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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Dana Point

Mexican food

Made for those who prioritize authentic Mexican flavors above all else when dining out.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Buena Vista Market image 1
Buena Vista Market image 2
Buena Vista Market image 3
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Grocery store

Market combines Mexican street tacos with a carniceria offering a wide meat selection and fresh produce. Atmosphere stays clean and inviting, with a small take-out spot in the back. Tacos and burritos come in generous portions, often praised for their quality and flavor.

Food here is authentic Mexican cuisine served quickly with great flavor. Ordering from the counter offers a very good and satisfying meal.

Tacos stand out with generous meat portions and authentic Mexican flavors. Options like carne asada and carnitas deliver rich, satisfying tastes, often paired with a spicy mix of red and green salsas.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be some of the best I ever had."

"I found the tacos here to be the best I ever had."

"I found the food here to be very good."

Good to know

1

The market offers a variety of Mexican street tacos at reasonable prices.

2

Expect a clean environment throughout the market and deli.

3

The meat counter features a wide selection of fresh meats.

02
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar image 1

Restaurant offers an elegant coastal theme with upscale decor and a stunning fireplace visible through full windows. Atmosphere stays low key but classy, suitable for celebrations and intimate dining. Bar serves quality cocktails and wine, complementing a menu praised for seafood and unique dishes.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and amazing flavors. The combination of good food, drinks, and service creates a memorable dining experience.

Fish tacos come with a light, thin flour tortilla and crispy, moist fish. They get a drizzle of chipotle aioli for added flavor.

People are saying

"The fish tacos and appetizers at Happy Hour are delicious."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The fish tacos here are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

Reservations are accepted and recommended for larger groups.

3

Happy hour lasts until 7:30 pm with discounted appetizers.

03
Le Saint Honore image 1

Authentic French bakery with quaint, serene atmosphere and cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Pastry display showcases high-quality, fresh products including standout croissants and eclairs. Background music and clean, charming decor create a traditional Parisian vibe.

Food here is amazing and fresh with an authentic French touch. The quality stands out and makes it a solid spot for coffee and dining.

Breakfast burritos stand out with delicious flavor and solid preparation. Omelets also appear frequently as a strong choice alongside the burritos.

People are saying

"The croissants here are flaky, airy, and incredibly delicious."

"The baked goods here are so fresh and delicious."

"The breakfast burritos here are outstanding."

Good to know

1

Arrive early for the best quality pastries.

2

Expect a wide variety of pastries available.

3

Tables are small; best for groups of 2-4 people.

04
Doheny Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Garage doors open to let in sea breeze, creating an open-air cafe feel with a laid-back, relaxed vibe. The space has a local, friendly atmosphere where families and dogs gather comfortably. Music plays softly, enhancing the positive, easygoing mood throughout the day.

Food comes out fresh and made in house with organic ingredients. Meals balance quality and quantity well, offering a healthy and delicious experience.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, especially the biscuits and gravy."

"I loved the waffles; they had a hint of lemon."

"I'll definitely return for the Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Doheny Cafe offers free parking in the strip mall parking lot.

2

The cafe gets busy around noon, so expect potential wait times.

3

The menu features organic ingredients, emphasizing quality and freshness.

05
The Point Restaurant & Sports Bar image 1

Indoor and outdoor seating surround numerous screens for sports in a lively, social atmosphere filled with live music that can be very loud. The space offers pet-friendly accommodations and a relaxed vibe with plenty of activities and views from the outdoor area.

Food features fantastic quality and nice-sized portions. Dishes consistently deliver great flavor and freshness.

Fish tacos appear frequently, often paired with grilled or fresh ingredients like diced mango in Cole slaw. Other Mexican-inspired items include loaded slaw and dishes featuring seafood with bold flavors.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are great for watching live sports."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The Mexican Food here is incredible, with a wide variety to choose from."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and available nearby.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs.

3

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

06
Sunsets Bar image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with oceanfront deck offers a chill atmosphere and great music. Outdoor seating provides stunning Pacific views ideal for watching sunsets. TVs and pool tables add to a casual, relaxed vibe.

Food offers a step above typical pub fare with fresh ingredients and amazing flavors. Drinks complement the wonderful cuisine well.

Breakfast tacos stand out with spicy fish tacos and pork tacos offering solid flavor. Coconut shrimp adds a tasty twist alongside classic Mexican dishes.

People are saying

"I watched the beautiful sunset from here."

"The food here is amazing, especially the nachos and tacos."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, thanks to Scotty's welcoming vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 PM with great drink specials.

2

Four large beers and a huge plate of nachos cost $30 during happy hour.

3

The bar doesn't allow kids, making it an adult-only venue.

07
Youngโ€™s Beach Shack image 1

Cafe sits on the edge of a clean beach with panoramic ocean views and crashing waves creating a tranquil atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes shaded areas and a large lawn for groups, with dog-friendly policies and shuttle services for convenience. Music plays softly, and the vibe balances relaxed beach energy with casual dining.

