We had a wonderful Valentine's Day dinner (regular menu) here last night. It was with a little trepidation since some of the previous reviewers weren't too kind. We found the food, service, and ambiance to be quite good. Gemmell's is a small restaurant with about 20 tables in the indoor part of the restaurant, so it was quiet and had a relaxed atmosphere. We were seated promptly and had good service throughout. We were not rushed at all and finished our cocktail. The sea breeze was quite tasty and my bourbon was ample. My wife ordered the French onion soup appetizer and she had chicken crepes for her main course. Both were delicious and used good quality ingredients. (We had had unsatisfactory French onion soup at another restaurant a couple of weeks ago. They had used cheap Gruyère and the broth wasn't nearly as rich as hers was last night.) my Caesar salad was good... but it's hard to mess that up much. I had the fish special, I believe it was called a Dory fish (no, not the Disney Dory). I found it to be excellently prepared with a tasty sauce, vegetables, and rice. We also ordered Chardonnay to go along with the dinner. The serving portions were good and the Chardonnay (at $8 and $14, by the glass) was quite nice. Though it didn't detract from our meal, some might find the decor to be a bit old. We found it to be charming. The bourbon (about 8) and Chardonnay by the glass choices (3 choices) were fairly small. Overall, an excellent meal in a romantic setting... Perfect! read more

Came here on a Friday night at 5:30 with my mom. The ambience is nice- dim lights and wine bottles on the top shelves. We had Juan as our server. To start off, we got some duck liver from the menu- I can't recommend it unless you have this acquired taste. So we switched to a different appetizer. FYI we got the Groupon "Dinner for Two" menu, so the second thing we got was the second item on that specific menu. MUCH better than the first item we received. For the salad/soup, I got the Organic Baby Greens salad (#1 on the second category) and my mom got the asparagus cream soup. Overall it was pretty good flavor and not bland at all like the other reviewers wrote. For the main course, I got the crepe with chicken (mushrooms on the side) and the other item was the Sirloin steak cooked medium. At this point, I wasn't too hungry because the food took so. Dang. L o n g . Got the souflee to end. We were literally sitting in that restaurant for 3 hours, which sucked because we intentionally got here at 5:30 in order to look around at the little shops in the area. By the time we finished, it was so late and no one was open anymore so that was such a bummer. Overall, it was a very nice dinner with great ambiance. I just really don't like how they took forever to get out order, give us our food (even the bread took forever and they only gave us 2 at a time...), and finally the check. Water service was also lacking. Juan was a very good waiter, in the sense that he was interactive with us. But definitely wouldn't come back unless they improve their service. read more

See all

Hands down the best French cuisine in Orange County. From the perfect french rolls to the unbelievable scampi it is always an amazing experience. The ambiance is warm and inviting, the staff friendly and attentive. If you are looking for a romantic dinner out or a perfect ladies luncheon this is your "goto" spot! read more

Gemmells has been a favorite since I was a kid. They are a small and quiet restaurant right in Dana point harbor. My favorite dishes here would have to be the lobster bisque, poached salmon, and lamb. read more

Surprisingly very good. Not sure why it only has 3.5 stars in yelp. We ordered the lunch menu for to go. We had the flat iron steak and steak sandwich. Both were cooked perfectly medium rare. The place was empty when we got there but then it was like around 2:30pm. But will certainly come back again next time. read more

I invited a few of my friends to Gemmell's restaurant, from calling to make the reservation to the end was just disappointment. For Friday night the place was very slow and hardly had any guests. The staff could hardly notice us when we wanted something (water, the bill etc.) hard to find and not in a good mood. The food was executed poorly, too much sauce, the chicken breast was hard to eat and the stack was not cooked at all, our dishes had exactly the same teasels side dish. The quantity on each dish was unpleasantly moderate, the quality was just ok and the taste was not special or exciting. The place is not decorated well, dark with mish-mash confusing framed pictures all unrelated to each other, All together was an unpleasant experience, I had to apologize from my friends, will not recommend. read more

The food was quite good, and I would definitely return for the food. However, the service was one of the worst I have experienced in any type of restaurant. I will not return because of the poor service. read more

Horrible service Food below standard-NOT edible Place NOT Clean Very disappointing after the reviews Rated so highly Ruined a very special birthday read more

