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    Coastal Kitchen

    4.2 (1.5k reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Coastal Kitchen Photos

    Business Info

    COASTAL KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Coastal Kitchen

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    Reviews With Photos

    Clam Chowder
    Roman B.

    We were visiting Dana Point and had heard about this spot. Our hotel also recommended dining here too. We made a reservation and I highly recommend you do too. It was a Monday and the place was packed with people waiting. The hostess sat us at a booth next to the open kitchen, very cool. We both had the Clam Chowder and Halibut with garlic mashed potatoes, both so delicious! Ricky was our server and he was amazing! We can definitely recommend dining here, you will be so happy!

    Cajun shrimp - soooo buttery but yummy
    Tiffany P.

    Good food and friendly service. I had the Cajun shrimp starter as my main dish, and it was so good (and absolutely soaked in butter, so proceed with caution if you're watching your cholesterol). Parker house rolls were ok but too salty, and became hard as soon as they cooled which makes me think they're not made in house. My husband loved his grouper fish sandwich, and the kids meals were pricey ($16) but substantial. The included ice cream sandwich with the kids meals was a packaged grocery store item, so would've preferred a better priced option without it. It would also be nice if they had greenery or something to hide the highway view, like Truly does down the street.

    Artichoke and Spinach & Kale Dip
    Jen S.

    Love coming here whenever I have a chance. Came with a group and we decided to split the small plate and three entrees. We came for a birthday and everyone was so kind and wished them a happy birthday. I've been here before and everything I've ever had was delicious. The artichoke and kale dip was perfect. The chips were light and crispy and was the perfect vessel for piling on loads of the dip. Out table inhaled the chips in under five minutes. Out of the baby back ribs, pork chop and rib eye I have to say that the rib eye was so tender, so moist and so flavorful. I might have to order it every time I come back. We were so full we didn't get any dessert but they still have the butter cake on their menu. So I'll definitely have to get it again next time

    Red pepper Hummus
    Nghi T.

    I've been here many times and I love everything on their menu. I would recommend making a reservation especially on the busy weekends. Restaurant is nice with some booth seating in the back and even some outdoor seating. Parking itself-there's a small lot next to it but it's almost always full so you can do some street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. When I last came here, we ordered the red pepper hummus to share and I ordered the French dip! It was excellent as per usual and the service was good. One critique I would have though is that one of the people in my party was a vegetarian and had ordered a veggie burger. The people bringing out the food accidentally swapped the plates of someone else in the party who had ordered a chicken blt when placing the dishes in front of each person. Unfortunately the vegetarian did take a bite of the chicken blt before realizing it was not the veggie burger and spit it out. It is what it is and was an honest mistake. But, maybe confirming the dishes before placing it in front of the person would be good. First time it's happened but we hope it doesn't happen again because we love this place!

    Brownie a la mode
    Jenai E.

    We were stunned by the flavor explosion that came from such a simple plate of food. The humble halved fresh tomato was curious yet a pleasant complement. I have to admit the broccoli was flavorless, over steamed and under salted. The brownie was over baked and not chocolatey enough to our liking. However, I'm still rating Coastal Kitchen 5 stars because the main coarse more than made up for the rest and we will for sure return and would still recommend to others.

    Barbara S.

    I know this restaurant has been open a very long time, but it's the first time I've gotten here. When to make a reservation and could not make a reservation between five and eight they were all taken so that must tell you a lot about this restaurant. We started with the smoked fish salad as an appetizer and it brought me back to my childhood in Chicago. It was wonderful, delicious, and excellent. It was worth the cost. We then shared their Ahi tuna salad, which was extremely tasty but very tiny for the price. Had a wonderful time and will definitely return again.

    Rolls... warm '& comes with yummy pesto butter (4 rolls... 2 were quickly gobbled )
    Veronica A.

    One of our favorite restaurants... everything about it we love! Food, service and ambiance! Fresh, tasty food! Service is quick and friendly. And the vibes here , so lively yet relaxing. Menu has great exciting to the palate options of seafood, salads, and meats & veggies. We love the crab cake salad, .seared ahi tuna and the burgers. Must try!

