I love this store very much because there is a lot of delicious food, frozen, treats, candy, sweets, snacks, and refreshing sodas and drinks to choose from. Also, the people here are super nice, sweet, friendly, and helpful, and there was good vibe, too. read more

Gelson's Dana Point - Gelson's. - Grocery Near Me - Dana Point, California

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I stopped by Gelson's around noon hoping to grab something from the salad bar or hot food bar, but unfortunately I was very disappointed with what I saw. It was only noon, and the food already looked like it had been sitting out for quite some time. The selection at both the hot and cold bars did not look particularly appealing. There were a couple of meat dishes that might have been tempting, but the meat on top of the sauce was visibly dried out and looked like it had not been properly tended to. The employees should be stirring the dishes regularly and making sure the meat stays covered with sauce so that it looks fresh and appetizing. I was actually very hungry, but after looking over the options, there was nothing from either the hot or cold bar that I wanted to eat, so I ended up leaving without getting anything. For a store like Gelson's, I expected the prepared food bars to be much better maintained. The fact that it was only noon and the food already looked this dried out and unappealing was especially disappointing. Hopefully they can pay more attention to the presentation, freshness, and overall care of the food bars. read more

Gelson's is a fabulous market with high quality items. I personally LOVE their charcuterie area near the front. Also, they have great 'grab and go' items, including a salad bar! Some of their prices can be a bit expensive, but it's worth it for quality food. They have a fantastic parking lot -- tons of spaces. read more

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I had a lovely experience here tonight that I wanted to share with everyone. I have a serious grape addiction, so I stopped by here to grab a bunch of red and green grapes. The produce guy was so sweet and went above and beyond the call of duty to find me the best bunches in the store. He deserves an A+ read more

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Great spot I discovered since moving here recently...they have a wonderful wine bar which serves a variety of great foods. The Burger they offer for $15 is positively AMAZING for the price...we all know $15 these days gets you an average burger at an average place. This burger they serve is not only light-years better than many at that price, it comes with a SIDE! I think the fries are the best option (because they are GREAT) but potato salad, coleslaw, and fruit are options. Would expect to pay $22-$24 for a burger this good anywhere else. And Tony, who runs the place, is delightfully engaging and hospitable, and makes sure everyone is well-taken care of. A hidden gem in a high-end market. Can't recommend it enough read more

Gelson's Dana Point - Fantastic burger with delicious fries, all for $15 - Grocery Near Me - Dana Point, California

Stopped by Gelson's after our stroll at the harbor and breakfast at Proud Mary's. We wanted to get some produce and meat for the week. We love their delicatessen area as their items are fresh and tasty. We picked up salmon, quiche, short rib ravioli, ground top sirloin and lots of veggies and fruit What a terrific store. Clean and well stocked store. The customer service is top shelf. Highly recommended. read more

Never enough cashiers! Always a line. For the prices I pay here, it should be easier and quicker to check out.

Love my Gelsons! The service is always amazing, the employees are super helpful and knowledgeable and the store has a great selection of most anything. read more

Disappointed with new policies! There has been a shift into a very 'unfriendly' space for loyal consumers especially in these times. Note: This has nothing to do with the staff...they are helpful and lovely professionals. It's something else. Not long ago, Gelson's was an elegant and civilized favorite where we would drop in and pick up our needs for both daily and special occasions. However, the new management (owners) have implemented strict policies and many in the community are turning away. Many customers have moved to alternative markets. I don't get it! It feels like the new owners' goal is to drive customers into other shopping options. To begin with, the newer rules re coupon regulations has removed the (consumer's little but big win) and incentive to shop there. It may not seem like a big savings, but this strictly limiting dates (on what was once $5 off of 25 purchase) is just not friendly. When the policy was lenient I would spend well over $25. Lately, if drop in it is kind of rare--maybe I buy 1 or 2 items. The new policy creates a deterrent to shopping there for basics and more. In addition, the newest monthly coupon style isn't appealing and pushes items I have no interest in, and demands more attention, while creating more work for me and others ( my friends from the community agree) . It is an interesting way to impact shopping habits in the most negative way and again..I don't get it...the retail psychology is all wrong! Isn't the goal of a retailer to build and maintain traffic. Maybe the new owners do not care much about keeping consistent & faithful customers. Maybe they just think of themselves as elite. Whatever, there is a negative undercurrent of an audible disappointment. read more

