Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Ladera Ranch

14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge restaurant

1. Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(738)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 18 times today

At Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge in the heart of Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita, the essence of American cuisine is elevated to a fine art. This chef-driven haven, created by a dynamic husband and wife team, showcases the perfect fusion of East Coast classics with West Coast flair. Diners rave about the "amazing service and atmosphere," with menu highlights like the "perfectly cooked" ribeye steak and "mouthwatering" kale Caesar salad. With a new seasonal menu crafted by Chef-Owner Paige Riordan and Chef de Cuisine Daniel Martinez, each dish features local, quality ingredients that capture the peak of their freshness. Whether it's enjoying a meal on the heated canyon-view patio or indulging in live music during dinner, Scarlet promises an unforgettable dining experience where "everything is perfect."

A photo of Tavern at the Mission restaurant

2. Tavern at the Mission

4.7

Exceptional(524)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 13 times today

Nestled in the heart of picturesque San Juan Capistrano, Tavern at the Mission stands out as a beacon of American cuisine, offering a delightful dining experience with a view of the historic Mission. Revered for its "best French Onion Soup" and a variety of comfort dishes like the Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, this restaurant captures the essence of classic American flavors. Patrons rave about the "terrific" Lobster/Shrimp Louie and the "delicious" Cowboy burger, highlighting the quality and authenticity of its offerings. The beautiful patio setting and cozy interiors, complete with fireplaces, create the perfect ambiance for enjoying "excellent" meals served by "outstanding" staff like the beloved Betty. Whether it's a family gathering or a casual outing, Tavern at the Mission consistently delivers a memorable American dining experience, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors.

A photo of O'Neill's Bar & Grill restaurant

3. O'Neill's Bar & Grill

4.9

Exceptional(1116)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 15 times today

Nestled amidst the scenic vistas of Rancho Mission Viejo, O'Neill's Bar & Grill offers an authentic Californian dining experience that's hard to beat. Celebrated for its "amazing food and stellar service" (customer review), this gem in Mission Viejo delights with a diverse menu that captures California's spirit. Whether it’s the "delicious and moist" flour-less chocolate cake or the "best food I have ever had" pork chop, each dish showcases local flavors and freshness. Patrons also rave about the "beautiful view of the golf course and Saddle Back Mountain" from the patio, enhancing the dining atmosphere. With glowing testimonials about both the cuisine and the setting, O'Neill's is a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of Californian hospitality and culinary excellence.

A photo of Wine Tasting at Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano restaurant

4. Wine Tasting at Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano

4.7

Exceptional(3)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • San Juan Capistrano

Rancho Capistrano Winery in San Juan Capistrano is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. The winery, a proud recipient of the "2024 Business of the Year" award and over 40 "Best of San Juan Capistrano" accolades, offers an exceptional wine, chocolate, and cheese tasting experience that is both sophisticated and delightful. Visitors have praised the knowledgeable staff and the high-quality wines, with one guest sharing, "We couldn't have had a better wine-tasting experience." The venue, located near historical landmarks, provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying their vast selection of wines. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or new to wine tasting, Rancho Capistrano Winery promises an unforgettable journey through exquisite flavors and aromas, making every visit a celebration of Winery cuisine.

A photo of The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach restaurant

5. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach

4.7

Exceptional(2055)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Laguna Beach

Booked 28 times today

At The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach, contemporary American cuisine reaches new heights, delivering not only on flavor but also on an extraordinary dining experience. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Laguna Beach, this restaurant is celebrated for its innovative dishes that encapsulate the essence of California and the broader American culinary landscape. Guests rave about the "colorful and tasty-yumi food" and the "coffee crusted steak and the scallops," highlighting the creative twists on classic favorites. The Loft's setting, with its stunning ocean views, complements its culinary prowess, making every meal a visual and palatable feast. With accolades like "one of the best dining experiences we have ever had," it's clear that The Loft is a hallmark of fine contemporary American dining. Whether it's the exceptional service, the ambiance, or the exquisite food, The Loft promises a memorable gastronomic journey that's both authentic and innovative.

A photo of The Drake in Laguna restaurant

6. The Drake in Laguna

4.9

Exceptional(1467)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Laguna Beach

Booked 13 times today

At The Drake in Laguna Beach, seafood lovers are in for a sublime dining experience that combines freshness with culinary flair. Known for its "exquisite" and "perfectly cooked" seafood dishes, such as the praised Halibut and Shrimp Curry, The Drake ensures every plate is a testament to the quality and authenticity of its ingredients. Guests rave about the "tender tuna tartare" and the "best salmon I have ever had," highlighting the skilled preparation and flavorful execution. Pairing their meals with live music, diners enjoy an "amazing" atmosphere that complements the sophisticated seafood offerings. Whether it’s the vibrant Salmon, flaky Sea Bass, or the savory Shrimp Curry, The Drake's commitment to excellence makes it a must-visit for seafood connoisseurs in Laguna Beach.

A photo of CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point restaurant

7. CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

4.7

Exceptional(1483)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 17 times today

Craft House in Dana Point is a gem for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine, consistently delivering an exceptional dining experience. Situated in the picturesque area of Monarch Beach, this restaurant prides itself on using the freshest local ingredients, sourced directly from Dana Point Harbor and nearby farmers' markets. Patrons rave about their diverse menu, with one guest exclaiming that the "food and service are always stellar!" The Craft House also boasts a remarkable American whiskey selection, making it a standout in South Orange County. From their innovative birria egg rolls to the classic smash burger, every dish is crafted to perfection. One reviewer enthusiastically recommended the venue for its "fantastic yet casual meal," highlighting the grilled meatloaf's unique preparation. Whether it's for a fun evening out or a delightful family dinner, Craft House ensures every visit is memorable with its upscale yet comfortable atmosphere, attentive service, and culinary excellence.

8. Harvest

4.7

Exceptional(2423)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Laguna Beach

Booked 24 times today

Nestled in the picturesque backdrop of Aliso Canyon in Laguna Beach, Harvest epitomizes the essence of Farm-to-table cuisine with a unique Californian twist. Esteemed Executive Chef Kyle St. John crafts seasonal menus that highlight the freshest ingredients directly from the restaurant's own Harvest Farm, ensuring each dish bursts with local flavors and fresh simplicity. Diners consistently rave about the "amazing food and service in a beautiful setting," and praise the "wonderful staff." The restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality shines through in their "out of this world" short ribs and the highly recommended cinnamon bread and pasta. With its stunning views and innovative dishes, Harvest offers an authentic farm-to-table experience that is both memorable and deeply satisfying.

A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant

9. Larsen at Hotel Laguna

4.5

Awesome(1520)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Laguna Beach

Booked 43 times today

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach, Larsen at Hotel Laguna epitomizes the best of Contemporary American cuisine. Diners rave about the "exceptional service, breathtaking views, and delectable dishes," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. The restaurant's culinary prowess shines with dishes like the praised halibut fish and chips and creatively boozy craft cocktails. Each plate showcases fresh, local ingredients, capturing the essence of modern West Coast flavors. Patrons consistently highlight the "great value" and "top-notch food," with one noting it's "pricey but worth it occasionally," underscoring Larsen's commitment to quality and excellence in every aspect of dining. Whether enjoying a romantic sunset dinner or a lively brunch, Larsen at Hotel Laguna delivers a memorable experience that beautifully marries gourmet food with an idyllic setting.

A photo of Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine restaurant

10. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

4.5

Awesome(3259)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Irvine

Booked 37 times today

Paul Martin's American Grill in Irvine is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful experience with its expertly prepared dishes and inviting atmosphere. Patrons rave about the "excellent food," particularly the "hand-cut blackened ribeye" and the "brick chicken and butter cake," which showcase the restaurant's commitment to elevating classic American dishes. The mesquite grill adds a distinctive touch that enhances the flavors, making each meal memorable. Customers consistently highlight the attentive service and the polished dining room, ideal for everything from business luncheons to special family celebrations. With glowing reviews emphasizing both the quality of the meals and the warmth of the service, Paul Martin's stands out as a premier dining destination for those seeking authentic and sophisticated American fare.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CynthiaVIP
New York City •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Mikey our server for lunch was really wonderful. Very helpful in the ordering for both wine and entrees. Lovely personality! The food was well prepared, a little pricey, but as expected :) View was terrific, we had a central table right at the window and Mikey opened the windows for us upon request so that we could have a simultaneous view and fresh air on this gorgeous day. Lovely lunch!! (Branzino, lobster salad and Cobb shrimp salad all delicious) (Also liked that the valet was free and that I was able to charge my car while dining!) Will definitely be back when next in Laguna (from LA)
More info
The Loft at Montage Laguna BeachPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Laguna Beach
•
4.7
M
michaelVIP
Orange County •42 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Always great service! Food is excellent as well. Servers Stella, John and Natalie and others are always on top of it! 0h and David too! If I had one complaint it would be that it gets very loud inside the restaurant, can’t talk to people at your table very easily. I give the restaurant 5 stars!
More info
Tavern at the MissionPrice: Expensive• American• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.7
J
John
Minneapolis - St. Paul •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Dec 2024
We love the vibe at San Juan Capistrano Winery. The wine is always delicious and the servers are quite knowledgeable on the wine. The food is outstanding! The soup was homemade and fabulous. We’ve never been disappointed. Ben the bartender is spectacular! We also recommend Rochelle, who presented our wine and cheese tasting. She was well versed in the wine.
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Wine Tasting at Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan CapistranoPrice: Expensive• Winery• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.7
R
RickVIP
Orange County •47 reviews
4.0
Dined on 13 Dec 2024
Great local restaurant, with great selection of food items! Their drinks are outstanding! Very energetic inside around the bar. Outside patio seating is spread out better. There is live music, which is very nice, but don't get a table near the performer - - the speaker is too loud to hold a conversation.
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Scarlet Kitchen and LoungePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.6
R
RobVIP
Los Angeles •111 reviews
5.0
Dined on 4 Dec 2024
Excellent place for a covered patio lunch on a SoCal December afternoon.
More info
O'Neill's Bar & GrillPrice: Moderate• Californian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.9

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Ladera Ranch

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Ladera Ranch

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge

2. Tavern at the Mission

3. O'Neill's Bar & Grill

4. Wine Tasting at Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano

5. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach

6. The Drake in Laguna

7. CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

8. Harvest

9. Larsen at Hotel Laguna

10. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

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