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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

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14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Coastal Kitchen restaurant
1. Coastal Kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(4994)
Price: Moderate
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 97 times today
Christina and Mike Grant, the owners of Coastal Kitchen, have created an experience that will delight and satisfy the most discerning guest. Fueled by their passion for food and a love of hospitality, the Grants have established Coastal Kitchen as the go-to spot in Dana Point. The menu is clean and fresh consisting of fish and steaks cut in house, great salads, freshly ground burgers and more. Coastal Kitchen has a full bar, patio with fire pits, and fresh coastal design. Our mission is to deliver a quality dining experience in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a consistency that will bring guests back again and again. We look forward to serving you.
A photo of KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
2. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
Exceptional(182)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 4 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 CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point restaurant
3. CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point
4.8
Exceptional(1514)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 20 times today
At Craft House Restaurant we focus on serving the freshest local ingredients to our guests. From working with local fishermen in the Dana Point Harbor to sourcing ingredients from the local farmer's markets. At Craft House we pride ourselves on having one of the best American whiskey selection in South Orange County. From you daily drinking whiskey to the one's you've spend your life trying to taste (all of the Pappy van Winkle collection).
A photo of Bloom Restaurant + Bar restaurant
4. Bloom Restaurant + Bar
4.8
Exceptional(860)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 37 times today
Orange County-based restaurateur Russ Bendel and partners are bringing a sister restaurant to his thriving wine country concepts to the San Juan Capistrano dining scene.Bloom is an all-encompassing dining experience, featuring craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and craft beer selections. Located directly across from the Mission of San Juan on the corner of Old Mission Road and Camino Capistrano. Check out our website for more information: www.BloomSanJuanCapistrano.comDon't forget to follow us on instagram to stay up to date about Bloom: BloomRestaurantAndBar
A photo of Tavern at the Mission restaurant
5. Tavern at the Mission
4.7
Exceptional(591)
Price: Expensive
• American • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 26 times today
Renowned Orange County restaurateur David Wilhelm, along with longtime partner Gregg Solomon, purchased this iconic location in the heart of charming downtown San Juan Capistrano overlooking the Jewel of the California missions. The menu features many of his signature classic comfort foods such as his Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, French 75's Onion Soup, and Whiskey Shrimp Dijon, featured at his Tavern House Kitchen+Bar in Newport Beach. Chef Wilhelm is a longtime South County resident, well known for the many concepts he has created over the years including Kachina, Sorrento Grille, French 75, Savannah Chophouse and Jimmy's Famous American Tavern. Tavern at the Mission has a large, tree covered, pet friendly patio with beautiful mission views. The interiors have been beautifully renovated with a chandelier lit dining room and a warm central fireplace. Our' Tumbleweed Bar' is designed as an homage to San Juan Capistrano's Equestrian and Vaqueros history.
A photo of Starfish Laguna Beach restaurant
6. Starfish Laguna Beach
4.8
Exceptional(2240)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Asian • Laguna Beach
Booked 48 times today
Thank you for thinking of Starfish Laguna! Indoor & Patio Dining are available! Reservations are strongly encouraged, and available via phone at 949.715.9200.Lunch: Daily from 11a - 3pOpium Hour: Everyday 3p - 6p (dine-in only)Dinner: Daily from 3p - 9pWe offer our full menu for takeout and delivery, with delivery offered in partnership with Doordash or through our website. To place a pickup order, please call 949.715.8205. We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of The Drake in Laguna restaurant
7. The Drake in Laguna
4.9
Exceptional(1514)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach
Booked 26 times today
We offer seating in 3 spaces,, including our Bar/Lounge, Dining Room/Chef’s Counter or Intimate fire-wall enclosed Patio. Due to space considerations, please contact us directly for larger tables of 6 or more guests.Live entertainment is performed nightly on the main stage in our Dining Room. Tables are by reservation only, for dinner. Hours of Music; Su/M/Tu, 5:30-9:30pm Wed/Thu 6-10pm Fr/Sa 6:30-10:30pm. All Tables in Main Room or Patio, Th/Fr/Sa, are subject to a $10 per person Live music charge, on top of dinner tab. Our dynamic musical line-up of Jazz, R&B, Soul & Contemporary artists, provides an interactive yet intimate experience, in an elegant yet relaxed setting.The Drake features New American cuisine prepared by Award Winning Chef team Paul & Nick Gstrein. Seasonal offerings encompass an ever-evolving menu of unique small plates, steaks, chops, fresh seafood & desserts. Our curated Wine & Spirits selections serve to enhance the dining experience.Meet us at The Drake!
A photo of Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort restaurant
8. Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort
4.8
Exceptional(4444)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 45 times today
Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort is a foodie haven, praised for its 'wonderful food,' 'amazing food,' and 'outstanding food' in reviews. It's lauded for its 'creative twist on classic seafood dishes,' 'top notch' food, and 'exceptional experience and great tasting food.' With an ocean backdrop, excellent service, and a beautiful ambiance, it's a place where foodies can indulge and create unforgettable memories.
A photo of Gema restaurant
9. Gema
4.1
Excellent(252)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • San Clemente
Booked 1 time today
With a moody Mexico City vibe & modern dining room, Gema has an intimate neighborhood feel & buzzy bar scene. Our scratch-made kitchen highlights the finest Mexican ingredients & the countries staples of corn, chiles & regional cheeses .Our craft cocktail program changes with the season & features house-made syrups & fresh daily juiced citrus. Our bar hosts over 100 bottles of Mexico's finest small batch Mezcals which can be enjoyed in a flight or purchased by bottle and housed for your convenience inour Mezcal Liabrary. Our wines are brought in from Valle de Guadaulape and offer an amazing taste into the emerging Baja wine region. Gema celebrates the vast & sophisticated cuisine of Mexico, its people & its culture. We are proud to serve authentic Mexican cuisine that moves beyond the stereotypical bean and rice culture often associatedwith Mexican eateries. We hope you join us at Gema to experience the true palate of Mexican dining.
A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
10. 230 Forest Avenue
4.8
Exceptional(2875)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 19 times today
230 Forest Avenue is a hotspot for foodies in Laguna Beach, known for its Californian cuisine and top-notch service. The place is often described as having a vibrant and cool vibe, with the food being consistently excellent and well-presented. The dishes are said to be so stunning that they compete with the artwork on the walls, making for a thoroughly satisfying 'artistic' experience. This place is definitely a go-to for foodies who appreciate a great atmosphere and excellent food.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Juan
    Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went for the first time the other day after driving past it for over a year…..very nice spot with friendly staff. Food was excellent (trout dip highly recommend) and bartenders and servers were very polite. Would definitely recommend and will come back again.
    More info
    Coastal KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • JoshuaVIP
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food quality is amazing, can easily say this is the best Indian food ever had (Wagyu short ribs WOW)! Also the service is top notch and everything was handled smoothly even on a busy Valentine's Day. The ambiance is good though not amazing, it's more classy than particularly vibey but that makes sense as this has been other restaurant types in the Ritz in the past. But being in the Ritz means the classy vibes totally add to dinner! Pricing is fairly reasonable given how high quality the food is, so maybe just the drinks are a bit much as those were good but not as good as the food. Overall must-do dining experience in the area!
    More info
    KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna NiguelPrice: Expensive• Indian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    Hawaii •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The gang at craft house always do a fantastic job and we look forward to each visit because of it. Staff is always super friendly knowledgeable and happy to help guide you through whatever today's surprise selection might be. We really like the fact that today's menu might not be the same tomorrow and that there's always a new surprise around every corner
    More info
    CRAFT HOUSE Dana PointPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Mike
    Orange County •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This was our first time at Bloom. I found it on Open table, so I thought we’d give it a try. I chose Valentine’s Day dinner and Bloom didn’t disappoint in the least. It was easy to get to and plenty of parking available. I had made reservations of course and we only had to wait a few minutes for them to ready our table. Once seated our waiter Darin greeted us. The restaurant was very nice and not to noise. They have a great menu selection and drinks to go along with dinner. The food came piping hot in very generous portions and very delicious. The service was excellent. The dessert was very good. Overall it was and excellent dinning experience. I would highly recommend that you Give Bloom a try. Also meal pricing is competitive and fare.
    More info
    Bloom Restaurant + BarPrice: Moderate• American• San Juan Capistrano
    •
    4.8
  • Laurie
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    In spite of a dismal, rainy day, I was delighted the minute that we walked in the door. The hostess had obviously read my comments when I made our reservation, and greeted us warmly. All of my requests had been met, we were served by a charming, knowledgeable server, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch and a carafe of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. Topping that off with a luscious dark chocolate torte and fresh- brewed coffee, our time there could not have been better. My thanks to the wonderful, caring staff and your excellent chef!
    More info
    Tavern at the MissionPrice: Expensive• American• San Juan Capistrano
    •
    4.7

Discover best foodies restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Dana Point/Monarch Beach, a haven for food enthusiasts in South Orange County. This locale boasts a variety of restaurants that cater to the tastes and preferences of every foodie, emphasizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative dishes. Whether you're craving expertly prepared seafood, succulent steaks, or creative American cuisine, the area's eateries promise an unforgettable culinary experience. The ambiance across these dining spots is consistently noted for being both beautiful and welcoming, often highlighted by live music or picturesque outdoor settings. Service is a standout feature, with staff across multiple venues being praised for their attentiveness and friendliness. Each restaurant here strives to offer not just meals, but memorable dining experiences that highlight the unique flavors of Orange County. For anyone looking to indulge in top-tier dining, Dana Point/Monarch Beach's restaurant scene is truly exemplary.

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