They have the best produce department around. Melon season goes hard, they always carry different varieties. The customer service is excellent and the store is clean. read more

Gelson's Dana Point - The store front - Grocery Near Me - Dana Point, California

Pretty nice store with several items you won't find at a standard grocery store. They have your regular staples along with bakery items, seasonings you won't get elsewhere. We went here looking for a specific and unique seasonings item that they didn't have but it was still an overall good experience. read more

Obsessed with their bakery selection Everything else is very very pricey, but I think that's how the vibe is here. It's like Whole Foods but pricier and better quality items. read more

I had the worse experience at this market. They charged me the wrong price for the item and when I tried to return the manager was not happy about and was very rude. If this is how they usually treat their customers. I prefer to shop at wholefood or sprouts or mother market where they are actually nice to their customers. Gelson needs to improve on this and the price aren't reasonable either. read more

They have some nice special flavor yogurts here that we like and if on sale the price is especially nice. We picked up some panna cotta (jar) as well and some pistachio pudding (jar). I see they have added a WINE BAR up front which surely is fancy. It would be nice to live on the condos on the hill and walk down for a tasty beverage. But there are some good restaurants in this plaza (our primary goal tonight) too so you could get a drink before or after dinner as well. read more

Courteous service with excellent options. My favorite market for produce. Love our Gelson's!

1/1/23 First review of the year goes to Gelson's. I'll be honest, stopped by primarily to use their facilities. It's an upscale grocery store in Dana Point & the prices truly is reflected by their merchandise. I should take one star off just for having limited selection of fruits & vegetables but what they do have look fresh & beautifully arranged. It's really quite aesthetically pleasing. All the products in the aisles are neat. The bakery is pretty huge with a large selection & an array to delicious looking treats. The seafood department looks equally equipped with fresh fish & mollusks. The deli looks just as impressive with cured meats & cheeses. I was taken by the salad bar & got myself a salad ($11.99/lb). The floral department had a variety of plants & flowers to choose from. Finally the restroom, nice, tidy, clean. This market had a decent to really pretty area for dining tables & chairs. Staff are friendly & courteous. It's higher-end grocery shopping & the environment matches the community it sits. What I'd normally pay for a package of corn for $6.99 is marked $8.99 here. Sure if I'm a pinch I needed it, maybe....lol read more

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Incredibly slow store. Deceptive discounts, and overpriced goods. Would be fine if it was small local store but it's Gelsons...

fantastic neighborhood gem with a prime location, offering fast, friendly service and a unique touch of Japanese-inspired menu items. I love that it's owned by a Japanese proprietor, bringing authentic products from Japan, including fun souvenirs like the adorable Donpen stuffed animal. It's the perfect spot to grab a quick snack, enjoy a meal, or relax at the wine bar. read more

Gelson's at Dana Point is an upscale grocery store that specializes in organic food and specialty items. I found all my favorite vegetables and wine here! The guy in the deli deserves a tip! Great store! Great staff and lots of healthy food choices! -Susan from Santa Cruz read more

My husband and I went straight for Gelson's wine bar because we were excited to try their hamburger! It's a pound so definitely it has to be shared and we were not disappointed! This is our second trip to the wine bar and the last time we shared a dish of mezze. It was delicious! Getting back to the burger, it was done medium as suggested with cheese, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. A side dish of potato salad came with it and it didn't disappoint. The burger was juicy and cooked to perfection! Will definitely go back and will try their sushi next time. Prices are reasonable. Service was fast and friendly. The bar is bright and comfortable. read more

