EAT
Dana Point offers a diverse array of dining options, ranging from seafood and steakhouses to international cuisine and casual dining spots. Whether you're seeking a fine dining experience or a quick, delicious meal, Dana Point has something to suit every palate and occasion. Below we will go over some popular choices for:
• Ocean view restaurants
• Romantic restaurants
• Family friendly restaurants
• Steakhouses
• Quick bites
Ocean View Restaurants
Wind & Sea
One of the staple restaurants of Dana Point, Wind & Sea is located in the Dana Point Harbor and offers both indoor/outdoor dining with great water views. Wind & Sea offers a menu consisting of both seafood & American foods.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Wind & Sea is known for their famous Mai Tais. Careful though, they pack a punch! 🍸
Chart House
Perched on the cliffs above Dana Point Harbor with one of the best ocean views in all of Dana Point, the view at Chart House will definitely impress. The menu consists of both seafood and steak options. Located on Green Lantern above the Dana Point Harbor.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Go for the classic Prime Rib and if there’s still room left for dessert, you can’t go wrong with the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake! 🥩🍰
Raya
Sitting 150 feet above the Pacific Ocean sits Raya, an upscale restaurant in the Ritz Carlton with endless ocean views. The menu features both seafood and Latin American options and comes with the expected Ritz Carlton level of service and ambiance. After your meal, step out onto the balcony at 180Blu right down the hall for more incredible views. Located at Pacific Coast Highway & Ritz Carlton Drive at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Monarch Beach.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Raya is known for their lobster tacos, and for good reason. Give them a try! 🌮
OverVue Lounge & Deck
Above the Dana Point Harbor at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort is OverVue Lounge & Deck. The views extend from Lantern Bay Park all the way through the Dana Point Harbor and the ocean. The menu features standard American food options along with tacos. Located at Dana Point Harbor Drive & Park Lantern at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Their assortment of sliders is the perfect compliment to taking in the view! 🍔
AVEO Table + Bar
If you’re looking for picturesque views in Monarch Beach, you might want to stop by AVEO Table + Bar. The views start at the beautiful Monarch Beach Golf Course and extend to the Pacific Ocean. The view is so great it was used in an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” with the setting of the TV show being a tropical paradise in Mexico. The menu has both American & Latin American options.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Try the lobster gnocchi while taking in the mesmerizing view! 🦞
Romantic Restaurants
Luciana’s Ristorante
Winner of the 2023 DP Unplugged Award for Best Date Night Restaurant, Luciana’s Ristorante is a great spot to go when you’re looking for Italian food in an intimate atmosphere. Conveniently located in the Lantern District.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: The lasagna bolognese is sure to fix that Italian food craving! 🍝
Stella’s Italian
Live saxophone, ocean views, and an upscale Italian restaurant ambiance makes Stella’s Italian a great choice for a romantic dinner! Located in Monarch Beach in the Gelson’s shopping center on Pacific Coast Highway & Monarch Bay Plaza.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Start off your meal with the crab cakes, a smaller but perfect start to your Italian dinner! 🦀
Casanova Ristorante
Focusing on Venetian and North Italian cuisine, Casanova is your classic neighborhood style Italian restaurant. Located at Stonehill & Del Obispo in the Albertsons shopping center.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: The pink lady fettuccini has been a longtime local favorite - roasted chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and creamy marinara! 🍝
Jack’s Restaurant
With a variety of Italian and seafood options, Jack’s Restaurant is a great option to check out if you’re looking for an upscale neighborhood restaurant. Located on Del Prado near Amber Lantern in the Lantern District.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: People rave about the grass fed filet mignon! 🥩
Family Friendly Restaurants
Shwack Beach Grill
Sporting a fun surf/beach theme, Shwack Beach Grill is a great place to bring the family and pick up some burgers or tacos. Located in the Lantern District at Del Prado & Amber Lantern.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: In a taco mood? Try the fish tacos! In a burger mood? Roll with the Shwack Burger! 🌮🍔
Beach Hut Deli
The beach theme continues with Beach Hut Deli - a fantastic spot for the family to grab some sandwiches. Bonus - right next to Salt Creek Beach if you’re looking for some food after a day at the beach. Located at Pacific Coast Highway & Ritz Carlton Dr.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Give the Surfin’ Bird sandwich a whirl which has turkey, avocado, bacon & cream cheese. 🥪
Stuft Pizza
Sometimes, some good ol’ pizza is the place to take the family - and you couldn’t go wrong with Stuft Pizza. With plenty of indoor seating, TV’s to watch the games, and delicious thick pizza, Stuft Pizza is a great family friend option.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Give the Stuft Special pizza a shot - pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers! 🍕
Steakhouses
Bourbon Steak
If an upscale steakhouse with beautiful golf course and ocean views is what you’re looking for - you can’t go wrong with Bourbon Steak. At Bourbon Steak you can expect top level service, food quality, and ambiance. Located in the Waldorf Astoria hotel on Niguel Road in Monarch Beach.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Start off with their truffle mac & cheese and end with one of their wagyu steaks! 🧀🥩
enoSTEAK
Surrounded by wine racks is the beautiful enoSTEAK in the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Of course, being at the Ritz, you can expect high level food and service while being in a stunning setting. Stop by 180Blu in the hotel for after dinner drinks with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Located on Pacific Coast Highway & Ritz Carlton Drive in Monarch Beach.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: We’re going to continue our recommendation of the truffle mac & cheese along with a wagyu steak! 🧀🥩
Salt Creek Grille
A longtime local favorite, Salt Creek Grille offers a great ambiance, delicious food, and a more relaxed vibe than the other steak houses on this list. They have a variety of American and seafood options. Located on Pacific Coast Highway & Crown Valley in Monarch Beach.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Try the coffee-encrusted New York steak with blue cheese, farmers market vegetables, and mashed potatoes! 🥩
Quick Bites
A’s Burgers
Locally owned fast-food restaurant that’s been a locals favorite for many years. With a mix of Mexican and American foods, it’s hard to go wrong here. A’s Burgers has a drive-thru. Located on Pacific Coast Highway across the street from the Dana Point Harbor.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Try the fried zucchini or breakfast burrito! 🥒🌯
Lupe’s Mexican Eatery
Winner of the 2023 DP Unplugged Award for Best Mexican Food, Lupe’s Mexican Eatery is a fantastic spot if you’re looking to get some delicious Mexican food on the go. Lupe’s has no drive-thru, you order at the counter. Located at Stonehill and Del Obispo in the Albertson’s shopping center.
DP Unplugged Recommendation: Nothing says So Cal more than a California Burrito, and that’s what we recommend here! 🌯