I ordered the salmon. What a great choice. It has a champagne sauce, it was delicious. The French onion soup was a little different than I've had before. I think it was more of real French recipe. I did enjoy it. The waiter was very attentive and friendly. The restaurant itself is a cute and romantic. This restaurant is one to check out read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - The restaurant - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

Unfortunately, they will be closing by the end of this year. The service wasn't exceptional, but it was still fine--just a bit slow, which was understandable under the circumstances. We sat on the patio, and the Christmas décor was absolutely beautiful, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. The food was really good. They were out of several of their well-known items, but what we did order was delicious. read more

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What a wonderful birthday dinner! Memories for a lifetime. Excellent food! Excellent service and the ambiance was fabulous. Thank you to all the employees who made this birthday special! Highly recommend! And don't eat so much that you miss out on their deserts or you will miss out! A very romantic dining experience! read more

Randomly stopped in here, was looking for a flavor spot by the ocean. The food is unbelievable and proper French cuisine. Ulysses was wonderful service also. They have wonderful 2 course lunch offering with many choices, soup and salad for $26 bucks! I could not finish it all, and they packed it to go for me, which is a nice treat. Will be back soon, thank you! read more

I have been going to Byron Gemmel's restaurants for many many years. Always first class and always the details were perfected. Not so much the other night. When we got to the maître d''s table, we were pointed to a table and not seated by anyone. About five minutes later, a waiter showed up with menus and water. No welcome whatsoever. The lobster bisque had skin all over the top, the shrimp scampi had almost no garlic and was watery. The rolls were hard as a rock. The service was almost nonexistent. I've never been more disappointed in Chef Gemmel's restaurants. read more

Return visit for another lunch. Don't let the abundance of parking deceive you as the redevelopment continues and many stores have relocated. Nevertheless, Gemmell's is most definitely unaffected. Today's take away is consistency. First class food and service. read more

We had reservations. The only table was by the front door "at the harbor and very cold" no bartender and stains all over the table covers what a dump! We did not stay! read more

Still the best food in Orange County and the martini pours are to the rim! Every meal is deliciously prepared with incredible sauces and care. Chef Byron never disappoints. This last week I dined there three times having the filet mignon, Chilean sea bass and angel hair pasta with shrimp. Exceptional service too. read more

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Best French Restaurant in Orange County A true hidden gem! The Filet Mignon is my favorite, the salads are wonderful and the French Onion Soup is to die for Make sure to save room for dessert, a couple sat next to us last night and just came in for dessert. The souffle is heavenly . Due to construction in Dana Point Harbor many people don't realize they are open still. Well they are!! And you need to check them out read more

Wonderful food, ambience, music, and staff. The Chef has been making French Food since 1971! The French Onion Soup and Creme Brulee were spectacular. Highly recommend! 5 out of 5. read more

Old world class!!! The menu and place may remind you of Europe. Lovely difference! People really care about you having a wonderful meal and visit! read more

A super solid French restaurant. We keep coming back which is a solid endorsement. As a family our favorites are the holiday brunches with free flowing champagne! Servers are always friendly, the cooks are solid and consistent. Crepes yummy yummy, they are my default. I tried the Mo's crepe dessert, fantastic. We're planning on happy hour next visit. Oh yeah, they have a full bar and an incredible wine list. be ready for very cute French style restaurant at the harbor (but not on the water side). read more

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Not our usual neighborhood- but when a trip to the outlets turns out to be a bust, we make up for it with an early-in-the-week date night. We got to see Dana Harbor with the Christmas decorations and lights and boy what a treat. We chose Gemmell's because of the decor and French-based menu. The restaurant was rather empty for being prime dinner time. It took a couple of minutes to get seated and overall I would say service was leisurely. We didn't care we were enjoying the evening. The steak was good, but meaculpa ordered medium. I believe in no steak beyond medium rare, but for some reason, I messed up today. The sauce was really tasty and the softened peppercorns gave a good bite. Wine, creme brule, smoked salmon, and espresso are all good, but the runaway star was the Chicken Elizabeth that Wifey ordered. The chicken was super tender and what made French cuisine was the sauces. Enjoyed ourselves and gave into the moment. read more

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29 years in San Clemente and dozens of visits over the years.....Byron was not present for the brunch today and it showed. The beignets were like a fritter, not a beignet, with no flavor. The French Onion soup was good when it was eventually delivered (reportedly onions still had to be cooked more (????). Sand dabs were in an unadvertised sauce and only lukewarm. Service was spotty (only four tables with only one four-top); in Sean's (Shawn's????) defense, one table dominated his time excessively. We will be back but not for brunch anytime soon. read more

Had dinner here on 7/31/24 for the first time. We have been coming to Dana Point for years and never made it to this fabulous restaurant. Julian was our server and he is awesome. Very attentive and took care of us all night. Chef Byron came out to the table and greeted us, which was very nice of him. Dinner - Shrimp Scampi appetizer- cooked to perfection. So delish. I asked for more bread, just so I could dip in the sauce :-) Special of the night was Sauteed Halibut. Cooked to perfection. Served with rice and veggies. I believe the delicious sauce was Espagnole sauce. Chicken Piccata - on point, so good! Caesar Salad Thanks again to Julian and to Chef Byron Gemmell, we will be returning each and every time we are in Dana Point! read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - Halibut Special, so good! - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