Gelson's Dana Point - Cheese Hamburger - Grocery Near Me - Dana Point, California

I stopped by the Dana Point store on my way home to check out the pies & cakes. I was eyeing the carrot cake as this is my favorite cake. The man in the bakery department was very helpful. He told me that Gelson's sources their cakes from a local bakery, so I was curious about the quality. Similar size cakes at other grocery stores go from $11.99 to $14.99. I decided to purchase the 9" single layer cake for $39.95. The carrot cake tasted good, but was a far cry from a similarly priced carrot cake served at Claim Jumpers restaurants. In fact, the carrot cake at Claim Jumpers is far superior. This is the first time I ate carrot cake that didn't contain walnuts. It didn't have raisins either. There was pineapple and carrot in the cake, but the walnuts were sorely missed! My suggestion for Gelson's, and their suppliers, is to sample a Claim Jumpers carrot cake to see how a gourmet carrot cake should be made. $39.95 is much too expensive for a plain carrot cake, especially at 3 times the price! Stater Bros. sells a much better tasting cake. My scores: Service - 5 stars, Product - 3 stars, price - 1 star read more

Gelson's Dana Point - Grocery Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Been working out here for a while and it's the only place close by to grab a bite for lunch.. the packaged food sucks here for being an upscale grocery store. Had all different types of food here and I would never recommend it to anyone. Do better please... read more

I was APPALLED at the prices for small containers of food from the Deli. We like good food, but it was embarrassing how much they charge for so little. We just put it on a shelf and left. read more

Gelson's only accepts its current coupon now. At least before, you'd get a few bucks off the bill (after spending far more than the minimum) shopping here. The prices are very high to begin with so I imagine this change will turn off longtime customers. There are plenty of other options. I won't be back. read more

The checker I had was extremely rude and really nasty . She told me they don't take the coupons they usually take and wanted to hurry me thru . The bagger was inconsiderate and piled the groceries in the bag hastily , all in all it was an unpleasant visit . I will never shop there again . read more

Customer service from the cashier and bagger was horrid, not pleasant, not friendly and rude. Seems like they are very unhappy working there. I should have just went to Sprouts. Very disappointed, will not return again. read more

This Gelson's was great. Very helpful staff and super nice. The guy at the deli counter re assembled my cheese slice by slice until they were laid out perfectly ! And not that I asked but on his own. I was also looking for a shopping cart. At that time there was a storm coming through and there must have not been anyone to bring them in. The manager ran out and grabbed me one. Everything in the store was very nearly organized and shelves were full. Great location. Aloha read more

If you've never been to Gelson's, it's somewhat in between Whole Foods and Bristol Farms. It is on the pricier side compared to your average grocery store, but the quality of the produce and meats is worth it. They have a huge selection of absolutely everything as well as having a small bakery right by the produce section serving fresh bread and desserts. Go a little bit further down towards the registers, you will find a counter where you can order hot foods as well. Last time I came here, they had a poke section by the seafood area, but I didn't seem to see it today unfortunately. Not quite sure if they got rid of it or if I had just missed it, but the poke looked so good and fresh. read more

Gelsons and Whole foods are very similar. Both high end grocery stores for people with deep pockets. Whole foods has a much better selection than Gelsons, hands down. But Gelson's does have some interesting food and excellent fresh fish. Again, it's not cheap, but very fresh and tasty. They even has poke. Their alcohol is just about double every other place you would go to, so just keep that in mind. But they do have a great selection that will hold you over in a pinch. Many top brands and high quality items that you won't find at Ralphs, Vons or Albertsons. I wouldn't do my every day grocery shopping here but for a few select items, it's a great place to shop. Just don't get too carried away or you will find out that you have spent your entire months allotment in just one week. read more

