Tavern at the Mission

4.7

591 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 26 times today

Great for outdoor dining
Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions

Renowned Orange County restaurateur David Wilhelm, along with longtime partner Gregg Solomon, purchased this iconic location in the heart of charming downtown San Juan Capistrano overlooking the Jewel of the California missions.

The menu features many of his signature classic comfort foods such as his Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, French 75's Onion Soup, and Whiskey Shrimp Dijon, featured at his Tavern House Kitchen+Bar in Newport Beach.

Chef Wilhelm is a longtime South County resident, well known for the many concepts he has created over the years including Kachina, Sorrento Grille, French 75, Savannah Chophouse and Jimmy's Famous American Tavern.

Tavern at the Mission has a large, tree covered, pet friendly patio with beautiful mission views. The interiors have been beautifully renovated with a chandelier lit dining room and a warm central fireplace. Our' Tumbleweed Bar' is designed as an homage to San Juan Capistrano's Equestrian and Vaqueros history.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Contemporary American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–20:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–21:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–17:30
Phone number
(949) 240-2229
Website
https://www.tavernatthemission.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
DAVID WILHELM
Private party facilities
Private dining room and patio areas available for large groups.

Location
26860 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Area
San Juan Capistrano
Cross Street
Old Mission Road & El Camino Real, Public Lots $2 Validation w/ Ticket
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Vegan

What 591 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Tavern at the Mission delights with its "excellent food" and "outstanding service" in a charming setting. Guests enjoy the inviting ambiance, diverse menu, and particularly the "delicious French onion soup." The patio seating is a favorite, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Consistent quality and "fabulous" dishes make it a must-visit.

591 Reviews

K
Katlwen
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
If the portions were smaller, so would the prices.
Is this helpful?
H
Heather
Las Vegas
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great atmosphere and food was excellent. Close to the heart of San Juan so great to have dinner and then walk around San Juan.
Is this helpful?
P
Patrick and Mary
VIP
Orange County
101 reviews
5.0
101 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Sat outside by the fireplace - warm and cozy. Food was great. Our party had various dishes that were very good. Prime Rib dip, flatbread, shrimp and grits. Great service. Love this place
Is this helpful?
R
Roman
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for Valentines Day and it couldn’t have gone any better than it did! Management is amazing along with the service and the food was a delight. The atmosphere gives off elegance with a hint of sexy, at least during the evening! Will definitely come again 10/10
Is this helpful?
A
Andres
VIP
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing experience. Valentines Day menu was absolutely delicious. Our sever provided so much care in the food choices for my wife, who is lactose intolerant. Overall an amazing dinning experience.
Is this helpful?
B
Bob
Los Angeles
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
Was so dark in there couldn’t read the menu without using my phone! So dark couldn’t see our food. Asked the hostess if she could turn light up. Said she’d try. Never came back. Later, waitress said earlier someone said it was too bright and they turned the lights way down. It would have been nice to be able to see what you’re eating for $200. for two people.
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was amazing the chef out did himself the kitchen was on point. I had the seabass and it melted in your mouth with the lemon butter sauce . The coconut cake was fabulous can’t wait to come back again
Is this helpful?
J
Jody
VIP
Phoenix
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very nice. Professional Service. Good portions. Will return!
Is this helpful?
A
Adrienne
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was the first time we had been to this restaurant. We went for lunch and did make a reservation. We had a wonderful inside table for the 4 of us right by their fireplace. It was a cold rainy day so their soups were a big hit with us. We each enjoyed our meals and service was very good. I would return and sit outside too if weather was better . You are right across from The San Juan Mission which is also beautiful.
Is this helpful?
L
Laurie
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
In spite of a dismal, rainy day, I was delighted the minute that we walked in the door. The hostess had obviously read my comments when I made our reservation, and greeted us warmly. All of my requests had been met, we were served by a charming, knowledgeable server, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch and a carafe of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. Topping that off with a luscious dark chocolate torte and fresh- brewed coffee, our time there could not have been better. My thanks to the wonderful, caring staff and your excellent chef!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Tavern at the Mission offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 240-2229.

Tavern at the Mission is rated 4.7 stars by 591 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

26860 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Old Mission Road & El Camino Real, Public Lots $2 Validation w/ Ticket
Area
San Juan Capistrano
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–20:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–21:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–17:30
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
DAVID WILHELM
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Vegan

Website
https://www.tavernatthemission.com/
Phone number
(949) 240-2229
Private party facilities
Private dining room and patio areas available for large groups.

Tavern at the Mission

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 591 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Tavern at the Mission offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Tavern at the Mission restaurant rated?

Is Tavern at the Mission currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information