The White Rooster

Olamendi's is an amazing place for pure, authentic Mexican cuisine. I'm stunned to see it only…read moreaverages the stars it does. Our service by Joe was 10/10. The salsa has been unchanged since I was a kid, when I would frequent their Laguna Beach location. Such great memories. The views are incredible and I love the flavor of each dish. I want to come back and try more items on the menu.

I enjoyed this restaurant for years but only tolerated one person who works there for too long…read more If you read reviews you will see get name everywhere so I don't have to say it. It's sad because this place would do so much better if she didn't work there. Who wants to go pay to eat out and get an attitude every time? No us! Bye

Inside is colorful.

Complimentary chips with spicy dipping sauce

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Welcome Sign...

Chelas Mexican Kitchen

4.4(246 reviews)

4.9 mi

A++++ I stumbled on…read morethis place toward the end of the afternoon and I'm glad I did. It's a cute little bistro in the industrial area of Saint Clemente around some other restaurants, including a Starbucks around the corner. The staff was super friendly when I walked in, need to use the restroom and the restrooms were super clean, and then I ordered a burrito the way I like it made made a couple of adjustments extra meat less cheese and I ordered the ribeye burrito and it was fantastic. Great amount of flavor. Didn't require any salsa or anything to help enhance it. Juicy and just well-made. Their chips were fresh out of the oven or at least tasted like it still warm. Very impressed. This little place. I'll definitely be coming back. Deserves five stars plus

We were in the Laguna beach area during optimal brunch time so a lot of breakfast-y restaurants…read morewere PACKED. Little unassuming Chelas was the perfect little spot for some brunch. They had a nice dog friendly ground level area so we could bring our pup. We ordered their chicken tortilla soup, 1/2 pint of guac, and burrho de alambre! 10/10 for everything. The chicken tortilla soup as hearty and toasty, perfect for the cooler weather. The guac was exactly my style, not too salty, not too tart, and demolished in no time. My husband really enjoyed his burrito from the speiclas menu as well!

One year Anniversary celebration!

Beer Battered Fish Burrito

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Breakfast Burrito

Puesto Los Olivos

I am thinking this Puesto location is the best location in California. My wife and I have been to 4…read moreor 5 different locations and I have to say the vibe and atmosphere at the Los Olivos location is perfect. We've been to this location multiple times now and each time it has been the best experience. Everyone who works at this location is awesome and friendly and the food is always top tier! On our most recent visit we were blessed to be waited on by Cece, she was awesome! Amazing service and a great smile the whole time! Next time that we are in Anaheim or Costa Mesa we will stop by and hope to get Cece again! Thank you for a wonderful evening.

This was my first time and Puesto Los Olivos. I went with a group of friends on Taco Tuesday…read more(during the World Cup) and definitely had to make a reservation. I was sad that the entire patio was booked, but thankfully we had a great table inside. The food was really yummy, but I was sad that a few of their vegetarian options were not available due to the World Cup (which seemed odd). I did however love that they have 0 proof mocktails. That is always a plus. The interior of the restaurant was trendy and had a chic vibe. Looking forward to coming back soon!

Classic, Nogada, and Puesto Perfect Guacamole

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Pastor Plate

Chaak Kitchen

4.3(1.3k reviews)

20.8 mi

Another bucket list restaurant. Such a great spot in Old Tustin. It's a beautiful free standing…read morerestaurant with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. We were greeted pleasantly and quickly shown to our table in a great location in the middle of the restaurant. The decor and atmosphere immediately makes you feel like you're in the Yucatán. We ordered the shrimp huarache, Cochinita Pibil torta and Pato (duck) Salbute. All three were completely different and delicious. We also ordered the Basque cheesecake for dessert which was both pretty and delicious.

Delicious food with plenty of great vegetarian options as well! Everything we ordered was…read moreflavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. The decor and ambiance made the whole experience feel cozy, warm, and inviting. The service was also excellent. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. Honestly, I'm so glad we ended up here instead of going to Javier's! We had such a great experience from start to finish, and it turned out to be the perfect spot to celebrate a birthday. Definitely a place I'd be happy to come back to! The only thing I didn't like was the beignets. It just wasn't what I expected. It was undercooked, dense, and just not great.

Dining Room and Kitchen

Bone-In Prime New York Strip

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Parrillada Yucatan

Rodrigo's Mexican Grill

3.6(308 reviews)

10.4 mi

Good food and prices/service. We go there regularly. Always a good time. A little traffickers…read morearound the entrance

Nice place with very good food, drinks and employees. Close…read moreto 5FWY for convenience.

Express Lunch Meal

Manuel's retirement party

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Ultimate Fajitas

Luna Modern Mexican Kitchen

4.2(2.4k reviews)

29.2 mi

Shrimp fajitas all dayyyyy!…read more I wanted to get something different this time. I usually get the cheese enchiladas and they are great! This time, I ordered the shrimp fajitas and those might be my new favorite! So healthy and satisfying. It was a ton of food! I was full afterwards. Yummy! The shrimp was cooked well and you got a good amount of it. We have great service. Everyone loved what they ordered. Ambiance was relaxing. Luna is one of our favorite spots!

First time here to Luna Modern Mexican Kitchen. Inside is very nice they have a fully stocked bar…read more Everyone here is friendly. I endednup asking my server Gage if he had any recommendations. He recommended the Mar Y Terra Duet. It was pretty flavorful it came with seasoned rice shrimp, patatoes, and a very tender steak. The bill ended up coming out to close to $50 with a drink and the tip.

Bar

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Luna de Salmon tostaditas

Fresco Cocina

The food and service were amazing! Matt helped us and couldn't have been more kind and positive…read more we had the tacos and all were 5/5!!

We came here for a 34th anniversary dinner and it was an excellent choice! It was our first time…read morehere! The atmosphere, waitstaff (Matt) and food were all superb!

Churrasco

Red Snapper Veracruz

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Mar Vista Deck

Carmelita's Kitchen

4.3(2.1k reviews)

14.1 mi

We had a delicious dinner at Carmelita's last night while celebrating my son's last night of summer…read morebefore leaving for college. It's the restaurant he loves when he is craving Mexican food. We enjoyed the fresh chips, salsa, and black bean dip. My son loved his chicken chimichanga -- which was massive and topped with fresh guacamole. My husband enjoyed his 2-item combo of a crispy beef taco and carnitas chile relleno, which he said was amazing. My short rib enchiladas were perfection as well. A special shout-out to "Kate" our server! She was so kind and kept filling our drinks and checking in on us! It was a perfect evening!

Had an amazing experience at Carmelita's yesterday. As always, the food was spectacular. The shrimp…read moretacos hit the spot, but the star of our lunch was the chipotle chicken! The sauce is addictive. Special shout out to our server Erick L. He did an amazing job making sure our drinks were topped up, the chips were always full, and that we had a great experience.

One stall baño

Pork Chile Verde, $28

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Combination - salad, pork tamales and chili relleno with pork

PV'S Prime Grill & Tequila

4.4(1.2k reviews)

44.8 mi

Family-owned & operated

Luxury

Shout out to Alejandra and the staff for making my Wife's Birthday a memorable one. Food was A1 and…read moreservice was top notch!

We had an amazing time here celebrating a birthday dinner. Food and service was flawless, ambiance…read morewas perfect, and our server Matt was the best! Very helpful, attentive, and always checking in on us and giving us recommendations. He really showed interest in giving us the best experience possible. Will be coming back soon!

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Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen

3.9(2.9k reviews)

24.2 mi

Overall a great experience…read more The pros: Came in on a Saturday afternoon and was sat down to be greeted by a lovely server. Had red and white sangria. Both were good but we both preferred the white. Queso fundido was good but didn't come with chips so we ordered chips and salsa. Mole tostadidas were delightful, full of flavor. Esquites: the bomb. Super flavorful and we cleaned the plate. Churrosnwere good, but the dipping sauces left something to be desired. A little runny and preferred the hot churro on its own. The cons: the only thing that was a little disappointing was the fact that they served us the end of a bag of chips. While the chips were fine, it was surprising that at a michelin star restaurant they didn't serve homemade chips. Worse still, we got the tail end of the bag of chips. The top of the bowl had regular sized chips but they were just hiding the smaller broken odds and ends that you find at the bottom of the bag.

Went there with a client for lunch on Saturday. Due to the international food festival, hard to get…read morethrough parking, etc. Anyhow the place was fairly empty, but only 1 server. Food was ok. - Salsa was good but noticed it was really sweet for some reason - We asked for more salsa, spicier, she brought out a small amt of habanero which was also sweet, we mixed it into the salsa we had - Their chef's special: watermelon salad with watercress, cucumbers and jicama, and goat cheese was not great, kinda felt out of place, discombobulated, flavors didn't go together - Had the mole chicken enchiladas w garlic rice and plantains (no complaints) - I got the beef tacos (flour tortillas you get 2, corn you get 3), it was OK, very filling - The guac, salsa and chips was excellent!!! The guac was a very good portion. I took the leftovers home and the guac stayed green (amazing)! Lunch was pleasant. My client wanted to tour the cellar KI HANAL b/c I raved about it so much, but it was full of deliveries/boxes. She is planning to have a family event there.

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21 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Krista J.

