A's Burgers
34344 Pacific Coast Highway 1
949-496-4460
Local's Choice

If you are looking for a great hamburger and fries, A's is the place. Plus, it won't break the bank. Little to no atmosphere and it's on the busy part of PCH, but the burgers are worth it. Consider taking it to go & head for the beach or park to enjoy. $

Brio Tuscany Grille
24050 Camino Del Avion, Suite B
949-443-1476
Local's Choice

Brio features contemporary Italian cuisine, a full bar and live entertainment in addition to both fine Italian and California wines. $$

Coffee Importers (Harbor)
34531 Golden Lantern
949-493-7773
Local's Choice

The seaside patio at The Coffee Importers is the ideal location for breakfast after your early morning walk, a refreshing lunch spot, an afternoon pick me up or an evening gathering place to meet with friends. It includes an espresso bar, bagel shop, ice-cream shop and juice bar (think yummy smoothies). $

Gemmell's Restaurant (Harbor)
34471 Golden Lantern
949-234-0063
Local's Choice

Gemmell's is truly a hidden treasure right in the heart of Dana Point. The service is impeccable and the culinary adventures are spectacular. The menu changes seasonally and there are different specials every day though you can usually expect to find roast duck, rack of lamb and fresh seafood as well as a delicious house-smoked salmon appetizer. $$$

Harbor Grill
34499 Golden Lantern
949-240-1416
Local's Choice

The Harbor Grill Restaurant has enjoyed a reputation for the freshness and variety of its seafood and the warmth of its atmosphere. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, The Harbor Grill offers a delicious daily array of fresh seafood cooked in a variety of inventive styles, including Southwestern and Pacific. $$$

Hennessey's Tavern
34111 La Plaza
949-488-0121
Live Music
Local's Choice

One of the best local spots for live music and a beer. Mr. Hennessey believes his dining and drinking establishments emphasize good food and ambience, but shun the flash-in-the-pan trends and gimmicks that are common among his competitiors. The final product, Mr Hennessey believes, is the traditional cozy or clubby feel indigenous to Irish or English pubs. $$

Jack's of Dana Point
24462 Del Prado
949-489-1903
Live Music
Local's Choice

Offering a casual, modern atmosphere, Jack's features a lunch menu including items like grilled halibut foccacia, mushroom onion burger, sausage and peppers and roast turkey. The dinner menu offers pastas, steaks, chops, chicken, pizzas and light entrees. $$

Luciana's Ristorante
24312 Del Prado
949-661-6500
Local's Choice

Luciana's was built in the 1930's and has been owned and operated by the Luhan family since 1983. The decor is reminiscent of a cozy European style inn. Luciana's is open seven nights a week beginning at 5:30pm . On request a group may book an earlier start time. Luncheons are also available and require a minimum of twenty guests. $$$

Peking Dragon Restaurant
34171 Pacific Coast Highway
949-493-9499
Local's Choice

Peking Dragon offers fresh cooked dishes in an informal, comfortable setting. You will enjoy an exciting blend of authentic Chinese food, culture, and astmosphere with every meal. With first class service, exotic authentic Chinese cuisine and Asian decor, dining at Peking Dragon is like a wonderful getaway to China. $$

Renaissance Dana Point
24701 Del Prado
949-661-6003
Live Music
Local's Choice

With its romantic patio with open fires, has become known as a great place for live jazz and blues. Sunday brunch on the sun-filled patio features a bottomless Champagne glass and an extensive à la carte menu consisting of omelets, sandwiches, salads, pancakes, French toast and, of course, a Bloody Hot Mary. For an over-the-top dinner, try the house specialty, the popular Black & Blue & Bleu steak. You can also get fresh fish, other steak cuts, chops and rack of lamb. $$$

Restaurante Ferrantelli
25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr
949-493-1401
Local's Choice

Ristorante Ferrantelli was first conceptualized in Rome, Italy in 1950 when three brothers envisioned a unique seafood restaurant. Their hard work and dedication resulted in a very successful restaurant, now known as "Ferrantelli Lido Di Ostia", which to this day still caters to the local residents as well as to the tourists visiting Rome. In 1982 Ristorante Ferrantelli found a second home right here in Dana Point. $$$

Tutor and Spunky's Deli
34085 Pacific Coast Highway 1
949-248-1681
Local's Choice

A yummy deli with great food and service. In a time of national chains providing cookie-cutter and often impersonal service, the employees here serve up fresh, quality food with a personal touch one doesn’t get from a chain operation. “Some customers come in so often, we not only know their names, but what they usually order.” $