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    Coastal Kitchen

    4.2 (1.5k reviews)
    Closed • 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Coastal Kitchen Photos

    Business Info

    COASTAL KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Coastal Kitchen

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    Reviews With Photos

    Gabrielle S.

    Went here for dinner with some girlfriends and thought it was super cute! We enjoyed the food and the drinks. The rolls were very fluffy. The chicken tortilla soup was also very good, but nothing stood out for it since it just tasted like your average tortilla soup. The ahi tacos were also pretty good - I loved the cheese on the inside of the taco, but overall didn't have anything that made the taco particularly amazing. Service was great, they were attentive and always getting us refills of our water. It does seem a little pricey for the food you're getting, but that can seem expected in Dana Point. I would go here again, but probably for drinks and apps.

    Rolls... warm '& comes with yummy pesto butter (4 rolls... 2 were quickly gobbled )
    Veronica A.

    Love coming here again & again... great food, service & place to dine and chill. Lots of options to eat and drink. Definitely worth visiting!

    Clam Chowder
    Roman B.

    We were visiting Dana Point and had heard about this spot. Our hotel also recommended dining here too. We made a reservation and I highly recommend you do too. It was a Monday and the place was packed with people waiting. The hostess sat us at a booth next to the open kitchen, very cool. We both had the Clam Chowder and Halibut with garlic mashed potatoes, both so delicious! Ricky was our server and he was amazing! We can definitely recommend dining here, you will be so happy!

    Kim P.

    Everything was great!! We were here a few days ago and the food was so delightful and the servers and the atmosphere was excellent we had to come back in our way back home. This is a late post but I had to share!

    Elaine C.

    Super cute restaurant in downtown Dana point! Came on a weekday for lunch and thankfully did not have a wait, we were seated immediately. The French dip sandwich was yummy but could have been more flavorful. the crabcake salad was so high-quality and well balanced. Would surely return to try new dishes!

    Cajun shrimp - soooo buttery but yummy
    Tiffany P.

    Good food and friendly service. I had the Cajun shrimp starter as my main dish, and it was so good (and absolutely soaked in butter, so proceed with caution if you're watching your cholesterol). Parker house rolls were ok but too salty, and became hard as soon as they cooled which makes me think they're not made in house. My husband loved his grouper fish sandwich, and the kids meals were pricey ($16) but substantial. The included ice cream sandwich with the kids meals was a packaged grocery store item, so would've preferred a better priced option without it. It would also be nice if they had greenery or something to hide the highway view, like Truly does down the street.

    Artichoke and Spinach & Kale Dip
    Jen S.

    Love coming here whenever I have a chance. Came with a group and we decided to split the small plate and three entrees. We came for a birthday and everyone was so kind and wished them a happy birthday. I've been here before and everything I've ever had was delicious. The artichoke and kale dip was perfect. The chips were light and crispy and was the perfect vessel for piling on loads of the dip. Out table inhaled the chips in under five minutes. Out of the baby back ribs, pork chop and rib eye I have to say that the rib eye was so tender, so moist and so flavorful. I might have to order it every time I come back. We were so full we didn't get any dessert but they still have the butter cake on their menu. So I'll definitely have to get it again next time

    Red pepper Hummus
    Nghi T.

    I've been here many times and I love everything on their menu. I would recommend making a reservation especially on the busy weekends. Restaurant is nice with some booth seating in the back and even some outdoor seating. Parking itself-there's a small lot next to it but it's almost always full so you can do some street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. When I last came here, we ordered the red pepper hummus to share and I ordered the French dip! It was excellent as per usual and the service was good. One critique I would have though is that one of the people in my party was a vegetarian and had ordered a veggie burger. The people bringing out the food accidentally swapped the plates of someone else in the party who had ordered a chicken blt when placing the dishes in front of each person. Unfortunately the vegetarian did take a bite of the chicken blt before realizing it was not the veggie burger and spit it out. It is what it is and was an honest mistake. But, maybe confirming the dishes before placing it in front of the person would be good. First time it's happened but we hope it doesn't happen again because we love this place!

    Brownie a la mode
    Jenai E.

