Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County

Best Romantic Restaurants in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

31 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3022)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 42 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 Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1434)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Laguna Beach
Booked 48 times today
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.
A photo of Selanne Steak Tavern restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2887)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Laguna Beach
Booked 40 times today
Selanne Steak Tavern, owned by Anaheim Duck legend Teemu Selanne and located in a quaint, historical home built in 1934, features an upscale casual neighborhood tavern and a traditional steakhouse. In addition to the absolute best steaks in Orange County, the Tavern offers great burgers, small plates, salads and appetizers as well as an extensive world class wine list, great specialty cocktails and craft beers. We look forward to the opportunity to provide you with an amazing Selanne experience!
A photo of The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2119)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach
Booked 18 times today
The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach is a romantic spot with stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant offers creative American cuisine with a friendly, informed service. As per the reviews, it's a great place for special occasions, date nights, or just a wonderful dinner. One reviewer even celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary here, calling it the 'BEST food and service.'
A photo of The Drake in Laguna restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1574)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach
Booked 29 times today
We offer seating in 3 spaces,, including our Bar/Lounge, Dining Room/Chef’s Counter or Intimate fire-wall enclosed Patio. Due to space considerations, please contact us directly for larger tables of 6 or more guests.Live entertainment is performed nightly on the main stage in our Dining Room. Tables are by reservation only, for dinner. Hours of Music; Su/M/Tu, 5:30-9:30pm Wed/Thu 6-10pm Fr/Sa 6:30-10:30pm. All Tables in Main Room or Patio, Th/Fr/Sa, are subject to a $10 per person Live music charge, on top of dinner tab. Our dynamic musical line-up of Jazz, R&B, Soul & Contemporary artists, provides an interactive yet intimate experience, in an elegant yet relaxed setting.The Drake features New American cuisine prepared by Award Winning Chef team Paul & Nick Gstrein. Seasonal offerings encompass an ever-evolving menu of unique small plates, steaks, chops, fresh seafood & desserts. Our curated Wine & Spirits selections serve to enhance the dining experience.Meet us at The Drake!
A photo of Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(92)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 9 times today
Owners Jordan and Creig Mullikin love to eat delicious food, drink great wine and be treated like family. They want every bite, every sip, every visit to be delicious and a treat. Our goal is to serve you fresh, homemade, and thoughtful dishes focused on our family's heritage and our customers' needs to make everyone feel like family at our neighborhood spot which sports a modern yet vintage vibe. We have a large outdoor patio that is both heated and covered. One of the more popular things here at Bricco is our live music Friday's and Saturday's with very talented singers and performers.
A photo of Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(425)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 25 times today
Rancho Capistrano Winery is honored to be recognized as Southern California’s Best Winery by the OC Register and as the 2024 San Juan Capistrano Business of the Year.We’re also proud winners of multiple Best of San Juan Awards, including Best Restaurant, Best Dinner, Best Lunch, Best Ambiance, Best Outdoor Dining, Best Wine, and more. These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence and have made Rancho Capistrano Winery a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike.As Orange County’s largest winery, we produce over 40 unique wines sourced from premier grape-growing regions such as Paso Robles, Lodi, Northern California, and Washington. Our passion for exceptional winemaking is matched by our culinary excellence—our award-winning signature dishes are thoughtfully crafted to pair perfectly with our wines.Come experience why Rancho Capistrano Winery continues to raise the bar for food, wine, and hospitality in Southern California.
A photo of Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera Ranch restaurant
4.3
Awesome(308)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 14 times today
Rancho Capistrano Winery in Ladera Ranch is a romantic spot with its beautiful outdoor/indoor dining and scenic views of Ladera Town Green park. Reviewers rave about the 'nice ambiance' and 'great atmosphere', making it perfect for date nights or celebrations. The 'good wine' and 'fresh menu' also contribute to its romantic vibe.
A photo of Tavern at the Mission restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(683)
Price: Expensive
• American • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 34 times today
Renowned Orange County restaurateur David Wilhelm, along with longtime partner Gregg Solomon, purchased this iconic location in the heart of charming downtown San Juan Capistrano overlooking the Jewel of the California missions. The menu features many of his signature classic comfort foods such as his Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, French 75's Onion Soup, and Whiskey Shrimp Dijon, featured at his Tavern House Kitchen+Bar in Newport Beach. Chef Wilhelm is a longtime South County resident, well known for the many concepts he has created over the years including Kachina, Sorrento Grille, French 75, Savannah Chophouse and Jimmy's Famous American Tavern. Tavern at the Mission has a large, tree covered, pet friendly patio with beautiful mission views. The interiors have been beautifully renovated with a chandelier lit dining room and a warm central fireplace. Our' Tumbleweed Bar' is designed as an homage to San Juan Capistrano's Equestrian and Vaqueros history.
A photo of C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery restaurant
4.0
Excellent(202)
Price: Expensive
• French • Laguna Beach
Booked 5 times today
Established in 1982C'est la Vie Restaurant and Bakeryoffers patrons a truly unique dining experience Centrally located on Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Laguna Beach, our California French Cuisine is just feets from the Pacific Ocean . Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the ambiance and relaxed atmosphere of our indoor bistro and are delighted to discover the best outdoor patio dining in Orange County. To complete the evening, try one of our house-made desserts with a glass of 10-year-old tawny port. C'est La Vie invites you to dine with us for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends or family!Merci et Bon AppetitAntonio Mecheri (Restaurateur)