Food includes burgers, fish & chips, tacos, and poke with generous portions and reasonable prices. Quality improved after ownership change, offering consistently delicious dishes and excellent service.

Breakfast burritos stand out with generous portions and solid flavor. Fish tacos on Taco Tuesday offer a great taste alongside other Mexican options like tacos.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the nice view of the ocean and the beach."

"I found the food here to be great."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The place is open until sunset.

2

You have to park and make a short walk to the beach.

3

The menu is kid-friendly with options for all ages.

08
Monarch Bay Beach Club image 1
Seafood restaurant

Private beach club offers serene oceanfront setting with gorgeous coastal views and patio heaters for comfort. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, attracting a mix of ages enjoying the peaceful vibe. Amenities include wheelchair access and shuttle service, enhancing convenience for guests.

Food comes with excellent quality and great service. Staff serve at a comfortable pace, letting you enjoy your meal and conversation.

Blackened shrimp tacos stand out with their bold flavor and come with a fab salsa that complements them well.

People are saying

"The food here is unbelievable with incredible ocean views."

"The ocean views here are truly extraordinary."

"The Mexican food here is great with gorgeous ocean views."

Good to know

1

Access to Monarch Bay Beach Club is restricted to members or Waldorf Astoria guests.

2

Dining is only available for guests of the Waldorf Astoria; no outside guests allowed.

3

Payment is only accepted via room charge; cash and cards are not accepted.

09
Doho Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Beachfront setting offers stunning ocean views and live music with a classic Southern California vibe. Outdoor seating includes propane fire pits and a draft beer station, creating a relaxed atmosphere with ocean breezes. The crowd enjoys casual dining and drinks while watching sunsets and surfers.

Food offers great taste and excellent value with a nice variety of choices. You can enjoy meals and cold drinks right on the sand while watching the sunset.

Battered fish tacos stand out with homemade salsa and fresh ingredients. Breakfast burritos come fresh and not greasy, while chilaquiles lack scrambled eggs and taste bland.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"I loved relaxing on the beach with food, drinks, and live music."

"You have to try the battered fish tacos; they're excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour at Doho Cafe runs from 4pm-6pm daily.

2

Doho Cafe is the only food option at Doheny State Beach.

3

Dogs are allowed at Doho Cafe, with shaded areas available.

10
Nikki's Cafe image 1

Small, comfortable cafe with a small patio next to a busy road and a small bar inside. Atmosphere feels blue collar and fun, popular with trade and construction workers early in the morning. Portions are huge, making it a good spot for a quick, satisfying grab-and-go breakfast.

Food arrives quickly, often within five minutes of ordering. The menu offers a wide selection of authentic Hispanic foods and delicious coffee, with a focus on breakfast items.

Machaca burritos stand out with fresh, solid ingredients and generous size. Breakfast options like huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos come with well-balanced flavors and some of the best salsa around.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast burrito was perfect."

"The food here was amazing and excellent."

"I thought the breakfast burrito was perfect."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens before dawn, making it ideal for early risers.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during morning rush hours.

3

Nikki's Cafe is primarily a grab-and-go spot, but dine-in is available.

11
Cali Costa Restaurant & Cantina image 1

Restaurant combines indoor-outdoor bar and patio with big screen TVs everywhere, creating a loud, lively sports bar atmosphere. Patio features dog-friendly space with fire pits, enhancing the casual, social vibe. Nostalgic coastal feel blends with energetic crowd focused on sports and music.

Mexican food stands out with excellent flavor and great value. Dishes consistently deliver delicious taste and solid quality.

Tacos stand out with quality beef and a large selection, especially on Tuesdays when they cost $3.99 each. Burritos come huge, and chips with guacamole pair well with refreshing margaritas like watermelon mint.

People are saying

"The tacos and margaritas here are really tasty."

"It's a great spot for live sports with tons of TVs."

"I thought the food was really good and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature tacos for only $3.99 each.

2

Happy hour includes discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly and has a patio for warm weather.

12
A's Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Old school diner with a classic, quiet vibe and cool-looking building. Offers generous portions of burgers and fried zucchini, known for best fast food burgers and dog-friendly indoor seating. Parking and access can be challenging near busy roads.

Fast food burgers come out hot and fresh with quick service. The food offers great beach comfort and is both cheap and satisfying.

Burritos come packed with huge chunks of beef and refried beans, offering a hearty meal. Tacos feature tender, flavorful meat with an insane amount of filling that holds up well even when reheated.

People are saying

"I thought their burgers were the best in town."

"I found the food here to be really good."

"I loved their breakfast burritos, especially the bacon ones."

Good to know

1

A's Burgers is closed on Sundays.

