Wine & Dine
Dana Point Restaurants
Whether you crave a casual beachside bite or fine dining experience with ocean views, Dana Point invites you to savor every moment. Indulge in the flavors that define Southern California's coastal charm.
Restaurants in Dana Point
Finding a list of exquisite restaurants in Dana Point is not a difficult task with the immense amount of talent found in Dana Point restaurants, however choosing between the many delectable dining options is where the true challenge begins. Whether you are on a weekend Dana Point bar crawl, a family night out or a looking for full sit down meal, check out some of these restaurant options.
Award-Winning Restaurants
Though one of Dana Point’s newer restaurants, Truly Pizza has made headlines – both nationally and internationally – for award-winning pizza. In 2024, Truly Pizza is ranked No. 42 on a national list of best pizza-makers in the USA. Truly Pizza’s award-winning chefs include Chris Decker, Michael Vakneen, and Sergio Balderas. In March 2024, Chef Sergio Balderas brought home the international title for Best Cheese Pizza at the International Pizza Expo and Conference in Las Vegas.
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern is home of the award-winning and nationally recognized chef, San Diego local Nathan Coulon. He is known for his elevated American cuisine, has been Zagat-Guide rated many times, and has even been nominated for a James Beard Award. It is safe to say that travelers and locals alike are in great hands when they choose to dine at this relaxed and welcoming neighborhood gathering place.
Luciana’s Ristorante is honored for its outstanding wine program with Wine Spectator’s prestigious Award of Excellence for 2024, which celebrates the world’s best restaurants for wine. Luciana’s has been honored for its diverse wine list of 350 highly rated wines from around the world that perfectly complement its culinary offerings.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Sombra is a poolside cantina and kitchen experience serving authentic and approachable fresh Mexican cuisine. Located at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort, this is a family-friendly restaurant with great food and even better views.
Coastal Kitchen offers New-American Coastal Cuisine, all made from scratch daily with quality ingredients. Coastal Kitchen is a restaurant that prides themselves on providing a relaxed and inviting atmosphere along with high-quality food that will make this a recurring stop for any family on vacation to Dana Point.
aPizza Doho‘s passion for great pizza and Italian cuisine brings locals and visitors alike to the table to enjoy delicious pies with a view of Pacific Coast Highway.
Restaurants at Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor boasts a rich maritime history that makes every dining experience one of the most spectacular. Restaurants at Dana Point Harbor invite guests to take a journey through the eyes of the 19th-century travelers and sailors that deemed these shores “the only romantic spot in California” and maybe the entire United States if you ask us.
Dana Point Restaurants with Ocean Views
Wind & Sea Restaurant offers an abundance of outdoor seating and puts guests in the perfect spot to soak in panoramic harborside views and nosh on a wide variety of delicious seafood fare. This special location presents a newly expanded outdoor patio that now includes fireside dining making this a must-taste Orange County restaurant.
Chart House has a view that extends 50 miles down the Southern California Coast all the way to La Jolla. Chart House is known as one of the best restaurants near Dana Point Harbor with a view. Simply put, this is one of the most romantic restaurants on the Pacific Coast, year-round.