15 Best Dana Point Restaurants to Try | SleekTravelers (2024)

Join us as we take a look at the best restaurants in Dana Point, a lovely coastal town in Southern California that offers a welcoming ambiance and a warm beach vibe. This undiscovered gem, which is tucked away along seven miles of the gorgeous coastal landscape and the magnificent Dana Point Harbor, is well worth a visit.

The hospitality sector in Dana Point is booming, and it provides tourists with a variety of gastronomic experiences at places like chef-inspired restaurants and delectable outdoor setting eateries. You may satisfy any cuisine craving in this quaint town, whether it be for steak and seafood, a big meal, or a quick snack.

Dana Point is famous for its breathtaking views of the port or the Pacific from its many outdoor patio seating restaurants. So why not enjoy the stunning views while indulging in some of Southern California’s best cuisine?

Don’t miss our list of the top best restaurants in Dana Point. The greatest restaurants in this sleepy seaside town are listed below, so you don’t have to worry about finding a formal dining establishment or a laid-back café. Prepare to set off on a gourmet journey and relish the tasty food and spectacular scenery at these restaurants in Dana Point!

Best Dana Point Restaurants to Try

1. Best Seafood Restaurant- The Harbor Grill

Source / License: The Harbor Grill Facebook Page

Located in the center of Dana Point, California, The Harbor Grill is one of the best dana point restaurants. This family-run seafood restaurant, which has been open since 1984, has a warm and laid-back ambiance that’s ideal for sharing delicious food with loved ones.

The Harbor Grill offers magnificent views of the water and boats thanks to its excellent location facing Dana Point Harbor. The nautical theme permeates the entire restaurant, adding to the comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

The Harbor Grill has received numerous honors and distinctions throughout the years for being one of Dana Point’s top seafood eateries. Oysters, shrimp, crab, and lobster are just a few of the fresh seafood choices on their menu. They also provide a variety of grilled foods, such as steaks, burgers, and chicken.

What to Eat:

Start by sampling their renowned clam chowder, which is rich and savory. Another popular choice is the light and fresh ahi tuna tartare. The grilled swordfish with lemon beurre blanc sauce from the main course is also a must-try. They also have flaky and juicy seafood dishes cooked to perfection. The tangy sauce flavor enhances the fish’s flavor.

Last but not least, the seafood paella, which combines seafood, chorizo, saffron rice, and veggies, is another delectable dish. The serving size is substantial and ideal for sharing, perfect for groups of friends and family.

2. Best Asian and Latin Restaurant – Raya

Source / License: TripAdvisor

Known for its outstanding cuisine and exceptional dining experiences, Raya is one of the best restaurants in Dana Point, California. Numerous awards have been given to the restaurant in recognition of its great food, first-rate staff, and opulent setting. It’s one of the most romantic dana point restaurants, an ideal setting for a memorable special event or romantic meal.

In order to produce a distinctive and delectable dining experience, the talented chefs at Raya’s Cuisine skillfully blend Latin and Asian flavors. The seafood restaurant is regarded as one of the greatest in Orange County and has received numerous accolades, including the AAA Four Diamond Award.

In addition, Raya features an amazing wine list with both domestic and foreign wines, as well as inventive co*cktails and craft brews.

With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Raya enjoys a fantastic seaside setting at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. An amazing dining experience is provided by the restaurant’s classy furnishings, excellent menu, and attentive service.

What to Eat:

Start your lunch with one of Raya’s delectable appetizers, including the duck confit empanadas or the shrimp ceviche. The restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood, which includes delectable Chilean sea bass that has been marinated in miso and well-known pan-seared scallops.

A large variety of meat dishes are also available at Raya, such as the mouthwatering Wagyu beef short rib or the tasty grilled lamb chops. Enjoy the delicious chocolate cake or the mouthwatering coconut panna cotta for dessert.

Related: Best Palo Alto Restaurants

3. Best Cafe – RJ’s Cafe

Source / License: Facebook RJ's Cafe

In the heart of Dana Point, RJ’s Cafe is a charming place to grab breakfast. The restaurant’s environment is cozy and welcoming, and it provides its customers with helpful service and cozy seats. The typical breakfast dishes served at RJ’s Cafe are made with premium ingredients and are guaranteed to please the customers.