    Jeff M.

    Coastal Kitchen captures the perfect Dana Point vibe: beachy and fun, yet sophisticated and fresh. From the moment we walked in, the staff was exceptionally welcoming and navigated the menu with impressive expertise. My wife and I had front-row seats right outside the kitchen, which offered a fun, "behind-the-scenes" look at the culinary team in action ‍. The meal itself was flawless. My lunch filet was a perfect medium-rare, paired with a house salad that was easily one of the best I've ever had. My wife's Crab Cake salad was equally superb--fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. What truly sets this place apart is the pacing. Even with a packed house, the staff never made us feel rushed to turn the table. We actually wanted to linger for another round of drinks, though we ultimately moved on to let others enjoy the experience. Pro tip: Definitely make a reservation. We're already looking forward to returning for dinner.

    Common message when trying to order online.
    Ryan T.

    This is in regard to Coastal Kitchen's poor online ordering over the last 6-12 months. For years I would order takeout from Coastal Kitchen 2-3 times a month without issue. Favorite item is/ was the Chef's Tri-tip tacos. Phenomenal taste. Every time I go to the website to consider ordering, I see I'm unable to because 'it's unavailable', or I missed one of the few select time slots they now offer. I'm not sure who decided this direction for the restaurant, but I hope they return to accepting more online orders again soon. They're missing out on repeat customers. (Side note: calling them goes nowhere; usually to a voicemail).

    Minelie A.

    If you starving a fresh and healthy food, this is the place to stop by. Very welcoming place with great food and customer service. There is not so many options but you can make healthy choices. Today, we can to beautiful lantern district and decided to stop by in Coastal kitchen. We ordered Caesar Salad which chicken i wished it was grilled but it wasnt which is ok because the salad was so delicious...They were out of jumbo shrimp so i assume its one of their top sales in the menu. Also, we ordered broccoli with Parmesan and quinoa side salad...our waiter was very attentive and checked on us many times. This place is very cozy eventhough the parking is little tricky specially in weekend but definitely i suggest this place...Price wise is little bit in higher end but we are satisfied.

    Exterior of the restaurant.
    Jenn R.

    Cool little restaurant with sophisticated beach vibes! Its dining room hummed with energy, while the bar was occupied by chattering guests. Outdoor seating is great on a nice day, but it sits next to a busy thoroughfare so, expect street noise. We were seated right next to large glass panels overlooking the kitchen. Unfortunately, our spot was near the area where servers congregated around a central terminal to input orders, which meant they were all facing our table. I found myself making eye contact with them several times, which made the experience a bit awkward... THE FOOD. - Parker House Rolls. Dense and springy, their tops dusted with a sweet-savory seasoning and paired with a dollop of pesto butter. I liked it, but as the bread cooled down, it was a bit too firm. - Starter House Salad. Fresh veggies and the portion size is bigger than expected! - Starter Caesar Salad. The tiny fried capers added crunch and a pop of salt to this delicious salad! Highly recommend. - Hawaiian Ribeye. Served at a perfect medium rare with slightly charred edges and sweet teriyaki marinade. I don't like teriyaki marinade, but this was quite subtle and delicious. The side of tomatoes tossed with feta and basil offered a bright counterpoint. Highly recommend. - Halibut. Buttery & delicately flaky, the halibut was perfectly prepared and rested in a rich, silky white sauce. Fresh rock shrimp sat on top the halibut for added oceanic flavors. The side salad was a small mound of gold and ruby beets, mixed in with walnuts and tangerine slices that delivered an earthy, citrusy sweetness. Highly recommend. THE DRINKS. - Spiced Old Fashioned. Layered spice and cherry bitters with notes of lemon for a slight zing. - Stone IPA. Boldly hoppy with a sharp bitterness and notes of piney evergreen. THE PARKING. Parking is free but limited, and the small lot fills up fast. The layout is one-way with a dead end, so if the lot is full, you'll need to three-point turn it back out. Street parking is a fallback, but it's also difficult to find an open spot, so pick your poison. THE VERDICT. Beautiful dining space with lively, sometimes overwhelming acoustics. The kitchen turned out some delicious dishes and the wait staff kept our plates cleared and glasses filled with efficiency. I'd return for another meal!

