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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano

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39 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2716)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 40 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 Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(333)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 23 times today
Voted 2024 San Juan Capistrano Business of the Year!Winner of multiple Best of San Juan Awards including best restaurant, best dinner, best lunch, best ambiance, best wine and many more. Rancho Capistrano Winery has become the must go destination for locals and visitors alike. In addition to producing over 40 different wines from the finest grape growing regions in the West, we are known for our award-winning signature dishes that blend perfectly with our wines. Our grapes are sourced from different premier wine regions, including Paso Robles, Lodi, Northern California and Washington. Rancho Capistrano Winery has proudly grown to be the largest winery in Orange County,
A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1039)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 21 times today
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.
A photo of Ciao Pasta restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1270)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 21 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 Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(731)
Price: Expensive
• American • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 10 times today
Sundried Tomato specializes in New American cuisine and we are committed to offering the freshest quality ingredients on every plate. Due to our intimate setting we kindly ask that for parties of 7 or more you contact us at the restaurant directly. Let Sundried Tomato Host your event! Celebrate with us for your next baby shower, birthday, rehearsal dinner or any other special occasion. We look forward to serving you soon.
A photo of RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2459)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 22 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 Chef Sandoval’s signature Latin flavors.
A photo of Coastal Kitchen restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4886)
Price: Moderate
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 93 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 Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1839)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 38 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 CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1483)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 17 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 Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3409)
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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Candace
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    A true gem, this tea house is a treasure beyond words. The staff are cheerfully present and accommodating, serving with utmost care while crafting the ultimate tea experience. The ambiance is festive and warm, with friends old and new meeting to share in a prized selection of teas. A timelessly classic experience whether celebrating the joy of a lazy afternoon or a once in a lifetime occasion.
    More info
    The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
    4.8
  • Bernadette
    San Diego •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I met a friend for happy hour. 3 pm but we were given a brunch menu? Not really what we had in mind but we both picked the steak salad. It was really tasty and well done steak. The waitress must have been busy because we didn’t see her at all until we finished. No refills of water. It was a bit pricey for 2 salads and a three glass wine tasting for one and an ice tea for the other. $90
    More info
    Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan CapistranoPrice: Moderate• American• San Juan Capistrano
    4.8
  • Brooke
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We love you all so much! Thank you for making my Moms birthday so memorable after the lost of her husband, our father. My dad loved El Adobe and all of our memories there as a family. We appreciate you all so very much- thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Brooke Benda
    More info
    El Adobe de CapistranoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• San Juan Capistrano
    4.7
  • kathleenVIP
    California Central Coast •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    6 oh my girlfriend‘s and had lunch at Ciao Pasta yesterday before going to the Capistrano Nights at the Mission. We selected this restaurant because we had gone last year and everything about it was outstanding. They seated on the patio immediately although we were early for our reservation. Every member of the weight staff greeted us provided a friendly atmosphere made sure we were all comfortable and felt welcomed. We had a lasagna, spaghetti and a salmon salad. The bread is amazing melts in your mouth and truly delicious. I was in Italy recently and I can tell you this experience at Ciao Pasta was as authentic, delicious and truly satisfying as if we were dining on a Piazza anywhere in Italy. Bravo, Ciao Pasta, we will return soon.
    More info
    Ciao PastaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Juan Capistrano
    4.8
  • Kathleen
    Orange County •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The four of us enjoyed our lunch very much. It was quiet enough to have a pleasant four-way conversation. The waitstaff was accommodating and professional. And the food was more than satisfactory to each of us. Two of us had the spring rolls and two of us had the salad with apples and Gorgonzola. Everyone was happy. We shared the crème. Brûlée for desert. Made us even happier.
    More info
    Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan CapistranoPrice: Expensive• American• San Juan Capistrano
    4.8
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