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!“

“We love this place! We were in the area and had an amazing experience! Amazing atmosphere and service. Welcoming and super clean environment. The service was excellent and the food came super fast! The food was great also. it tastes just like brazil. great price for a great meal. Thank you“

“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.“

“Had dinner reservations for 4 with my sister who was here from out of town. Seated very promptly , our waiter Jason and Manager were outstanding, very attentive yet not hovering. The food was delicious, the meatloaf was outstanding a combination of three different meats, so flavorful, and tender. My sister's chicken piccata and the shared appetizers amongst us were over the top good“

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

“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. 👍🏼“

“The best customer service, from the minute we opened the door!
The food was amazing! 10/10.
We came for breakfast, I can’t imagine coming for lunch/dinner!
I highly recommend the Mexican omelette and the fisherman’s IPA!

Also recommend to sit outside!
The best view ever!“

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

“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.“

“We had a wonderful lunch at Monarch Bay Beach Club. The service was attentive and friendly, relaxing atmosphere with stunning views. The food was excellent. As hotel guests, we felt this was the perfect spot for brunch or lunch – ideal for soaking in the beautiful scenery and great weather.“

“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.“

“We went there because we were told it was the best poke bowl on town and it was absolutely true.
I ordered an ahi tuna salmon original with cilantro, furikake seeds and corn and it was incredibly fresh and tasty.
My husband ordered one with a lot of mayo and he said it was very good, but mine was better.
Definetly recommended. The parking can get tricky but there are parking spots on the side roads.
It is a very small place and you order your food either to go or you can sit outside.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Great service, great food!!👏“

“The service provided by the staff, from the front desk to valet parking and restaurant waiters, was exceptional, with a remarkable level of attentiveness.“

“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!!!“

“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.“

“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“

“So glad we could have a last dinner there before it closes on 8/10/25 after 50 years! Got in right away. We had our rehersal dinner there before our wedding. My 60th birthday party was there. Celebrated my husband's birthday and our 37th wedding anniversary last night. So sorry to see it go!“

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

“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 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.“

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

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

“Wonderful food and great service!“

“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.“

“Great food, service and atmosphere.“

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

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

“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“

“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.“

“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!!!“

“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 😋“

“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!“

“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.“

“We had a marvelous experience at Brussels on a Thursday evening. The four of us shared many starters; they were all great! Cheese Croquettes and Bitterballen were delightful! Fabulous French Fries were perfect, and hot! Mussels Marinara and Pate rounded out the evening. A wonderful time was had by all!“

“Great vibes and crew. Food has great variety (large or small portions) and service is quick and efficient. I bring friends and family days and nights when we want frssh Italian meals away from home.“

“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.“

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

“Went here for a quick lunch w a friend. In a very unassuming strip mall with plenty of parking (albeit narrow spots). They have loads of tables and chairs inside and a small patio area. You order at the counter and they bring the food to you in no time.

My friend got the ceviche which comes with a small basket of chips. It felt like it was missing something.... Salt? Lime? Citrus? All of the above?

I got a fish burrito bowl w blackened fish. This style was SO good. Spicy and fresh. The bowl was a little heavy on the rice. I definitely could have gone for more beans and way more lettuce but it wasn't bad.

They have a full salsa bar with really fresh pico and some spicy options which I really appreciated plus super juicy limes. It was awesome.

Would absolutely go back!!“

“Fresh fish expertly prepared by friendly chef with equally cheerful service staff! We will be back“

“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.“