Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano

39 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant

1. The Tea House on Los Rios

4.8

Exceptional(2757)

Price: Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 51 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 Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano restaurant

2. Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(340)

Price: Moderate

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 29 times today

Voted 2024 San Juan Capistrano Business of the Year!Winner of multiple Best of San Juan Awards including best restaurant, best dinner, best lunch, best ambiance, best wine and many more. Rancho Capistrano Winery has become the must go destination for locals and visitors alike. In addition to producing over 40 different wines from the finest grape growing regions in the West, we are known for our award-winning signature dishes that blend perfectly with our wines. Our grapes are sourced from different premier wine regions, including Paso Robles, Lodi, Northern California and Washington. Rancho Capistrano Winery has proudly grown to be the largest winery in Orange County,

A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant

3. El Adobe de Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(1058)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 31 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.

4. Ciao Pasta

4.8

Exceptional(1277)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 33 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 Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano restaurant

5. Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(738)

Price: Expensive

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 13 times today

Sundried Tomato specializes in New American cuisine and we are committed to offering the freshest quality ingredients on every plate. Due to our intimate setting we kindly ask that for parties of 7 or more you contact us at the restaurant directly. Let Sundried Tomato Host your event! Celebrate with us for your next baby shower, birthday, rehearsal dinner or any other special occasion. We look forward to serving you soon.

A photo of RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant

6. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

4.6

Exceptional(2482)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 29 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.

7. Coastal Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(4914)

Price: Moderate

• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 94 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 Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant

8. Wind & Sea Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1863)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 25 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

9. Luciana's Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(3420)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 49 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 Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant restaurant

10. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1494)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 20 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.”

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Brandye
Orange County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Food and service were amazing as always. Great menu with plenty of choices.
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Ciao PastaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
D
Diane
Orange County •30 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a girls lunch today. The patio was lovely and we all enjoyed the food and wine. We had salmon tacos, Cobb salad and BBQ flatbreads. Everything was excellent. The whiskey Bundt cake for dessert was delicious too. Jane was our server. She provided outstanding service and was very accommodating with separate checks. We will definitely return.
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Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan CapistranoPrice: Moderate• American• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
M
Melissa
Las Vegas •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Waitress was a little confused and initially brought the wrong tea. She was apologetic and may have been new. My only complaint is there was a small dog at the table near us that was barking off and on. Felt they should have been asked to take the dog out of it couldn’t behave or stop barking. Luckily it was towards the end of our time there but feel bad for others who just got there. Other than that had a great time and enjoyed the food.
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The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
S
sharon
Oklahoma City •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
One of the best restaurants we’ve dined at in 49 ststes. Everything was prepared to perfection.
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El Adobe de CapistranoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
K
KimberlyVIP
New York City •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Their food is excellent! The service was attentive and very friendly. They have music on Fridays that was very good too to add to the ambiance. I would highly recommend this place! The chicken is divine ! Also the seared Ahi is very good as well. Good wine list too!
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Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan CapistranoPrice: Expensive• American• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano

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39 restaurants available nearby

1. The Tea House on Los Rios

2. Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano

3. El Adobe de Capistrano

4. Ciao Pasta

5. Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano

6. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

7. Coastal Kitchen

8. Wind & Sea Restaurant

9. Luciana's Ristorante

10. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant

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