We came in after watching the boat parade. A HIDDEN GEM! I think people walked by thinking it was closed, but it was warm, quiet and festive. My husband and I ordered a bottle of wine and soup, and let me tell you, the soup hit the spot. I ordered a potato leek soup that was on the specials and it was SO delicious. It's my first time here and our server Kevin was great. Brought us extra warm sourdough bread. Highly recommend! Okay so we also got the chocolate soufflé and it was sooo yummy. HIGHLY RECOMMEND read more

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Food is delicious and I recommend the French Oignons soup. But everything is good there. Service is friendly and great. Beautiful Christmas decorations. I have been there many times over the years. read more

Absolutely an evening to remember. The food was magical. Outstanding crème of mushroom soup, sea bass cooked to perfection with a sauce divine. The piece de resistance was the Harlequin souflee. Truly epic and spectacular. Thank you for a memorable evening of gastronomic indulgence. Also outstanding service. read more

Outstanding meal! One of the best meals I've had in a very long time. We had the Champignons (mushrooms in a rich flavorful sauce) for an appetizer. I could have licked the plate the sauce was so good. My friend had the poached salmon and I had the shrimp Provençal. Again, scrumptious sauce on both dishes. Got some more bread to soak it up. The rolls were also warm and fresh and crunchy. Excellent portions for the price. My only criticism would be the mai tai I ordered. It lacked some of the ingredients of a traditional mai tai. But I would go back for the food in a heartbeat. read more

The setting was warm and intimate. It was not at all loud so was easy to converse. The chicken was marvelous as was the service!

Nice two course lunch menu with prices more reasonable than the other restaurants on this plaza. I got the chicken picatta and the lobster bisque. Husband got the French onion soup. They also bring out very nice warm bread buns. One annoying thing is that for the lunch menu, if you choose to share that dish, they charge you $12 bucks extra. We came at the end of lunch (around 2 pm) and we were one of the only ones at the restaurant. It was a little bit awkward because I had to remind the staff the time and ask if we could get seated a few times since their lunch is until 3pm. I'm not sure how packed this restaurant usually is, but food came out very quickly since we were one of the only ones there at 2pm. Would recommend going again, very nicely decorated for Christmas. read more

Great ambience and very nice people to help you pick the best foods! We had a great time just like before!

Food has always been excellent and sensibly priced. We've come here for most of our birthdays for years and well as introduced friends to it by having them dine here with us. Decor and atmosphere is fine dining and relaxed respectively. NOTE: Presumably due to the massive redevelopment of Dana Point Harbor that's underway and with the expected demolition of all the remaining retail businesses later this year,Gemmell's has reduced their opening hours (according to a modified sign on the side window) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - CLOSED ALL DAY (and evening) Friday, Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM THANK YOU Chef Byron. We hope our paths will cross again read more

Don't Eat Here! We hadn't been there since covid. We went two days ago for Sunday Brunch. What a disappointment! Food has gone from tasty to terrible. The fresh fruit wasn't ripe. Mushroom soup lacked mushrooms and flavor. The beignets were beyond awful. They use to be good now they are undercooked and doughy.The coffee wasn't good. The eggs benefit tasted ok , but they were out of Canadian bacon and were tiny. Adding insult to injury, when we asked if we could change our untouched dessert crème Brule for the cheesecake, we were told by the server that the management refused to make the change and wanted us to pay for another dessert. Who does that? Lastly the men's bathroom has a giant gash in the wall. It seems that this restaurant has given up. Sadly it has gone from z4 stars to no stars! The young man who waited on us was very nice and and the terrible food and decision to not allow us trade our untouched dessert for the cheesecake wasn't his doing. we still gave him a 20% tip. The problem is very clearly with the Managment and the chef! Needless to say, we won't be there anytime soon. read more

Years of Friendly, High Quality and DELICIOUS Memorial Nouveau French Inspired and Creative Meals!!!

Very nice and cozy atmosphere with excellent food. Service was great too!!! We ordered scampi as appetizers, surf and turf, John Dory, jumbo shrimp as entrees. The mixed green salad is great too! read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Dined in on a Sunday evening with my husband. We had heard great things and had been wanting to try it! Here it goes Made a reservation for a Sunday evening at 6:30, no reservation was needed, we were one of 3 tables on the place in the 2.5 hours we were there! Husband ordered the French onion soup, was to die for! Delicious . For dinner he ordered the New York steak and I ordered the special Halibut with Lemon Butter sauce it was to die for! We really enjoyed our meal and not to mention our dessert the chocolate soufflé Highly recommend. The place is old and a little outdated but food is superb Reason for the 4 star review is the service was super slow! While I was not in a hurry I feel like we could have been checked on a little more! read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - New York Steak - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

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We had a bday there a few weeks ago 8 people and we really enjoyed the food. My husband had duck, several of us had Halibut, my son I. Law had the pork tenderloin. Service was good as well. read more

