50 Best Seafood Restaurants near San Juan Capistrano

“Very pleasant to be surprised by genuinely good food and great service atop the "busy corner" in SJC. Pro tip: go early (4:30-6) for your choice of seats (with nice views) and the happy hour menu which includes some of the best small plates and cocktails. Bang Bang shrimp is a "must". Staff is super friendly too!“

“Super fresh, smelled clean inside. Owner is quite friendly and really cares about making a nice bowl.

Got the large bowl with brown rice, and a selection of great sides and toppings. Not *too* many, but each one worth considering. Flavors and spice level were spot on, not too salty or sweet, which highlighted how good the fish choices are.“

“I like Nono's Affordable Mexican food, and a front patio to also eat at. I like there enchiladas, tostados, tacos.“

“Lovely sitting next to the open windows on a Sunday morning. Our food was cooked to perfection and very flavorful. Though the cinnamon roll put us over the edge and we couldn’t finish our meals. It was a lot of food which is good when restaurant costs have gone up so much. I got the pork belly Benedict and it was really good.“

“I got here during close-up hours, so the atmosphere wasn't really much there. I did enjoy this place

Parking: There's not much to say. The parking was there. Only one other car besides me in a 30 parking available area“

“I really really wanted to give it five stars. I loved the vibe and most importantly how fresh the seafood was. The way the food was prepared shows that they take pride in doing their job. Our order had octopus and shrimp ceviche, which was full of juicy pieces of each generously served. We also asked if they served chips and guacamole, not on the menu but they happily and quickly made it and served with blue corn chips. For entree, my husband got Baja fish taco and I had spicy octopus and shrimp taco. The tacos were so well stuffed it was impossible to pick them up to eat. Our cup runneth over! LOL trust me, you don't need to order more than one taco. The portions are so generous, and the seafood is fresh and high quality. Service was friendly and speedy. Great people, great little business, I truly recommend everyone go support them. The only thing I take points off is the Baja fish taco was flavorless according to my husband. I didn't try it, but he really didn't like it. My food was excellent minus being over seasoned with salt and proportion of tortilla to meat. But all in all, good restaurant, should try.“

“The staff here is excellent!!!! These guys are always running around doing their best to serve people. I FORGOT you okay it the front so bring cash for a tip. I felt I didnt5 leave as much as I sgould have, I'm sorry. Really awesome and welcoming. Haven't been here since I was a kid. Totally fun for the nostaliga love. The salad bar was awesome, glad to see it open again. Good prices for everything as well. Life you get tons of healthy options here! They still have the cheese toast! That was my treat with the salad. The food is good and simple. Perfect spot for picky eaters, I saw plenty of kids getting food and actually eating it.“

“Quality food at fair prices! Can't wait to come back & actually sit down in the nice dining area. 👍🏼“

“Quality food at fair prices! Can't wait to come back & actually sit down in the nice dining area. 👍🏼“

“This has got to be some of the best poke in SoCal! Their fish is super fresh and the sauce doesn't mute the flavors of the fish. Everything is added carefully and you can choose any topping you want to add in making the meal very filling if you get a large! I left their ahi, salmon, octopus combo. It was so good!“

“I recently had the chance to go to The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar with my husband, and I absolutely loved it. From the start, the oceanfront atmosphere made the whole experience so special — nothing beats enjoying a good meal while listening to the waves in the background.

I ordered the Salmon BLT, and it was simply delicious. The bread was fresh with the perfect texture, the salmon was juicy and well-seasoned, and the avocado, lettuce, and tomato balanced everything beautifully. The crispy bacon added the perfect touch. The side of mushroom rice was flavorful yet light, which paired really well with the sandwich.

My husband went for the classic Fish and Chips, and he was just as impressed. The fish was perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while tender and fresh on the inside. The fries were hearty, and with a squeeze of lemon and the dipping sauce, it was spot on.

I enjoyed a chilled glass of white wine with my meal, which rounded out the experience perfectly.

Overall, it was a delicious lunch with spectacular views and very good service. I left feeling so happy to have shared such a wonderful moment with my husband. We’ll definitely be coming back soon.🙊🫨💃🏻🙌🏻“

“Great service, great food!!👏“

“We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria however the Monarch Bay Beach Club shined-Our server Kristen was absolutely fantastic! Attentive, friendly, and truly made our experience feel special from start to finish. Manager Mado also went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect for us [unfortunately the Waldorf didn't do anything special for our celebration] The food was absolutely delicious, and we chose the Beach Club for our meals over the resort. Kristen and Mado turned our stay and experience around!“

“So many good things. Soba noodle salad. yum! My favorite is the healthy fish and chips. The cajun whitefish was unbelievable! Everything is that I’ve had there.“

“A Delightful Lunch at Spikes: Fresh Flavors and Relaxing Ambiance
After a morning of shopping at Lowe's, I popped into Spikes for lunch, and it was the perfect respite. I opted for the blackened salmon with a kale salad and brown rice, accompanied by a refreshing regular iced tea.
The blackened salmon was cooked exactly to my liking – perfectly flaky and flavorful. What truly elevated the dish was the pesto sauce, which offered a delightful savory dip for the fish. The kale salad was a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients, bursting with the sweetness of cranberries, the crispness of red peppers, delicate carrot shavings, the nutty chew of quinoa, and a good crunch from the cabbage. Even the brown rice was notably fresh and well-prepared.
Beyond the excellent food, Spikes offers a wonderfully clean and comfortable seating area with a truly peaceful ambiance. It was the ideal spot to relax and recharge. Sandwich style salmon with kale salad is the other entree offered here. Fresh thin bun surprisingly tastes excellent too.
I'll definitely be back to Spikes! It's a fantastic option for a fresh, satisfying meal in a calm setting.“

