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Local picks in Dana Point

Food and wine

Unwinding with a glass of wine and a meal is the only way to properly end the day.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar image 1
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar image 2
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar image 3
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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.

Wine selection stands out with a fantastic list that is consistently on point and offers great variety.

People are saying

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

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The wine selection here is really impressive."

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.

02
Blue Lantern Inn image 1

Hotel offers spectacular harbor and ocean views with a quiet, private setting that feels like a retreat. Spacious rooms include cozy amenities like fireplaces and bath salts, while a welcoming atmosphere extends to communal spaces and evening wine service.

Breakfast offers a wonderful selection with eggs benedict standing out. Staff handle dietary needs like gluten allergies with care. Food feels homemade and hearty.

Complimentary sparkling wine pairs with cheese and crackers during afternoon and evening hours. Daily wine and appetizer hour offers a charming, relaxed experience with ocean views.

People are saying

"The harbor views here are spectacular and so peaceful."

"I enjoyed the wine and cheese happy hour in the evenings."

"The food here is amazing, with spectacular harbor views."

Good to know

1

Prices for rooms range from $300 to $625 depending on the season.

2

The inn offers free parking for guests.

3

The hotel hosts a daily wine and cheese happy hour.

03
Casanova Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-school Italian decor creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere with dim lighting and jazz music. A large bar offers a lively spot for excellent Martinis and cocktails. The vibe feels authentic and warm, blending traditional charm with inviting energy.

Italian dishes come with fresh ingredients and full flavor. Food stays consistently excellent every visit.

Incredible wine list offers a variety that pairs well with the food. House wines stand out as lovely and the overall selection feels exquisite.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is outstandingly good and unforgettable."

"The food here is jaw-droppingly delicious and full of flavor."

"I thought the wine selection was incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant allows pets on the patio, making it family-friendly.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

04
Gelson's Dana Point image 1
Grocery store

Small grocery store combines wine and tapas bar with fresh poke and sushi bars, creating a unique shopping experience. Atmosphere feels like a neighborhood bar with a pristine, relaxing layout. Offers carefully selected fresh products and custom made-to-order sandwiches.

Food features high-quality and fresh options with a great selection of prepared and deli items. Vegetarian, vegan, and non-dairy choices stand out alongside clean salad and hot food bars.

The wine bar features a decent wine selection paired with a tapas concept. Staff like Brett and Tony provide polite and efficient service.

People are saying

"I found this grocery store to be the best market I visited."

"I found the food quality and selection to be great."

"I loved the new wine and tapas bar concept."

Good to know

1

Expect higher prices compared to other grocery stores in the area.

2

The market offers a great selection of fresh fish and seafood.

3

The deli counter features a variety of ready-to-go meals and salads.

05
Gemmell's Restaurant image 1
French restaurant

Small and quaint space with 80s European vibe and cozy festive decor creates a calming, intimate atmosphere. The setting feels mellow and pleasant, attracting a mix of generations without a hip or trendy energy. Large parking lot supports easy access despite the quiet, unhurried pace.

Food features super tender chicken and sauces that showcase French cuisine. Portions come perfectly sized with delicious flavors across drinks, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.

White wine stands out as very good here. The wine selection matches what you expect from this region.

People are saying

"The escargots and Chicken Elizabeth make this a great spot for a date."

"The food here is amazing, especially the tender chicken and French sauces."

"The white wine here was very good."

Good to know

1

There is a huge parking lot, so parking is not an issue.

2

The prices are reasonable and portions are generous.

3

Expect a quieter dining experience during off-peak hours.

06
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel image 1

Hotel perches atop a seaside bluff with breathtaking ocean views and access to a private beach. Atmosphere blends luxury and intimacy, with lively evening parties on the lawns and serene sunset vistas. Amenities include a top-tier spa, pool with bar, and shuttle service connecting to the beach.

Outdoor dining at 180blu offers panoramic ocean views with surfers visible in the water. The food comes with attentive service in a setting that highlights the clear blue sky.

A great wine list offers a solid selection, including complimentary sparkling apple cider or wine. Strict control limits the number of wines ordered per table, ensuring a balanced experience.

People are saying

"I experienced spectacular ocean views and amazing sunsets."

"The food here offers spectacular ocean views."

"I loved my wine with the breathtaking sunset views."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during events, especially on weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for dining, especially during event weekends.

3

Parking can be limited during events; consider using valet service.

07
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.

A wine bar offers a solid selection of wines and wine-based cocktails. Outdoor seating near the sand lets you enjoy a glass of wine or beer in a relaxed setting.

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 can enjoy wine while relaxing on the beach."

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.

08
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach image 1

Resort hotel offers breathtaking ocean views and luxurious, spacious rooms with private fire pits. Atmosphere stays relaxing and elegant, supported by impeccable concierge-level service. Amenities include golf courses, pools, a spa, and a private beach, creating a setting where guests feel special and pampered.

Food here offers a fantastic dining experience with dishes that complement the overall luxury vibe. Meals pair well with the setting, making dining a key part of the visit.

Rooms include a fire pit with complementary wine and a s'mores kit. Wine tasting events and free reception cocktails happen regularly. Upgrades come with complimentary snacks and wine.

People are saying

"The hotel staff's personal attention made it the best stay."

"The food and service here were absolutely outstanding."

"The wine and service here are truly excellent."

Good to know

1

The hotel hosts free events like bookmark making and offers free churros by the pool.

2

Expect large groups and outdoor events that may run until 10 pm.

3

Reservations are recommended for dining, as restaurants can be fully booked.

09
Stella's image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with an ocean view and an enclosed patio that sometimes feels like a greenhouse. Atmosphere blends family-like warmth with a romantic, upscale vibe enhanced by live saxophone and acoustic music. Location in a strip mall contrasts with the otherwise European-style relaxed dining experience.

Food offers authentic taste and consistently delicious flavors. Service complements the great food experience well.

A special list of wines offers delicious and rich options. Guests can also bring their own bottles and pour them themselves when staff are unavailable.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has amazing pizza and pasta."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I found a great wine selection here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The Margherita pizza costs $13, and bruschetta is $8.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

10
Brio Tuscany Grill image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers live smooth jazz saxophone and dine and dance experience with a pleasant patio for outdoor seating. Interior feels old and outdated with kitschy decor and dim lighting. Food includes standout items like top notch lasagne and fantastic calamari, though portions tend to be small.

Fresh and delicious food comes in ample portions, covering appetizers, salads, and main dishes. The menu features authentic Italian flavors with consistently amazing taste and attentive service.

Paso Robles wines offer a pleasant taste with a moderate selection. Wine pairs well with food and service includes helpful waitstaff.

People are saying

"You have to try the garlic bread; it's a must."

"The food here is really good and flavorful."

"The wine and waitress provided good service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Karaoke happens every Monday night with a two-drink minimum.

3

Half-price pasta is available every Tuesday night.

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Dana Point, California

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