    We were stunned by the flavor explosion that came from such a simple plate of food. The humble halved fresh tomato was curious yet a pleasant complement. I have to admit the broccoli was flavorless, over steamed and under salted. The brownie was over baked and not chocolatey enough to our liking. However, I'm still rating Coastal Kitchen 5 stars because the main coarse more than made up for the rest and we will for sure return and would still recommend to others.

    Jeff M.

    Coastal Kitchen captures the perfect Dana Point vibe: beachy and fun, yet sophisticated and fresh. From the moment we walked in, the staff was exceptionally welcoming and navigated the menu with impressive expertise. My wife and I had front-row seats right outside the kitchen, which offered a fun, "behind-the-scenes" look at the culinary team in action ‍. The meal itself was flawless. My lunch filet was a perfect medium-rare, paired with a house salad that was easily one of the best I've ever had. My wife's Crab Cake salad was equally superb--fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. What truly sets this place apart is the pacing. Even with a packed house, the staff never made us feel rushed to turn the table. We actually wanted to linger for another round of drinks, though we ultimately moved on to let others enjoy the experience. Pro tip: Definitely make a reservation. We're already looking forward to returning for dinner.

    Barbara S.

    I know this restaurant has been open a very long time, but it's the first time I've gotten here. When to make a reservation and could not make a reservation between five and eight they were all taken so that must tell you a lot about this restaurant. We started with the smoked fish salad as an appetizer and it brought me back to my childhood in Chicago. It was wonderful, delicious, and excellent. It was worth the cost. We then shared their Ahi tuna salad, which was extremely tasty but very tiny for the price. Had a wonderful time and will definitely return again.

    Exterior of the restaurant.
    Jenn R.

    Cool little restaurant with sophisticated beach vibes! Its dining room hummed with energy, while the bar was occupied by chattering guests. Outdoor seating is great on a nice day, but it sits next to a busy thoroughfare so, expect street noise. We were seated right next to large glass panels overlooking the kitchen. Unfortunately, our spot was near the area where servers congregated around a central terminal to input orders, which meant they were all facing our table. I found myself making eye contact with them several times, which made the experience a bit awkward... THE FOOD. - Parker House Rolls. Dense and springy, their tops dusted with a sweet-savory seasoning and paired with a dollop of pesto butter. I liked it, but as the bread cooled down, it was a bit too firm. - Starter House Salad. Fresh veggies and the portion size is bigger than expected! - Starter Caesar Salad. The tiny fried capers added crunch and a pop of salt to this delicious salad! Highly recommend. - Hawaiian Ribeye. Served at a perfect medium rare with slightly charred edges and sweet teriyaki marinade. I don't like teriyaki marinade, but this was quite subtle and delicious. The side of tomatoes tossed with feta and basil offered a bright counterpoint. Highly recommend. - Halibut. Buttery & delicately flaky, the halibut was perfectly prepared and rested in a rich, silky white sauce. Fresh rock shrimp sat on top the halibut for added oceanic flavors. The side salad was a small mound of gold and ruby beets, mixed in with walnuts and tangerine slices that delivered an earthy, citrusy sweetness. Highly recommend. THE DRINKS. - Spiced Old Fashioned. Layered spice and cherry bitters with notes of lemon for a slight zing. - Stone IPA. Boldly hoppy with a sharp bitterness and notes of piney evergreen. THE PARKING. Parking is free but limited, and the small lot fills up fast. The layout is one-way with a dead end, so if the lot is full, you'll need to three-point turn it back out. Street parking is a fallback, but it's also difficult to find an open spot, so pick your poison. THE VERDICT. Beautiful dining space with lively, sometimes overwhelming acoustics. The kitchen turned out some delicious dishes and the wait staff kept our plates cleared and glasses filled with efficiency. I'd return for another meal!

    Cheeseburger-D
    Mckenna C.

    I had a really great time here. The vibe was cozy but sophisticated for a beachside restaurant. All of the menu options were reasonably priced for the menu selection, and there are a lot of options. I chose the classic cheeseburger with a quinoa salad as my dinner side. The portions are generous and tasted amazing. I loved the flavor of the pickled onions paired with pickle on the sweeter side to enhance my savory burger. The fries are thin cut and garnished, enjoyed every bite of my meal! Staff were super nice in spite of how busy it was on a weekend visit

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    Page 1 of 39

    Coastal Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Coastal Kitchen

    Do they sell gift cards?