Great food as always, but just one Waiter on a Saturday night for the ENTIRE restaurant?!? (He was also the bartender & cashier). Supposedly the other Waiter was on vacation, but it would have been nice to have a backup. And, for proper service at a restaurant this size, 3-4 Waiters is necessary!!! Took too long and service was bad. Really disappointing. read more

This was supposed to be an upscale dining experience however it was very disappointing. It was not that crowded but we waited forever to be waited on. Finally the hostess took our order, which seemed to annoy the main waiter. Our meal FINALLY came but not our wine. My husband finally got a chance to ask the waiter "when do we get our wine?" After he attended to 2 other tables, he asked us what kind again? We said two cabernets so he left after again waiting he looked at me from across the room and I gave him the drink gesture and he finally came with 1 cab and 1 riesling! I said that was 2 cabs, which clearly annoyed him! After approximately 45 minutes, our meal came but the steaks were quite tough. We left feeling annoyed and dissatisfied. We will never go back! read more

We had lunch at this magnificent restaurant for the first time on Wednesday, and we absolutely loved it! The decor is lovely, the food absolutely delicious and the service top notch. Julian, our server, was amazing, there when we needed him, and always on top of everything. We look forward to going back again, very soon, and very often! read more

Wonderful service, romantic atmosphere and great food! When we arrived we told them we were there to celebrate my husbands birthday and our soon to be baby, they seated us in a private booth in the back which was very nice. Before ordering we were given a basket of fresh warm bread that was crusty on the outside and soft in the inside. We ordered the mushrooms for an appetizers. Nice assortment in a creamy wine based sauce. My husband ordered the French onion soup which I stole a few bites of and it was the best French onion soup I've ever had. I ordered the organic salad as my entree and is was huge! My husband ordered the filet mignon and said it was excellent, it came with a nice mushroom sauce and steamed veggies.. His plate looked clean after he had finished! As we had mentioned earlier that it was my husbands birthday he was served a generous portion of rich chocolate cake with fresh berries and a happy birthday note with a congratulations on our baby girl written in chocolate. We really enjoyed our experience here and would definatly come back here for a special occasion! read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - Chocolate cake, delicious! - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

I don't know how these people claim to be a european restaurant. The bread was dry and tasteless, the so called Gulf Shrimp was some cheap basic cocktail shrimp from The grocery store. All of the food was basic and the crepes tasted like lasagna noodles. How dare You claim to prepare anything European. Nothing was even cooked from scratch. read more

Food: the bread and butter were tasty, the asparagus pastry appetizer was good but so small for splitting. The potato leak tasted like it was from a can. The steak meal was very good- the veggies had perfect seasoning and the sauce the steak was in almost tasted like pizza. The soufflé desserts were ok- both the chocolate and white one tasted like they had a hint of lemon which I didn't like with the chocolate much but the white soufflé was my favorite out of the two. Parking on a Saturday was very easy. The restaurant was empty when we got there at 4 and maybe 3-4 tables were filled when we left at 630. Price: we had a groupon so just paying for drinks wasn't bad. Service: our waitress was so nice and made us feel like we had been friends with her for years Would I come back here without a groupon... no. I recommend getting a table at 5 or later because they will have the music on by then and the restaurant will feel more alive, eat their delicious bread and get drinks and the entree... skip the soup/ salad and appetizers. read more

Tonight was my second time here. I went a few months ago for lunch and thought it was pretty good. Tonight was a huge disappointment. My husband and I were the only ones here at 5-6 p.m. So I would have expected more attention from our waiter. The service was awful. Attitude was blah....almost as if we were bothering him. Service was extremely slow. My husband had a steak. I had chicken that was overcooked, so it was tough. I am so disappointed, as I took my husband there for his birthday. My last time there for sure. read more

I had the special fish of the evening last Saturday (Equivalent to Halibut) was amazing. The escargot was amazing. The service and ambiance was perfect. I loved everything especially the soufflé dessert Hands down 5 stars read more

We had reservations. When we arrived, there were only a few people seated. We asked for the booth seats and were refused as they were tables for four. They then proceeded to seat parties of two at those tables. Tables for two were available. The pate was wonderful. The sand dabs were good. The sirloin steak was not only not prime, it was inedible! Gristle and tendon running through it. The bordelaise had been over reduced as it was too salty and too thymey. The lemon tart was good. The creme brûlée was extraordinary. The wine list is overpriced. I doubt that we will go again even if we have a coupon. I might drop in just for dessert. read more