5 months ago

Had a really solid experience at The White Rooster. The food was genuinely excellent, everything we tried felt thoughtful and well-executed. The breakfast sandwich was simple in the best way, but perfectly balanced with thick-cut bacon and really great flavor throughout. The waffles also stood out, soft inside, crisp edges, and just the right level of indulgent without being heavy. The menu overall looked amazing, and it's the kind of place where you immediately start planning what you'll try next time. Service was the only slightly uneven part of the visit. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, but the attentiveness felt a bit off during our meal. We waited quite a while for the check and had a few moments where we weren't quite checked in on when needed. Nothing dramatic, just a bit inconsistent compared to how strong everything else was. That said, it honestly felt more like an off day than a pattern. The vibe was still warm, the staff were kind, and nothing felt dismissive or unpleasant, just a little scattered. Overall, I'd absolutely come back. The food alone is worth another visit, and I'm excited to work through more of the menu now that I know how good it can be. read more

Sri D.

8 months ago

I was able to join their friends and family pre-opening. Looks like I got a new favorite spot to head to after or before the beach. Located right across from Doheny, I got a chance to sample some of the best creations ala Chef Michael. (from Pacific Pearl and Capas). Standouts for me were the Elvis waffles, huevos rancheros, and the banana bread. Just like Pacific Pearl, plenty of gluten free options. Thanks for being so delicious.. Will be back soon! read more

Brock H.

4 months ago

We had a great lunch at The White Rooster and would definitely come back! The food was really excellent -- flavorful, fresh, and well-prepared. The drinks were also a standout; we both really enjoyed them. Service was decent (friendly but not overly attentive), but the quality of the food and drinks more than made up for it. We had a relaxing and enjoyable meal with nice coastal vibes. Perfect spot for a laid-back lunch. Highly recommend! read more

Carlos T.

15 days ago

Wow what a fantastic menu and venue! I loved my fish tacos. My wife had protein bowl which she loved. Beach vibes which made ambiance perfect! And thanks to Cori, for helping us select our meals! Everything was fresh and made to order. If you are in the area, this place is a must try!!!!! read more

Mallory R.

16 days ago

Absolutely loved The White Rooster! Cori was our server and she was fantastic- super friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. The Nor'easter waffles were incredible. Good food, great service, and such a nice atmosphere. Definitely a spot we'll be coming back to! read more

Lisa L.

24 days ago

Had a great experience at White Rooster. The tri-tip tacos were delicious and cooked perfectly. Our waitress, Cori, provided the best customer service and made us feel so welcomed and well taken care of. Great food and service. We'll definitely be back! read more

Scott P.

18 days ago

Stopped in to this cafe in Dana Point the other day and was not disappointed. My server Cori recommended the tuna melt and it was the perfect choice. I think it is my new favorite sandwich. I recommend giving this place a try and asking for Cori as well. read more

Sabrina D.

15 days ago

Had a great breakfast at White Rooster in Dana Point. The avocado toast was delicious and everything was fresh and flavorful. My server was Cori who was really friendly and sweet and made our experience even better :) read more

Charlie H.

24 days ago

The food was amazing! The service was even better! My server Cori was so friendly and had some great recommendations. I loved the Elvis Waffle. I would definitely come back to try some more of Cori's recommendations! read more

Molly P.

14 days ago

My husband and I had a nice bite to eat here while visiting Dana Point. The staff was very friendly and our server Cori was one of the best we've ever had. We plan to come back the next time we come to town. read more

Jon N.

16 days ago

Brunch was on point! Cori suggested that I try the the N'oreaster's .The marmalade reminded me of my Grandmothers hand - picked berries from the garden drizzled from her mason jar of maple syrup read more

Marie P.

16 days ago

I love this place. It was such a hot day outside and their iced Horchata latte was perfect. So refreshing. Thank you to our server Cori for suggesting it. read more

Jenn L.

24 days ago

First time there. Our waitress Cori was amazing. Gave great menu ideas and things to do in the area. Will come again! Kudos for Cori and yummy food!! read more

Venee T.

23 days ago

We had the tri tip Tacos and they were amazing! Ella was our server and was so attentive and gave us the best recommendations. We will be back! read more

Syd R.

23 days ago

Food was great. Great service and home cook meal hospitality. Can't wait go back they made me feel like family. Cori thanks for all your help read more

Gundo N.

8 months ago

Epic spot! Love Pacific pearl & cannot wait to come back and try more ! We had the fresh juices & breakfast bowl- so good!

Kristin E.

15 days ago

Courtney was great! Try the white wine slushie with a red wine slushie floater! it was the best! Will definitely be back!

Peter S.

14 days ago

Went here with my girlfriend the other day. We had a couple of drinks and a delicious cinnamon roll. Cori was so awesome!

Laura K.

16 days ago

I had the best food and even better sever!! Ella is my favorite. she smiles from ear to ear and is so kind

Winnie S.

22 days ago

Food was great, our server Brynn was the absolute best, and loved the ambiance. We will be back!

