San Clemente/Dana Point/SJC has a great new breakfast and lunch option in The White Rooster, which is so impressive that after the first visit I know we will be hack again and again. We came for breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 24 shortly after they opened and expected a large crowd after a newspaper article detailing the opening. It was busy but we were seated right away. The menu is the result of a surf trip the chef-owner Michael Campbell took from Santa Barbara to Ensenada where he was exposed to smoked meats, fruit juices roadside, Mexican classics and outstanding waffles and French toast. If you are a foodie you will read the menu listing the ingredients and say, "Why didn't I think of that combination?" The creativity is startling, dazzling at times and incredibly compatible. Let's look at the juices, which are so impressive (we sampled all three) that we will not visit in the future without ordering one. The OC juices as orange, carrot, lemon, tumeric and ginger. Eternal Life has lime, cucumber, apple and spirulina. I thought the cucumber would be off-putting but it worked. La Jolla Lemonade has pineapple, papaya, mango and mint. Note that those last ingredients are what make these juices so memorable. These are examples of the chef's dynamic approach to food and drink. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu, seem genuinely thrilled to be working there and can make recommendations all over the menu. We ordered the smoked carnitas brunch burrito as a bowl and the smoked tri-tip tacos as a bowl. The carnitas had a grilled small sliced sweet potato that had been grilled and was a perfect small touch. The house smoked meats were moist and superb. We will be back for the banana bread skillet, the N'reasters blue corn waffle that our personable waiter Payton loves, the shrimp and grits tamales and the smoked turkey breast Reuben. Need more info? Read the story that inspired us to visit at https://www.restaurantmagazine.com/white-rooster-dana-point-restaurant-opening/ read more

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We stopped by on our way to the Candlelight Quartet at the Ritz Carlton. I was pleasantly surprised by the beachy vibes and open front in a little corner strip of stores. The first thing we noticed was a weird picture of a filleted fish on the wall...see pics. The incredible server, Sterling, recommended the fish tacos, and they are probably the best fish taco I've ever put in my mouth (next to a fresh caught fish taco in Cabo I got a few years ago . Anyhow, it turns out I don't give a crap what kind of pictures you have on your walls if your tacos taste that good! Sterling AMAZING Food AMAZING Ambiance AMAZING read more

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I have actually waited for The White Rooster to open and it did not disappoint me. I have frequently been to the owner Michael's other restaurant in San Juan Capistrano, The Pacifica Pearl Cafe. The new place is located in a former favorite restaurant of mine that closed its doors. The restaurant very welcoming the only thing today, it was very cold outside and it was also cold in the restaurant. I also found that the noise level was extremely loud, but that could've been the three-year-old that kept screaming and no one at that table seemed to control the screaming child! The servers were excellent and very attentive. The food was absolutely amazing. Another problem we ordered two hot teas and two coffees and they were not brought out to our table , after many times of asking... till after our food arrived. I'm sure all these things that were negative were because it's a new place, and they will be worked out. I will be going back to try more of the menu. Congratulations to the owner on opening this new restaurant. I'm sure it will be a big hit in the Dana point area. Want to say kudos to Peyton who took care of us. And then another server was very nice to help with the wheelchair- by putting it in the trunk for us despite it raining, he went out in the rain and out of his way to be a gracious server! read more

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Food was fabulous! Always a great place for Friday brunch. Brynn our server was the best!!

We came for dinner tonight and it was amazing! We ordered the Irish nachos with carnitas, fish tacos, tri tip tacos, ranchero burrito and the banana bread skillet - all were soooo good! Highly recommend! read more

Great spot off Hwy 1 that worked well for the family! Interesting food options-blue corn, brown rice, Mexican coke, turmeric juice! The restaurant opens up with big roller doors. Service was quick and responsive. Plenty of parking and a variety of tables options inside and out. Would go again! read more

My boyfriend had come here and wanted to bring me back. I glanced at the menu and told him I wasn't feeling "Mexican" even though there were some other options. I ended up ordering huevos rancheros, even though I wasn't feeling "Mexican". It was AWESOME!! I asked for pico de gallo but they didn't have any. Instead our server Cori P. brought out pickled zucchini in lieu of pico de gallo. Who would have thought that pickled zucchini would make my meal over the top ?! GENIUS !! My boyfriend ordered the grilled yellowtail bowl and there were no leftovers. This was delicious and great for the price. The bf also ordered the horchata latte and Saddleback Sangria Slushy, made with white wine, papaya, mango, pineapple and lime. I had a Sauvignon Blanc from Valle de Guadalupe, a wine region in Ensenada that we've frequented often. I have to mention that our server Cori P went above and beyond. She was accommodating, professional and so friendly. I'm so happy that I gave this restaurant a chance because we will definitely be back! read more

