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    Ilya Restaurant

    4.3 (223 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

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    ILYA RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Ilya Restaurant

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    Duck
    Jeff W.

    We went to Ilia in San Clemente for my wife's birthday dinner and overall had a great experience. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The restaurant is located right off the freeway, literally a few feet from the offramp, and parking appeared to be valet only when we arrived. As we walked toward the entrance, the atmosphere completely changes. The architecture, artwork, colors, and overall design genuinely make you feel like you've been transported somewhere in the Mediterranean. They did an awesome job creating the atmosphere, and it made for a great setting for a special night out. We started with three appetizers: the mezze platter, meatballs, and baked feta. The mezze platter was easily a standout and something I would definitely recommend. The meatballs and baked feta were both very good as well, although they had somewhat similar flavors. Next time, I'd probably choose one or the other rather than ordering both. Before our entrées, we decided to give the escargot a try. They were interesting and I'm glad we tried them, but probably not something I'd order again. For dinner, we ordered the steak frites and the half duck. The steak frites were awesome and something I would absolutely order again. The duck was more of a mixed experience. I don't see duck on menus very often, so I wanted to give it a try. The sliced duck breast was served fairly simply with greens, and I felt like it really needed a sauce or another element to bring everything together. The other portion of the dish was prepared more like duck confit with a crispy topping, and I enjoyed that part quite a bit more. It actually had a comforting flavor that reminded me a little of the holidays. Along with the duck being underwhelming, what kept the experience from being five stars was the service. It wasn't bad, but I would have liked a little more attentiveness and promptness with things like refilling drinks and making sure the table had everything we needed, and dirty dishes removed and replaced throughout the meal. Overall, Ilia was a great experience with an incredible Mediterranean atmosphere, some excellent food, and a really unique setting. Definitely worth trying, and we'll be back.

    Such an incredible experience from start to finish! From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm and welcoming, and Chef Charbel Hayek even came out to greet us personally. We asked for his favorite dishes and made sure to order his recommendations, and they did not disappoint. The complimentary bites were such a thoughtful touch and made an already special evening even better. The food, hospitality, and stunning design of the space were all top-notch. One of those dinners where the entire experience comes together perfectly. Highly recommend!

    Shakshouka (IG & TT @takeonefortheroad)
    Tiffany L.

    I spent Sunday brunch at ILYA and the space is so beautiful . Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, but those pancakes definitely stole the show. Here's everything we ordered: Truffle Market Salad - market lettuce, seasonal vegetables, truffle vinaigrette, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Grilled Octopus - romesco, chorizo butter, pickled radish, and fresh dill. Perfectly cooked! Shakshouka - organic eggs with tomato, bell pepper, cumin, and cilantro, served with sourdough toast. ILYA Pancake - whipped butter, honey soy agave syrup, and fresh berries. Definitely add this spot to your brunch rotation!

    Red snapper with no couscous
    Shahram M.

    We went out to Ilya for a nice family dining experience on a Friday night. We were disappointed that we couldn't take our puppy in their outside patio, but that's ok. Cocktails were good however I am not a big fan of a huge ice cube in a mixed cocktail. Big single ice cubes are usually used for neat drinks where you don't want the liquor to be diluted by melting ice. For a $19 margarita (which tasted great) that comes in a short glass, having a big cube results in max 4 sips of the drink before it's gone. We had the bake feta which came with two loafs of pita break which was a hit and the mezze platter which was a nice option but nothing special. For mains we had the steak frites, the Australian lamb chops and the red snapper. The steak tasted great and was perfectly cooked however the entire dish was served cold. I had to ask for a fresh side of fries. I didn't want the steak to be warmed since it was nicely cooked but the cold fries put a damper on my meal. Red snapper was great however the menu stated that it would be ok couscous but we couldn't find any. Maybe the menu needs updating? The lamb chops were great and cooked well. The side of carrots were also great but very small portion for $14. Our server was amazing however she had too many tables to cover and therefore service was quite slow. Ambiance is nice and if other items can be addressed we could go back.

    Stacey M.

