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

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Truly Pizza restaurant
1. Truly Pizza
4.8
Exceptional(424)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 90 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 Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
2. Luciana's Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(3451)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 37 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
3. Wind & Sea Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1865)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 28 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 El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
4. El Adobe de Capistrano
4.8
Exceptional(1077)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 35 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 Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
5. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.3
Awesome(370)
Price: Expensive
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 49 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 KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
6. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
Exceptional(182)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 4 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 Stella's restaurant
7. Stella's
4.5
Awesome(1294)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 10 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 Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
8. Driftwood Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1351)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Laguna Beach
Booked 50 times today
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.
A photo of Maro Wood Grill restaurant
9. Maro Wood Grill
4.4
Awesome(369)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Laguna Beach
Booked 2 times today
Maro Wood Grill is an Argentinean-inspired steakhouse that brings out the riches flavors of simple, seasonal, sustainable farm-to-table cuisine in a revolving rustic menu cooked under bright embers.Maro Wood Grill has been awarded for \"best burger\" in Laguna Beach, two years in a row for \"Most Delicious Dessert\" in Orange County On Fridays and Saturdays, after 9:00 pm please call the restaurant for availability.
A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
10. 230 Forest Avenue
4.8
Exceptional(2875)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 19 times today
230 Forest Avenue is the place to be, with its unique Californian cuisine and lively atmosphere. With rave reviews like 'Fantastic food, service and ambiance!', 'Food is always delicious' and 'Service is always top notch', this spot is a hit. The fusion appetizers and entrees, crafted by one of The OC's top chefs, are not to be missed. Plus, the modern bistro, martini bar, and art gallery vibe makes it a truly Californian experience. So, worth the drive, indeed!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Steve
    Orange County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food was great! Best chili rellano I had in years. Delicious chicken enchiladas and perfect hard tacos. Rice was right on along with refried beans. The Cadillac Margaritas were delish too!
    More info
    El Adobe de CapistranoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• San Juan Capistrano
    •
    4.8
  • Michael
    Orange County •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent ocean-view dining. Delicious food, high prices, and valet parking add$$. It is nearly impossible to beat the view and food quality!
    More info
    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5
  • michael
    Orange County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went to dinner for Valentine’s Day evening the service the food everything was amazing as always this is definitely always a favor and always something I can count on been going here for years again. It’s always consistent always great not like some of the newer restaurants in the area that are Italian that seem to have ups and downs. This place is one of the best !!!!!!
    More info
    Stella'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.5
  • Judith
    Orange County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    I had been to the original location years ago. It is consistent with great staff. I specifically want to give a shout out to Nick who is patient and very informative. When we asked about the different offerings we decided on their Ahi tuna wraps and for dessert their fried apple pie. 
    More info
    Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
    •
    4.6
  • kryhoskVIP
    Orlando / Central Florida East •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 16 May 2024
    Passed by this place hundreds of times but finally tried and can understand why its the favorite local restaurant of good friends of ours. Menu offered a wide variety of interesting choices, food was great, and service was outstanding.
    More info
    Maro Wood GrillPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.4

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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