Harbor GrillGreat Mother's Day BrunchMy husband and son took me and my mother here for Mother's Day. We enjoyed our brunch so much that we had to write a review. We all felt like we were at someone's home for brunch. The food was delicious, hot and the bottomless champagne was generously poured. We all loved the O'Brien potatoes; they weren't greasy at all. The price was very reasonable too. We will definitely be returning soon.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMHarbor Grill- Sit Outside!I took my mum there for Mothers Day 2 years in a row and it was fantastic food and great service. It's interesting because the outside is so much nicer than the inside- The inside looks like a Coco's and the outside seems much nicer( not to mention a better overall experience in my view). If you are going to make reservations, ask to be seated outside.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellentThis place is great. My date loved it. Beautiful outside for a nice walk together.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst timersWe wanted to meet friends from L.A. someplace half-way between L.A. and San Diego for a Sunday brunch, and I found Harbor Grill. The service was outstanding and the Bloody Mary's spicy! We ordered crab cakes to share and the opinion was they were the best we have ever tasted -- anywhere! We will definitely return.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGood seafoodThis is a good place for seafood in Dana Point. Nice selection on the menu. Service was great. Food was very good.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFavorite RestaurantWe love this restaurant. The fish is always, fresh, tasty and cooked just right.. Salads, cold and crispy !!! it is a 10 in our book.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMMegan, our server, was particularlyMegan, our server, was particularly nice and attentive.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and serviceFood and cocktails were great. Server was attentive and helpful. Live background piano music was excellent and helps create soothing ambience against high energy dining room noise. Dining area facing parking lot could use some blinds. We asked to be moved as my friend was facing window and was getting too much light from windows at dusk. They accommodated promptly and courteously. Would highly recommend this restaurant.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AM30 years of outstanding mealsHave been going to Harbor Grill since 1986 and have always had outstanding meals. This was for a small birthday dinner. We were given a nice, secluded terrace table with a view of the harbor (though it was after dark). They have windshades and heaters to keep you comfortable, but it was warm enough that these extras were unnecessary. Only negative was a crying baby, but what can you do? Most likely the family was seated outside to spare the inside diners from the noise. Most of the tables were in use on a Wednesday evening, which gives an idea of the restaurant's popularity, even in a weak economy. They offer a nice prix fixe dinner with a choice of four entrees, a salad or soup, and either a dessert or glass of wine.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThe best place to eat in Dana PointThe Harbor Grill is one of the absolute must eats in Dana Point. It reputation matches its quality of food, service, and attention to detail. Weather I want fine dining, seafood or fish tacos this place has a variety of prices and options for whatever the occation maybe. It's a first choice for date night and and a shoe in for best food in Dana Point. I'd recomend this gem to anyone.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMBIRTHDAY MEAL ON THE HARBORI took my husband for his birthday meal, along with our 2 middle school children. My husband and I are both on strict healthy-eating diets at the moment and we found delicious and filling options anyone would love. He had the gumbo and raved about it. He likes very flavorful food with a kick and this hit the spot for him. I had the grilled salmon salad and it was tasty. Although the outdoor eating is along a parking lot, it has views of the harbor just feet away. Very quiet and peaceful. Oh, and they provided a small slice of cake for his birthday and the pianist played "Happy Birthday" as they served it. Nice touch! We are new to the area and our neighbor recommended this place. We'll definitely go back.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWe've been coming to HarborWe've been coming to Harbor Grill for years now, and it's still our fave. Just came for our anniversary this week, and we give it an A+. Food could not have been better prepared, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the service was perfect. You can have a nice conversation without a lot of noise (just the appropriate solo piano in the background, as always), waitresses that are cordial but not overbearing and pushy, and a menu to die for ... it's truly our #1.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMThe swordfish, sea bass, andThe swordfish, sea bass, and filet mignon were appreciated by my guests, but my Crawfish Etouffee was as good as any at Mandina's or Papadeaux in Gulf Country. I miss good creole cooking, including crawfish, crab and shrimp etouffee, red fish courtbouillon, shrimp creole, jambalaya, and even a fried oyster po'boy. Thanks!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Harbor Grill is trulyThe Harbor Grill is truly a "Hidden Gem" as it is a great restaurant but very hard to find. It is located right on the harbor in a rather large shopping center with poor signage and directions. I was meeting a friend there for lunch and both of us got lost trying to find the right lot and then couldn't find the restaurant when we were in the proper parking lot. The search was worth the effort as this lovely, homey restaurant has glass windows into the kitchen so you can see all the great fish and cooking as you walk by. The prices were low considering the size of the portions and the quality of the fish. Now that we know where it is, I am sure a return visit will happen soon.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall, a very pleasant experienceOverall, a very pleasant experience for lunch. Service was prompt, efficient and friendly. The quality of the meal was excellent. As others have noted, while the restaurant is located at Dana Point Harbor, there isn't any significant harbor view. (we could see the boats a block away from the outside patio dining area). That said, the excellent service and quality meal more than compensate for the lack of view.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat local venue that doesGreat local venue that does not disappoint. Excellent food, good wine, great staff, comfortable local neigborhood vibe...3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have been eating here forWe have been eating here for many years. It is one of those rare restaurants that has managed to supply consistent high quality in food and service. Fish preparation is their main strength. They have a full bar and a qualified bartender who is not shy about a generous pour when making cocktails.
The usual crowd is somewhat older and the vibe is subdued with lots of regulars enjoying food and being with friends and/or their significant others. On most nights there is a piano player, and the music is low key and unobtrusive. Try this place.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGREAT service and delicious food!We had wonderful service from a very cheerful and helpful waitress. My husband had the clam chowder which he really enjoyed. We both ordered prawn main courses and thought that they were excellent. I had not planned to eat all of my shrimp tempura but I devoured each and every one of them! This is a very comfortable place for delicious food!1/10/2013 12:00:00 AM