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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

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19 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
1. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.7
Exceptional(2580)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 35 times today
RAYA, a restaurant concept by Chef Richard Sandoval, showcases Pan-Latin coastal cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats, and signature Latin flavors.
A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
2. The Tea House on Los Rios
4.7
Exceptional(3053)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 88 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 Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
3. Luciana's Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(3522)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 31 times today
Located in a historical home in the resort town of Dana Point, California, Luciana's Ristorante has been serving the Orange County community for over 40 years. The decor is reminiscent of a cozy European-style inn, establishing it as one of Orange County's most romantic restaurants. Awarded the Southern California Restaurant Writers gold medal since 1996, three stars from the California Restaurant Writers, Zagat's Survey "America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants 2008" and an Award of Excellence for its wine list, Luciana's has been setting the standard for classic as well as innovative Italian cuisine. Whether visiting our cozy restaurant or our Bed and Breakfast and Cooking School in Tuscany, Italy, you are sure to experience the best and freshest combination of the old and new worlds.
A photo of Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
4. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.4
Awesome(485)
Price: Expensive
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 33 times today
Nestled along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Salt Creek Grille proudly returns to the Dana Point community under new ownership. Our newly remodeled interiors and stunning outdoor patio exude elegance and comfort for unparalleled ambiance, setting the perfect stage for savoring our enhanced menu that features a true, wood-fired American steakhouse with a California coastal twist.
A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant
5. Wind & Sea Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1911)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 23 times today
The Wind & Sea Restaurant is located on the water in the Dana Point Harbor. With water on three sides, every table has a spectacular view. We serve fresh fish selections daily as well as Lobster tail, shrimp, steaks, and vegetarian dishes.Monday through Friday (not available Holidays and Special occasions) we have Hawaiian Happy Hour from 4:00 to 7:00 featuring our world famous Mai Tai's as well as draft beer, wine and food specials. Big screen TV's, keep the lounge exciting at all times. The waterfront open-air patio serves the full menu and is heated at night, perfect for an order of nachos and a margarita or a full dinner under the stars. Private banquet facilities accommodate 20 to 75.
A photo of KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
6. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
Exceptional(219)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 7 times today
Join Chef Sanjay’s culinary journey from New Delhi to Dana Point and enjoy a contemporary approach to Indian regional specialties that places creative artistry, quality of ingredients, and respect for authentic flavors and ingredients at the forefront of cooking. KAHANI, which means "story" in Hindi, is open from Tuesday through Thursday from 5 - 9 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 5 - 10 p.m.
A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
7. El Adobe de Capistrano
4.7
Exceptional(1136)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 19 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.
A photo of Stella's restaurant
8. Stella's
4.6
Exceptional(1316)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 5 times today
Stella's is the embodiment of serious Italian cuisine - original recipes and techniques alongside the freshest organic products, housemade cheeses, and carefully selected Italian flavors. Stella's is the perfect place for friends and family to gather - be it at the bar with a chilled martini, an appetizer in the lounge, or dining alfresco while tasting your way through the wine list and menu. Whatever your pleasure or mood, Stella's can make it happen!
A photo of Tastes of Greece restaurant
9. Tastes of Greece
4.5
Awesome(413)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 1 time today
Tastes of Greece – Authentic Greek Cuisine in Laguna Niguel, CAIndulge in fresh, homestyle Greek dishes at Tastes of Greece, a family-owned gem in the heart of Laguna Niguel. Our menu features traditional favorites like moussaka, souvlaki, lamb gyros, spanakopita, and fresh seafood, crafted with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with charming indoor dining and relaxing outdoor seating, perfect for families, date nights, or gatherings. Pair your meal with a curated selection of fine Greek wines and end on a sweet note with our delicious baklava.Conveniently located in Crown Valley Plaza, we are dedicated to serving memorable meals with exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a casual lunch, or reserving a table for dinner, experience the finest Greek dining in Orange County. Reserve your table today and savor the flavors of Greece without leaving Laguna Niguel.
A photo of Nick's - San Clemente restaurant
10. Nick's - San Clemente
4.9
Exceptional(3223)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Clemente
Booked 83 times today
Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our intimate restaurant features a chic island bar, walls of glass and a spacious covered patio, perfect for people watching. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Discover an array of culinary treasures in Dana Point / Monarch Beach, located in South Orange County, making each dining spot truly "worth the drive." This vibrant dining scene offers a diverse selection of eateries, where the emphasis is on providing exceptional service, innovative cuisine, and memorable experiences. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, expertly prepared steaks, or creative Italian dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on its unique ambiance, from upscale sophisticated settings to more casual, family-friendly atmospheres. Patrons consistently praise the high-quality food, the attentive service, and the overall value that these dining establishments offer. Moreover, many restaurants here also cater to special occasions, offering private party options and off-site catering. Dana Point / Monarch Beach is a destination where the culinary expertise and the scenic beauty of Orange County come together to create dining experiences that are not just meals, but memorable events.

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