    Yes

    Can we sit indoors now?

    We did back in May

    Have Raw oysters?

    I don't recall Oysters on their menu...

    Do you have outdoor patio seating?

    They have a small patio area in front of restaurant and a very large tent set up on the side of restaurant

    Are little dogs allowed in a stroller?

    Is the fried Brie salad still on the menu? I know at one point it was taken off

    I understand that Coastal kitchen has reworked their menu because of the lock downs . I would ask if they are going to place it back on the menu when the lock down ends . Hope this helped .

    High top seating or standard?

    Both!

    Are there ocean views and patio seating?

    No ocean views. All the seating is outside right now

    Is the patio area dog friendly?

    Definitely!

    What's the corkage fee?

    There is none for your first bottle.

    Is there a Kids menu?

    Yes. For ages 12 and under, includes beverage, French fries or vegetable, and ice cream sandwich. The choices were grilled cheese, cheese quesadilla, buttered pasta & parmesan, cheeseburger, chicken strips, and salmon.

    Is it good?

    Very good

    View All 19 Questions

    Wine Experience Dana Point - Chorizo stuffed dates

    Wine Experience Dana Point

    4.8(62 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    Free parking
    Casual dining

    (4.5 stars) Been here 3 times now to take my wife wine tasting before heading to dinner. The self…read moreservice wine tastings are an absolute favorite of ours. Great service and friendly staff. Everyone is very knowledgeable and shares little tidbits about the wine while you enjoy. A few Suggestions / observations: 1. The self service wine area has a massive wine display that limits access to patrons who are there. A thin long belly bar would make it much more social and accessible. Constantly feel like I am bumping into people or wine bottles just to grab a taster then standing in a corner to get out of the way. 2. The massive LED tv's would be so nice if there was nature or a beach scene or something to set the ambiance. Having a massive advertisement of an appetizer stock photo and happy hour fliers illuminating half the store is not enjoyable, they could be utilized in a much nicer format. 3. Would love to see even more of the self serve wine tasting dispensers in the future! They are a hit and are such a fun concept.

    Fun wine tasting experience - feels very "with the times" - you can preload a card and tap to pay…read morefor a tasting, half a glass, or even a full glass. There is a very wide selection of reds, but there are even champagnes, and you can try a magnum bottle if your heart desires. The servers are really helpful in walking you through the selection and I would suggest chatting with one of them before you just start pouring like we did, ha! Medium sized space, with a clean restroom and some standing room outside on a patio. They do also offer non-alcoholic options, beer, and small bites.

    Photos
    Wine Experience Dana Point - Inside - Wine Experience Dana Point

    Inside - Wine Experience Dana Point

    Wine Experience Dana Point - Beef Wellington puffs

    Beef Wellington puffs

    Wine Experience Dana Point - Duck mousse crostini

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    Duck mousse crostini

    Five Vines Wine Bar

    Five Vines Wine Bar

    4.8(655 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    •$$

    This place can get very crowded, but that's honestly part of what makes it so much fun. The energy…read moreis always great, and there's always something going on. I've attended their trivia nights, and they were a blast--well organized, engaging, and a perfect activity for a group of friends. The drinks are fantastic. The Sauvignon Blanc sangria and the frozen rosé are both amazing and have become some of my favorites. The food is consistently good, and the lively atmosphere keeps me coming back. On my most recent visit, I had the opportunity to beta test one of their murder mystery events, and it was such a unique and entertaining experience. It added a whole new level of fun to the evening and made for a memorable night out. If they offer the murder mystery event again, I highly recommend checking it out. It's a great way to enjoy good food, drinks, and an interactive experience all in one place.