    I've been to Ilya twice and absolutely love the space and ambience, it's beautiful! The drinks are beautifully prepared and excellent. Food however was mixed both visits, our group loved the Ilya Mezze and the goat cheese endive salad. The grilled octopus was prepared correctly and also a table favorite. Barramundi Carpaccio was tasty but tiny. We also ordered the baked feta, it was okay. For dinner our branzino was way overpriced and disappointing. Steak frittes also disappointed. Sea bass with night! They have valet for $10 but you can also park near by easily. Next visit we will try brunch!

    Victoria P.

    The hosts were disengaged with greeting us and still took awhile to seat us, even with a reservation. Once seated the server was great, helpful with provided recommendations. I would go to this spot more for ambience and drinks vs food. Tried the duck special. Duck was a bit too chewy, compared to other duck at fine dining restaurants. The octopus was the best app but overall nothing too special. I think the spot is worth a try, but was a little overhyped in my honest opinion.

    Menu
    Mary Ann P.

    An absolutely fantastic dinner with the most delicious food and perfect service. We celebrated our 15 year anniversary here and can't wait to come back to this beautiful spot. Our server Tayla was so personable and engaging. We thoroughly enjoyed all of her suggestions which were totally spot on. We started with the bread basket, served with a lemon butter so delicious followed by the octopus appetizer that melts in your mouth. The endive and goat cheese salad is light and refreshing. For the main course, we split the lamb chops and roasted carrots. All of the sauces and spices are perfectly balanced. We were treated to a fabulous chocolate dessert to cap off a wonderful night The interior is so pretty open and welcoming all of the staff are so attentive this is definitely five star service!

    Aileen L.

    Had a wonderful dinner at Ilya! We shared the grilled octopus and steak frites, then I ordered the sea bass for my entrée, which was easily the highlight of the meal. It was beautifully cooked, incredibly fresh, and full of flavor without feeling heavy. It's the dish I'd come back for again. We ended the evening with the tableside tiramisu, which was a fun experience and the perfect way to finish dinner. Between the warm atmosphere, attentive service, and thoughtfully prepared food, it made for a great night out. Looking forward to coming back and exploring more of the menu.

    rigatoni bolognese
    Dung N.

    This restaurant is so pretty! I love the decor! We had reservations and were promptly seated. The Clean Sheet and False Promise mocktails were colorful and not too sweet. I liked the False Promise more- it had Sencha Tea extract with coconut water, lime juice, ginger beer, and Thai basil. So refreshing! We chose the grilled tiger prawns and white fish carpaccio for our starters. Both appetizers were very tasty! For our entrees, we shared the rigatoni bolognese and branzino. They offered to take out the head and tail off, but we were experts at eating this fish. I loved how light the fish was. We chose the tres leches for our dessert! It was pretty dense, if you like that texture. The staff was very nice and friendly! It's a perfect spot for date nights or if you want to celebrate something special!

    Tiramisu
    Julie T.

    Been really into Mediterranean food lately so I came and gave this place a try as it's been in my list for a few months. It just opened 6 months ago apparently and it's pretty busy. The ambiance is really cute inside. I love the decor and the patio seating is very aesthetic. The service is a little slow, but im sure they're trying their best. The food is pretty decent. I really liked the homemade pita bread and the lamb was surprisingly very good! Would definitely give this place another try if I'm in the area

    Steak Frites
    Heather D.

    Came here for dinner with a friend and had a great experience! We started with the baked feta which was good! It came out in a cast iron with a tomato stew. We shared the Truffle Tagliatelle and the Steak Frites. Both were very good! The noodles were so soft, you can tell they are made fresh in house. The medium rare steak could have been a little bit more rare, but the flavor was good. For dessert, we did the Tiramisu which is served table side. This was super fresh and shareable for the table. The ambiance here is so chic, and worth stopping by even for just a cocktail.

    Dining area
    Kelly W.

