Had the best Mother's Day experience at Rancho Capistrano Winery! The service was incredible, and every server made it a priority to wish all the moms a Happy Mother's Day, which made the experience feel so thoughtful and special. The food was off the charts, the ambiance was beautiful, and the wine never disappoints. Don't get me started on the rosé with jalapeños... SO good. Highly recommend the fig bruschetta, caprese salad, and the steak berry salad! We finished with the lemon cielo cake and carrot cake, and both were amazing. 11/10 experience, we will definitely be back! read more

Rancho Capistrano Winery - Wineries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

First of all, we made the reservation and noted that we had a 3rd person in a wheelchair. When we arrived, they showed us to a small table for 2 (check out the picture). I told them that we would not be able to sit at that table as we had a 3rd in a wheelchair. The hostess seemed to just think we were going to leave, but I asked to see a manager. After waiting 10 minutes and the manager having not shown up, another server came by to tell us they were clearing a handicap table for us - another 10 minutes later and we were seated. That server did however bring us a glass of champagne. After we ordered, it took almost an hour before our food was served and my fillet w/blue cheese mashed potatoes and carrots were cold and the potatoes had no flavor of blue cheese. The mashed potatoes were hard - as if they had been sitting out for an hour. This was Easter Sunday and we were hoping for a nice meal with my 95 yr old mother. That did not happen! We won't be back. read more

Rancho Capistrano Winery - Here is the table they gave us to sit with my 95 year old wheelchair bound mother. There is no way the three of us could have sat here! - Wineries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

We were really looking forward to dining here, but unfortunately our experience was disappointing. We were seated at a table directly next to the exterior door, and staff were going in and out every few seconds. It was cold and uncomfortable the entire time. When we politely asked our server if we could move, we were told no because "every table was booked," even though the restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived. We then asked the host if there was any flexibility, and she told us management said we would need to remain at that table despite the cold draft. Interestingly, another server overheard the conversation and immediately offered to move us to a different table, which made the earlier refusals even more confusing. Beyond the seating issue, the food itself did not meet expectations. For the price point, the quality and flavor were underwhelming. Overall, the layout near the door creates a very uncomfortable dining experience, and the lack of accommodation from staff was frustrating. We left disappointed and would not return read more

Came here for brunch and was underwhelmed. We got seated immediately even though they couldn't find our reservation (due to a system issue). It took awhile to get our food though - we waited about 30-40 minutes despite the restaurant not being super busy. When food arrived, everything was just ok. We ordered the burger medium rare, and it came out well done and really dry. Nothing stood out, including the wine flight. read more

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A more expansive menu than tge other two kitchens but they deliver somilar quality. Patio is great. Sausage pizza and tomato soup were delectable read more

Rancho Capistrano Winery - Wednesday smashburger is a must order - Wineries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Adding a third review because Rancho Capistrano Winery just keeps getting better and better! We wanted to take the time to shout out and thank Scott, Ace & Gavin for their incredible service! They always go out of their way to make every experience special & fun! They are personable & always remember our order & give us new recommendations! We love the rotating menus every month & trying something new! Thank you RCW for having the most amazing staff & giving us a place we can happily attend every single week! read more

Rancho Capistrano Winery - Halibut with risotto and veggies - Wineries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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Came here for lunch on a Wednesday and had a wonderful time. The patio ambiance, food, and service were all amazing. My husband had the tacos, I had a salad, and we shared a bottle of Chardonnay. Everything was fresh and delicious, and the relaxing atmosphere made it such an enjoyable afternoon. read more

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The winery was really pretty and the food was good, but our server was a jerk. Don't let the tall brunette with thinning hair serve you. He was flirting with me when i sat down then when i turned him down he said i would "just be fat like my mom soon" OBVIOUSLY never going there again. So sad the place was beautiful but FIRE HIM!!! read more

Tried to celebrate Father's Day... had to wait over an hour and a half because of an unknown reason in the kitchen.. server and manager walked by table multiple times, without checking on us. Drinks were finally refilled by another server after she walked by three times and noticed we were being ignored. Dining room was pretty much empty... Overheard another server tell another table there was a back up In the kitchen but our server never checked on us or gave us any kind of update. First and last time we will be going to this place. Disappointed in service and food. read more

Wednesday smash burger = special! It was so good we had to come back the next Wednesday. Highly recommend coming down and trying this! read more

