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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

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36 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Luxe Restaurant and Bar restaurant
1. Luxe Restaurant and Bar
4.9
Exceptional(619)
Price: Moderate
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 2 times today
Luxe Restaurant and Bar is a true gem in the neighborhood. With its high-quality food, craft cocktails, and wonderful ambiance, it's a favorite among locals. One review even called it a 'great local gem'. The restaurant's offerings, including seafood, steaks, and Italian dishes, are praised for being on par with nearby competition. The addition of live piano music enhances the dining experience. The service is also highly rated, making Luxe a perfect choice for any occasion.
A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant
2. Jack's Restaurant/Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1075)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 9 times today
Jack's Restaurant/Bar is a true neighborhood gem, loved by locals and visitors alike. It's praised for its warm and friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian & Seafood Specialties, Vegan & Gluten-Free Menus, and has a full bar. One reviewer called it a 'neighborhood hang out' and another noted it's a 'great place to escape to and have a dining experience'. It's the perfect place for a casual night out or a special celebration.
A photo of Coastal Kitchen restaurant
3. Coastal Kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(4908)
Price: Moderate
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 95 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 RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
4. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
Exceptional(2480)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 22 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 The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
5. The Tea House on Los Rios
4.8
Exceptional(2747)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 69 times today
Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County's premier high tea experience. Known for our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us for an unforgettable experience on Historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. Take the train and making a day of it!
A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant
6. Wind & Sea Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1860)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 9 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 Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
7. Luciana's Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(3419)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 20 times today
Located in a historical home in the resort town of Dana Point, California, Luciana's Ristorante has been serving the Orange County community for over 40 years. The decor is reminiscent of a cozy European-style inn, establishing it as one of Orange County's most romantic restaurants. Awarded the Southern California Restaurant Writers gold medal since 1996, three stars from the California Restaurant Writers, Zagat's Survey "America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants 2008" and an Award of Excellence for its wine list, Luciana's has been setting the standard for classic as well as innovative Italian cuisine. Whether visiting our cozy restaurant or our Bed and Breakfast and Cooking School in Tuscany, Italy, you are sure to experience the best and freshest combination of the old and new worlds.
A photo of CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point restaurant
8. CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point
4.7
Exceptional(1492)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 15 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 Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant restaurant
9. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1494)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 13 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 The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach restaurant
10. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach
4.7
Exceptional(2067)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach
Booked 10 times today
Located in the oceanfront resort, Montage Laguna Beach, The Loft features stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean – the perfect backdrop for enjoying market-fresh, creative American cuisine with friendly, informed, and professional service. Innovative signature dishes reflect California regional cuisine with strong influences from the Americas; other favorites also include roasted meats and seafood.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Linda
    Orange County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    My friend and I enjoyed our Holiday Tea on 1/5/2025. Maya was our server and she was very attentive, took our picture, explained each of the foods as she served them. She answered questions about the kinds of tea that were offered and was very knowledgeable. All the food was delicious. There is so much, I would recommend eating a little bit and then box it up as you go so you have room for everything else. The food was presented very nicely. Very attractive platings. We’ll definitely be back!
    More info
    The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
    •
    4.8
  • Kandis
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    My recent dining experience was truly exceptional, and a big part of that was thanks to our amazing server, Tonya. From the moment we were seated, she was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering thoughtful recommendations that perfectly suited our tastes. Tonya went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience, and we left feeling thoroughly impressed. Thanks for making it a fun evening!
    More info
    Coastal KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • BruceVIP
    Los Angeles •76 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great spot to celebrate a special occasion. The outdoor patio offers spectacular ocean views, together with bar and food service. Inside, the Raya restaurant, also offers ocean views as well as great food and service.
    More info
    RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna NiguelPrice: Expensive• Latin American• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
    •
    4.6
  • JudyVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •109 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful local restaurant with great service and food. Able to carry on a conversation as the noise level was low. The eggplant part is incredible!
    More info
    Jack's Restaurant/BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Tony
    Portland / Oregon •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 21, 2024
    Absolutely amazing food, we were a group of 5 and we shared meals, everything we ordered was fantastic, especially the house made lobster ravioli !! My only suggestion would be to have a more extensive wine list, the live music was fabulous, really added to the ambiance
    More info
    Luxe Restaurant and BarPrice: Moderate• American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.9

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Discover the charm of Dana Point/Monarch Beach in South Orange County through its array of esteemed neighborhood gems. These restaurants stand out not just for their unique culinary offerings but also for their commitment to providing a delightful dining experience. Each establishment in this locale reflects a warm community atmosphere, coupled with expertly crafted menus that often highlight local produce and sustainable practices. From cozy Italian eateries and sophisticated bars to places offering panoramic views of the Pacific, the dining scene here is diverse and highly praised for both its quality and service. Patrons frequently describe these venues as 'hidden gems,' perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the neighborhood gems in Dana Point/Monarch Beach promise a memorable culinary journey that's both authentic and inviting.

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