    ILYA might be one of the prettiest Mediterranean restaurants in San Clemente. The space is bright, open, and beautifully designed, with a coastal atmosphere that makes you feel like you're on vacation. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes designed for sharing. Our favorites of the night were the ILYA Mezze and grilled octopus. The mezze was a great way to start the meal, and the octopus was especially memorable. We also tried the steak frites, half dry-aged Rohan duck, haricot vert, and the Cheating Vegan cocktail. The restaurant is led by Top Chef MENA winner Charbel Hayek, and the creativity behind the menu definitely comes through. We visited for dinner, but they also serve brunch. Overall, ILYA is a beautiful spot for a date night, celebration, or relaxed meal with friends. We'll definitely be adding it to our list of South Orange County favorites.

    Skewers
    katrina b.

    Wow so good! Lucked out and made it to happy hour lots of amazing options. Not your typical happy hour menu! Would definitely come back!

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Amazing food and service was great. The whole environment actually mimicked the Mediterranean coast vibe very well.

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    8 months ago

    The service was top notch and the food was amazing! The truffle pasta was 10/10. A must try.

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    8 months ago

    The food was delicious! The staff was warm and kind. The restaurant is as beautiful as it seems in photos. Will definitely be back!!!

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    8 months ago

    went on a Date night with my wife it was a great experience! delicious food, beautiful restaurant. Will definitely be back

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    Amazing service, food, drinks and the ambiance can't be beat! A place I'll go to time and time again!

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    Page 6 of 6

    Ask the Community - Ilya Restaurant

    Aside from several of the pastas, are there any vegetarian entrees? Couldn't see any on the menu online.

    Is there gluten free options ? My granddaughter has Celiac?

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    What's not to love about Agape 1928?! My cousin had her wedding here, and the venue was absolutely…read morebeautiful! The outdoor ceremony was a little warm, so I used the wedding program to fan myself and hubs... hush, please don't tell the bride! Thankfully, the overcast rolled in and cooled things down. The indoor reception was nice and air-conditioned, with a small dance floor perfect for celebrating. The food was great, they served sashimi as an appetizer, and there was an open bar--which was a very nice touch! Yes, please!

    Agape doesn't just host events; they curate lifelong memories with a level of sophistication and…read morewarmth that is genuinely rare. From the moment we stepped onto the grounds, we knew we were in the best hands possible. A massive, heartfelt thank you to Malea Jenkins. Malea is an absolute rockstar who guided us with poise and expertise from our very first contract draft through every intricate detail of the planning process. Having her support throughout every step of the process was a game-changer; her guidance ensured our day was not just special, but flawlessly executed. Her passion and dedication made our event everything that we could have imagined and more. The entire team at Agape has redefined hospitality for us. Every staff member we encountered was remarkably kind, attentive, and went above and beyond to be accommodating. The food was simply incredible and was easily a highlight of the evening for our guests. Agape has officially set the highest bar for what a premier event venue should be. If you're even considering them, do yourself a favor and attend one of their Happy Hour or Date Night events to experience the magic firsthand. We are already looking forward to hosting all of our future milestones here. Highest possible recommendation!

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    Ole Hanson Beach Club - Ole Hanson balcony

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    4.7(44 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Terrific wedding venue! In the summer the sunset is just gorgeous and the lawn is well-manicured…read moreand well-equipped for ceremony throughput. The Spanish-style steps are really neat and the view that overlooks the beach is something else. Bear in mind there are noise ordinances in place that are pretty darn strict: the processional music is going to be quiet, and the wrap time is 10 PM (if not a little before) to ensure that the neighbors don't complain. The inside area where the dancing is can get pretty hot and steamy and the ordinance forbids having the doors open to air the place out. But the view/grandeur of the space to cost ratio is pretty unbeatable, just hope that there aren't any trains passing by during important parts of the ceremony! Would love to come back for another wedding!