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Steve
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    What a culinary experience! We won't top this one anywhere. Our server Nigel is a true polymath in the cuisine arts. He knows the subtleties and particulars of the wine list and every menu item. He got a grasp on our tastes and gave his recommendations. He helped us match our side dishes with our main dish to create an unmatched experience that raised the bar. Ask him about his vintage table crumber, there's a fascinating story.
    More info
    Selanne Steak TavernPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Laguna Beach
    4.8
  • Quinn
    Nebraska •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great spot on the patio and a beautiful sunset. While we waited for our table we sat at the bar and hopped to order a cocktail but the bartender was overwhelmed and too busy and never took our order in the full 20 minutes we sat there. Our waitress, Devon did a great job and once seated at the table the experience was better. Oysters were not in season and we should have not ordered them. Otherwise the food was good.
    More info
    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    4.6
  • RobertF
    Idaho •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Everything was delightful! We use to live in San Clemente and wanted to dine there for a special experience while vacationing. Enjoyed our time celebrating our daughter’s birthday.
    More info
    The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
    4.7
  • JohnVIP
    Phoenix / Arizona •65 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The service and food were great. The main course was a little slow coming out, so our waiter gave us an Ahi tuna appetizer and a Caesar salad - very generous of them - the wood-fired strip steak with the glaze on it was fantastic. The Cab the waiter recommended was terrific with the steak- thanks for everything!!!
    More info
    The Loft at Montage Laguna BeachPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Laguna Beach
    4.7
  • SaudiaVIP
    Orange County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Everything was outstanding. Emily was attentive and made great recommendations! The food was amazing, great quality and super delicious!
    More info
    The Drake in LagunaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Laguna Beach
    4.8

Discover best romantic restaurants in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Discover the allure of romantic dining in South Orange County, specifically in the enchanting locales of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. This region boasts a curated selection of restaurants that perfectly cater to those special, intimate moments with a loved one. The dining scene here is characterized by its sophisticated ambiance, innovative cuisine, and attentive service, ensuring every meal is a memorable one. Each establishment offers a unique charm, from serene outdoor settings perfect for a starlit dinner to cozy, elegantly designed interiors that set the mood for romance. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply looking for a quiet evening out, these restaurants provide the ideal backdrop. Experience culinary excellence and impeccable service as you explore the romantic dining options available in this picturesque part of Orange County.

OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo