Best Restaurants for People Watching in San Juan Capistrano

We love Starfish! Having said that, the last time we were there the food, which usually is great, wasn’t. Tonight, they were BACK!!! Every dish and cocktail we ordered was over the top yummy!! The edamame was garlicky and spicy and fresh and super tasty. We also ordered the calamari, the Bah Mi sliders, the lettuce wraps, the Korean tacos, pot stickers and the satay beef skewers. Each dish was 8 thumbs up!!! (There were 4 of us). The place was super busy too but our server was spot on!

Harpoon Henry's has been a wonderful restaurant on the harbor for many years. I have enjoyed many great meals and happy hours here over the years. Ambiance is warm and cozy with great harbor views, the Christmas Day turkey dinner was prepared to perfection and the service was outstanding as usual. I understand that this wonderful restaurant will close in the spring. It is so unfortunate that Dana Point Harbor Partners is driving away all that is good around the harbor for the love of more money. Thanks to all at Harpoon Henry's for today and for all the happy times in the past.

The food was incredible, the service was great, and it was a fantastic way to spend Christmas Eve. We had everything from the lobster Mac and cheese to the burger and steak, and even the charcuterie board. And guess what? Our two kids loved it too! Thank you, Mozambique, for being open on Christmas Eve!

I met a friend for happy hour. 3 pm but we were given a brunch menu? Not really what we had in mind but we both picked the steak salad. It was really tasty and well done steak. The waitress must have been busy because we didn’t see her at all until we finished. No refills of water. It was a bit pricey for 2 salads and a three glass wine tasting for one and an ice tea for the other. $90

Tango is a cozy, European style gem I’ve visited twice. Niko was friendly and spot-on with wine and food recommendations. The Angus beef brisket was melt in your mouth perfection, definitely recommend! Everything was amazing, though the lobster Caesar salad could use less dressing to avoid soaking the lettuce, especially for the price. One note: they leave the door open, and it gets quite chilly. Otherwise, a fantastic experience!