    Ole Hanson Beach Club has been a staple to San Clemente since I can remember. I used to take…read moreswimming lessons there as a kid, and now my friend's kids too. They offer some awesome classes to the community, as well as a kids club in the summer, swim lessons and can be rented for various events, like weddings. This has always been the spot for high schoolers to take prom pictures too! The building itself is beautiful and the surrounding views are amazing. There's a ramp that leads down to north beach and the train station. Also, there is a walking trail right at the beach too. There's also some great restaurants nearby, like Moulin, Beach Hut Deli and a new Steak restaurant. Just note that all parking is metered and you will get a ticket if you don't pay. Ultimately, this is a gorgeous venue for a party, picnic and more!

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    Ole Hanson Beach Club
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    The Casino - The hall showing photographs of long ago stars who performed at this venue.

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    Run don't walk from this location!!!!! you will be treated like shit from their Staff!!!…read more This is a picture of the employee that works at The Casino San Clemente. He was extremely RUDE AND NASTY to my husband and I. We were in the neighborhood looking at possibility of using the place for an upcoming wedding. And he basically said we were trespassing and asked us to leave in a VERY rude manner. He also threatened to call the police for supposedly "trespassing" even though we're locals that live in the neighborhood and just wanted to get a brief peak at the facility that they were decorating for a wedding. Even one of the vendors said please come take a look. What a stupid and horrible, horrible way of providing customer service to Potential clients. This person should be fired and reprimanded for his behavior. Nothing I would expect from a San Clemente Community center.

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    The Casino - At the courtyard with an amazing jazz band and performance by Mando Cordova

    At the courtyard with an amazing jazz band and performance by Mando Cordova

    The Casino - Photo Credit | LXN Photography, Lianna Xiaokui Nakashima -- Inquire to Book Your Wedding, Events, Portraits on https://LXNPhotography.com

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    Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens - Main hall of museum

    Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

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    The hours are limited here and the first time I discovered this place, I came after it closed but I…read moremade a mental note to visit when back in San Clemente. Today, I was on my way back from Irvine and remembered that I wanted to come here and made it here before they closed at 2pm. They have very limited hours so check their schedule. Admission is $8 and they have a ample parking here too. This place is just gorgeous. This is one of the homes of Ole Hanson, who is the founder of San Clemente. He also had residence in LA. He built San Clemente to resemble a Spanish village and that explains why I love San Clemente so much. I came here a few months ago and just loved walking around San Clemente and it reminded me of the Mediterranean. Two hours is plenty of time to explore this house with devastatingly beautiful views of the ocean. The breeze coming into the Museum part of the house is just lovely and made me want to linger just that much longer. You see, I love the ocean and seeing the water is so calming and relaxing. There are beautiful trees, plants, flowers here and I found myself wanting to just have a picnic here. Or lay in the grass and read a book. There is a gift shop here and beverages and light snacks can also be purchased there. I also grabbed a calendar to see what events they have here and I will def be back one evening to see the sunset here. Dont miss this place in San Clemente, it is such a treat to visit!

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    Photos
    Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens - Courtyard

