$$$$Price: Expensive • American • San Juan Capistrano
Anchoring the new River Street marketplace in San Juan Capistrano, Vaquera brings bold wood-fired cooking to one of California’s oldest towns. Executive Chef Aaron Zimmer, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots at Ritz Carlton and Rosewood Hotels, blends global technique with local inspiration. The menu features premium steak cuts, fresh seafood, and flame-kissed vegetables, all served in a lively setting with a sprawling patio beside a greenspace where kids can roam. Voted one of Orange Coast Magazine’s Best New Restaurants of 2025, Vaquera is vibrant and welcoming—perfect for date night, group dinners, or drinks and bites at the bar. Just steps from the Los Rios District and train station, it’s a place for memorable meals, great cocktails, and a relaxed good time.
