Location: Dana Point
Top Restaurants in Dana Point
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Dana Point Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Dana Point
Dana Point is a city located in southern Orange County, California. The population was 33,351 at the 2010 census. It has one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast, and with ready access via State Route 1, it is a popular local destination for surfing.
Things to do in Dana Point
1. 180blu at The Ritz-Carlton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
180blu is an oceanfront dining lounge featuring panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the blue skies across the horizon. Perched 150-feet above Salt Creek Beach, 180blu is the perfect Southern California experience to enjoy refreshing hand-crafted beverages, small plates and a little slice of heaven on earth!
Reviewed By NYCDPM - florida
The view will take your breath away! Did I mention the Lobster Taco's will also have you saying,WOW!!!! Drinks great and staff was terrific, Thanks Austin!
2. The Coffee Importers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Set in Dana Point Harbor at the WATERS EDGE a perfect spot to relax and get a way. We offer BREAKFAST & LUNCH ,SMOOTHIES, ORGANIC VEGGIE DRINKS, BAGELS THE BEST ESPRESSO BAR IN DANA POINT HARBOR AND WE FEATURE LAPPETS HAWAIIAN SUPER PREMIUM ICE CREAM. ITS THE COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE FOR DANA POINT
Reviewed By yogiacomo
We usually only get there in the morning for coffee and meet friends. Today we had a Californian and a Lox / cream cheese and both were outstanding. The creatively large menu will meet everyone’s expectations.Hi there, Thank you for such a kind review! Our Lox bagel is one of my favorites also. I’m happy you and your friends had a positive experience, and we hope you visit us again soon! -Jim Miller, Owner
3. Ramos House Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By Heather M - Ladera Ranch, California
We stopped by on a Thursday for a late lunch around 1:00pm. We were seated immediately! Our server came over promptly to take our drink orders. We were sitting outside...the restaurant itself is a gem! The atmossphere is charming and great for a special occassion!
The menu was quite small and I had to ask what a few of the menu items were. before making my decision on what to order.
I ordered a breakfast dish that was layered. When it came out is was so pretty. It was delicious!
4. Hidden House Coffee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By Valentin R - Brownsville, Texas
Stopped by with friend for cappucino and croissant... Fairly limited menu (coffee and pastries) Los Rios District in San Juan Capistrano a must!
5. RJ's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By Suzanne S - Dana Point, California
Located in the Dana Point Harbor, RJ's IS the local place to be for breakfast and/or lunch. The food is consistently fresh and good. This is an old fashioned cafe that has a large varied menu and all the traditional Southern California specials: tacos, fish & chips, entre salads, burgers plus much more. My Guy's favorite order is the pattie melt; mine the Mediterranean salad. Breakfasts are old fashioned, hardy and filling. The service is warm & friendly and parking is easy. The local crowd is always here so many times there is a wait, especially for weekend breakfast-- get there early. There is lovely outside seating on a covered patio, but unfortunately no water view.
6. Ciao Pasta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Experience the authentic taste of Southern Italy with selections of Antipasti, incredible authentic pasta creations, meat and fish dishes, Fccaccia Sandwiches and delectable desserts, patrons senses are serenaded by the aroma of garlic and Italian Herbs while transported to another place through murals of Tuscany while dining in view of beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano at Ciao Pasta Trattoria. Here surrounded by old-world murals in soft mustard yellows and terra cotta, high wood beamed ceilings and casual elegance you will enjoy excellence in Italian Cuisine.
Reviewed By PG13LA - Dana Point, California
A reliable Italian eatery in SJC. Had a birthday dinner with friends and everyone was quite happy with the food and service. Pastas were cooked perfectly and sauces were flavorful. The outdoor seating was really nice and the service was quite efficient... Definitely one of the better Italian food in the area. Prices quite reasonable too ...
7. Stacks Pancake House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Breakfast and lunch. Has been open less than 12 months.
Reviewed By Thomas M - Littleton, New Hampshire
Stacks is one fantastic place. When we found it, we were a little concerned about street parking; it is right on the Pacific Coast Highway Rte 1. But as luck would have it, a space opened up almost in front of the restaurant. You order at the counter, get a number and then again with a little luck find a table.... Fortunately there was just the two of us & we were able to get a table before the food came. Expect a line, and take that time to look over the menu so you can order when you get to the head of the line! Service is friendly and the food is wonderful. They have lots of choices on the menu and it appears there is always a special as well. If near Dana Point, highly recommend Stacks for a great breakfast!
8. Cedar Creek Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
Rated top 100 al fresco restaurants in the United States in Forbes Magazine
Reviewed By travelernottourist - Mission Viejo, California
Love the cozy ambiance and food here never disappoints. One friend had prime rib which was excellent. The chicken looks tempting. I had salmon with double veg. Succulent and tasty rub. Although crowded we could have a conversation. Service very good. Beef vegetable soup probably the best I’ve ever had loaded with big chunks of beef!
9. The Shwack Beach Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
The Shwack Beach Grill is a fast-casual American Restaurant featuring a unique menu of fresh California-inspired food at an affordable price, served quickly for both dine in and take out. Our core menu focuses on burgers, chicken sands, tacos, salads and spuds. We serve breakfast daily from 8am-11am and dinner specials from 4pm-close. We feature 12 Craft Beers on Draft and 7 hand selected wines. The Shwack is the perfect spot to grab some grub after a Surf-sesh or for a Fun dinner with the Fam! We love locals and tourists alike and hope to remind all of our guests that Life is Good...Shwack it!
Reviewed By bushnell_traveler - Dana Point, California
Hands down one of my DP favorites!!!We are here at least 3 times a month! We bike and walk here ( dog friendly patio and we have 3 pups). Great and inexpensive breakfast but ends too early ( 11 am I think- I’m just thinking about breakfast at that time) for me wish it was a allday weekend breakfast place. Especially since I love their breakfast menu and it’s a great value too!! Favorite for lunch is the burger - get double meat and add avocado and it’s enough for two! Also love the Ahi burger, Turkey burger - not a fan of the tacos or fries ( way to over done!) but the vibe and cool staff make up for any issues I have. Don’t like something they will fix you right up! Good beer selections and the bar staff is knowledgeable and want you happy- will for sure give you a sample of any beer before trying! Great location in the lantern district - walk to fun shops or go ride down to the dead end street that runs parallel for one of the best views in Dana Point!
10. Sundried Tomato American Bistros & Catering
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Upbeat California cuisine, served in a smart casual environment. The restaurant has a long and creative wine list at reasonable pricing, happy hour, brunch, and lovely patio seating. We hope to see you soon!
Reviewed By Joyce N - Huntington Beach, California
We have been to this restaurant 4 times and keep coming back when we are in the area. It is casual in style and is located in a strip mall but the food and the service is good.
We tried the Mini Rustic Jars one with tepanade and one with a goat cheese pesto torte topped with sun dried tomatoes. They were so yummy.
Do order the Prime Angus Sirloin Cheeseburger, even if you have to share it - it is fabulous! It comes with shoestring herbed fries.
We have been there a couple of times with a big group - no one was disappointed
