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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

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46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Luxe Restaurant and Bar restaurant
1. Luxe Restaurant and Bar
4.7
Exceptional(606)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 8 times today
Luxe Restaurant and Bar in Dana Point offers a delightful experience of authentic American cuisine with its eclectic menu that beautifully incorporates seafood, steaks, and classic Italian influences. Patrons rave about the "best eggplant dish I've ever had" and the "awesome meatballs," highlighting the exceptional quality and flavor of the dishes. The atmosphere is complemented by live music and a charming outdoor patio, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive service and lively ambiance, with one noting, "The entire evening was fabulous. The food beyond fabulous." Luxe's commitment to excellence makes it a gem in Dana Point, highly recommended for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
A photo of Coastal Kitchen restaurant
2. Coastal Kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(4837)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 105 times today
At Coastal Kitchen in Dana Point, the seafood cuisine is celebrated for its freshness and quality. This beloved eatery, nestled in the heart of Monarch Beach, specializes in crafting dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the ocean. The menu, praised for its variety and authenticity, features standout items such as the "delicious" grouper and the "amazing" crab cake salad, with one diner exclaiming it’s a "10+." Patrons consistently rave about the "excellent dining experience" and the seafood's impeccable preparation. With its charming coastal ambiance and a commitment to excellence, Coastal Kitchen is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers seeking a memorable dining experience.
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Dana Point restaurant
3. Chart House Restaurant - Dana Point
4.4
Awesome(6266)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 85 times today
Located in the picturesque Dana Point, Chart House Restaurant has been a beacon of culinary excellence for over 50 years, with its stunning views and impeccable service. Guests consistently rave about the quality of the steak, described as "the best Prime Rib in California," ensuring a memorable dining experience that highlights the restaurant's commitment to perfection. One diner eloquently expressed, "the food was phenomenal and the service top-notch." Known for its attention to detail and a menu that perfectly complements local flavors, Chart House stands out not just for its seafood but also for its expertly prepared steaks, making it a must-visit for steak lovers seeking a blend of traditional and innovative dishes.
A photo of CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point restaurant
4. CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point
4.7
Exceptional(1474)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 19 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.
A photo of Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
5. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.1
Excellent(290)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 69 times today
Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, Orange County, delights patrons with its wood-fired American steakhouse offerings and a unique California coastal twist. The restaurant has garnered high praise for its exceptional Barbecue cuisine, which stands out due to the quality and authenticity brought forth by the traditional wood-fire cooking techniques. Customers rave about the sumptuous offerings, with one guest exclaiming the "short ribs... OH MY!! Slow cooked perfection" and another endorsing the "bacon-wrapped shrimp and also the filet mignon entree" as "excellent quality." The newly remodeled venue, complete with an inviting outdoor patio, provides the perfect backdrop for these culinary delights, making Salt Creek Grille a must-visit for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic, high-quality barbecue experience in a picturesque coastal setting.
A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
6. The Tea House on Los Rios
4.8
Exceptional(2649)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 52 times today
Nestled in the historic heart of San Juan Capistrano, The Tea House on Los Rios serves as a quintessential American dining experience with a twist of charming British flair. This venue stands out not only for its picturesque setting in a restored 1911 cottage but also for its commitment to quality and authenticity in every dish served. Patrons rave about the "delicious and beautifully plated" food, highlighting American classics like the brunch menu's mimosas and Bloody Marys. With glowing reviews, such as it being the "best traditional tea service around" and a "perfect spot to enjoy a good English tea experience," this restaurant merges American dining excellence with the elegance of high tea, making every visit unforgettable. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful day out, The Tea House on Los Rios promises an exceptional experience in the heart of Orange County.
A photo of Harvest restaurant
7. Harvest
4.7
Exceptional(2404)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mexican • Laguna Beach
Booked 30 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 Bloom Restaurant + Bar restaurant
8. Bloom Restaurant + Bar
4.8
Exceptional(799)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 26 times today
Bloom Restaurant + Bar in San Juan Capistrano is celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine, delivering a dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. Nestled across from the historic Mission of San Juan, Bloom offers a menu that dazzles with dishes like the mouthwatering Wagyu burger and nut-crusted halibut, ensuring every bite is a testament to culinary excellence. Patrons rave about the "unique flavors" and "first-rate food and service," often highlighting standout dishes like the bone marrow and Chilean sea bass. Bloom’s craft cocktails and vibrant ambiance complement its stellar menu, making it a must-visit for those seeking the pinnacle of American dining in Orange County.
A photo of Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano restaurant
9. Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano
4.8
Exceptional(324)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 24 times today
Rancho Capistrano Winery in San Juan Capistrano is a celebrated gem, consistently lauded for its exceptional Winery cuisine and vibrant ambiance. Crowned the 2024 San Juan Capistrano Business of the Year, it's not just the largest winery in Orange County but a beloved culinary haven. With over 40 different wines meticulously crafted from the finest grapes across premier regions like Paso Robles and Northern California, it offers an unparalleled wine experience. Critics and patrons alike rave about its harmonious pairings, such as the "delicious BBQ chicken pizza with their exquisite wines" and "the outstanding macadamia mahi." Truly, Rancho Capistrano Winery provides an authentic and high-quality winery experience, making it a must-visit destination for both wine connoisseurs and casual diners seeking a memorable meal in a charming setting.
A photo of The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach restaurant
10. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach
4.7
Exceptional(2039)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Laguna Beach
Booked 19 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.
‘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.

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