Great ambience, nice location. I highly recommend the smoked trout dip--I could've easily made a meal out of that if I was also going to enjoy dessert and maybe a cup of coffee. Their prices are definitely not reasonable (toooo expensive), so I'd expect a little more (e.g. tablecloths, a complimentary starter like bread rolls and butter). My dining companion and I ordered one appetizer to share, one entree, and she ordered just another appetizer as her main course, drank only water, and our total was $79 before tip!! Yikes. I found both entrees to be on the dry side, hence the four star rating. And now that I just noticed, my $32 pork chop is totally pink/bloody and undercooked (see my photos). I only cut into the outer edges while actually dining there and had to take the rest home with me and now that I'm eating the remainder and actually cutting into it, I'm not at all a happy camper. You should never eat undercooked pork!! Ugh. read more

Coastal Kitchen - New American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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One of my favorite places to go when you want a nice evening out with consistently great food in a welcoming atmosphere.

Great lunch experience! The food and drinks were tasty. My husband and I ordered dishes to share and liked them all. We both had a couple cocktails and received attentive service the entire meal. Parking was easy. read more

09.02.2022 We came here to celebrate my daughter's 21st birthday. We scored the last parking space in the lot behind the restaurant. We had 6:15 pm reservations through Open Table but were seated early when we arrived at 6:00 pm. There was the bar, indoor seating, and outdoor seating. The place was beginning to fill up for dinner. A server came by to take our drink orders but our food/table server was Nick. He was amazing! He was very attentive and made great recommendations. We ordered the shrimp cocktail, which were "shrimp on steroids" (as Nick said) that were plump, fresh and tasty. The cocktail sauce had just the right amount of kick to it. The Parker Rolls were amazing! Don't worry, that's herb butter on top, not avocado. The sprinkle of salt on top was different but enhanced the flavor of the rolls. Hubby loved them! Our table was filled with plates of delicious food! *Crab cake - the coleslaw was made well, not too heavy on the mayonnaise and seasoned nicely *Salmon - was moist and cooked well *Chicken BLT - was ginormous and yummy with French fries *Crab cake salad - was just the right amount of one well made and well cooked crab cake with fresh grapefruit slices, avocado, greens and a yummy vinaigrette dressing. The crab came through beautifully - seared well on the outside, moist on the inside with balanced flavors. It was a deliciously light and filling dish. *Halibut - cooked well! The fish was light and flaky, the lemon butter sauce went well with it. The small rock shrimp was a great contrast crunch but added additional seafood flavor. Definitely a place we'd come back to visit for more delicious food...and more Parker Rolls. The side of broccoli with fresh Parmesan cheese and baked potato were shareable and delicious. The butter cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert was delicious! The exterior flavor reminded me of a churro - crunchy and cinnamon sugar sweet - not too overwhelmingly sweet. Restrooms were clean and well-maintained. By the time we left at 8:00 pm the place was packed with people inside and out. read more

Coastal Kitchen - Butter cake - New American Near Me - Dana Point, California

This place is amazing! Every plate was spectacular and service was top notch! Highly recommend- worth the money to have fresh proteins and chef made plates. I forgot my phone in the car, but I had to leave a review. First off, mamas: there is a changing table in the large restroom stall :) #points Cajun Shrimp Appetizer- umm we wanted to dip everything in the broth! So good! Ahi Tuna Salad- delish! Kids meal: Grilled Cheese, fries, drink & ice cream sandwich (this came out, the perfect temp so it was warm and fresh, but not scolding your kid as they are trying to eat it because they are hungry but have to wait 10 mins for it to cool down) Teamwork and customer service was great, all employees looked polished, professional and smiling. Con: parking is a challenge. It's a tiny lot but we got lucky with a spot, but this could be a challenge at busy times. read more

A year later and this place still slaps! Still a 5-star experience. We took some friends from LA and they said they would drive out to Dana Point just for a meal at this place. Not only bc of the good food but the friendly staff and chill vibes. Again the crab cakes are a must have! We also love the Cajun shrimp, burger, the house bread with herb butter, mashed potato's, etc. Nothing on the menu will disappoint! read more