    Courtyard

    Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens - View of the pier

    View of the pier

    Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens - PC: Luzye Photography

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    PC: Luzye Photography

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    5.0(11 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    I could write a book about how wonderful this venue is! A truly hidden gem in the historic art…read moredistrict in Dana Point. What makes it even more amazing are Cynthia and her husband Doug! Cynthia helped me coordinate and plan our event for my son's Baptism reception and she brought the ideas in my head to life!! I've been disappointed with coordinators before. Cynthia is amazing! She took all of my stresses away and eased my mind with her guidance, experience, and professionalism. And one of the most important things to mention is that she worked with the budget I had to create that wonderful evening for us. She and Doug truly treat you like family. And they treated all of our family during the event - like family! Making sure everything was set up perfectly. And that everyone was enjoying themselves! I can't thank her enough and would absolutely recommend her catering services as well as this venue to everyone! Here are major points: Venue: Absolutely unique! They have projectors throughout the venue that can display moving backgrounds or photo montages throughout your event. So it can feel like you're in an underwater aquarium, or NY in the 50s, or in a peaceful forest! They can also display different backgrounds or photo montages in different areas of the venue. Music: they have speakers throughout the venue and also outside so you can give them a playlist or even sync your Bluetooth so you can have your own playlist going. I suggested to Doug the "vibe" I was going for - Nora Jones meets Michael Buble meets Indie Arie. He definitely delivered!! You can also hire a DJ or a live band, however that may decrease your space usage for the venue. So it just depends on how many guests you want to have. Dance floor: they can stage the dance floor almost anywhere in the venue! Again, depending on how many guests you have. Outdoor patio: cute stylish outdoor patio area with fire pit! Our guests loved lounging in this area. Flower arrangements: Cynthia showed me several examples and were exactly what I envisioned! Food and beverages: SO delicious! Cynthia has a website of her catering services and menu options to choose from, or you can let her know the type of food you're thinking of having and she can totally work with you! With her expertise, you can rest easy that she will deliver. We chose to have food served buffet style, but hors d'ouvres were butler In terms of beverages, we had water and tea station as well as a coffee and hot tea station. There is also the cutest little bar on the patio of the venue where Cynthia let us purchase our own alcohol to be served to our guests! And our bartender was awesome - professionally courteous yet super friendly and down to earth. The wait staff - professional and courteous! Very kind to all of our guests. Parking: There is a lot across the venue where guests can park and a few parking spaces right next to the venue. BONUS: We were able to drop off materials we needed to set up for the evening of the event a week prior! Depending on if the venue has events going on, Cynthia let me store most of our materials there a few days before the event which is such a time saver and stress reliever!! I was able to bring in the set up for our DIY photobooth, the frames that we were to display throughout the venue, and the beverages we purchased for the event as well as the cake! I highly recommend this venue and will definitely contact them again for future events!! Thanks so much again Cynthia and Doug for making our event so wonderfully special!!

    We recently had the opportunity to DJ an event at The Fish Tank in Capistrano Beach (34233 Via…read moreSanta Rosa, Dana Point), and it immediately impressed us. Start with the owner. Cate is professional, responsive, and genuinely collaborative. Communication is clear. Load-in is organized. The space is clean and well maintained. When a venue runs this smoothly, it reduces friction for vendors and creates a better experience for clients and guests. That kind of operational competence doesn't happen by accident. The design is what makes this venue distinct. The short-throw projectors transform the walls into a fully immersive aquarium or fishbowl environment. It's not a novelty effect; it's a production tool. For weddings, the room can feel atmospheric and romantic. For corporate events, branded visuals wrap the space in a way that feels custom and high-end. Few venues at this size offer that level of visual flexibility. From an audio standpoint, the room performs extremely well. We run MagiCali, a Southern California mobile DJ company specializing in weddings and corporate events, and we evaluate every room through a production lens. We look at ceiling height, wall material, reflection patterns, power distribution, and how low-end energy travels across a dancefloor. We've worked in luxury ballrooms, outdoor coastal venues, private estates, and converted industrial spaces. The Fish Tank is one of the rare venues where you don't have to compensate for the room. Speeches are articulate and easy to understand. Dinner music sits comfortably without overwhelming conversation. When it's time to transition into dancing, the room holds energy evenly instead of creating hot spots or dead zones. That tells you the space was built and tuned with care. For clients, that technical quality translates into confidence. You don't have to worry about muddy sound during toasts or harsh reflections once the music turns up. The venue supports the event instead of fighting it. There are many event spaces in Orange County. Very few combine strong visual identity, flexible projection capability, solid acoustics, and hands-on ownership. The Fish Tank is an undiscovered gem, and for what Cate currently charges, it represents exceptional value. It would not be surprising to see this venue commanding significantly higher rates in the near future. If you're planning a wedding, private celebration, or corporate event in Dana Point or Capistrano Beach, this space deserves serious consideration. It's distinctive, technically sound, and professionally run -- exactly the kind of venue that allows a well-executed event to shine.

    Photos
    The Fish Tank Capo - A photo of the room on the night that Magicali Entertainment DJ'd a wedding there.

    A photo of the room on the night that Magicali Entertainment DJ'd a wedding there.

    The Fish Tank Capo - Another shot, this one from the balcony, showing the dancefloor being DJ'd by Magicali Entertainment.

