Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County

Best Restaurants for Foodies in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Coastal Kitchen restaurant
1. Coastal Kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(5055)
Price: Moderate
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 101 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(189)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 9 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 Thursday from 5 - 9 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 5 - 10 p.m.
A photo of Starfish Laguna Beach restaurant
3. Starfish Laguna Beach
4.8
Exceptional(2269)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Asian • Laguna Beach
Booked 37 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
4. The Drake in Laguna
4.9
Exceptional(1530)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach
Booked 23 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
5. Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort
4.7
Exceptional(4477)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 51 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
6. Gema
4.1
Excellent(254)
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
7. 230 Forest Avenue
4.8
Exceptional(2886)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 28 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.
A photo of Nirvana by Chef Lindsay restaurant
8. Nirvana by Chef Lindsay
4.6
Exceptional(1762)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Laguna Beach
Booked 8 times today
We are an independent neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach, between Main Beach & the Historic Festival of Arts, owned by Laguna Beach native, Executive Chef Lindsay Smith. Inspired by Wine Country and California Coastal cuisine, our focus is on serving guests the way Chef Lindsay would feed her own family, in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We source the freshest ingredients, including free-range, organic poultry, sustainable seafood, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and seasonal, local produce. We strive to minimize our environmental impact and support the local community. Chef Lindsay, named one of the Top 10 chefs in Orange County and Top 5 in Laguna Beach, is dedicated to quality food, friendly service, and a memorable dining experience.LUNCH: Casual table service, Counter service for Grab & Go (reservations not required) DINNER: Table service (reservations recommended)
A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant
9. Mangia Bene Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(695)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 9 times today
Mangia Bene Cucina in Laguna Niguel, CA, is a foodie hotspot serving up original and delicious Italian dishes. With over 25 years of experience, they deliver what they call 'The Fresh Italian Food Experience'. Reviewers love their great food and service, with one saying 'food is always good' and another praising the 'flavorful and perfectly cooked and fresh' dishes. The place is often busy, indicating a strong reputation among locals and visitors.
A photo of OPAH Restaurant & Bar restaurant
10. OPAH Restaurant & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1624)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 14 times today
At Opah Restaurant & Bar, we serve the finest fresh fish in Orange County. Carefully hand selected each day to deliver the best quality available. The menu is exquisite, featuring edible works of art, that look so good the could be on a magazine cover. Don't forget to try one of our signature Award Winning Martinis. If you wondering how we came up with the name Opah. It comes from the Hawaiian word for Moonfish, which was once viewed as Good Luck by fisherman, & often given away as a gesture of Good Will.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

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.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo