place is LIT! 🔥

Vegetarian options: They have vegetarian delight and l BYO (Build your own) option with many vegetables ingredients. Their margherita pizza is soooo good! Must try! They also have Gluten free base.

Parking: It’s by the Ralphs store, very huge parking lot and easy to find a parking spot and dine in and get groceries from Ralph’s.

Kid-friendliness: Our kids love this place! Huge arcade inside for them to stay entertained and the best part is arcade is not in isolated place/dark room walls. So kids can play while you can watch them without getting up from your tables and while eating. They have atleast 7 game machines (or more) for kids.“

“This place has become one of my favorites. I love the muffins and the cream puffs the most for take home. All food items are tasty and the staff go above and beyond to make customers happy, which is not easy especially with a very demanding eater like me who makes a lot of modifications in my orders. We had breakfast here yesterday and I just want to say that I received one of the best customer service I ever did in a restaurant.“

“This is a wonderful relaxing spot to enjoy good food, beer and wine, kick back around a firepit and watch the beach go by! Live music started just last night and going through the fall, TBA. See you on the sand!“

“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 ?“

“Our Server, Brian was outstanding! My friend is allergic to garlic and onions and he went out of his way to check with the Chef only to learn that onions had been fried earlier that day in the same fryer/ oil as my friends French Fries and would have been contaminated. He took our concerns to heart and made sure the food was prepared safely. Bravo Brian!“

“It was our first choice for our anniversary dinner! Good decision!!“

“….Eureka!

That’s what I wanted to say when I discovered the place..Eureka! …From the outside, you’d never guess this place existed. But once I stepped through the front door, I was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was captivating, and, believe it or not, they backed it up with great food.

Our server, Carissa, was perfect through our Labor Day lunch!, so I tipped her generously—she earned it.

I kicked off the feast with a Mexican beer called Explorado Lager. I lost count of how many I had, but it was something special—fruity, as my date noted, and I have to agree. It was different, in the best way!

We shared a plate of slow-roasted pork nachos and a plate of wings, they were definitely worth it.
I wrapped things up with the Napa chicken sandwich, which was spot on—the sauce was a perfect hit. Honestly, it felt like I was dining in a four-star restaurant. These folks really know their sauces.

Background Story

Will Adler and Jack Montero, childhood friends turned entrepreneurial duo, founded Eureka! in Napa Valley, driven by their shared love for California’s landscapes and culinary traditions. Will, an architect, and Jack, a chef with Michelin-star experience, combined their talents to create a restaurant that embodies the spirit of discovery. Eureka! features farm-to-table cuisine with modern twists, designed with a blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance—a true celebration of California’s heritage in both food and design.

Eureka’s innovations lie in their seamless fusion of farm-to-table cuisine with modern culinary techniques, creating dishes that surprise and delight. Signature offerings like the “Gold Rush Burger” and the “Sequoia Salad” elevate classic flavors with local, seasonal ingredients. Their philosophy centers on discovery and creativity, celebrating California’s rich heritage while pushing culinary boundaries. Eureka! isn’t just about food; it’s about crafting an experience where every detail, from the architecture to the wine list, tells a story of innovation and a deep respect for the land.“

“Phenomenal experience every time! If you are not a member of the Rancho Capistrano wine club you are missing out!!!!“

“I absolutely love this restaurant. The customer service is above and behind. The street tacos are my favorite. It melts in your mouth so good. We have had many things off their menu. Nothing disappoints. The selection is huge and everything you could order will be the best. Enjoy you will certainly be back.“