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

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19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Truly Pizza restaurant
1. Truly Pizza
4.8
Exceptional(379)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 100 times today
Located in the heart of the Lantern District in Dana Point, Truly Pizza is an artisanal neighborhood pizzeria where friends and family can relax and enjoy the fellowship of sharing pizza - the world's greatest communal food. Our outdoor garden design, rooftop wine experience and nurturing service style promote a welcoming sense of community by offering friends and neighbors a casual dining environment filled with personal touch points every step of the way. *We are an outdoor restaurant with patio & rooftop dining only. We provide blankets and heaters for guests*Please note 20% gratuity is added for parties of 8 or larger.
A photo of RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
2. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
Exceptional(2482)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 27 times today
RAYA, a restaurant concept by Richard Sandoval, showcases Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats, and Chef Sandoval’s signature Latin flavors.
A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
3. Luciana's Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(3419)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 43 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 Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant
4. Wind & Sea Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1863)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 26 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 Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
5. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.2
Awesome(339)
Price: Expensive
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 72 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 El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
6. El Adobe de Capistrano
4.8
Exceptional(1058)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 26 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 KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
7. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
Exceptional(173)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 11 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 Saturday; 5-9 p.m.
A photo of Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant restaurant
8. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1494)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 17 times today
OPEN FOR DINING INDOORS AND ON OUR WATERFRONT OUTDOOR PATIO Join us dockside for dining with sweeping Harbor views; for a weekend breakfast, or lunch/dinner daily... in the evenings we have patio heaters to keep you warm!Harpoon Henrys Seafood Restaurant is proud to offer a spectacular waterfront view, fresh seafood, and the latest in California Beach Cuisine. We offer our guests harbor views from our dining room and our outdoor waterfront patio. For 46 years, we have provided the best in service, ambiance, and cuisine. We have been winners of awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association”, a finalist for Dining Excellence from both the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the County of Orange, and our wine list has been awarded a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence.”
A photo of Stella's restaurant
9. Stella's
4.5
Awesome(1286)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 9 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 Las Brisas restaurant
10. Las Brisas
4.2
Awesome(12158)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 139 times today
With world-class hospitality and a chef-curated menu, Las Brisas delivers classic Southern California cuisine and stunning ocean views Enjoy the panoramic view of Laguna Beach's coastline in our elegant dining rooms or relaxing outdoor patio, and you're bound to discover the magic of Las Brisas.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • sharon
    Oklahoma City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    One of the best restaurants we’ve dined at in 49 ststes. Everything was prepared to perfection.
    More info
    El Adobe de CapistranoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• San Juan Capistrano
    •
    4.8
  • Susanne
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our guest who has traveled frequently in the Middle East and loves that regional food was very favorably impressed. Those of us new to it enjoyed it very much too. The service and ambience is lovely.
    More info
    AMMATOLIPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Long Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Alicia
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Bosscat is an amazing experience. Great food, drinks,service and ambiance.
    More info
    Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
    •
    4.7
  • Marie
    Orange County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 3 Jan 2025
    We went to Stella's last night for Happy Hour. It's a beautiful restaurant but not fussy. Happy Hour is served only at the bar or at 3 tall tables so seating is sort of limited for the Happy Hour but we sat at one of the taller tables and it was great. The HH menu is extensive. There are about 23 items listed for whatever mood you might be in--seafood, salad, pastas, etc. We ordered the carpaccio, penne Bolognese, crab cakes and the scallops. Everything was delicious! Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. We all ordered drinks and they, too, were perfectly crafted. We were very impressed and will definitely be back.
    More info
    Stella'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.5
  • LaurenVIP
    Orange County •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 1 Jan 2025
    Always a great time eating here. My husband and I LOVE this place. Shout out to Juan for being absolutely amazing every time we eat here. He is the real MVP of this place!
    More info
    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5

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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