The service was the worst I have experienced in any restaurant ever. There was an interminable wait, (probably 5 minutes) at the absent hostess table before we were recognized and seated. Then there was such a long wait before the waiter approached that I suggested leaving. Then we were "allowed" to order cocktails. Another interminable wait (at least 15 minutes) until very poorly made gins on the rocks were served. How is that even possible? The waiter did not tell us about the specials until we asked. To make matters worse, his accent made his speech almost unintelligible. The same man was the host, waiter, and bartender. The presumed hostess was AWOL except rarely. We were truly looking forward to dining here since we had many excellent meals when the restaurant was located in the Newport-Mesa area. In spite of the very good food...Never Again. read more

This place has amazing food and service. The food was cooked by a professional chef and my wife and I travel 75 miles just to eat here

Only restaurant we could find in the Harbor that had Lobster Biscue. It was okay but didn't have any lobster in the soup. The service wS good but not great. read more

I really enjoyed and was pleasantly surprised. My friend took me here last night and I did t have any expectations but I thought the food was terrific. I lived in Paris for 3 years and have eaten at some of the finest French restaurants in the world. I thought the food was great! Staff was so nice as was the chef. Would totally go back. I get the comments on the room but it was what it was. Meanwhile if anyone has been to Paris try going to some of the old incredible classic bistros it's so not about the room but then incredible food and staff. Just sayin. Try it. It's great. read more

Thank you for consistently offering great experience! Highly recommended for their fantastic staff and wonderful chef.

I am constantly surprised in how really great this restaurant is!! The food is fantastic, and I have seldom found staff so caring and friendly. I always hate to leave because it's such a really clean, comfortable and fun place. read more

Every year we take my mother in law to Gemmell's for her birthday and it is always a lovely and special experience. She adores the sand dabs. The food, wine and ambience are excellent. We can't thank our server enough for the wonderful birthday dessert they presented her. read more

See all

My husband and I enjoyed the dessert menu. We didn't come to dine but walked by after dinner and we were drawn in by the inviting music, pleasing aroma and delicious looking menu. We ordered the chocolate cake, lemon tart and creme brûlée. All three were delicious! Plus the coffee was delightfully hot, strong and smooth. We will be back for a meal as the patrons around us could be heard commenting on how delicious the food is and the smell was amazing! Service was fast, kind, friendly and pleasant. Such nice relaxing music plays in the background which makes you feel like you're in a little cafe in Paris. Such a nice experience! read more

They have a lunch special (called a business lunch special) for $15.95 you can choose soup or salad and an entrée from a nice selection (I think there were 15 different items to choose from, including steak, fish, different chicken dishes, pasta, calamari, crepes and eggs Benedict) I chose the cream of mushroom soup and salmon. It was delicious. I visited again I chose the potato leek soup and the salmon again. Great place to have a special lunch with someone or of course a business lunch. read more

This has been the worst experience I ever had. I bought a Groupon and the place was empty. Still it took two and a half hours to have dinner. We were a party of four, the food was ok once we received it, but had to go up twice to the front desk to see why it was taking so long to serve us our meal. I had the same experience when I was their a year ago, and had the same experience, said to myself that it was an off night. Will never go back. read more

John and I can't recommend this French restaurant enough. We go for lunch or dinner almost every week. The food is consistently outstanding. The staff is attentive and the setting is so relaxing. While it looks "formal" with white table cloths and candles with art on the walls and French music playing, don't be shy just come in and enjoy the food! It's not stuffy it's just delicious! John loves eggs Benedict all the time. I crave their spinach salad with warm bacon dressing. The salmon, sand dabs and beef sirloin are also great. We've never had a bad meal and hope you go and enjoy! read more

Was giving a Groupon as a birthday gift so my guy and I went and enjoyed a four course meal. The meal was fantastic, aside from some overly dry potatoes. It is a pricey spot if you don't take advantage of their deals on Groupon or living social or whatever. The soufflé was amazing with a nice lemon creme to drizzle over it. The wine selection isn't bad at all. In fact, I would happily go here just to drink off their wine menu! Really surprised this place was a little slow when we went because it's honestly a gem! I hope, if you're in the area or live nearby, make it a point to go try this place out. It's worth it. read more

See all

Just heard about this restaurant. Like authentic French cuisine so gave it a try. A nice experience overall. Appealing country decor, friendly staff with just the right amount of attentive service. Nice wine list with many choices and price ranges. The food is very good, you can tell it's cooked to order. Would like to see more classic French choices like mussels, steak frites, etc. Very good dessert choices. We will return. read more