    Cheeseburger-D
    Mckenna C.

    I had a really great time here. The vibe was cozy but sophisticated for a beachside restaurant. All of the menu options were reasonably priced for the menu selection, and there are a lot of options. I chose the classic cheeseburger with a quinoa salad as my dinner side. The portions are generous and tasted amazing. I loved the flavor of the pickled onions paired with pickle on the sweeter side to enhance my savory burger. The fries are thin cut and garnished, enjoyed every bite of my meal! Staff were super nice in spite of how busy it was on a weekend visit

    Julie Y.

    Husband & I came here for lunch yesterday. Place was packed & wait time was 35 min so we sat at the bar to grab drinks while waiting for our table. Service was great at the bar. Once we sat at the table, I ordered ahi tuna tacos & hubby ordered the French dip. Tacos came in 3 & perfect bite size for me. The ahi & ingredients were fresh & delicious. I tried a few bites of the French dip & it was outstanding. I loved that they served it on brioche bun & the meat quality was super tender & juicy. The fries on the side were crispy & seasoned well. Hubby said he'd definitely order it again. Our server was polite & attentive throughout the entire time. Will be again.

    Hawaiian Ribeye-D

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    22 days ago

    Excellent as usual. Get the ribs or chicken. Nice atmosphere. The butter cake and ice cream sundae excellent

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    22 days ago

    Crab cake is the best came here with couple friends enjoyed the nights great service amazing food definitely returning

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    Page 1 of 38

    Coastal Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Coastal Kitchen

    Do they sell gift cards?

    Yes

    Can we sit indoors now?

    We did back in May

    Have Raw oysters?

    I don't recall Oysters on their menu...

    Do you have outdoor patio seating?

    They have a small patio area in front of restaurant and a very large tent set up on the side of restaurant

    Are little dogs allowed in a stroller?

    Is the fried Brie salad still on the menu? I know at one point it was taken off

    I understand that Coastal kitchen has reworked their menu because of the lock downs . I would ask if they are going to place it back on the menu when the lock down ends . Hope this helped .

    High top seating or standard?

    Both!

    Are there ocean views and patio seating?

    No ocean views. All the seating is outside right now

    Is the patio area dog friendly?

    Definitely!

    What's the corkage fee?

    There is none for your first bottle.

    Is there a Kids menu?

    Yes. For ages 12 and under, includes beverage, French fries or vegetable, and ice cream sandwich. The choices were grilled cheese, cheese quesadilla, buttered pasta & parmesan, cheeseburger, chicken strips, and salmon.

    Is it good?

    Very good

    View All 19 Questions

    Wine Experience Dana Point

    Wine Experience Dana Point

    4.8
    (62 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    Free parking
    Casual dining

    (4.5 stars) Been here 3 times now to take my wife wine tasting before heading to dinner. The self…read moreservice wine tastings are an absolute favorite of ours. Great service and friendly staff. Everyone is very knowledgeable and shares little tidbits about the wine while you enjoy. A few Suggestions / observations: 1. The self service wine area has a massive wine display that limits access to patrons who are there. A thin long belly bar would make it much more social and accessible. Constantly feel like I am bumping into people or wine bottles just to grab a taster then standing in a corner to get out of the way. 2. The massive LED tv's would be so nice if there was nature or a beach scene or something to set the ambiance. Having a massive advertisement of an appetizer stock photo and happy hour fliers illuminating half the store is not enjoyable, they could be utilized in a much nicer format. 3. Would love to see even more of the self serve wine tasting dispensers in the future! They are a hit and are such a fun concept.

