Best Historic Restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

South Orange County

Neighborhoods

Dana Point / Monarch BeachLaguna BeachSan ClementeSan Juan Capistrano

Top Rated

CharmingGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for outdoor diningGreat for scenic view

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

18 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant

1. The Tea House on Los Rios

4.7

Exceptional(3032)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 50 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 Chart House Restaurant - Dana Point restaurant

2. Chart House Restaurant - Dana Point

4.5

Awesome(6552)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 59 times today

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant

3. El Adobe de Capistrano

4.7

Exceptional(1132)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 17 times today

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.

4. Rosewood Social

4.7

Exceptional(236)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southeast Asian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 19 times today

Located on the rooftop of the historic Franciscan Plaza in San Juan Capistrano, Rosewood Social combines the unique flavors of the traditional American steakhouse with soulful Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy delicious food with a signature cocktail or a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking Mission San Juan at sunset. Join us for a relaxing and truly memorable dining and drinking experience!

A photo of Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano restaurant

5. Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(481)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 37 times today

**We are walk in only for Brunch. Reservations & walk ins available for Dinner**Mayfield combines modern Californian cooking with flavors from the Levant region, an area spanning the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa. Made to be shared, our food is designed to be experienced and enjoyed together.Please include any humans, big or small, in your guest count so we can make sure we have enough space at the table for you all.

A photo of Bloom Restaurant + Bar restaurant

6. Bloom Restaurant + Bar

4.8

Exceptional(926)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 27 times today

Orange County-based restaurateur Russ Bendel and partners are bringing a sister restaurant to his thriving wine country concepts to the San Juan Capistrano dining scene.Bloom is an all-encompassing dining experience, featuring craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and craft beer selections. Located directly across from the Mission of San Juan on the corner of Old Mission Road and Camino Capistrano. Check out our website for more information: www.BloomSanJuanCapistrano.comDon't forget to follow us on instagram to stay up to date about Bloom: BloomRestaurantAndBar

7. Ciao Pasta

4.8

Exceptional(1321)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 16 times today

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!

A photo of Tavern at the Mission restaurant

8. Tavern at the Mission

4.7

Exceptional(687)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 10 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.

9. The Station

4.4

Awesome(12)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 2 times today

The Station, San Juan Capistrano CAWelcome to The Station in San Juan Capistrano!Step Aboard a one-of-a- kind dining experience where history meets hospitality. Nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, our restaurant, bar and live music venue invite you to dine inside a beautiful Train Car, sip craft cocktails, and enjoy live entertainment in a warm vibrant setting. Whether you're here for a delicious meal, a night of great music, or simply to unwind with friends. The Station is your destination for unforgettable moments. All aboard for great food, great drinks, and amazing vibes!

A photo of Wine Tasting at Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano restaurant

10. Wine Tasting at Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(5)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Winery • San Juan Capistrano

Named Southern California's Best Winery by OC Register and Voted 2024 San Juan Capistrano Business of the Year!Savor the delights of our wine, chocolate, and cheese tastings every weekend at our award-winning enchanting downtown San Juan Capistrano venue, nestled between the historic train station and the renowned Mission San Juan Capistrano. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance and indulge in a delightful dining experience at our acclaimed restaurant afterward. With over 40 Best of San Juan Capistrano awards to our name, your culinary journey promises to be unforgettable.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Penny
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was our first visit and it lived up to the hype. We went for a 4 year old’s birthday and the staff was very accommodating. The food was excellent, just pricey.
More info
The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.7
T
Thomas
1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great setting with tremendous views. Food is solid, good amounts, cooked well. Our party of four enjoyed their plates, even the gluten free/dairy free person was able to order food that suited her well!
More info
Chart House Restaurant - Dana PointPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
•
4.5
M
MelissaVIP
Orange County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
A very lovely patio and a great place for happy hour with great happy hour specials. Our food was excellent and we will definitely be back soon.
More info
Rosewood SocialPrice: Expensive• Southeast Asian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.7
T
Todd
Orange County •1 review
4.0
Dined on Jun 18, 2025
We love El Adobe and take friends and family when they are in town. Usually everything is perfect. My Pepita salad had some lettuce that was not fresh. We will go back. This is very unusual.
More info
El Adobe de CapistranoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.7
M
MichaelVIP
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 15, 2025
Beautiful setting in old town San Juan. Food was very good -lots of options for everyone in the family.
More info
Mayfield- San Juan CapistranoPrice: Expensive• Californian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Historic

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Fullerton
Placentia / Yorba Linda
Brea / La Habra
Stanton
Buena Park
Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Seal Beach
Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
San Clemente
Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Newport Beach
Corona del Mar
San Juan Capistrano
Huntington Beach
Orange
Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Tustin
Anaheim Hills
Santa Ana
Irvine