RJ’s Cafe, located at 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr, is a highly regarded breakfast restaurant that you mustn’t miss, especially if you like a nice Sunday brunch.

What to Eat:

The Belgian waffles are an absolute must-try if you’re searching for an exceptional breakfast dish. With a fluffy and crispy texture that will tickle your taste buds, these waffles are prepared to perfection. Another well-liked choice is the morning burrito, which provides a flavorful and full meal and is stuffed with eggs, bacon, cheese, and avocado.

Greek yogurt parfaits are a tasty and nutritious lighter option. Additionally, you must taste their renowned hash browns, which are flavorful and crunchy, to truly appreciate RJ’s Cafe

Related: Best Walnut Creek Restaurants

4. Best Italian Restaurant – Luciana’s Ristorante

Source / License: Luciana's Ristorante Facebook page

Luciana’s Ristorante is one of the most beautiful Italian restaurants in Dana Point, California. The seafood restaurant provides a genuine Italian dining experience, together with a welcoming ambiance and top-notch service.

The vast menu at this Italian restaurant offers a selection of traditional Italian dishes crafted with top-notch, fresh ingredients. The antipasto platter, which includes a delectable assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and veggies, is a great place to start.

What to Eat:

One of the menu’s highlights is the pasta dishes, which include selections like the traditional spaghetti bolognese and the more daring squid ink linguine with shrimp and scallops. A standout among the pizza options is the inventive use of ingredients like figs, prosciutto, and gorgonzola.

Try one of the meat or seafood meals if you’re looking for something heartier. Popular dishes include the Chilean sea bass with lemon risotto and the veal chop with porcini mushrooms.

The wine list at Luciana’s Ristorante is particularly remarkable, offering options for both Italian and Californian wines to go with your dinner.

Luciana’s Ristorante, which can be found in Dana Point at 24312 Del Prado Ave, is a must-stop for anybody looking for delectable Italian food in a warm and inviting atmosphere

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5. Best Steakhouse Restaurant – Salt Creek Grille

Source / License: Salt Creek Grille-Dana Point Facebook

Popular steakhouse Salt Creek Grille is situated in the center of Dana Point, California. With its cozy lighting, plush seats, and sophisticated decor, the restaurant exudes a warm and classy ambiance. Although Salt Creek Grille serves a variety of foods, including seafood and pasta, their steaks are their specialty. All of the natural and organic meats are expertly prepared from premium USDA prime beef.

What to Eat:

Try the delectable shrimp and scallop skewers as an appetizer. They are expertly prepared and served with a delectable sauce. Their bone-in ribeye is a notable item on the menu for the main meal. The steak is also perfectly cooked and delicious. The Cajun prime rib is a tasty and distinctive choice if you’re seeking something unusual. The truffle fries are a must-try for the sides.

Salt Creek Grille, located at 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, is the best option for anyone searching for a top-notch steakhouse in Dana Point.

6. Best Beachside Grill – The Shwack Beach Grill

Source / License: The Shwack Beach Grill Facebook

In Dana Point, California, there is a well-known casual dining restaurant called The Shwack Beach Grill. It offers a relaxed mood and a welcoming ambiance, making it a fantastic place for families and friends to get together and share a meal. It is located just a few steps from the beach. The menu offers a selection of delectable burgers, sandwiches, salads, and seafood meals, all cooked using ingredients that are fresh and obtained locally.

What to Eat:

The classic cheeseburger and the jalapeño bacon burger are two must-try burgers at The Shack. You should also not miss out on their wagyu steak burger! Fish tacos and shrimp and scallop ceviche are both delicious options for seafood lovers. For those seeking a healthier supper, the grilled chicken and veggie wrap is a fantastic choice. Sweet potato fries are also a must-try; they’re delicious and crunchy.

The Shwack Beach Grill is the ideal place to unwind and eat after a day at the beach. You can find one of the best grill restaurants in Dana Point at 24502 Del Prado Ave

7. Best Fine-dining Restaurant – Bourbon Steak Orange County’s

Source / License: TripAdvisor

In the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California, there is a classy steakhouse called Bourbon Steak Orange County. With cozy seating and careful service, the restaurant boasts an opulent and beautiful ambiance. Along with a selection of sides and appetizers, the menu offers premium cuts of beef and fresh fish.

What to Eat:

There are many different cuts and sizes of perfectly grilled steaks at Bourbon Steak. Both the bone-in ribeye and the wagyu filet mignon are exceptional dishes. For those seeking something lighter, the seafood tower is a terrific choice because it includes fresh oysters, shrimp, and lobster. Both the creamed spinach and the truffle cheddar mac and cheese are wonderful; don’t pass them up!

If you’re looking for one of the best romantic restaurants in Dana Point, look no further than Bourbon Steak Orange County, which is situated at 1 Monarch Beach Resort N.

8. Best Vegetarian Restaurant – Coastal Kitchen

Source / License: Coastal Kitchen Facebook page

Dana Point, California’s Coastal Seaside Kitchen is a well-liked restaurant that serves up creative and enticing seaside dishes. With a maritime motif and a light and airy dining space, the sea restaurant provides a charming and welcoming ambiance. Diverse seafood dishes are offered on the menu, along with vegetarian and gluten-free options, all of which are prepared using locally-souced products.

What to Eat:

Seared scallops and wild-caught salmon are two of Coastal Kitchen’s most popular seafood dishes. The seafood there is exceptional. Both the daily-made clam chowder and the crab cakes are delectable and must be tried. Vegetarians should try the cauliflower steak or the roasted beet salad, both of which are excellent choices. For dessert, make sure to sample the homemade sorbet!

For a laid-back lunch or a special meal with a view of the beach, head to Coastal Kitchen at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway.

9. Best Craft Beer and Gastropub Restaurant – Craft House

Source / License: Craft House Facebook

Dana Point, California’s Craft House is a well-liked gastropub renowned for its wide variety of craft beers and inventive pub fare. With wooden tables and low lighting, the restaurant provides a pleasant and rustic ambiance that promotes a welcoming and informal vibe. Along with inventive meals with unusual flavor pairings, the menu offers a selection of enhanced pub classics.

What to Eat:

It is highly recommended to taste the bacon jam and truffle burgers at Craft House. Another well-liked dish is a fried chicken sandwich, as well as mussels and fries. Try the Korean-style BBQ meat tacos or the sweet and spicy crispy cauliflower for something different. Every taste is catered to by the selection of more than 100 beers on tap. Make sure to get advice from the helpful staff!

The ideal location for a laid-back evening with friends or a leisurely afternoon watching sports is Craft House. You can find this cozy seaside pub at 34094 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, California.

10. Best Seaside Restaurant – Wind & Sea Restaurant

Source / License: Wind & Sea Restaurant Facebook

For more than 45 years, the Wind & Sea Restaurant has been a neighborhood favorite for its fresh seafood and steak. It has breathtaking ocean views and is situated in Dana Point, California, on the coast. The restaurant is a great choice for special events because of its sophisticated and traditional environment.

What to Eat:

The excellent seafood and superbly grilled steaks at Wind & Sea are legendary. The cooked Swordfish, which is cooked to perfection and served with a lemon-caper sauce, and the Prime Rib, which is slow-roasted and served with a horseradish cream sauce, are a couple of their must-try meals.

Try the perfectly grilled Grilled Swordfish for your entrée, which is also presented with a lemon-caper sauce. Served with a horseradish cream sauce and slow-roasted, the Prime Rib is another well-liked entrée. The day’s fresh catch is another excellent option for you.

11. Best Breakfast Spot – Stacks Pancake House

Source / License: Stacks Pancake House Facebook Page

Stacks Pancake House is a quaint and pleasant pancake restaurant in Dana Point, California. Wooden tables and local artwork on the walls give the eatery its charmingly rustic appearance. Pancakes, waffles, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches are all available on the menu and are all expertly prepared using high-quality ingredients.

As a result of its great food and welcoming service, Stacks Pancake House has rapidly become a local favorite. It’s also one of the best restaurants with cozy outdoor seating.

What to Eat:

The pancakes, which come in a range of flavors and toppings like blueberry, chocolate chip, and banana nut, are the star of the menu. Another well-liked item is waffles, particularly the buttermilk waffle with fresh berries and whipped cream. Try the vegetarian omelet or the morning burrito for something flavorful. Definitely try the coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice as well.

Craft House Stacks Pancake House, located at 34255 Pacific Coast Highway, is the ideal location for a laid-back breakfast in Dana Poin

12. Best Mexican Restaurant – Lupe’s Mexican Eatery

Source / License: Lupe's Mexican Eatery Facebook

Located in the center of Dana Point, California, Lupe’s Mexican Eatery is a popular restaurant that is famous for serving authentic pan-Latin coastal cuisine created with seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has been a hit with both locals and tourists since it opened in 2003. Bright colors and traditional Mexican décor are used throughout the restaurant to create a welcoming ambiance.

What to Eat:

The restaurant offers a variety of tasty Mexican cuisine on its menu, but you should try its street tacos first. The street tacos have crisp tortillas, fresh salsa, and tender meat inside. Additionally, their seafood selections, like the grilled fish tacos and shrimp and lobster enchiladas, are well-regarded. Additionally noteworthy are their fresh margaritas and handmade guacamole.

Lupe’s Mexican Eatery is among the best restaurants to go to in Dana Point if you’re seeking genuine Mexican food. It’s located at 33621 Del Obispo St.

13. Best Seafood Restaurant – Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant

Source / License: TripAdvisor

Popular restaurant Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Dana Point that offers breathtaking views of the marina and the ocean. Sailboat models and old photographs decorate the walls of the eatery, which has a nautical motif. There are both indoor and outdoor seating options, and it is open all year long.

What to Eat:

Fresh seafood is served in a variety of dishes at Harpoon Henry’s, including the traditional fish and chips as well as lobster tails and grilled swordfish. A must-try is their seafood cioppino, which is created with a selection of fresh shellfish and a hearty tomato broth.

Along with a variety of sashimi and sushi rolls, the restaurant also serves non-seafood dishes like prime rib and chicken parmesan. You should spare room for the chocolate lava cake and the key lime pie, two delectable treats.

At 34555 Golden Lantern St, Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant is a great option for a special occasion with friends, a family outing, or a romantic evening because it has something for everyone.

14. Best Cozy Cafe – Ramos House Cafe

Source / License: Ramos House Cafe Facebbok Page

Ramos House Cafe is a family-run restaurant that has attracted a devoted following since it first opened its doors in 1994 because of its great food and warm atmosphere. The eatery is set in a vintage cottage and has a wonderful patio where customers may dine while taking in the lush vegetation and blossoming flowers.

What to Eat:

The menu at Ramos House Cafe highlights the abundance of local and fresh vegetables that California has to offer. Popular meals include the applewood smoked bacon omelet, the seared ahi tuna salad, and the roasted veggie quinoa bowl. The eatery is renowned for its world-famous sticky buns, which are baked fresh every day and served warm with whipped cream. The range of coffee and tea is also very good.

Ramos House Cafe nestled at 31752 Los Rios St, is the ideal place for a leisurely brunch, a special supper, or a laid-back lunch with friends. The restaurant is ideally situated to experience the region’s rich history and culture because of its close location to the historic Los Rios District and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

15. Best Organic Restaurant – Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice

Source / License: Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice Facebook Page

Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice is popular for its tasty and nutritious organic fare. This sea restaurant is a perfect place for a healthy meal or a fast snack on the go because of its modern decor, which creates a contemporary and pleasant ambiance.

Vegan and gluten-free alternatives are available on the menu at Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice, which is made using organic and locally sourced products.

What to Eat:

The restaurant specializes in smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and cold-pressed juices. It also serves other breakfast fares including organic eggs and breakfast burritos.

Try one of their famous salads for lunch, which are crafted with seasonal greens and vegetables, grilled chicken or tofu, and homemade dressings. There are other sandwiches and wraps to choose from, like the organic grilled chicken sandwich and the vegan-friendly tempeh wrap.

For those who are concerned about their diets and are looking for delicious and wholesome meals, Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice is a perfect option. It is conveniently situated close to other well-liked Dana Point attractions like Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor at 34255 Pacific Coast Highway.

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