    We kicked off our evening at Wine Experience with the chorizo stuffed dates--sweet, smoky, and…read morewrapped in crisp bacon with a touch of whipped fig crema that made each bite worth while! If you can, try the warm smoked almonds and olives; they're smoked perfection with bright lemon zest and paired beautifully with whatever you're having. The food throughout was absolutely delicious, with thoughtful, elevated small plates that felt refined. The standout on the spring menu? Those beef Wellington puffs--tender filet mignon wrapped in golden, flaky pastry and served with Dijonnaise!! They were rich, elegant, and utterly irresistible; we couldn't stop reaching for more. 3rd order anyone?! What truly made the night special was the team. From the moment we walked in, the knowledgeable staff was genuinely helpful and enthusiastic, guiding us through their wine selections with thoughtful recommendations that perfectly complemented each dish. Their passion turned a lovely dinner into a memorable experience--approachable yet refined. Highly recommend for a special night out. We left smiling, a bit fuller, and already planning to come back. Five stars!

    Photos
    Inside - Wine Experience Dana Point
    Inside - Wine Experience Dana Point
    Beef Wellington puffs
    Beef Wellington puffs
    Duck mousse crostini

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    Duck mousse crostini
    Five Vines Wine Bar

    Five Vines Wine Bar

    4.8
    (654 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    This place can get very crowded, but that's honestly part of what makes it so much fun. The energy…read moreis always great, and there's always something going on. I've attended their trivia nights, and they were a blast--well organized, engaging, and a perfect activity for a group of friends. The drinks are fantastic. The Sauvignon Blanc sangria and the frozen rosé are both amazing and have become some of my favorites. The food is consistently good, and the lively atmosphere keeps me coming back. On my most recent visit, I had the opportunity to beta test one of their murder mystery events, and it was such a unique and entertaining experience. It added a whole new level of fun to the evening and made for a memorable night out. If they offer the murder mystery event again, I highly recommend checking it out. It's a great way to enjoy good food, drinks, and an interactive experience all in one place.

    I enjoyed visiting Five Vines Wine Bar in downtown San Juan Capistrano. It's conveniently located…read morenear the Amtrak railroad tracks, which adds to the charm and character of the area. There is public parking nearby, making it easy to find parking @ $2/hour. The wine bar is cozy, cute, and welcoming, with a great selection of wines and delicious food options. I especially enjoy their happy hour and the outdoor balcony seating, where you can relax with a glass of wine and watch people stroll through historic downtown. The waitress is fast and friendly....just all around well worth the drive to this area.

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    Five Vines Wine Bar
    Five Vines Wine Bar
    Bring on the bubbles! tasting to

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    Bring on the bubbles! tasting to
    Truly Pizza

    Truly Pizza

    4.2
    (1.8k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$
    Women-owned & operated
    Free parking

    Truly should know: I don't write many reviews, so an experience really has to make an impression…read morefor me to take the time--and this one did. I was incredibly excited to try the Dana Point location, and my expectations could not have been higher. Somehow, the experience still exceeded them. There's a genuine authenticity to this place that comes through in everything: the food, the ambiance and the service. Five stars all the way. If Yelp allowed a sixth star, it would go to the hostesses. The amount of traffic and competing demands they handle must be incredible, yet they remained professional, gracious, kind and courteous throughout. Nothing seemed to faze them. Kudos to the owners and managers--the tone is clearly set at the top, and the people serving as the face of this restaurant could not be more stellar. I might come back just to say hello to the hostesses. They are that good.

    I was so excited to try this place. It's hard to get a reservation, but my friends and I walked in…read moreas soon as it opened and we were able to get a table. The place is cute and open to air so there was a nice breeze in the summer heat. The food was not bad, but it greatly disappointed me and is overhyped. The pizza crust is too hard and the flavors aren't amazing. Unfortunately, it was not really anything special to me. I loved the salad though, that was definitely the star of the show. We also got floats, which was fun. Otherwise, I wouldn't choose to come here, but I wouldn't be opposed if my friends or family wanted to come.