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Amazing food and service! Went on a date night with my husband and was very impressed. Love's the atmosphere as well. So nice but not stuffy at all! read more

excellent food, service, and atmosphere one of the most consistent, casual, fine dining restaurants along the coast. My wife and I sit out on the patio regularly. We always enjoy. Never had a bad experience. I'd highly recommend it. read more

Cool vibes and great setup/decor. The food is a bit pricey and the service is hit or miss. Acacia was amazing ... although not our server, she provided the best service possible when we flagged her down to get help. She was training someone at the time and I thought, what a great person to learn from for sure! Fried cauliflower was great. Caesar salad was delicious. Clam chowder was good as well. Baked potato is a little dry after you make your way through the toppings. Drinks are good as well. Great location and consistently good food. read more

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I thought i had made a reservation for dinner tonight at Coastal Kitchen but when we arrived I was surprised that they were not expecting us. The manager was charming and accommodating and said no problem, he would find us a table. The place was busy but as promised he found us a table outside but first went to get a broom to clean up under our table. Everyone was attentive- the food was very good, nice atmosphere and the manager stopped by a few times to check on us. I appreciate seeing a manager take such an active role in supporting his staff and facilitating the overall guest experience. They could have easily turned us away or put us at a table by the kitchen but instead we had an amazing time and will definitely be back....next time I will be sure to complete my online reservation! Thank you read more

Our server Andrea was great! She was very attentive and didn't make us feel rushed at all. Food is consistent and the drinks are well made.

Incredible food-very tasty, full of flavor, fresh and unique. Great customer service and nice ambiance. Can't wait to go back. read more

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The food is excellent!!! The service is excellent! The ambiance is excellent ! This is a five star restaurant! The crabcakes are the BEST in Orange County!!!! Be sure to always make a reservation bc they are always packed!!! Very knowledgeable about celiac disease!!! read more

Food is fresh and delicious!! Honestly I can't say enough about how good there chefs prepare the food. Our server was just ok. I would give him a 5 out of 10. read more

Literally received almost completely raw salmon. Completely baffled, I have no idea how it even left the kitchen. Just stick a thermometer in it, especially for like almost 40 bucks a dish. Ridiculous. read more

This was our first time dining at Coastal Kitchen, we were celebrating our 28th Wedding Anniversary with our four teen/adult children. Everyone was friendly and seated us quickly. The restaurant has beautiful decor and coastal themes and light colored wood and fun lighting. Food: We started with the Parker Rolls, which were quite unique and not my personal favorite, but my husband really liked them, they were sweet with sugar on top, which was unusual and pesto on top. As well the Starter Caesar which was refreshing. *Entrees: My husband and I had the Rotisserie Chicken which was outstanding, with veggies and mashed potatoes, very generous portions. My son ordered the French Dip sandwich, which had a generous portions of tender steak on it. We also ordered a Cheeseburger, another huge portion and another person had the Salmon, which was flavorful with two different sauces. Dessert: They brought us Key Lime Pie as an anniversary dessert to share. I usually go for chocolate desserts, but this was very refreshing with an amazing crust. read more

Hard to beat this place. Ambiance is casual and comfortable and has a very coastal feel. The service is impeccable. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. Notables include Parker house rolls, smoked trout dip, ribs, double cut pork chops and the best French dip I have ever had. read more

Great food, service, and coastal cali PCH ambiance. Went for a "last night in Cali" dinner recently. Had a great Smoked Trout dip appetizer, and a really tasty Halibut. Smoked Trout Dip silver Creek Farms trout, toast points (they were nicely toasted and chewable bits) Northern Halibut - with crispy rock shrimp, lemon butter sauce, broccoli & parmesan - This was a perfectly cooked Halibut, the parmesan on the broccoli was fresh and NOT store bought straight shreds etc. read more