2

Parking at A's Burgers is a nightmare due to the drive-thru sometimes blocking spots.

3

The portions at A's Burgers are very generous.

13
RJ's Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Casual breakfast spot with pet-friendly patio and outdoor heaters creates a lively, warm atmosphere. Seating includes both indoor and covered outdoor areas, with a family-friendly vibe and positive energy. Patio overlooks harbor, adding to the inviting, nostalgic setting.

Food arrives quickly and tastes delicious and great. Service stays excellent and often adapts to ensure satisfaction.

Breakfast includes chilaquiles, pancakes, and burritos with some items like cinnamon buns and French toast. Ground beef tacos come with sweet potato fries. Burritos vary in size and flavor, with some lacking taste and others smaller than expected.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast I've ever had here."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

RJ's Cafe is dog friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

2

There is minimal wait time, even during busy weekends.

3

Parking is easy and available near the cafe.

14
Proud Mary's Restaurant image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Waterfront setting offers beautiful harbor views and a comfortable outdoor area with space heaters. Atmosphere feels lively and homey, with friendly people and playful energy from teenagers. Music plays softly, and pets receive water bowls, adding to the welcoming vibe.

Food here stands out for its amazing flavor and excellent quality. Every dish delivers a fantastic taste that impresses consistently.

Chips and salsa start the meal with a classic touch. Fish tacos and burritos show up as key dishes, though some burritos have dry chicken or soggy sour cream, and the steak breakfast burrito uses hamburger meat.

People are saying

"I experienced the food here as absolutely the best I had ever had."

"The waterfront scenic views here are like a postcard."

"The Mexican Food here, especially the burritos, is fire."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually available.

2

The restaurant allows pets in the outdoor boat area.

3

Expect a relaxed atmosphere with no rush during meals.

15
Carlos Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a large patio featuring a huge fire pit and live music that stays at a comfortable volume. The atmosphere is laid-back and festive, enhanced by cozy indoor seating with a fireplace and abundant plants. Patrons enjoy authentic dishes and a variety of margaritas in a welcoming, fun setting.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with fresh, delicious chips and salsa. The dishes consistently deliver great flavor and satisfy the palate.

Carnitas fajitas stand out with juicy shredded beef like pot roast. Fresh, delicious chips and salsa start the meal, and free Horchata refills come with generous servings to go.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"The street tacos de birria were amazing with the consommรฉ."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right on PCH, but it can be limited.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly and allows dogs on the patio.

3

Prices are reasonable and portions are generous.

16
Jimmy's Famous American Tavern - Dana Point image 1

Restaurant offers beautiful harbor views and a warm, cozy atmosphere with tasteful decor. Seating includes cushioned booths and a patio with heaters and fire pits. The vibe is casual yet upscale, attracting diners looking for a relaxed but refined experience.

Food here stands out with fantastic flavors and consistent quality even near tourist spots. The menu pairs well with a great view and reliable service.

Short rib tacos stand out with their rich flavor and leave a lasting impression. Grilled shrimp tacos come with crispy, well-seasoned fries, and the guacamole is above average.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good."

"The dinner spots here have great food and friendly service."

"The short rib tacos are awesome Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 PM with great food and drink options.

2

Parking is available outside the restaurant, but can be limited during peak times.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

17
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers clean, organized space with an outdated atmosphere and low-key 50s music. It serves good-quality chicken and reasonable prices, focusing on chopped ingredients in burritos and tostadas. The vibe is casual and functional, without fine dining or glamour.

Food features good quality and very good presentation. Service complements the food with consistent excellence.

Tacos come out very top notch with fresh flavors. The double chicken tostada with creamy cilantro dressing stands out as a consistent favorite. Burritos and sides like queso Blanco and chipotle add variety to the meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and really good."

"I love their double chicken tostada with creamy cilantro dressing."

"I had trouble understanding the Drive Thru order taker because of her thick accent."

Good to know

1

There was no chicken available during the visit.

2

The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

3

Prices at El Pollo Loco are reasonable.

18
180blu image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Outdoor setting offers 360-degree ocean views with a lively vibe and live music providing background ambiance. Seating is casual and first-come, first-served, with hard chairs that may affect comfort. Atmosphere suits enjoying light bites and cocktails while watching the sunset.

Food features a small menu with great dishes and delicious cocktails. The cuisine impresses with quality and taste, complementing the view even at night.

Tacos feature fresh ingredients and well-cooked meat, with some charred edges and shrimp pieces. Strawberry churros come out fluffy and fresh, adding a sweet touch to the meal.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are truly amazing."

"The food here is delicious and tastes so fresh."

"I enjoyed the food and the views."

Good to know

1

Seating is first come, first serve, so arrive early for the best views.

2

Valet parking costs $10; there is no self-parking available.

3

No reservations are accepted, so expect to wait during peak times.

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