We wait to long for our dinner. I don't know how long does it take to make the salad ready. We wait 2 hr there. The food wasn't that much good that you wanna wait 2 hours for. It is expensive. So not worth it to go there. read more

My husband and I came here for our first anniversary and we were sorely disappointed. The food was absolutely bland. One of the worst meals I have ever had, especially for the price point. The bread was hard as a rock. It hurt my teeth to bite in to it. The salmon was over cooked. The sans dab was cooked well but it was drowned in this disgusting acidic gravy. The soups had no flavor and had clearly been left out because it had developed this skin on the top. The sauce that was on the puff pastry tasted the same as what was on the salmon and it was flavorless. All of the vegetables that were on the plates were boiled and watery. The dessert was actually very good and the only highlight. We got the lemon tart and the creme brûlée. The creme brûlée had been a bit over cooked. The place was completely empty and everyone else there was using the same online coupon we had purchased. We heard the table next to us remark on the terrible food. When the waiter brought the receipt he showed me the tip he thought we should leave at 18%. He told me it was the usual tip but he can't tell me how much to give. It was very disappointing because he had offered such great service previously. It was in poor taste. I told him that honestly the food was very bland and we were exceedingly disappointed. He then told me everyone else had liked it. It honestly completely ruined the evening and was a waste of money. read more

I would have given Gemmell's 5 stars, but the service is so gawdawful that I just can't. The food is wonderful - last night's Scallops au Confit of Garlic was splendid and my husband loved his John Dory. But it took a ridiculous amount of time to put in a drink order, then actually get the drinks, then put in the dinner orders, then actually get the dinner. They were terribly understaffed, as usual. The dining rooms weren't filled, either. We're locals and every time we have a meal there, we swear we won't be back because the service is so lacking. read more

South Orange County's best kept secret. Byron Gemmel, formally of La Cuisine fame, continues to perform his culinary magic to his discerning Clients. Tucker away in the Dana Point harbor, you would ha r to travel to New York or Paris, France for a better meal. Definitely a must try read more

Been here many times and each time it's sooo delicious. I love the buttery classic french taste. It's hard to find classic food which is amazing. I've never had anything I didn't love, the manager is a gem and the chef is excellent. Please come here to be dazzled read more

Never again! Have written a couple reviews of this place. We decided to give it another try as the food is delightful. As usual, the place was more than half empty. They had 3 fish specials, sea bass, dover sole, & soft shell crabs. While there were no prices listed and you expect specials to be a tad more, the 3 of us ordered the Dover sole. The service again was not up to par, one waiter, one bus boy. The sole was perfectly prepared, the veggies were sad. We had to ask for more bread and butter. When the check arrived I damn near fell out of my chair, $54 for the sole. We were all in shock. Since no one came back to pick up our check, I went to the counter where the co-owner/hostess was near. I handed her the bill and stated that in my entire life of eating around the world, I have never seen a charge of $54 for a piece of fish. She smugly stated that it was their cost. I said I wouldn't even pay $54 for a steak, let alone a piece of fish and simple steamed veggies. We paid, left a decent tip, and walked out. The place still more than have empty/full at 7:30PM. What is a shame is that the chef, who also is a co-owner, is very good, but the service for an upscale place is poor and to rip people off with a price tag like that, is bad. None of us will be be back. read more

Amazing food! Chicken piccata is fantastic. Mushrooms for an appetizer are a must. We came here with a groupon and will definitely be back.

Five star service and exceptional food. Everything is so delicious. We absolutely loved it. Used a Groupon and the menu is extensive. Usually the menus for Groupon is so limited but we were pleasantly surprised with the menu here. There were 3 options for apps, 4 options for salad, 8 options for dinner entree and 5 options for dessert. Well done guys! We will be back soon!!! read more

Came to this restaurant unexpectedly when walking around the area for boat parade. Decorating is excellent but food was okay. I had pate for appetizer (okay). Didn't like my scallops meal. I didn't like the flavor of the sauce. My husband's steak was good. Probably won't be back to this French restaurant. read more

Amazing French Onion Soup. Great wine selections. Quiet, quaint. Indoor patio is breezy and bright during the day, fireplace is cozy at night. Roasted duck is delish. Lamb chops are awesome. Crepes are perfect. read more