Best Restaurants for Foodies in Ladera Ranch

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

South Orange County

Neighborhoods

Aliso Viejo / Laguna NiguelDana Point / Monarch BeachIrvineLaguna BeachSan ClementeSan Juan Capistrano

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

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tavern at the Mission restaurant

1. Tavern at the Mission

4.7

Exceptional(614)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 29 times today

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.

A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant

2. Mangia Bene Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(692)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 12 times today

Mangia Bene Cucina in Laguna Niguel, CA, is a foodie hotspot serving up original and delicious Italian dishes. With over 25 years of experience, they deliver what they call 'The Fresh Italian Food Experience'. Reviewers love their great food and service, with one saying 'food is always good' and another praising the 'flavorful and perfectly cooked and fresh' dishes. The place is often busy, indicating a strong reputation among locals and visitors.

A photo of OPAH Restaurant & Bar restaurant

3. OPAH Restaurant & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1621)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 17 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.

4. Coastal Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(5045)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 76 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 The Drake in Laguna restaurant

5. The Drake in Laguna

4.9

Exceptional(1527)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach

Booked 29 times today

We offer seating in 3 spaces,, including our Bar/Lounge, Dining Room/Chef’s Counter or Intimate fire-wall enclosed Patio. Due to space considerations, please contact us directly for larger tables of 6 or more guests.Live entertainment is performed nightly on the main stage in our Dining Room. Tables are by reservation only, for dinner. Hours of Music; Su/M/Tu, 5:30-9:30pm Wed/Thu 6-10pm Fr/Sa 6:30-10:30pm. All Tables in Main Room or Patio, Th/Fr/Sa, are subject to a $10 per person Live music charge, on top of dinner tab. Our dynamic musical line-up of Jazz, R&B, Soul & Contemporary artists, provides an interactive yet intimate experience, in an elegant yet relaxed setting.The Drake features New American cuisine prepared by Award Winning Chef team Paul & Nick Gstrein. Seasonal offerings encompass an ever-evolving menu of unique small plates, steaks, chops, fresh seafood & desserts. Our curated Wine & Spirits selections serve to enhance the dining experience.Meet us at The Drake!

A photo of Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort restaurant

6. Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort

4.7

Exceptional(4471)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 51 times today

Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort is a foodie haven, praised for its 'wonderful food,' 'amazing food,' and 'outstanding food' in reviews. It's lauded for its 'creative twist on classic seafood dishes,' 'top notch' food, and 'exceptional experience and great tasting food.' With an ocean backdrop, excellent service, and a beautiful ambiance, it's a place where foodies can indulge and create unforgettable memories.

A photo of KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant

7. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

4.7

Exceptional(187)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 5 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 Thursday from 5 - 9 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 5 - 10 p.m.

A photo of Starfish Laguna Beach restaurant

8. Starfish Laguna Beach

4.8

Exceptional(2265)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Asian • Laguna Beach

Booked 34 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!

9. Puesto Los Olivos

4.6

Exceptional(1810)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine

Booked 33 times today

Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, MSN, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, and LA Times.

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant

10. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.7

Exceptional(2765)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 33 times today

CUCINA enoteca is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum! Owner Tracy Borkum's flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento bring their artistry to the table as guests enjoy an open kitchen. The menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Along with a diverse selection of wines by the glass, guests may visit the restaurant's retail area to select from over 200 bottles for dinner (corkage fee of $10 applies) or purchase wine to go. The energetic space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the comfort of an old rustic farmhouse.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JanetVIP
Calgary / Southern Alberta •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We absolutely love this restaurant!! The food is amazing—be sure to save room for dessert. We were lucky enough to get Betty as our waitress again—she is now like an old friend!!😎 The GM Jennifer spent time with us sharing the history of this restaurant & the family atmosphere the staff has created in their work environment as well as their service.
More info
Tavern at the MissionPrice: Expensive• American• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.7
M
Marietta
London •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Once again, a terrific evening of great food, service & ambiance where everything — from cocktails and apps to dinner and dessert — was done to perfection.
More info
Coastal KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
•
4.8
W
WendyVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Enjoyed our meal at Opah, great service, great food. My Red Curry Salmon dish was outstanding.
More info
OPAH Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
•
4.8
L
Larry
Los Angeles •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Beautiful evening in every way. Will definitely return again soon.
More info
The Drake in LagunaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Laguna Beach
•
4.9
S
Steve
Los Angeles •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
The staff were attentive nad the food was excellent.
More info
Mangia Bene CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
•
4.7

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