Top Restaurants in Dana Point – A Culinary Guide to the Best Local Dining
Dana Point offers an incredible variety of dining experiences, from fresh seafood with ocean views to cozy Italian trattorias and modern gastropubs. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal or an upscale dining experience, here are some of the top restaurants you won’t want to miss!
1. Coastal Kitchen
📍 Address: 34091 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: A relaxed yet stylish dining spot focusing on New-American Coastal Cuisine made from scratch daily. The bright and airy interior complements the fresh flavors of the menu.
🍽 Menu Highlights: Fresh fish, USDA prime steaks, vibrant salads, and handcrafted burgers. Their signature grilled swordfish and house-made desserts are must-tries.
🔗 Website: Coastal Kitchen
2. Craft House
📍 Address: 34094 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: A modern and inviting gastropub known for locally sourced ingredients, gourmet comfort food, and craft cocktails. The rustic-industrial decor adds to its cool, laid-back vibe.
🍽 Menu Highlights: Famous Craft House Burger, Pork Belly Bao Buns, and Wagyu Steak. Their whiskey and craft beer selection is one of the best in town.
🔗 Website: Craft House
3. Luciana’s Ristorante
📍 Address: 24312 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: A charming Italian trattoria that has been a staple in Dana Point for over 40 years. Cozy, romantic, and perfect for a traditional Italian dining experience.
🍽 Menu Highlights: House-made pasta, Osso Buco, seafood risotto, and an extensive wine selection that pairs beautifully with every dish.
🔗 Website: Luciana’s Ristorante
4. Chart House
📍 Address: 34442 St of the Green Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: Perched on a bluff with panoramic ocean views, Chart House offers a refined seafood and steakhouse experience in an elegant setting.
🍽 Menu Highlights: Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi, Prime Rib, and their famous Hot Chocolate Lava Cake. The happy hour specials are also popular.
🔗 Website: Chart House Dana Point
5. Whitestone Restaurant & Bar
📍 Address: 34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: A modern fine-dining experience with a chef-driven menu focusing on high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, and expertly crafted cocktails.
🍽 Menu Highlights: Bone Marrow with Salsa Verde, Seared Scallops, and Wagyu Ribeye. Their handcrafted cocktail program is one of the best in Dana Point.
🔗 Website: Whitestone Restaurant & Bar
6. Maison Café & Market
📍 Address: 34320 Pacific Coast Hwy #120, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: A charming European-inspired café offering farm-to-table dishes, artisanal baked goods, and handcrafted espresso drinks. Perfect for brunch or a casual elegant meal.
🍽 Menu Highlights: Avocado Toast, Croque Madame, Short Rib Hash, and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. The bakery items and coffee selection are also top-notch.
🔗 Website: Maison Café & Market
7. Wind & Sea Restaurant
📍 Address: 34699 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: Located right on the harbor, this seafood restaurant offers fresh seafood and island-inspired dishes with incredible marina views.
🍽 Menu Highlights: Hawaiian Ahi Poke, Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi, and Coconut Shrimp. A great spot for happy hour with a view.
🔗 Website: Wind & Sea Restaurant
8. The Shwack Beach Grill
📍 Address: 24502 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: A laid-back, surfer-inspired eatery known for burgers, tacos, and fresh salads. Casual and affordable.
🍽 Menu Highlights: Shwack Burger, Fish Tacos, and Ahi Poke Bowl. A great spot for a quick and tasty meal.
🔗 Website: The Shwack Beach Grill
9. RJ’s Cafe
📍 Address: 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: A casual, family-friendly breakfast and brunch spot known for its hearty portions and welcoming atmosphere.
🍽 Menu Highlights: Banana Nut Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and Turkey Avocado Omelet.
🔗 Website: RJ’s Cafe
10. The Point Restaurant and Bar
📍 Address: 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 201, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: A lively bar and grill with live entertainment, craft cocktails, and a great happy hour.
🍽 Menu Highlights: Burgers, Loaded Nachos, Fish & Chips, and Craft Cocktails.
🔗 Website: The Point Restaurant and Bar
11. Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
📍 Address: 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
🌟 Essence: A classic American tavern with a modern twist, offering elevated comfort food and a lively atmosphere.
🍽 Menu Highlights: BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Famous Cheeseburger, and Beer-Battered Fish & Chips.
🔗 Website: Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