    Photos
    Restroom
    Restroom
    Sweet and Spicy
    Sweet and Spicy
    Smoky Vodka (subbed out pepperoni with meatball!)

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    Smoky Vodka (subbed out pepperoni with meatball!)
    Gelson's Dana Point Wine Bar

    Gelson's Dana Point Wine Bar

    4.1
    (12 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    I've been to this store many times but only had the chance to visit the wine bar for the first time…read morerecently. Very friendly bartenders who gave good advice on wine. I was introduced to the cook and the bartenders also mentioned the sushi chef by name. I felt like a member of the Gelson's family! Such a fun time. I had sashimi, lobster sliders and a glass of pinot noir. The sashimi was excellent, lobster sliders very good also. The wine was lovely. Gelson's wine selection is far superior to what one can get in any other casual setting. The wine bar is well appointed. There are two large TV screens. I took advantage of Gelson's offer to shop for you while at the wine bar. The groceries and bar charges are presented on the same bill, so you don't have to pay at a checkout line. A very relaxing and enjoyable experience, combined with the convenience of picking up groceries.

    I still recommend this place. Have reported on how great the burgers are, how cool the vibe is…read morethere, and how welcoming and professional Tony is, who runs the wine bar. Always a fun stop. That said, a few troubling aspects concerning the food service at the wine bar. Have been now several occasions where I ordered menu items only to be told they are unavailable. Never seemed to happen before the recent layoffs at this location. Seems to be a direct correlation which doesn't look great for Gelson's, which holds themselves up as a top-flight high end grocer where corners aren't cut. Just tonight I ordered 2 of the regular menu items, both unavailable. Get it together Gelson's

    Photos
    Gelson's Dana Point's 
Upgraded Wine Bar
    Gelson's Dana Point's Upgraded Wine Bar
    Gelson's Dana Point Wine Bar
    Gelson's Dana Point Wine Bar

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    Whitestone Restaurant & Bar

    Whitestone Restaurant & Bar

    4.2
    (371 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    The restaurant is definitely beautiful and very upscale. The lobby and overall atmosphere are…read morestunning and make a great first impression. Unfortunately, for me, the food didn't quite live up to the presentation and expectations that came with such a fancy setting. Everything looked great, but the overall dining experience felt a bit underwhelming compared to the price point. Service was fine and the restaurant is clearly well maintained, but I left feeling more impressed by how pretty the place looked than by the meal itself. Not a bad experience by any means, just not somewhere I'd rush back to. Worth visiting if you're looking for a nice ambiance and a beautiful setting

    I wanted to like this place more, I really did, it was good but not great. We made a…read morereservation-which we obviously didn't need at the time-and were greeted and immediately taken to our table of choice, especially since almost every table was available at our early time around 5 pm. Quite a few regulars hanging around the bar, this looks like a Dana Point watering spot for many elderly locals. But the ambience was pretty quiet for a Friday night, not exactly reassuring. We started with the blackened baba ganoush, which I no longer see on the web menu, and it was the best dish of all. Truly delicious, with some nice breads and harissa, the combination was a delight to soak up with the bread provided. I had a blue crab and avocado salad, well done and tasty. Scallops were also well prepared, short rib was good but not spectacular, and the jumbo shrimp cocktail-well, it was a shrimp cocktail-hard to screw that up, but nothing remarkable either. The let-down here was definitely the dessert, which is really hard to mess up. The flourless chocolate cake tasted like a vegan cake made with aquafaba or some other not good flour substitute. Dense to the point of almost being chewy-why not go with a molten chocolate cake instead? Chef needs a new recipe for this one. Glad we did not order anything else because if it was on this level, it would have been double my disappointment. A few of the cocktails were good with a strong pour. For these kind of prices and food, there are better options out there. This is not a bad place, but not one I'd put on my bucket list.

    Photos
    Whitestone Restaurant & Bar
    Whitestone Restaurant & Bar
    Cocktail menu

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    Cocktail menu

    Coastal Kitchen - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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