The White Rooster - newmexican - Updated September 2026

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This was a fun experience. We live in town and really wanted to see what this place has been turned…read moreinto. The new ownership really did a lot of work inside and on the patio. It looks fantastic! The inside is dimly lit and perfect for a date night. The outside is a covered patio and it is warm and gets the western sunset. It's perfect for date or a larger group. Our server was Nico. He was very thorough and helpful. We ordered a couple wines that were out of stock, so he brought us a few alternatives, which we loved. The food is very eclectic. If you are an adventurous eater, this is a great place to come. Lots of small plates. Items like sweetbreads, oysters, crudo, halloumi, etc. If you want the standard fare, there are a few things here like the ribeye, but it is really all the interesting small plates that make it. The portion sizes were good. Two small plates is enough for a meal. There is a full bar. Everyone on staff was very attentive and helpful. Like others have noted, there are some new opening kinks that the restaurant has to iron out. I hope this place can last. It's a great addition to town.

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My daughter and I grabbed an early dinner at Finca. Here are some thots:…read more -We beat the dinner crowd, so the place was mostly empty, but... the service was excellent! -My daughter ordered a Moscow mule and I ordered a farm lemonade. If you are looking for a fantastic non-alcoholic drink, this one is a winner ! -We got a Caesar salad to share and it was fresh and good. We also ordered the beef tallow fries. My daughter thought they were ok, but she loved the buttermilk ranch dipping sauce. -For my main I got the Finca smash burger. Very unique and good. The potato bun threw me off, but it was delicious. Only thing I didn't love was the pickle. Highly recommended!

Finca is in a great location at River street marketplace! Parking is easy, there's a huge lot next…read moredoor. The ambiance outside is great, would recommend sitting outside! Loved my burger and fries that I ordered. We also ordered a huge selection of appetizers to share with the table and they were all delicious. Food did take awhile to come out but the servers were super nice. Would recommend!

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A little walk down the path from the main strip in San Juan Capistrano, where there are tons of…read morerestaurants we tried El Adobe. Walking in, the decor was lovely and we were greeting. Plenty of seating, they had indoor and outdoor. They also had a large bar with indoor and outdoor seating as well that was first come first serve and since we had to wait for table, we decided to go into the bar. We were greeted quickly and given chips and salsa and waters. The service was delightful from bussers to the bartender to the waiter ... just outstanding. Very attentive! We opted to order fresh guac, which was made at our table and absolutely delicious pairing with the chips and salsa. It was wonderful. We also shared the chicken fajitas. They were cooked well although I could've used a little more seasoning and came with our choice of corn or flour tortillas along with beans and rice as a side. A must try if you're in the mood for Mexican.

The ambiance was nice, the restaurant looked great, and the food... well, let's just say it really…read morestayed with us. Unfortunately, not in a good way. My wife and I both got extremely sick after our meal. We ordered the presidents meal and combination fajita. I had diarrhea pretty much the second I got home, while my wife spent the entire night vomiting and having diarrhea. She was up all night, which meant I barely slept either. Nothing says "romantic dinner" quite like taking turns checking on each other at 3am. Unfortunately, it got serious enough that my wife ended up at urgent care the next day with severe dehydration and weakness. The healthcare providers gave her IV fluids and medication to help her recover. And as if that wasn't enough, the food took forever to come out. At the time, we thought we were just waiting for a carefully prepared meal. In hindsight, we probably should have taken it as extra time for our digestive systems to prepare for battle. The ambiance is definitely nice, but unfortunately, neither of us is eager to come back. We came for dinner and left with a complimentary night of gastrointestinal excitement that we definitely didn't order.

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Best Mexican dining in the county! Absolutely love the complimentary chips, dip and salsa verde…read more But the carnitas relleno & chicken enchilada verde with Mexican corn (off the cob) are the bomb! Not to mention the cilantro cucumber margaritas!! Yummmm Don't waste your time on any other Mexican restaurant! Calo's is worth going out of your way!!!

I have been to Calo 20+ times since it has opened. Our visit last night was the worst experience…read morewe've ever had there, it may be one of our last. First, the service/experience has slipped severely. The quality of Calo was personable, quick, high-touch hospitality, and near constant attention. Last night the servers were forgetful, impersonal, and terribly slow. Food came out at various times when it used to come out at once. When asked for sides of sauces at the time of ordering, they didn't come out, and then took 10 more minutes to bring out sauces and sour cream. Food was cold by the time they got back to us. There was absolutely no apology or recognition of how the service was poor. When ordering the steak tacos medium rare, the steak was well-done. The fajitas plate has shrunk considerably. All food prices have gone up about 10% in the last few months and service has gone down. This was a go-to place for us, but with very poor service and food quality going down, management/ownership needs to regroup and fix this asap to not lose customers. See more recent reviews as this is a current problem.

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