Fantastic!!! GREAT Food, service AND ambiance!! ...also great soups!! It's Usually quiet as it sits in Dana Point Harbor, not on the water. Otherwise, it's got it all including a quiet romantic atmosphere. Love it as a regular go to upscale French restaurant. read more

Outstanding, authentic French onion soup, peppery and high quality gryerre. The shrimp scampi was perfectly cooked in a creamy sauce. Attentive service. I highly recommend. read more

What happened?? We came to Gemmell's, one of our favorite restaurants, for Easter Brunch. There was not a single decoration, no festive Easter mood. What a disappointment! No candles lit on the tables in the darkened dining room. Sad-looking, especially on a rainy Sunday. The food was wonderful as usual, service friendly but very slow. Oh, wait, the waitress did wear bunny ears... read more

Food is so great! Just celebrated my birthday here and it was just the best. The ambiance and service were great, very good vibes. Great prices for the quality of the food. Highly recommend. read more

Dined at Gemmell's on a Sunday around 3pm prior to taking a holiday boat ride in the Dana Point harbor. We had a reservation for 5 and when we arrived, the restaurant was empty. We got seated immediately and our server was present and engaged throughout our dining experience. They offered happy hour during the time we were there and their happy hour menu is very well priced for both drinks and a selection of food. We ordered every food item off the happy hour menu to share and had a couple glasses of wine and martinis. The food tasted good; the drinks were generously stiff. We didn't end up ordering anything off the regular menu but it did seem like pricing was relatively high for standard items. Their is plenty of parking in front of the restaurant and the location of the restaurant is beautiful! I'm glad I dined at Gemmell's at least once as it seems to be a Dana Point staple but not sure I'd be back considering the high prices for subpar food. Nonetheless, it was a good experience. read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

Stopped by here cause I saw souffle on the menu. Cute place, but a little run down in spots. During a wait between our meal and the souffle I noticed curtains that were torn, my chair was wonky, etc. We sat at a high top on the covered patio, and enjoyed a nice gentle breeze from the open windows, which did not have screens. The windows were nice for people watching, however one guy came up to the window and i was pretty sure he was going to climb in and join us. The food was very good. We had the shrimp scampi for an appetizer. The flavor was so good I had to use the bread to sop up all the extra sauce. I had a Caesar salad and the chicken mushroom crepe, which was fantastic. The chicken was incredibly tender and I would highly recommend it. The menu was full of so many things I wanted to try. We will definitely be back. The souffle was a marble, half chocolate and half vanilla. Our server mentioned something about grand Marnier in the sauce, regardless it was delicious. read more

Food was amazing! Ambience was wonderful! Very cozy. Quaint place. I would recommend.

Quiet place. Attention to everything. Yes yes! The decor pleaser for all. Food!Thank you Chef.

Over priced foods, not tasty, we waited over 30 minutes for our meals. Not enjoyable, I would rather eat my food at home. So disappointed!!!!!!! read more

The food is out of this world, delicious, crisp fresh green salad, or spinach salad , lobster bisque, Yum! Sweet sand dabs, shrimp pasta, fresh hot French rolls, butter so freshly baked. Where can you find such delicious food right here and it's healthy & fresh! Ambiance is perfect lighting, interesting & relaxing surroundings. Just flew into town and this is the first place we went to eat! Soooo enjoyable! Service was perfect! read more

Zero stars if available. Made reservations on yelp more than a month before Christmas. Received confirmation text through yelp and confirmed on 12/24. Got there at our appointed time with 93yo and 83yo relatives. Place dark and closed. Furious! Inexcusable and completely unprofessional. Disgusted and will never go there again. read more

This gem has been in business at the same location for decades, and even though I grew up in the area, I hadn't had the opportunity to dine here until just last week. My friend and her family are regulars and rave about the cuisine - particularly the sauces, which, let's face it, are the bloodline of good French cooking. The restaurant itself is very charming in an Old European way - small, intimate, and elegant. This is not the place to come for a rushed, quick dinner, although I understand they do offer a prix fixe lunch for those on a schedule. The service is careful and attentive, but this is a place to relax, enjoy your company, the experience, and of course, your delicious meal. My friend and I began with the shrimp scampi starter - 5 succulent prawns in a shallow pool of the most divine light, but creamy beurre blanc sauce. I could have eaten 3 of these on my own! We both ordered the lamb chops medium-rare, and again, another home run! Perfectly tender and hot, beautifully presented over a plate of roasted potatoes and al dente vegetables. The demi-glace poured over the lamb was absolutely heavenly. The pièce de résistance were our two Grand Marnier soufflé. That's right - one each! Standard 25 minute preparation time, but ohhhh so worth it!! Beautifully presented and served with a fun flair of decadence having the crème anglaise poured precisely into the center of the soufflé from 3 feet off the table. :) Our server was excellent, and I'm still dreaming about this dessert. My only regret was I had waited so many years before coming to Gemmell's! After the last year of restrictions and particularly difficult times for small, independently-owned restaurants, I was more grateful than ever to see this place still thriving. read more

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