Rancho Capistrano Winery - Wineries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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We walked out of the restaurant on Father's Day without ever getting our food. We were one of the first tables seated, yet somehow every table around us was served before us. We watched multiple parties arrive after us and get their food. Some even finished eating, paid and left while we continued to wait. After about an hour, we asked about our order. The manager came over and, surprisingly, said he didn't know why it was taking so long. No real explanation, no update, and no sense of urgency to fix the situation. Another 30 minutes passed and we still had no food. After waiting a total of 1.5 hours, we finally gave up and left. We understand holidays are busy, and delays can happen. What was frustrating was the complete lack of communication and accountability. If there was an issue with our order, just tell us. Instead, we were left waiting while table after table was served around us. One of the most disappointing dining experiences we've had. read more

We have been coming here for a while and have had great experiences almost every time - good food, ambiance etc. We came for my birthday this week and it was horrible - we were so disappointed. Terrible service, and the food wasn't good at all. Our appetizers came out and we finished them before we got plates (after waiting). The "Brussels sprouts" were smothered in more cheese than actual Brussels sprouts. I ordered my steak medium rare and it came well done. It was our go to spot, but this week was a bummer and not feeling great about coming back. read more

Rancho Capistrano Winery is such a great spot if you're looking for a relaxed but elevated wine experience. The setting is beautiful and laid-back, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your time whether you're stopping by for a quick tasting or planning to hang out for a while. It has that perfect balance of being welcoming without feeling touristy or pretentious. The wine selection is solid, with something for every palate. You can tell care goes into what they pour, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly without being pushy. They're happy to answer questions or make recommendations, which makes the experience feel personal and easygoing. Overall, Rancho Capistrano Winery is the kind of place you'll want to come back to. Great wine, great atmosphere, and a comfortable vibe that makes you want to stay longer than planned. Easy five stars and a must-visit if you're in the area read more

I want to start off by saying Brynn was amazing. Very hospitable and accommodating. Also very informative about the menu. It amazes me that they have blankets on standby in case you get cold. All you have to do is ask. We ordered a bunch of food and ate it family style. My favorite was definitely the lobster Mac and cheese and the mushroom truffle pizza. The rest of our party loved everything we ordered. The selection of wine is extensive, this is a winery so that's pretty much a given. Good selection of beer too. Ambiance was all over the place. This wasn't the restaurants fault as we dined on the patio and the neighboring park was doing an outdoor concert. It was a bit loud but went back to their usual ambiance after it ended. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you're in the area. read more

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So... the private event left the rest of us longing for actual effort. The service, food and environment were all sub-par. While I wouldn't judge the place on this experience, I do hold the management accountable for not staffing it right and leaving us "regular" customers to deal with the slow service. The food was average and luke-warm by the time we got it. We were members for a year plus but these type of experiences left us to end that membership and look for another regular spot. read more

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Loved the location and outdoor seating area! Pet friendly, fireplace and friendly staff. Portion sizes vary!! The huevos rancheros plate is so small not filling But the chicken in Barrada pesto sandwich is so hearty and hefty but both delicious! Great spot to visit if you're exploring SJC. We actually had lunch and drinks here and it was so easy to head out and visit other cool spots all walking distance. read more

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I would beware of this place if you aren't white...My friend and I were very excited to get a well deserved glass of wine after a long day of shopping. Although the outside patio was not at all busy, they placed us at a cornor table and recieved the worst service, or Better yet NO service for the whole hour and half we were there. One of the two instances, that we spoke to our waiter (Alyssa), we asked to sample one of the Reds and she instantly directed us to the flight of wine... it is a Preselected flight that contained none of the wines we were intrested in. Completely dismissive, You would think that at a 'Winery', youd be able to sample them. After ordering and receiving the two flights, Alyssa proceeded to check in at every table ,minus ours, even though we made a point to say we were going to order food. An hour goes by and we ask a bus boy to get out waiter for the check. Service was absolutely ridiculous. Considering the area and prices, just do your job. I recommend checking out the bar across the train tracks at Rodeo. read more

Wow! Awesome restaurant & winery! RCW was so on-point today, as usual Mother's Day brunch was a great success for my wife & family! Great ambiance, exceptional service, & food was amazingly delicious! I got the burger. & added bacon- It totally hit! Then, we got the limoncello cake & carrot cake for dessert- Great choices to wrap up such a great dining experience! You have to put RCW Ladera Ranch on your list ! read more

Where do I begin! The Ladera RCW location is my absolute favorite. Beautiful views of the mountains nearby, perfect for me and my fiancé to enjoy date nights - with both an incredible indoor and outdoor ambiance. The inside is Michelin quality aesthetics, with an exposed kitchen interior, giving guests a view of the magic happening from the chefs and staff. With a floor to ceiling wine cellar, it's a reminder of both the blend of quality and family friendly vibes that make Ladera a special place! The wine is honestly incredible, the Bougainvillea is my personal favorite. Brunch, Lunch or Dinner - RCW is always a family favorite. read more