    I enjoyed visiting Five Vines Wine Bar in downtown San Juan Capistrano. It's conveniently located…read morenear the Amtrak railroad tracks, which adds to the charm and character of the area. There is public parking nearby, making it easy to find parking @ $2/hour. The wine bar is cozy, cute, and welcoming, with a great selection of wines and delicious food options. I especially enjoy their happy hour and the outdoor balcony seating, where you can relax with a glass of wine and watch people stroll through historic downtown. The waitress is fast and friendly....just all around well worth the drive to this area.

    Photos
    Five Vines Wine Bar
    Five Vines Wine Bar
    Five Vines Wine Bar - Bring on the bubbles! tasting to

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    Bring on the bubbles! tasting to

    Frisby Cellars - Beautiful place on the harbor to have wine and a snack.

    Frisby Cellars

    4.5(166 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    •$$

    Recently went for the first time and already excited to return soon!…read more We went for a cheeky Tuesday wine flight which was a good option. You get to select your own wine from their list to try at your own pace. Each time we went back for our next selection, the lovely ladies at the bar were always friendly and delightful. We wished to order the charcuterie box, but they were out, so we went with the Mediterranean board and beef empanadas served with chimichurri sauce - I'd order both again. Their happy hour is very generous, with a BOGO on drinks. Being right on the Harbor wharf, there was a slight breeze which was a welcome relief after the heatwaves the last couple of weeks. The courtyard is covered, so out of the sun, and super spacious. Only negative was the music situation. It was super spotty and dropped out a lot, quite annoying.

    It was such a fun experience. Came the night before to scope the place out and spoke to Lauren and…read morefound out there was a live band the next day. We arrived about 15 minutes before they were fully open so we sat on the patio looking at the wine options and talked until they opened. They had two white wines which I didn't try and the rest were reds. I didn't get to try all the reds because you get 6 to a tasting but all the ones I did taste were great! Ended up getting a bottle of the Cab Sauv and the Dark Elements to enjoy with the live music. The staff was excellent the entire time even when they got busy. Shout out to Lauren, Christian, Rachel and Shay for the excellent service! Specially Lauren who took care of us from open to close even with a little humorous mix up when she thought I was the live music. Lol great time highly recommend trying them. Great wines right on the water and amazing staff!

    Photos
    Frisby Cellars - Mouvedre

    Mouvedre

    Frisby Cellars - My two favs

    My two favs

    Frisby Cellars - Wine tastings, glasses and beer

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    Wine tastings, glasses and beer

    Truly Pizza - Smoky Vodka

    Truly Pizza

    4.2(1.8k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$
    Women-owned & operated
    Free parking

    REALLY GOOD PIZZA!…read more So I have to admit something, I wasn't able to try it fresh :( I had it about 30-45 minutes after picking up and it was still really good, but I could tell it would've been SO good if I got to eat it fresh The pick-up process was nice and easy I ordered the Umami Mushroom and Crispy Pepperoni. They were both FANTASTIC. What really impressed me was the crust! Great flavor and chew. I could tell it would've been softer if I had it fresh. I usually don't eat crusts, but this was arguably the best part of this pizza. Both flavors were great! At first I thought it was a bit on the salty side, but once I had a full slice and ate the crust, I think everything balances well. The umami mushroom lives up to the name -- insanely savory and meaty, even though there's no meat! The pepperoni was classic and SO good. Yes, the pizza is pricey. But I think it would be worth it to get this pizza once in a while. I'll be back and you BET I will eat it fresh next time!

    TRULY had an amazing experience and can't wait to come back! We had reservations and were seated…read morepromptly after checking in. Our server was so friendly and attentive throughout the entire meal. We ordered the garlic bread, Suprema pizza, and Smoky Vodka pizza, and everything was flavorful and delicious! One of our pizzas took a little longer than expected, but the restaurant kindly brought us complimentary ice cream with olive oil and sea salt while we waited. It was such an unexpected and thoughtful gesture! Overall, such a great experience from the food to the service!

    Photos
    Truly Pizza - Restroom

    Restroom

    Truly Pizza - Sweet and Spicy

    Sweet and Spicy

    Truly Pizza - Smoky Vodka (subbed out pepperoni with meatball!)

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    Smoky Vodka (subbed out pepperoni with meatball!)

    Coastal Kitchen - newamerican - Updated September 2026

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