The White Rooster - Mexican coke and Bodegas Henri Lurton Sauvignon Blanc from Valle de Guadalupe. Cheers !! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Ella was a pleasure. She had the best recommendations and was so sweet , I look forward to going back just for her service. The Resturant has a great ambiance as well. read more

First time here and wow was it amazing. Our server Emily went above and beyond, she made amazing recommendations and sold us on everything she described. Food was delicious, couldn't have had a better experience! Definitely will be back. read more

Excellent food--delicious, fresh, and made with high-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. I especially appreciate that they do not use seed oils, which is rare to find. Everything tasted clean and flavorful without feeling heavy. The service was attentive, friendly, and professional, and the atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. It's refreshing to find a restaurant that prioritizes ingredient quality while still delivering an outstanding dining experience. I will definitely be back. read more

This is a tricky one, I have been 3 times, service has been mediocre each time I have been in. I let the first two slide since it was still in the early days of opening and I understand they are working out the kinks. But again today, we waited for a bit to get acknowledged, the gal that sat us did bring us water and menus, but then we didn't see our server for about 10mins, maybe even more. When ordering, since it was my friends birthday, I asked if we could put in the order for the french toast and have that come out first and then our entrees after- or if it was easier we could order our entrees after we got the sweet treat. He said no it was fine, he would be sure to have the french toast come first. That didn't happen, our entrees came out well before, and then finally when the french toast did come it was burnt pretty bad (pic attached). I have had it before so I recognize it had been much better before, regardless it was still tasty. Our entrees were really great. Again, why I struggle with this review, I REALLY don't want to knock this place- I dig it, I love the food, the concept, the vibe- all of it, I truly want it to succeed. I'm hoping a manager or the owner sees this and sees where they can improve- I love supporting local small business and want to see them crush it. I will be back in the future and hope that some of the kinks get worked out and I can update my review to a 5 star. read more

The White Rooster - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

Food was great, server asked me if I wanted my chai hot or cold and I said hot, funny I ended up getting both. I ordered a scrambled breakfast and asked if I could get over med eggs, she said yes, no problem. They arrived scrambled. I was fine and ate them. But good service, maybe she didn't hear me. read more

Run to this place. Seriously RUN! I am rarely impressed. RARELY! My friend and I are working in the area and she's been telling me about the Tri-Tip Taco, mentioning how it's melt in your mouth and how unbelievably delicious it is and she insisted that we come here for lunch. Well we are here for dinner also on the same day, that tells you how incredible this place is. We both ordered the tri-tip tacos and then shared a couple of desserts. When I tell you that's the menu is nuanced and definitely a foodies heaven. I am not exaggerating. Here is a lineup of the desserts for today. Chai spice pumpkin bread, white chocolate pecan cookie, Brown butter carrot cake, hibiscus cranberry sugar cookie, sweet potato s'mores tart, kumquat tart, German chocolate brownie, matcha lime tart, blueberry muffin. Her and I shared the kumquat tart and the the brown butter carrot cake. I was literally brought to tears. I'm not kidding. I was literally tearing up. To taste something so extraordinary and so different was an immense pleasure. It is moments like this that a real foodie lives for. The SERVICE! OMG! Everyone is SOOOOO friendly! They go above and beyond! The only travesty for me is that I live about an hour away! But anytime I'm in the area I will be definitely eating here. If you live in this area and you haven't lived in eaten here. You need to run to this place and try the entire menu! 10 out of 10, all the gold stars on the forehead and all the red stars! FYI I also purchased the guajillo salsa to take home ... Because it's THE GOAT! read more

The White Rooster - Interior - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

What an amazing dinner!!!! My wife and I had the best food and service! Tri-tip tacos were perfect! Lots of meat! My shrimp quesadilla was incredible too!!! Again, lots of shrimp. Our queso was delicious and different from your standard Mexican, white queso dip. Tortilla chips were excellent (with a unique salt). Cold drinks, Negra Modelo and Diet Coke. Our server Maddie was fun, efficient, and smart. This might be our new weekly stop. We have zero complaints or concerns! This was an excellent night out. Thanks!!! read more