Service and food was terrible. Yes this was Mother's Day but they were not bus and yet we waited over an hour and a half for food that was over cooked and cold. The pasta was hard and not cooked and steak was well done and hard to chew and the steak is not the steak you actually list on your menu. The waitress told us " sorry it's the busiest day of the year" as she walked by and did not sincerely stop and apologize. It's much easier to understand if your team is actually empathetic. And she avoided us at all cost just because we asked about our food. You need to work on your customer experience and service or you won't last long! read more

Rancho Capistrano Winery - Wineries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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I made a Mother's Day brunch reservation specifically requesting outdoor seating for my party of 10, only to arrive and be told we were moved inside with no advance notice. On one of the busiest and most important brunch days of the year, that's unacceptable. What made the experience even worse was the manager Laura's attitude. When I asked about the change, she was completely unapologetic, rude, and dismissive. There was no attempt to accommodate us, no empathy, and no accountability -- just excuses about how "lots of things changed." If a restaurant can't honor reservations or at minimum communicate changes ahead of time, especially for a large party on Mother's Day, they shouldn't be taking those reservations in the first place. The lack of professionalism and customer service was shocking. In addition to not being seated outdoors, the service was extremely slow, it took over an hour to order and get our food and the restaurant wasn't even at capacity. Very disappointing experience and definitely not how anyone wants to spend Mother's Day. read more

This was my first time here, and I made a reservation several days in advance and specifically selected outdoor patio seating, which was confirmed. Upon arrival, that seemed to be dismissed. We waited over an hour for our food, and when it finally arrived, my order was incorrect, which led to another 15 minute wait while it was remade. There were also little to no check-ins, which made the experience feel somewhat impersonal. That being said, the food itself was very good once it came out. The inside still had a nice atmosphere, and I understand it was a busy day, but better communication and attentiveness would have improved the experience. I'd still give this place another try on a less busy day. read more

I love their patio, it's warm and welcoming. The wine list offers enough variety's to find one you like. I usually go with the Mariposa Chardonnay. The food is a bit overpriced but it is tasty. The portions are large and they slow substitutions. Service has always been friendly. My only complaint is that they burn scented candles in the restaurant lobby. You walk in and are met by a strong perfume smell which messes up your palate. I worked in restaurants many years and always trained my teams not to wear perfume as to not interfere with the smells of the food. read more

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This has become one of our go-to dining spots after joining their wine club. I wish we lived closer because we'd be there more often. All the workers there are super friendly and a joy to talk to. They're always helpful and willing and to give their advice on drinks or food. It's a huge restaurant with bar seating, indoor seating around an exhibition style kitchen and outdoor seating on a large wraparound porch. Happy hour specials are great and all the food is delicious. read more

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Great food. Great service. Great Ambiance. So glad to be a member. It's always nice to go in and be served by Nick or Kelly. They always remember us. read more

RCW never disappoints - the food is always fantastic and the servers are always super friendly. We had the 1/2 chicken and the Stroganoff and both were fantastic. To complete a great meal we had their amazing Whiskey Bundt cake! read more

Rancho Capistrano Winery - Great recommendation by our server - 1/2 chicken had terrific flavor! - Wineries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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While Rancho Capistrano winery in Ladera had good food and a funny atmosphere the price is a bit more on the high side especially for the level of service and workers. Out waiter Nicholas was great and very attentive throughout the meal with good recommendations but with some of the other staff we saw some small concerns. During the duration of a meal we watched a blonde waitress spend most of the time playing on her phone near the kitchen while another server had a lot more facial piercings such as a bull ring and multiple lip piercings then would be expected at a restaurant going for a high end feel with high end pricing. While neither directly affected us it was surprising when the average entrée price was 30-50 dollars with 20+ dollar appetizers and desserts. As for beverages they only have beer and wines with a rice wine cocktail menu. However for a restaurant with winery in the name they only had a single page wine list with local options from the county. At this point probably a 50/50 chance if we would be back but worth a try if you're looking for decent food even if a bit over priced. read more

This place had a great outdoor space to enjoy the weather with a couple glasses of wine! The food was pretty decent, particularly the fries. The wine selection was varied and quite delicious - I loved the flight option so that I could try a variety of different reds and whites. I'll definitely be back! read more

Haley was great again as usual ! Tried the burger this trip after a long run of pork chops and salads. One of the best flavorful burgers around. Thanks team! read more

Rancho Capistrano Winery - Capo burger. - Wineries Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

