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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
1. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.7
Exceptional(2428)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 33 times today
RAYA, a restaurant concept by Richard Sandoval, showcases Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats, and Chef Sandoval’s signature Latin flavors.
A photo of Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
2. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.1
Excellent(292)
Price: Expensive
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 41 times today
Nestled along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Salt Creek Grille proudly returns to the Dana Point community under new ownership. Our newly remodeled interiors and stunning outdoor patio exude elegance and comfort for unparalleled ambiance, setting the perfect stage for savoring our enhanced menu that features a true, wood-fired American steakhouse with a California coastal twist.
A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant
3. Wind & Sea Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1829)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 27 times today
The Wind & Sea Restaurant is located on the water in the Dana Point Harbor. With water on three sides, every table has a spectacular view. We serve fresh fish selections daily as well as Lobster tail, shrimp, steaks, and vegetarian dishes.Monday through Friday (not available Holidays and Special occasions) we have Hawaiian Happy Hour from 4:00 to 7:00 featuring our world famous Mai Tai's as well as draft beer, wine and food specials. Big screen TV's, keep the lounge exciting at all times. The waterfront open-air patio serves the full menu and is heated at night, perfect for an order of nachos and a margarita or a full dinner under the stars. Private banquet facilities accommodate 20 to 75.
A photo of KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
4. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
Exceptional(157)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 10 times today
Join Chef Sanjay’s culinary journey from New Delhi to Dana Point and enjoy a contemporary approach to Indian regional specialties that places creative artistry, quality of ingredients, and respect for authentic flavors and ingredients at the forefront of cooking. KAHANI, which means "story" in Hindi, is open from Tuesday through Saturday; 5-9 p.m.
A photo of Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant restaurant
5. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1456)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 24 times today
OPEN FOR DINING INDOORS AND ON OUR WATERFRONT OUTDOOR PATIO Join us dockside for dining with sweeping Harbor views; for a weekend breakfast, or lunch/dinner daily... in the evenings we have patio heaters to keep you warm!Harpoon Henrys Seafood Restaurant is proud to offer a spectacular waterfront view, fresh seafood, and the latest in California Beach Cuisine. We offer our guests harbor views from our dining room and our outdoor waterfront patio. For 46 years, we have provided the best in service, ambiance, and cuisine. We have been winners of awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association”, a finalist for Dining Excellence from both the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the County of Orange, and our wine list has been awarded a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence.”
A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
6. El Adobe de Capistrano
4.7
Exceptional(1031)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 22 times today
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.
A photo of Stella's restaurant
7. Stella's
4.4
Awesome(1275)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 9 times today
Stella's is the embodiment of serious Italian cuisine - original recipes and techniques alongside the freshest organic products, housemade cheeses, and carefully selected Italian flavors. Stella's is the perfect place for friends and family to gather - be it at the bar with a chilled martini, an appetizer in the lounge, or dining alfresco while tasting your way through the wine list and menu. Whatever your pleasure or mood, Stella's can make it happen!
A photo of Ciao Pasta restaurant
8. Ciao Pasta
4.8
Exceptional(1259)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 7 times today
Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!
A photo of Las Brisas restaurant
9. Las Brisas
4.3
Awesome(12096)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 86 times today
With world-class hospitality and a chef-curated menu, Las Brisas delivers classic Southern California cuisine and stunning ocean views Enjoy the panoramic view of Laguna Beach's coastline in our elegant dining rooms or relaxing outdoor patio, and you're bound to discover the magic of Las Brisas.
A photo of Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
10. Driftwood Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1296)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Laguna Beach
Booked 26 times today
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Robyn
    Orange County •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful setting! Our serving staff was professional and caring. We were each given a post card to address and write a note on. We were told that the Farmhouse would mail it for us. We had a delicious meal. The soups and pizza were exceptional! We always return! Thank you!
    More info
    Farmhouse at Rogers GardensPrice: Expensive• American• Corona del Mar
    •
    4.8
  • Mari
    Orange County •17 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went to Tommy’s with girlfriends to celebrate a birthday. We were pleased to see the new comfortable chairs. However, the menu was disappointing for us because two of our favorites were missing. We often enjoy the filet mignon tacos and the plantains. Both are no longer available. Three of us had the fish tacos, which were good, but instead of three they’re only two now. Having chips is not merely as nice as the plants. If cost cutting was behind the missing fillet tacos, which were very popular and the plants that were popular as well, I would rather have seen an increase in price on the menu. All of our food was good, but we were disappointed.
    More info
    Tommy Bahama - Newport BeachPrice: Very Expensive• American• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7
  • patrick
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    i'm a big fan of El Adobe restaurant, so you're always going to be an excellent review from me.. however this trip was one of my favorites. There was a wedding reception in the back area, which led to some extra excitement, but they also had the live harp player inside. The harpist played a Beatles song, and when we requested another Beatles song, he came over to our table to play an amazing version of "Hey Jude". the food was on point, our server Gil was a sweetheart, and the drinks were fantastic.
    More info
    El Adobe de CapistranoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• San Juan Capistrano
    •
    4.7
  • Dennisvip
    London •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great experience: server was welcoming and attentive; relaxed ambience with beautiful view; and generous portion of fish and chips, with well spiced fries!
    More info
    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5
  • Annvip
    Orange County •6 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This was our third visit to Stella’s. The food and service has been consistently quite good. The ambiance is charming. Unfortunately, the cocktails have been disappointing. We had to send back our drinks since the quality was poor.
    More info
    Stella'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.4

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Discover an array of culinary treasures in Dana Point / Monarch Beach, located in South Orange County, making each dining spot truly "worth the drive." This vibrant dining scene offers a diverse selection of eateries, where the emphasis is on providing exceptional service, innovative cuisine, and memorable experiences. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, expertly prepared steaks, or creative Italian dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on its unique ambiance, from upscale sophisticated settings to more casual, family-friendly atmospheres. Patrons consistently praise the high-quality food, the attentive service, and the overall value that these dining establishments offer. Moreover, many restaurants here also cater to special occasions, offering private party options and off-site catering. Dana Point / Monarch Beach is a destination where the culinary expertise and the scenic beauty of Orange County come together to create dining experiences that are not just meals, but memorable events.

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