📝 Coastal South Orange County Restaurant Guide

Best Restaurants in Coastal South Orange County: Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel & Aliso Viejo

From oceanfront seafood in Dana Point to hidden trattorias in Aliso Viejo, discover the top dining spots in Coastal South Orange County we highly recommend.

From oceanfront seafood to hidden trattorias and chef-driven hotspots, Coastal South Orange County’s dining scene is as vibrant as its shoreline. Whether you’re planning date night, Sunday brunch, or a casual catch-up with friends, here’s a curated guide to the best restaurants in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, and Aliso Viejo.

🌊 Dana Point Restaurants

• Truly Pizza → Award-winning pizzeria with five-day fermented dough, rooftop dining, and World Pizza Champion chefs. Must-try: White Pizza + off-menu Pizza Romana.

• Coastal Kitchen → Sleek yet approachable spot with modern coastal-inspired cuisine and a stellar bar program. Must-try: Seared scallops + craft cocktails.

• Maison Café & Market → Chic all-day café blending French and California flavors, also offering a gourmet market. Must-try: Brunch pastries + lemon ricotta pancakes.

• Glasspar → Upscale seafood with a raw bar and nautical-chic interiors. Must-try: Lobster roll + oysters.

• Chart House → Oceanfront fine dining with panoramic harbor views. Must-try: Prime rib + lava cake.

• Wind & Sea → Harbor-side classic with sushi, seafood, and sunset views. Must-try: Seared ahi.

• Craft House → Trendy spot for elevated comfort food and cocktails. Must-try: Pork belly tacos.

🎨 Laguna Beach Restaurants

• Broadway by Amar Santana → Seasonally driven, chef-forward dining from “Top Chef” star Amar Santana. Must-try: Octopus + wagyu beef.

• Selanne Steak Tavern → Co-owned by NHL legend Teemu Selanne, known for prime steaks and elevated California cuisine. Must-try: Tomahawk steak + truffle mac n’ cheese.

• Nick’s Laguna Beach → Beloved for casual-elevated dining. Must-try: Buttermilk fried chicken.

• Las Brisas → Iconic cliffside restaurant with Mexican-Californian fusion and panoramic ocean views. Must-try: Crab-stuffed chile relleno.

• Driftwood Kitchen → Coastal seafood with breathtaking ocean views. Must-try: Day-boat scallops.

🌴 San Clemente Restaurants

• Nick’s San Clemente → Crowd favorite with comfort food classics. Must-try: Short rib.

• South of Nick’s → Elevated Mexican with legendary margaritas. Must-try: Carnitas.

• Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar (Pier) → Casual seafood with unbeatable oceanfront views. Must-try: Clam chowder.

• Brick Pizzeria → Artisan wood-fired pizza with seasonal ingredients. Must-try: Duck confit pizza.

• Vine → Intimate, seasonal, wine-country inspired dining. Must-try: Housemade pasta + extensive wine list.

🏇 San Juan Capistrano Restaurants

• Trevor’s at the Tracks → Farm-to-table American in the historic train depot. Must-try: Short rib tacos.

• Heritage Barbecue → Michelin Bib Gourmand BBQ spot, always worth the wait. Must-try: Brisket + beef ribs.

• Rancho Capistrano Winery → California cuisine with wines crafted onsite. Must-try: Flatbreads + wine flights.

• Ellie’s Table → Quaint café in Los Rios District. Must-try: Fresh pastries + coffee.

• Mayfield → Mediterranean-meets-California with a modern, stylish setting. Must-try: Mezze platter.

🏖 Laguna Niguel Restaurants

• Bottega Angelina → Gorgeous Italian marketplace + restaurant. Must-try: Handmade pasta + burrata bar.

• Hendrix Restaurant & Bar → Mediterranean-inspired rotisserie and craft cocktails. Must-try: Rotisserie lamb.

• Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria & Tap Room → Cozy local pizza favorite. Must-try: Deep-dish pizza.

• Avila’s El Ranchito → Family-owned Mexican staple. Must-try: Margarita + chicken fajitas.

• Romeo Cucina → Family-run trattoria with a lively vibe. Must-try: Lasagna + tiramisu.

🍷 Aliso Viejo Restaurants

• Trattoria Trullo → Hidden gem in the Town Center, led by Puglian native Chef Marco Criscuolo. Scratch-made pastas, branzino, and an Italian meringue pavlova that’s unforgettable. Must-try: Roasted fava beans with Puglian olives.

• OPAH Seafood Grill → Longtime favorite for fresh seafood and global flavors. Must-try: Macadamia-crusted halibut.

• Panini Kabob Grill → Mediterranean comfort food with a health-forward twist. Must-try: Grilled kabobs + hummus plates.

• Urban Plates → Casual, farm-to-table comfort food with locally sourced ingredients. Must-try: Grass-fed steak plate.

• Inka Mama’s → Beloved Peruvian restaurant with bold flavors. Must-try: Lomo saltado.

🌟 Closing
From Puglian pastas in Aliso Viejo to seafood in Dana Point and steak in Laguna Beach, South Orange County celebrates both local ingredients and global flavors. Whether you’re craving fine dining, a hidden gem, or a casual seaside spot, these restaurants represent the best dining experiences in Coastal South OC — and we highly recommend them all.