“This is a stellar restaurant with a great family-owned vibe. Chef Rob is brilliant and the apps, entrees, and desserts are all exquisite. His creativity that he lets loose in his Flight Club events is unparalleled. They have extra-friendly staff and elite customer service. And the fine dining experience comes with a fair price and an amazing value. Check it out and meet the Chef, you won’t be disappointed.“

“The Sunday Brunch at Lantern's Edge was amazing - from start to finish. The restaurant host, Christine, warmly welcomed us when we arrived. The decor and ambiance of the restaurant was coastal and the floor to ceiling windows filled the room with natural light. Our server, Miguel, provided top notch service throughout our meal. I opted in for the endless brunch option that had unlimited mimosas, regular breakfast items, and premium items (jumbo shrimp, crab legs, prime rib, and more) all for $65. We sat outside in the patio that had amazing ocean views accompanied by live entertainment. I noted on my reservation that we were celebrating a birthday and Boran, sous chef from the kitchen came out and personally greeted us and wished my friend a happy birthday. Lantern's Edge is truly a hidden gem in Dana Point. I will 100% be coming back and let everyone know this is the place to be for great food, amazing service, and impeccable vibes!“

“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!!!“

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

“I really enjoyed my catfish meal. But the service here is awesome. Everyone was super helpful, friendly and service oriented. Chris even helped me with the kiosk when I had some difficulty. I will come again!!! Oops forgot to take photos. I was enjoying the meal too much.“

“Really enjoyed my stay! The rooms were quiet and comfortable, the hotel bar was fantastic, and the room service was excellent. Loved the thoughtful little amenities—they really made a difference.“

“Delicious and fine food, stunning scenery, exceptional personnel. Absolutely recommended!“

“Food was delicious, especially the Chilean seabass. Service was fast and friendly. Lost my wallet. Went back and the manager Brian Dogotch had it saved for me. Thanks for a great experience!“

“Very good stuff! Being picky and in the same type of business, it's difficult to find. Great job guys. will be back next time I'm in town“

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

“Great food, service and atmosphere.“

“Wonderful food and great service!“

“Best birthday dinner and celebration! Alix was a great server and the Chouffe brewery representative added to our great experience. Having spent a lot of time in Brussels, we always love and order the moule and frites. Superb! Don't miss ordering the delicious side dish roasted vegetables cassolette. One other favorite we had was the trout almondine. Perfection. The flaming birthday dessert made our daughter's night. Thank you, Brussels Bistro San Clemente!“

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

“Our first time! Fresh seafood and excellent service. Didn't like the screaming music from the single speaker. It is on the harbor, the ambiance is beautiful no need for such noise!“

“Came for lunch with my gran about a month after my grandfather passed. It was my gran's first outing since the funeral and i was worried but our server was this adorable silver haired woman named Rebecca. She had my Gran laughing the whole time. We ordered combos and the suggested jalapeño watermelon margaritas, which were spicy and refreshing. We needed a nap afterwards because we were too stuffed! My gran won't stop asking when we can go back. Thank you South of Nicks for lovely meal, and Thank you Rebecca, for helping a family member feel normal after tragedy. You are in our prayers“

“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.“

“We absolutely love this neighborhood gem. Their specials rock flavors we love, and the chef is always coming up with something tasty. They are very accommodating. They aim to please. Servers Mario and Cruz and are top notch, and make every meal so enjoyable. My favorite (and there are so many here!) pick is almost always their fresh fish special. Last night I had the halibut with the sauce made up of blistered tomatoes, Greek olives, and tomato puree. Sooo delicious. Trying to calm down on the carbs and Mario was happy to offer me veggie alternatives of spinach and asparagus, then made a special effort to make it beautiful. I look forward to returning to that exact dish again! We just love Jack's.“

“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 ?“

“Great spot! View and food were great!!“

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

“This restaurant is a hidden gem. The food is incredible, the service is amazing, and we love the live piano music. There are so many restaurants in the area to choose from, but we find ourselves always choosing Luxe.“

“We had a beautiful meal and noise level has gone way down due to new elements on ceiling. The service was impeccable. Attentive but didn't rush us. I tried the spinach salad with added shrimp for first time as wanted something lighter. It was amazing with warm vinegar dressing. The salmon special was also excellent. Without asking our waiter brought out a tiramisu to share as noticed we were celebrating a birthday. This was probably the best tiramisu I've ever had including those in Italy!“

“This is my 4th time coming here. Their food is sooo good 😊
Every I came here, I wrote a review but they seemed to have disappeared so I’m writing a new one. I ordered the chicken biryani because my server Amid recommended it. Amid was very courteous and attentive. If you like Indian food, this is one of the best 😋“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“Tasty, delicious food every time. They are consistent. I especially like their house salad with ranch dressing, free pizza bread, garlic bread, chicken parmigiana pasta with meat sauce. These are my faves here. I love their pizza too.“

“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!“

“Wonderful, Fresh Fish!! Best Macaroni Salad & Sesame Slaw!! Great Vibe!!! San Clemente!!“

“Delicious and healthy options, well seasoned, salsa bar great atmosphere 20/20 Yummylicious 😊😋You just have to visit Baja Fish and you won't regret it. Affordable prices, good portions. They have plenty parking in Laguna Hills, and also in Laguna Woods. 🥗🍲🥑🍋🍋‍🟩🥗“