My girlfriend and I walked in without a reservation Saturday September 27th and decided to wait the 45 minutes for a table outside. We each ordered 1 glass of wine by the fire pit quietly talking while sharing our pictures of the day, we still had a sip or 2 left in our glass when arriving to the table. The waiter came to the table with a unhappy look, we were ready to order, so I ordered the ahi salad that I've had there before and another glass of wine, sadly he told both of us that we can't have anymore alcohol. Of course we were shocked and said that's so weird? Most people have a second glass of wine with dinner and I'm looking at the busy bar and people are drinking away! There was no explanation why we couldn't have another one or any questions about our whereabouts prior or getting home? We paid for the glass with tip and left feeling discriminated! So I called the same manager the next day telling her that we were so embarrassed and what a waste of our evening waiting for a table, what was the reason? No explanation except that she was worried about us getting home safely because of the Ohana festival. We had come from the Tall Ship Sailing in Dana Point and they don't serve alcohol. I believe that she was discriminating us and she needs to understand that some people have unseen disabilities and she shouldn't judge people. We are paying customers and I was so excited about sharing this restaurant with my friend. We should have our visa charges reversed! I pray that the owners will be reading my post. read more

My husband and I came in on a Tuesday night for dinner! We did not have reservations, but we're able to be seated right away. Loved the decor and the vibe! The service was fantastic, and food was delish! We ordered the crab cakes and the Hawaiian Ribeye. We loved that they had different sides, not just your typical fries or side salad. read more

Coastal Kitchen - Crab cake, Hawaiian ribeye and tomatoes blue cheese side - New American Near Me - Dana Point, California

I'm only giving 3 stars because every time we sit at the bar there will be at least 3 people and we constantly have to flag down the bartender. They will stand and talk to each other with backs to the customer. Drink will be empty and you have to catch their eye to get attention. Love the food here. read more

The food is great. The service is great. The ambience is great. The worst part of the restaurant is the reservation "BULLSHIT" they put you through when you walk through the door. There are 10 tables available and they tell us we have to wait 35 to 40 minutes to be seated for a party of two ...when we eat there for lunch and dinner often. read more

Love everything about CK, except that you cannot order a margarita with an additional shot on the side! I have NEVER been to a restaurant in my life that you cannot order a "double" or a shot and have the DRINK as you want it! It is actually very awkward! I only order one drink, but want it how I want it! read more

Well designed modern restaurant. Outdoor seating. Heaters. Outdoor seating faces north so nice shade, it is on the street but,hey, it's outdoor seating. Servers were nice and the service was fast. Food was a B+. Caesar Salad was not phoned in. It was was on the smaller side. Parker house rolls good but not worth the hype read more

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1) Easy to locate. Easy but odd parking on premises (small lot). Plenty of street parking or park across the street at a shopping center's lot. 2) Appreciate the plentiful outdoor seating. Two choices -- under a big tent or traditional outdoor seating. Recommend heater units to Management. The fires are truly only decorative and does not provide warmth. 3) Food was great overall. Check out my pics with comments for more details. 4) Service was good. Very friendly, helpful and attentive. My first time here and won't be my last! read more

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This place is really special with a super clean feel and amazingly fresh and inspired cuisine. The servers always seem so happy and they are also extremely helpful guiding you through the menu. I drive up from San Diego just to have the shrimp cocktail and grouper sandwich. Let me be clear, I don't eat a lot of fish sandwiches. In fact this is the only one currently in the rotation, but is is really good with savory and spicy seasoning. Total home-run! Hats off to you Coastal Kitchen! read more

Coastal Kitchen - The shrimp cocktail!!! So delicious and fresh!!! - New American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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From the moment you enter Coastal Kitchen you are greeted with a welcome & smile from the Hostesses! We sat outside, it was a beautiful day Katie was our Wonderful Waitress, with amazing recommendations for our first time visiting this cute restaurant; Thank you Katie for the wonderful service with a smile! The food was above & beyond yummy the crab cake salad was to die for as was the halibut dish! And OMG DESSERT topped it off! Amazing dining experience, can't wait to come again! Thank you to the chefs, hostesses, bus boys, Katie our wonderful waitress; everyone at Coastal Kitchen for a great day! read more