    Another shot, this one from the balcony, showing the dancefloor being DJ'd by Magicali Entertainment.

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    La Ventura - Dining hall. 8/1/26

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    4.8(30 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    A beautiful venue! Was here as a wedding guest weeks back. Location is in San Clemente on S El…read moreCamino Real. This is a lovely place for a wedding. Love how the outdoor seating and the dining hall are both located on the property. The hubby and I arrived early as he was also a guest and the singer/acoustic guitarist for part of it. The dinner was amazing. My roasted chicken over mashed potatoes and carrots was delicious. Tried my husband's salmon and that was good too. The bar area had both non-alcoholic and alcoholic mixed drinks. Parking was valet for the majority. The valet staff were all nice. We had arrived early so we parked ourselves but they had to move a vehicle that was in front of us and that was ok. At one point, the wedding party rode golf carts to the beach for photos. Overall it's a lovely venue for a wedding or special occasion.

    It's been way too many years since our family has had a wedding so I was super excited when one of…read moremy cousins announced last year that he was getting married. Fast forward to last night and we attended their ceremony at La Ventura and we all had such a wonderful time! La Ventura is a very beautiful and intimate place. There's a small indoor bar area by the main lobby and an outdoor patio where there was a photo booth and gelato station set up. I am not sure if they were outside vendors because while the photo booth staff was GREAT and he was just so patient with all of us but the service from the gelato bar staff kind of fell short. Other than that, everything about the wedding was fantastic.

    Photos
    La Ventura - Photos of the venue and patio

    Photos of the venue and patio

    La Ventura - Hubby was sound checking. (Singing and playing guitar for our friends' wedding) 8/1/26

    Hubby was sound checking. (Singing and playing guitar for our friends' wedding) 8/1/26

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    4.8(18 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    We started working with Simone/Aventura Ocean Club/Orange County Beach Weddings in…read moreSeptember/October 2018. I (the bride) was working in the area when I stopped by Aventura Ocean Club by myself at first to check the venue out. I loved it so much I had to bring my now husband back as soon as we got back from a mini vacation and on that day, we secured the location. Just imagine an amazing view of the harbor and sailboats while feeling relaxed in a room that is modern, intimate and designed well. This venue is NOT old school like some weddings that we have all been to, its updated and amazing. Besides the view, another huge selling point is the largest wrap around balcony I have seen at a wedding. Aventura Ocean Club sets up couches, chairs, and a firepit outside for the guests to enjoy while they are not inside. We had our wedding on 8/10/2019 and we have nothing but great things to say about the venue. We got married at Heritage Park in Dana Point (Simone coordinated all of this) and had our reception at Aventura Ocean Club. I am still getting compliments to this day about the venue, the view, the decorations, the food, the grand entrance that we did (think sail boat entrance) and even the florals, DJ and photographer we used (all who came recommended from Simone). We could not have asked for a better wedding and we are truly pleased. It is obvious Simone cares about her clients and truly believes in marriage and happiness, she was wonderful to work with. A few helpful hints about this venue: 1. It is intimate but fit 100 people on the inside with no issue. 2. Your guests will rave about the sail boat grand entrance if you choose this option. 3. If you use their wedding package/coordinating services (which you should in a heartbeat) your event will look even better than you imagined but with your style through and through. 4. Simone/Aventura Ocean Club/Orange County Beach Weddings and all her recommended vendors will give you the wedding of your dreams. 5. This was in our price range where a lot of other beach/beachy/coastal venues were significantly more money and you had to do everything yourselves.

    I've been to the harbor a few times and never had the chance to visit this venue. I met Jeff who…read moreworks here who was amazing and welcoming. The drinks were good and let's talk about the view! Wow! There's a TON of parking so that's always good too. I would highly recommend this venue. Service, food, drinks and the view. Can't beat that!

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    Aventura Ocean Club
    Aventura Ocean Club
    Aventura Ocean Club - Reception at the Harbor Room

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    Reception at the Harbor Room

    Ilya Restaurant - mediterranean - Updated September 2026

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