First time visiting White Rooster Cafe and it was so delicious. I had the Birria Burger and the flavors were so robust and well balanced in the meat, and the queso added another delicious flavor. Service was fantastic, all the staff were knowledgeable and friendly. read more

The White Rooster - Birria Burger - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

White rooster is a gem! We tried the tri tip taco, shrimp taco, and ceviche, and they were all delicious. Our server, Joey, was fantastic! Not only did he provide great recommendations, but he was also incredibly kind and helpful. We'll definitely be back. read more

We had the pleasure of going for today's soft opening and are SO excited - the Pacific Pearl team is at it again! The majority of the menu can be gluten-free (THANK YOU!), healthy, refreshing, and so California. Notable highlights: The shrimp + grits tamales - not something I would typically go for, these are easily the best tamales I've ever had. The grits "masa" was INCREDIBLE. smooth and moist, filling is delicious, salsa is fresh and light. 10/10, would come back just for this Churro dippers (GF) - it's been 2 hours and I can't stop thinking about these. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside blue corn waffles dusted with cinnamon and paired with a salted dulce de leche sauce and chocolate sauce. These taste even better than whatever you're imagining. Wow. Huevos rancheros and tri tip tacos were another table favorite. Husband got the horchata latte - smooth and not overly sweet AMAZING service - we had the pleasure of dining with Sterling and he was the very best host we could ask for!!! Ambiance is inviting, entire front wall opens so you have that fresh ocean breeze and OC sunshine. Exceptional location and walking distance to the beach We will literally be back tomorrow to try the rest of the menu, what a phenomenal addition to the OC food scene! Thank you Chef Michael + White Rooster team!!! We're hooked already! read more

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Ella and Emily were awesome! They made me an unbelievable espresso and gave the best recommendations.

This is a must! Our server Brynn was amazing and the food was great. We will be back for sure. Cant wait to come back try other items on their menu. read more

Amazing food and staff right at the beach. A must do for Dana Point. Lots of menu options that are fresh, healthy, and delicious. read more

The White Rooster - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Had a great experience this morning. The food was amazing, great atmosphere, and Ella was a spectacular server. she helped us find some good things on the menu and she was very warm and friendly. read more

We discovered this restaurant for lunch & the food was delicious. We had the Rueben & a tuna melt. We will definitely be returning.

WOW!!! I found this place by chance and boy was it amazing. I got there for happy hour and be my wife both got brisket bowls. Insanely good. And we also got a few tacos. I fish taco, a carnitas taco, and a sweet potato taco. As good as the brisket is and it would rival any barbecue joint, the carnitas taco was absolutely bliss. It's been a while since I've had food then actually made me smile and kind of laugh because it was so dang good. I can't wait to come back. If there was any critique, they should serve a lime wedge with each taco and bowl. It is pretty rich and complex but still very balanced. The acidity would lighten it up just a little bit. Anyways, do yourself a flavor and get down there ASAP. read more

Food was so great and our waitress was awesome! My new favorite spot. The shrimp quesadilla, breakfast burrito and avocado slaw is delicious! Great menu too! read more

We didn't lunch here because there was no way to reserve a table and we had limited time in Dana Pt today. However we came for the gluten free pastries: we tried the lemon pound cake, carrot cake & German Black Forest cake. We all enjoyed every bite. We will find another day to come for lunch. The dining room was packed with guests and there was a musician providing live music. Looks like a good spot for lunch. read more

Wow. Incredible smoked carnitas brunch burrito. Very flavorful and enough for two servings at a great price point. Such friendly service also! Will be back to try other menu choices. Pic is half the burrito and it comes with potatoes. read more

The White Rooster - Smoked Carnitas Brunch Burrito - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

Happy hour every day? Yes please! This place was delicious and the servers were very friendly. I also loved that it was dog friendly, even inside! We went on a Saturday afternoon and there was live music. The decor is pretty and the food tasted great. I loved the fish taco! I do wish there was a side of chips and salsa we could order. read more

The White Rooster - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

Best brunch in south country! If you haven't experienced this amazing culinary experience yet you should run not walk.. and dont forget the paella Fridays! read more

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Food is good, service is not. Went in to check out the dessert menu, the young guys working there didn't greet or acknowledge even though they saw me wanting to ask a question. But anyways we got churro dip there as a dessert. It came with about 6 mini waffle halves with dollops of whipped frosting in between, syrup and chocolate dipping sauce. It's not churro but it was tasty. read more

Came here on a rainy day late morning brunch with my puppy. They have a dog friendly patio. The latte is large and super yummy. I ordered the chilaquiles and added tri tip. I didn't read the menu correctly and realized after it comes with short rib already. Extra protein for me! The flavor is wonderful and the chips were still crispy. I'll have to come back to try all the other tasty items. Service is quick and friendly. Highly recommend this spot. read more

Great service with Brynn! Great meal with the whole family. This was a quick and easy dinner with kids. We will be back!