I'm usually not a huge fan of Gelson's. The quality of the food is great but the prices are too high. So imagine my surprise when I checked out the new wine bar where I discovered a delicious, incredibly reasonably priced lunch. My wife and I decided to have a light lunch so we decided to split the mezze plate. What came out was a very generous portion of food. On the plate was a big piece of blueberry goat cheese, hummus, kalamata olives, marinated cucumber slices, sliced tomatoes and marcona almonds plus toasted pita. It was wonderful and it definitely filled us up. What pleasantly shocked us was the price: $13. The wine bar itself is very stylish looking --- a really nice decor. The woman behind the counter was very friendly and helpful. She recommended the hamburger on a future visit. As it's a half pound of beef, we'll be splitting it. I'll be back. read more

Everyone is so pleasant and nice, making every shopping experience a great one! Their vegetables and fruits are always on point, synchronized and looking all fresh and plump! Making eating clean a lot easier bc if you see it, you will want it and if it's displayed well you will grab! I love this shopping strip, all of the architecture structures Compliment each other. Love all the mature trees, I like to call them the Tall Dana Point Trees bc they are everywhere in Dana Point. The store interior is not as bright as I would like it to be, and it could use some freshen up. I do love the Ladera Ranch location, but I totally understand that it's brand new. But just being honest. In order to gain my daily and weekly business I appreciate bright and airy areas (sets the mood and I spend more time there more money spent too). Michalynn is very helpful and always a fresh of breath air when I buy flowers and plant arrangements. You can find anything and everything. Good job Gelson's Team! You rock and bc if that is what keeps me coming back! read more

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I was there Saturday morning to visit the bakery. I was feeling ill and went to the bathrooms. There is a single person all gender restroom that was in use and the other was a multi-stall women's room. That doesn't seem right... at any rate, once in the restroom I was immediately grossed out. Not only was there clearly fried urine on front of the urinal, but the same was true of the toilet. Not impressed and that was at 8:30a! Just gross. Feedback from the manager was requested on the online form that same morning. Still no email. Oh well. read more

Gelson's Dana Point - Urinal - Grocery Near Me - Dana Point, California

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I LOVE GELSON'S.... THE END!!! GELSON'S MARKET, Dana Point, CA! And Lol, if only writing & posting a YELP Review was that Easy! Okay Seriously, I Love GELSON'S for so Many Reasons, and my Review is, Well overdue! This Gourmet Grocery Store, is Nestled in the Monarch Bay Plaza! It's neighbors are the Monarch Beach Resort & The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel! With this being said, It's an Upscale Grocery Store, so you might expect to pay more! But Honesty, don't be scared away, cause you can find Weekly Specials & Awesome Deals! And, they carry Specialty Items, I can't find anywhere's else! They have an impressive Gourmet Cheese Selection, so many varieties & so many Delicious accompaniments... specialty Nuts, Honey & Preserves! If you are looking for some help, and want to pick up something Togo, perhaps to head to the Beach, for a Picnic, look no further! Their DELI has some of the most Delicious, Nutritious, Creative & Seasonal Pastas & Salads, that I've seen behind any Deli Counter! They have a Delicious Olive Bar, Fresh Salad Bar & Fresh Sushi Selection! Their Cuts of Beef are Premium, to include Grass Fed, Too! Growing up in the Pacific NW, I'm Extremely Picky when it comes to FRESH Seafood & I've always been pleased with everything I've purchased here! And It's very Easy to Eat the Rainbow Here! There is No Question, they have the Freshest Produce! Not to mention, They have a dedicated, Well Stocked Organic Section! The Freshest Picks are always Abundant here & they Always showcase a Seasonal Showstopper! There are So Many Gourmet Bottled Sauces & a large Assortment if FRESH Convenient Packed Meals to go! Their Floral Arrangements are Ah-Amazing! And The Florist is more than happy to Custom a Special Gift Basket for any Special Occasion! GELSON'S, Dana Point, CA, I've always had a Fantastic Experience here! The Checkers are always Friendly & Fast! And there is always a Manager available, to answer any questions you may have! Plus!! Shhhh! Who Knew, this Grocery Store has an Amazing Ocean View! read more