Coastal Kitchen - Butter cake & Key lime pie with latte amazing - New American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Service was amazing !! We started with the roasted red pepper hummus and finished with a butter cake . Ahi tuna and the cauliflower was yummy. Mama had the french dip and my niece had the salmon. Gavin our service was so informative and detailed. We will definitely be going back read more

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Stopped in for lunch with my honey on the way into Laguna. Got an amazing margarita, he got the lemon drop. Each had a salad, the Ahi #1 and the Cesar with chicken. Delightful! read more

Coastal Kitchen - Crispy Chicken Caesar. - New American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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fairly good food, good service, nice atmosphere , good value , not very expensive , great for a simple lunch or dinner without costing alot read more

Service was super slow. It was my daughter's birthday and it is her favorite restaurant. It took 25 minutes from appetizers to meals being served. Even my daughter said service was not great and food was not good either. Was charged a $3 fee/person since my younger made a cake for birthday. Called the next day and spoke to manager Maya. She said she would look at footage and get back to me. Ummmm, 2 weeks later, I call back and get her again. Puts me on hold and then her manager gets on the phone. Not a true apology for the lack of time it took and he said the service would be addressed. Really? Over 2 weeks later. I said he lost me as a customer. Oh well. Apparently this restaurant does not care about customer retention read more

Found a piece of plastic in my clam chowder and all they did was comp the soup... Usually the food is great but once you find something in your food, you're of course nervous to eat anything else. Felt the restaurant should have done more to show they understand the gravity of the situation. read more

This is our go-to spot when we want consistently delicious food and great service. We find ourselves constantly comparing restaurants to Coastal Kitchen - "it's not a Coastal Kitchen pour" ... "the pork chop is better at Coastal Kitchen" ... "why can't they get their fish right like Coastal Kitchen?" Don't believe people who give it less than five stars. Like, what magical places are they eating at? Everything is solid every. single. time. Favs: wine! spiced old fashioned. pork chop. halibut. cajun shrimp. bread/rolls. caesar salad. all the sides. read more

The food was delicious! The service was horrible, and let me explain. Our waitress had the driest personality ever!! She didn't not make us feel special whatsoever. She was rushing our order. One word explanation to everything. Didn't even say " thank you at the end" while she walked right by us when we were walking out. I was so close to complaining to the mgr, but I said " Fu&$ it" anyways, the Ambiance was very nice. I would definitely go back there, but I'll make sure someone else is helping us. read more

Food was delicious, served hot, restaurant and restrooms were clean and service was excellent! Come early to find parking because that can get tricky during the dining rush but other than that a great experience! Also, if you're on the fence, get the Parker rolls with the herbed butter. read more

The crab cakes were phenomenal. Wow. I think I may dream about them. Great ambience & service. I wasn't too excited about the butter cake- wished I ordered a chocolatey dessert instead. If it was cheaper, I'd give this place 5 stars. I'll be back for the crab cakes & ambience. read more

This a terrific Dana Point gem. The outside patio with the fire pits and warming lamps make for a great ambiance. The food was also terrific. We started with the Parker Rolls, which are a must especially with that herb pesto butter. Pass on the Clam Chowder, as it is way too fishy. The Hawaiian Ribeye is great with amazing flavor. Butter cake is a nice finish but tastes more like a big sugar cookie. Overall great experience. read more

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Great service, Delicious food and beautiful coastal ambiance! We were a party of 10 and the "private" lunch area worked wonderful! The crab cakes and the Key lime pie were delicious!! Our server was very pleasant and professional... Definitely returning!! read more

Dropped by restaurant to select a table for a birthday party reservation. Staff was very accommodating. Service is always top notch! We ordered several starters and everyone ordered entrees. Nearly every plate was licked clean. read more

Came here for a late lunch and an early dinner; we got seated right away. The place looks pretty new, clean and modern. We ordered two soups to start and a salad with a giant crab cake and a half chicken dish. Everything was delicious, fresh and healthy! Ordered a kid meal for the kid and it's a big plate with a drink and a dessert. Parking is at the park, kind of small. Severs here are nice and professional. Bathroom is clean. They also have outdoor seatings with a giant tent read more

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