We came here for a business dinner as a party of 11. We sat on the big, spacious deck/porch that reminded me of the big wrap-around you see in the old south, with heaters everywhere. The appetizers were small and kind of whatever for the price. The entrees were good, I didn't hear anyone complain, and mine was tasty and well proportioned. I would've given this place 3 stars just because nothing really stood out or dazzled but I'm going with 4 because the porch vibe is really nice. Our server was also very nice and that definitely added to the evening in a positive way. They need to work on their taste and figure out a way to make their menu more on par with the taste/price/quantity thing that can be the biggest differentiator between those fan favorite restaurants that always have a line out the door and mediocre restaurants that last 5-10 years. Everything but the taste/menu/appetizer game is dialed in. I would eat here again though since it's close to the office. read more

A girlfriend and I went for a little weekend getaway and wanted a flight before dinner. Both individuals working the winery saw us, and waited an unusually long time to greet us and get our order... and this was only apparent to me after I watched them IMMEDIATELY greet two other parties. I even had to go back up to the bar to get water that we asked for as well as check out (no one else had to do this). I really liked their wine though (even bought a bottle!). Let's just say if you don't look like you are from the area...you are sadly treated differently. read more

One of my favorite places to relax, have good food and wine. Really great value for what you get. As with many restaurants, they need to have good food and drinks. What brings us back is the atmosphere and the people. They make the difference. All of them are very friendly and helpful. Always upbeat and engaging. As a response. I do not judge the people based on looks or if they may need to be on phone. I judge the place on manners, being courteous, respectful, and helpful. Additionally on the quality of the food which is very good. Will definitely be back. read more

We stumbled across Rancho Capistrano Winery on accident but I'm so glad we did! We came in on a Saturday afternoon for a glass of wine. We didn't try their food but their options looked good. My boyfriend got a red wine flight and overall he said they were good. I got one of their monthly wines and really enjoyed it. We sat outside on a rainy September day and it was perfect. Overall great place to come and enjoy a glass of wine! read more

Excellent experience at RCW in Ladera Ranch! Avery was so kind and helpful and our meals were excellent! We had delicious glasses of Cab and started with GF coconut shrimp - our meals were the half Chicken / rice / veg and A delicious burger (GF bun) and fries! The GF options were in abundance and we will absolutely be back! Loved the open kitchen view and the inside of the restaurant is very esthetic! read more

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A bit shocked at the prices but the experience was a good one. The fig bruschetta is delicious the whipped Gorgonzola really takes it next level. Wines are ok - $14-17 per glass. Smoked Caesar salad was just alright, we wanted a light dinner and this fit the bill. Nice ambiance and hostess and servers were kind and welcoming. read more

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Terrible service. Took an hour for us to receive our food. When we asked what was taking so long, we were told Door Dash orders were prioritized over in-house customers. Then, once we got our food, the orders were wrong. Perhaps an off day for them, but save yourself the trouble and go to the SJC location. read more

We have been here a few times and have never been too impressed. Pros: ambiance and service - it's a nice restaurant in terms of look and feel; the servers/bartenders have always been nice. Cons: the food is just not very good. The burger is soggy and not very tasty, the short rib ragu is very plain (even the server suggested we get a side of pepper when we ordered it), and the bruschetta is also underwhelming. We did like the BBQ chicken flatbread, but it was overpriced and small. Wine is good but also seems a bit overpriced. read more

Mother's Day brunch was so lovely. First time at this location and I have to say it was such a wonderful experience. Great food, fabulous ambiance, amazing staff!! There was so much love all around for all the mothers celebrating Mother's Day. The best experience read more

Ordered a ribeye and it came out looking and tasting boiled rather than properly seared. When I mentioned it, I was told "that's the only way the chef can cook it." A ribeye should have a nice crust and grilled flavor, not a steamed texture. Disappointing experience. read more

There's a lot to like about Ranch Capistrano Winery. The staff is friendly and attentive, the Bordeaux was our favorite, and the space is clean and beautifully maintained. It's the kind of place you want to hang out for a while, with a glass in hand and good company. But here's the issue: there's not a single vegetarian entrée on the menu. For a modern, upscale winery, that's just hard to believe. You've got a few options like pizza, a salad or two, and some appetizers, but if you're looking for a proper meal without meat, you're out of luck. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans are vegetarian or actively trying to cut down on meat. It's not a fringe request anymore. And with so many great vegetarian dishes out there, it's frustrating that nothing has made it onto the main menu. At the very least, they could offer a veggie patty for the burger. Other easy adds: pasta with roasted vegetables, a grilled portobello sandwich, eggplant parmesan, stuffed peppers, tofu or sweet potato-based plates. Even a seasonal risotto would be a solid fit with the wine list. We'd love to come here more often, but until they put some thought into vegetarian options, it's hard to fully recommend. read more