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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

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35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant
1. Jack's Restaurant/Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1093)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 9 times today
Jack's Restaurant/Bar is the go-to spot for special occasions. The reviews consistently rave about it being the 'favorite dining location for all occasions', especially for special events like birthdays and holidays. Its casual yet intimate atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious Italian & Seafood specialties make it an ideal choice for any celebration.
A photo of Coastal Kitchen restaurant
2. Coastal Kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(5000)
Price: Moderate
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 109 times today
Christina and Mike Grant, the owners of Coastal Kitchen, have created an experience that will delight and satisfy the most discerning guest. Fueled by their passion for food and a love of hospitality, the Grants have established Coastal Kitchen as the go-to spot in Dana Point. The menu is clean and fresh consisting of fish and steaks cut in house, great salads, freshly ground burgers and more. Coastal Kitchen has a full bar, patio with fire pits, and fresh coastal design. Our mission is to deliver a quality dining experience in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a consistency that will bring guests back again and again. We look forward to serving you.
A photo of KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
3. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
Exceptional(182)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 7 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 Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
4. Luciana's Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(3454)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 21 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 RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
5. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.7
Exceptional(2498)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 26 times today
RAYA, a restaurant concept by Richard Sandoval, showcases Pan-Latin coastal cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats, and signature Latin flavors.In celebration of love and friendship, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has several elevated dining experiences available to resort guests and locals alike. Indulge in a three-course Valentine's Day menu or afternoon Heart Tea in RAYA.This Galentine's Day, we invite you to join us at 180blu for Amigas & Agave featuring a four-course pre-fixe menu accompanied by Don Julio tequila pairings. Toast to friendship as you enjoy culinary delights, photobooth with friends, and a golden California sunset. Amigos are welcome too!Tickets may be purchased through EventBrite: https://qrco.de/AmigasandAgave
A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
6. The Tea House on Los Rios
4.8
Exceptional(2811)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 62 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 CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point restaurant
7. CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point
4.8
Exceptional(1514)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 9 times today
At Craft House Restaurant we focus on serving the freshest local ingredients to our guests. From working with local fishermen in the Dana Point Harbor to sourcing ingredients from the local farmer's markets. At Craft House we pride ourselves on having one of the best American whiskey selection in South Orange County. From you daily drinking whiskey to the one's you've spend your life trying to taste (all of the Pappy van Winkle collection).
A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant
8. Wind & Sea Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1867)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 17 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 Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant restaurant
9. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1509)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 8 times today
OPEN FOR DINING INDOORS AND ON OUR WATERFRONT OUTDOOR PATIO Join us dockside for dining with sweeping Harbor views; for a weekend breakfast, or lunch/dinner daily... in the evenings we have patio heaters to keep you warm!Harpoon Henrys Seafood Restaurant is proud to offer a spectacular waterfront view, fresh seafood, and the latest in California Beach Cuisine. We offer our guests harbor views from our dining room and our outdoor waterfront patio. For 46 years, we have provided the best in service, ambiance, and cuisine. We have been winners of awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association”, a finalist for Dining Excellence from both the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the County of Orange, and our wine list has been awarded a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence.”
A photo of The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach restaurant
10. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach
4.7
Exceptional(2078)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach
Booked 22 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • debraVIP
    Los Angeles •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    we have been coming here for many years- The menu prices have gone up- but the quality of food is outstanding. service was great- Chris is excellent. we had a special request which was honored- for a dish that wasn't on the menu- but used to be. dessert was amazing. new dishes and glasses- and looks like new furniture. this place will always be one of our favorites.
    More info
    Luciana's RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.6
  • Chris
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Excellent food server. Food top notch. The ambiance is fantastic. Very cheerful workers which in my opinion says much about the employer/restaurant
    More info
    Coastal KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Jaiden
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Loved coming here!! On a Saturday night the tables were full, it was the day after Valentine’s Day! We had a reservation for two and they sat us at a cute little table in the corner by the front windows. It was nice and felt like our own area! The server was accomodating and answered all of our questions with ease! He even suggested some of their off menu items like the filet mignon pasta - that was our favorite of the night!! We really enjoyed the baked meatball appetizer which comes with 4 meatballs in sauce. I got the Rigatoni Amatriciana and it was very good! Definitely a safe option if you aren’t up for exploring the different pastas. For drinks, we got the blueberry drink (I can’t remember the full name) but it was delicious! We ended the night off with Tiramisu and it was SO good! I would definitely come back here again!
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    Jack's Restaurant/BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • JoshuaVIP
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food quality is amazing, can easily say this is the best Indian food ever had (Wagyu short ribs WOW)! Also the service is top notch and everything was handled smoothly even on a busy Valentine's Day. The ambiance is good though not amazing, it's more classy than particularly vibey but that makes sense as this has been other restaurant types in the Ritz in the past. But being in the Ritz means the classy vibes totally add to dinner! Pricing is fairly reasonable given how high quality the food is, so maybe just the drinks are a bit much as those were good but not as good as the food. Overall must-do dining experience in the area!
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    KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna NiguelPrice: Expensive• Indian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.6
  • Jesse
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Some of the best food I’ve ever had. Had a great view with live music. I can honestly say that I had the best customer service that I’ve had in my life. Dean was absolutely phenomenal professional, attentive, and even brought a rose to the table being it was valentine’s Day. Definitely a great ambience because of the amazing customer service and overall experience of ambience and view will definitely be returning highly suggest.
    More info
    RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna NiguelPrice: Expensive• Latin American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.7

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Dana Point/Monarch Beach in South Orange County offers a delightful array of restaurant options perfect for special occasions. The dining scene here is characterized by its upscale ambiance and a focus on providing exceptional service and gourmet cuisine, making it a prime destination for celebrating life's milestones. Each restaurant in this area prides itself on creating a memorable dining experience with beautiful settings, ranging from elegant interiors to stunning ocean views. Menus are diverse, featuring everything from sophisticated Italian dishes to fresh seafood, crafted to satisfy the discerning palate. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or any significant event, these establishments ensure a sophisticated and joyous celebration. The attention to detail and high-quality service provided by these restaurants consistently meet the expectations of guests looking for a special dining outing. This curated selection of restaurants in Dana Point/Monarch Beach truly catifies the needs of those seeking a unique and exquisite meal to mark important occasions.

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