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VERY DISAPOINTED !! I ordered food off Gelsons website to be delivered. While waiting. I got a txt saying they are OUT of Ezekiel bread. It was replaced with Dave's bread. I called the store they DO have Ezekiel bread. The delivery guy did not look in the freezer section. Gelsons is playing the Blame game. Some 3rd party apparently does Gelsons deliveries. Instead of offering to exchange my Dave's bread for the Ezekiel I want, or giving me my money back.They are playing this blame game.. For something so small I'm very disappointed in Gelsons and this third party service. I even tipped the guy $5. read more

Make chicken enchiladas covered in red sauce every day. Don't ever stop making it. Don't ever skip days. Don't ever make disgusting turkey enchiladas covered in green sauce, when you could be making delicious chicken enchiladas covered in red sauce. This is simple, but Gelsons gets this wrong all the time. Their prices generally are atrocious, with no way to justify it. They have a nice selection of cheeses. To recap: MAKE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS EVER DAY AT THE HOT FOOD SECTION. NOT TURKEY. read more

Tom Oliphant is the director. Superb bakery, deli and coffee---imported from Italy. Yahrzeit candles here too. Gelson's serves a discriminating Jewish/Non-Jewish community. Many truths illuminated with use of mnemonics. Cool check stand lighted lanterns and staff. Vielen danke for coffee, sweetness and croissant by Viktor Bene Bakery. Hanging in Monarch Beach with Gelson's staff was great (thankful for invitation). No charge for grocery bags and they carry them out too. So appreciative! Shalom . read more

Gelson's Dana Point - #YelpElite #Yelp #Gelsons - Grocery Near Me - Dana Point, California

Lacks good customer service., especially supervisor/management of register. The workers seem timid around them as well. There's no reason to be rude and condescending. This made my 5th time going there after saying I would never again because of the environment and I've gone past them to go to the Laguna Beach location in the past ... Dana Point is very unwelcoming to blacks. Yes, that's exactly why I think they're rude when I go there. If they respected themselves and had some dignity they'd treat others with the same. The Laguna Beach location is great and has much better selections! It's worth the extra few miles. The staff is very pleasant as well. The food is better seasoned and not dry in Laguna Beach! read more

The place is great, it's a little pricy but not bad for high quality goods and ingredients. My only gripe is the manager who seems to think that he's the best thing since sliced bread. He regularly glares at me when I'm shopping and minding my own business. I just got a brand new card that kept getting declined at checkout and the manager said "What are we doing?!" Snarky and rude to me. I will not be going back. read more

Gelson's, years ago, had top notch customer service. Fresh fruits and veggies. Just an overall great shopping experience (years ago)...you paid more but you got employees and management who appreciated you...not anymore...boy, nowadays it's a hit or miss. Many food on the shelves need to be checked out by the customer to make sure it's not expired. It's not uncommon for their "fresh" produce to have mold on it. Trying to get somebody to help you, even when it's not busy, is also a hit or miss. I wish they would bring back the Gelson's who thrived on good customer service. Anyhow, you pay the extra money for the name but not for the service anymore. Some of the cashiers don't thank you for your business. Oh, well...it is what it is... read more

The staff is always going above and beyond. Reyna and manager Jeffrey are the best! Best avocados anywhere unless you fly to Hilo. While at the new wine and tapas bar, you need to have sushi prepared by Yoshi. Old school sushi. Perfectly prepared, not overdone, carefully selected and portioned carefully. Beautiful! The store is always clean. Some mat feel that prices are a little high. However, not only do you get insurmountable quality, but, as all is fresh, very little waste. Consider that. Well managed, clean, fresh, great products. Give Gelsons Monarch Beach a try! read more