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.“

“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.“

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

“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. 👍🏼“

“Dinner available only on weekdays from 4pm to 6pm was a great deal. The service, atmosphere is perfect. Unfortunately, the food was all average and nothing particularly delicious. The tables are closely spaced, so if the table in the back was in use, it was difficult to sit because it was so narrow that you couldn't pull a chair. I think it would be nice to have a little more space. There was a heater outside at night so it was warm, but it was still hot even with short sleeves.“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“The food looked very good but I felt the shrimp lacked flavor, to me they needed more seasoning. The tortillas fell apart which was disappointing. The guacamole was very good and the chips were some of the best I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The service was awesome and friendly and the restaurant was clean and welcoming.“

“This small, window-order restaurant has some of the best poke in southern California. There's usually a line, but it moves fairly quick. They have a few tables outside, but I recommend taking it to the nearby Pines Park and enjoy it with a view.“

“I’ve always loved the food. I’ve enjoyed Spikes for years. I visited a few weeks ago…? Not sure. This review is overdue, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how great my experience was with Tyger. I was in a hurry, I feel like I needed special attention due to the very recent deaths of my mother and my mother-in-laws death this passed year. I didn’t say anything about that, but this young gentleman completely took care of me. He helped me order, he was kind, attentive, helpful, intuitive… I can’t say enough. He was most definitely the most accommodating and “go-to” young man I’ve encountered in recent years!! Again, he knew nothing of my circumstances. Stacey deserves a shout out as well. I’ve told all my friends how remarkable the service and quality of food you provide. Tyger is the only reason I wanted to write this review. Thank you!!“

“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!“

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

“Great service, great food!!👏“

“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!!!“

“Amazing venue. Indoor dining and a beautiful patio as well. Food is excellent and staff is friendly and service driven . Great spot to celebrate a special occasion or a romantic dinner. Entertainment nightly too!!!“

“Omg this place has the best food ever holy cow. We ordered the smash burger, poke bowl, mushroom chicken flatbread, and the fish tacos. They were all super amazing and the fish tacos had a little kick if your into that. Our waitress was super nice and had great tips about the surrounding area. The hotel that is in is also super luxurious with helpful staff and it is an extremely clean place!“

“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“

“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“

“The hostess was very friendly and made us all feel welcome. We had reservations, and didn't. have to wait once all 5 of us were there. Valentina was our server. She was delightful and very conscientious about making sure we got everything we wanted with our orders. Two of us had the calamari (delicious and very tender). One had the Shrimp Louie salad (again very tasty and filling). The other two had a cup of clam chowder and the market salad. (I was a bit envious of the clam chowder. It smelled great, and I was told it was very creamy and filled with clams.). Several other servers assisted Valentina, and they were so attentive to each of our requests and needs. Overall, this was the best birthday celebration dinner for our friend.“

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

“Wonderful food and great service!“

“I recently stopped by here to grab lunch and I was surprised with the quality of food and everything else. I haven’t dined here in years and I used to love CFG it has always been my favorite healthy casual food that doesn’t break the bank. However, in the recent years I noticed the quality of food dropped significantly so I stopped going there but now I hope they keep it this way. Service is good but more communication is needed and perhaps more employees as they seemed to be short staffed.“

“excellent food atmophere and service!“

“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!!!“

“Everything was wonderful!! I had brunch ( Amazing Cali Benedict & smashed Potatoes ?) the hubby had lunch(chicken sandwich & salad) - We both left happy and satisfied. Everything was cooked perfectly ?- shout out to the cooks!! And our waitress was excellent!!“

“Great food, service and atmosphere.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“Celebrated my birthday with family and it was a truly memorable experience. Julian surprised me with a birthday chocolate mousse complete with sparkles! Most touching gesture from other diners was their joining in with my Happy Birthday song (and even greeted me on my way out)! We had to try their mussels! 9 of us adequately shared 2 lbs of the Chorizo and the Cream and Garlic. Will definitely come back to try the other flavors on one of the AYCE Tuesday! Our party gave the thumbs-up for the Boeuf Bourguignon, Trout Almondine, Hanger Steak, Roasted Salmon and Lamb Shank. Overall we were completely satisfied and kudos to the wonderful service and attention given by all the staff with special shoutout to Julian! Thank you!“

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

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

“We loved our fish and chips! Always a go to…so delicious 😋“

“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.“

“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 😋“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“I stumbled upon this delightful Italian restaurant while visiting the area, and I’m so glad I did! It can be a challenge to find a truly great Italian spot in the Valley or I.E., but this place exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked in, the service was outstanding. The maître d, manager, head waiter (all in one)—was attentive and engaging, checking in on us throughout our meal. It felt more like a warm, family-run establishment than a typical restaurant, with staff and regular patrons sharing hugs and laughter.
The complimentary salsa served with the bread was an interesting twist—I appreciated the cucumber base, but being a traditionalist, I usually prefer simply good olive oil and balsamic vinegar. At first, I thought it was pesto, but it had a unique flavor that prompted us to inquire about its ingredients.
While the food was delicious, I did feel that the portions could have been a bit larger for the price, and the salsa accompaniment with the calamari didn’t quite hit the mark for me. However, the true star of the meal was the sauce—it was absolutely fantastic, with no complaints whatsoever.
Overall, I had a lovely experience with great service, a warm ambiance, and delicious food. I would definitely recommend giving this place a try if you’re in town!“

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

“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.“

“Best Mexican food period! Tasty carne asada, mouth watering blackened fish, fresh tortillas, pinto beans & white rice that'll make you sing, plus a Verde sauce that is unsurpassed. Add it to your white rice and carne asada taco, and the magic parades across your taste buds.

Kid-friendliness: A must to introduce this food to the next generation.“