I took forever to decide what I wanted to eat and my waitress was very patient . We were NOT disappointed. Everything was amazing !!! We started with The croissant French toast which was sooo good and their Marscapone Mousse was the best topping I've ever had and I love to bake . sooo amazing ! The coffee was tasty , carnitas burrito was huge , enough to share amongst 2 people it comes with a side of smothered potatoes: I had left overs . I don't think you need potatoes on the inside and on the side . Maybe offer fruit or a different side. The breaky quesadillas was good , a little bit of everything. All the salsas were different something for everyone: , medium , hot and tangy and mild, I mixed them all for my burrito it was good . They have cinnamon rolls but we didn't get one wish we had .but they looked very moist and I think they have the same frosting as the French toast we will definitely go back to try them . read more

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AMAZING brunch experience! The food is thoughtfully crafted, very creative dishes and they are clearly using really high quality ingredients. Adorable atmosphere that leans really well in the coastal location. The staff are incredible as well. Amazing experience overall, can't wait to come back! read more

The White Rooster - Carnitas bowl, croissant French toast, blueberry blue corn waffles, huevos rancheros - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

My wife and I were looking to have a light dinner and decided to try The White Rooster. The first thing we noticed was that it's a low-key, though stylish, place with a friendly doors-open vibe (though the open doors did let in chilly air that night). The staff is very friendly and helpful --- literally everyone, including and especially our waiter --- which is a nice thing to experience. I ordered the Rooster Fish Tacos plate and my wife the Famous Smoked Tri-Tip Taco. My Fish Tacos plate had two very large fish tacos with fresh and smoked yellowtail (amazing fish!), avocado slaw, and queso. The tacos were really delicious, some of the best fish tacos I've had --- as were the rice and beans that came with the plate. To kick up the heat level on the tacos, I tried the three hot sauces on the table: all three were great! The hottest one was the one I especially liked. My wife's Tri-Tip taco was equally great: a really large taco with plenty of beef and slaw on it. For a light meal, it was very substantial. I took a look at their breakfast menu, which has a lot of great choices. They also have a happy hour. We will definitely be back! read more

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Food was good. Server was very friendly but took a little long in between drinks, food, and paying to checkin. Vibe is very chill and nice that it's indoor/ outdoor. Dogs welcome! read more

The White Rooster - Tri Tip tacos, tuna sandwich, huevos rancheros - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

The White Rooster is a Dana Point gem with an amazing beachy vibe. The Salted Caramel Croissant French Toast is a must try as well as their Blue Corn Waffles. Love that their menu is gluten free and seed oil free. Staff is super friendly and welcoming and our server Cori was top notch. It's the perfect weekend brunch stop. read more

Had such a fun girls' brunch here! Ended up sharing all of our plates and everything was amazing! The banana bread skillet was probably my favorite thing we ordered. Cori took care of our table and was genuinely so sweet and attentive the entire time. Our group can be a handful lol, but she made everything easy and we had the best time. We'd definitely come back! read more

Excellent food. Excellent service. Really cool place. We went when it wasn't busy and got treated like rockstars. Server was over the top awesome and explained everything in detail. read more

Something as simple as a side of fruit impressed as much as the waffles. The fresh cut pineapple, papaya and coconut was delicious! It was a generous portion for two people to share. Also tried the potatoes- they even impressed my husband- the picky eater. Great and friendly service. Looking forward to our next visit and planning what I will order next. Can't wait to bring out of town guests here. read more

The White Rooster - Chopped salad with quinoa - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Came in on a Friday morning. Our server Brynn was amazing and so sweet! She knew every detail about the menu, she recommended the huevos rancheros and the tri-tip quesadillas and they were incredible!! The ranchero sauce was insane and had so much flavor. Will be coming back for sure! read more