Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

South Orange County

Neighborhoods

Aliso Viejo / Laguna NiguelCorona del MarDana Point / Monarch BeachIrvineLaguna BeachMission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

44 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant

1. The Tea House on Los Rios

4.8

Exceptional(2844)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 61 times today

Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County's premier high tea experience. Known for our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us for an unforgettable experience on Historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. Take the train and making a day of it!

A photo of Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort restaurant

2. Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort

4.7

Exceptional(4471)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 39 times today

Nestled along the picturesque Southern California coastline in Laguna Beach, Splashes offers an exceptional dining experience that celebrates innovative coastal cuisine. Helmed by renowned Chef Ron Fougeray, the menu blends fresh, local ingredients with creative culinary techniques, delivering vibrant dishes that capture the essence of coastal California. Sommelier-selected wines from the restaurant's award-winning wine program enhance the dining experience with perfect harmony. Indulge in modern elegance in a newly renovated dining room, where the soothing sights and sounds of the ocean create a serene atmosphere. Guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific as they savor contemporary coastal flavors, making every meal a memorable occasion. The team at Splashes invites guests to celebrating the beauty of coastal living with an unforgettable dining experience that reflects the spirit of Laguna Beach.

A photo of Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera Ranch restaurant

3. Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera Ranch

4.6

Exceptional(273)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Winery • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 20 times today

Discover the epitome of outdoor and indoor dining excellence at Rancho Capistrano Winery in Ladera Ranch. Our expansive wrap-around heated deck offers breathtaking views of the picturesque Ladera Town Green park, creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience. Plus, enjoy the convenience of abundant free parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit every time. We offer over 35 of our own wines created from some of the finest vineyards in the west coast and a food menu that has won over 40 "Best of" awards.

4. Ciao Pasta

4.8

Exceptional(1288)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 13 times today

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!

A photo of The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach restaurant

5. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach

4.8

Exceptional(2083)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach

Booked 20 times today

Located in the oceanfront resort, Montage Laguna Beach, The Loft features stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean – the perfect backdrop for enjoying market-fresh, creative American cuisine with friendly, informed, and professional service. Innovative signature dishes reflect California regional cuisine with strong influences from the Americas; other favorites also include roasted meats and seafood.

A photo of Starfish Laguna Beach restaurant

6. Starfish Laguna Beach

4.8

Exceptional(2266)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Asian • Laguna Beach

Booked 35 times today

Thank you for thinking of Starfish Laguna! Indoor & Patio Dining are available! Reservations are strongly encouraged, and available via phone at 949.715.9200.Lunch: Daily from 11a - 3pOpium Hour: Everyday 3p - 6p (dine-in only)Dinner: Daily from 3p - 9pWe offer our full menu for takeout and delivery, with delivery offered in partnership with Doordash or through our website. To place a pickup order, please call 949.715.8205. We look forward to seeing you soon!

A photo of Sapphire, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant

7. Sapphire, Cellar.Craft.Cook

4.7

Exceptional(1812)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Laguna Beach

Booked 33 times today

Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook located in Laguna Beach is committed to providing our guests with exceptional service, quality, and value. We aspire to perfect our craft, create emotional connections, and set the benchmark for cuisine in Southern California, and beyond.Come, be a guest in our home. We look forward to serving you!

A photo of OPAH Restaurant & Bar restaurant

8. OPAH Restaurant & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1622)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 18 times today

At Opah Restaurant & Bar, we serve the finest fresh fish in Orange County. Carefully hand selected each day to deliver the best quality available. The menu is exquisite, featuring edible works of art, that look so good the could be on a magazine cover. Don't forget to try one of our signature Award Winning Martinis. If you wondering how we came up with the name Opah. It comes from the Hawaiian word for Moonfish, which was once viewed as Good Luck by fisherman, & often given away as a gesture of Good Will.

9. Rosewood Social

4.8

Exceptional(192)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southeast Asian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 18 times today

Located on the rooftop of the historic Franciscan Plaza in San Juan Capistrano, Rosewood Social combines the unique flavors of the traditional American steakhouse with soulful Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy delicious food with a signature cocktail or a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking Mission San Juan at sunset. Join us for a relaxing and truly memorable dining and drinking experience!

A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant

10. Mangia Bene Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(692)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 10 times today

Located in beautiful Laguna Niguel, CA, Mangia Bene Cucina has been an Orange County landmark since 1991. Our mission is to provide our guests with the best and most memorable dining experience. From our upbeat and vibrant staff, to our original and delicious Italian dishes.We have a passion for Italian cuisine and with over 25 years of restaurant experience, we are sure to provide you with what we like to call, The Fresh Italian Food Experience.From serving you daily for lunch and dinner to catering your parties and special events, we welcome your family to our family restaurant.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tim
Houston •17 reviews
5.0
Dined today
The food was outstanding, the menu choices were plentiful but not overwhelming, and the service was top notch. A must visit when in South Orange County.
More info
The Loft at Montage Laguna BeachPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Laguna Beach
•
4.8
K
Kathleen
Orange County •20 reviews
4.0
Dined today
First time dining here. Food was very good. The salmon could have used more flavor but was cooked perfectly. The fungi flatbread was perfect. I could have eaten several of them myself. The beet salad was very flavorful and a lovely blend of flavors.
More info
Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera RanchPrice: Moderate• Winery• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.6
M
MADELYNN
Los Angeles •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Charming place. Waitstaff and hostesses very friendly and helpful. Would definitely return
More info
The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
K
kellyVIP
Las Vegas •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Lunch was perfect! Don’t miss out on the lobster bisque. The flat bread was delicious, perfect crust. The view of the ocean was breathtaking. Kim was our server. She was wonderful.
More info
Splashes at Surf & Sand ResortPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Laguna Beach
•
4.7
L
Leslie
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Best Italian place in San Juan Capistrano-love supporting a family business.
More info
Ciao PastaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Outdoor dining

Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Ladera Ranch
Tustin
Anaheim
Fullerton
Seal Beach
Orange
San Clemente
Stanton
Newport Beach
Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Lake Forest
Irvine
Corona del Mar
Placentia / Yorba Linda
Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Garden Grove / Westminster
Newport
Laguna Beach
San Juan Capistrano