5***** this is the best restaurant in Dana Point Harbor! It's one where you walk in, and YOU know you want to eat THERE again the very next day! The service and food quality, the menu selection, and food preparation are above impeccable. They accommodated a special request from their breakfast menu (Eggs Benedict) AT our dinner reservation. Because they are THE best (and I leave tomorrow). Appetizers: shrimp scampi (divine), and the other dinner was Duck (he said fantastic). Price, food quality, service,and culinary excellence=AMAZING read more

Decent meal but nothing amazing or out of ordinary and majorly lacking in any creativity or wow factor. Came here for the prix fix 4 course dinner for the living social deal. Was able to make a reservation very easily on opentable. Arrived and we stood at the door way for a while before the hostess acknowledged us. The restaurant was pretty empty on a weekend night which is usually not a good sign. We seated ourselves and got water and bread right away but did not get any menus. Waited for about 10min, was ignored and had to ask for menus. We made our dinner selections and our waitress just disappeared, never came back to check on us, just brought the food and came back to clear the plates. The whole service was very impersonal and lacking. The food was decent, mixed green salad wasn't very good, mushroom soup was very tasty. Both of our entrees were very tasty, sirloin steak was a good quality cut and cooked perfected, the fish had too much batter which took away from the fish even though the quality was superb. Both desserts were very good. Really expensive for what you get so probably would not come back. read more

See all

Had a delicious dinner last night at Gemmels. After living in the area for quite awhile we had been there before for a function but we seemed to have forgotten about it. Friends suggested we should go there and it was great. It was cozy on a rainy night and unlike other places it was not noisy. French onion soup was delicious. We ordered the sand dabs finished with a yummy sauce. My husband had the special..scallops with another great sauce and our friend had the chicken Marsala. Everyone loved it and we topped it off with soufflés,one chocolate and the other grand marnier I'm a chocolate fan and not a fan of grand marnier I actually liked it better. Very subtle orange flavor. Service was excellent and helpful. So we will be coming back again! read more

Went for dessert with the girls! We did not feel rushed at all, and the dessert menu options were many! We tried at least half the menu and all were delicious! read more

The service is the WORST EVER. I have been dinning here, since 2020. NEVER AGAIN. This new guy is extremely rude

Great French. Food at reasonable prices. Kevin's Martini is 5star. Lamb chops and seafood specials are excellent.

I just had the most wonderful lunch at Gemmell's. I had known about the restaurant for a long time, but Han never been there. The food was absolutely delicious, the service was fantastic and I loved the atmosphere. It was quiet, and not bustling and loud like most restaurants these days. It's my new favorite place. read more

This place is one of those hidden gems inside a large strip mall. It's a bit hard to find if you've never been since it's located literally in the back far end. Just look for the large blue window awning outside. We made a RSVP so we were seating immediately upon arrival. The patrons all seems elderly in the main dining room where if felt like you walked into some old french joint. The lighting is super dim with candle lit tables all around the outer perimeter. We got seated in a private booth in the back of the restaurant next to the kitchen. I do mean super private booth as it was a super romantic spot for those on an anniversary/date. The waiter was super attentive and superb the entire night. You almost felt like a celebrity with that much attention. For starters we had the lobster bisque. and OMG that was such a wonderful dish. If this is how all they're food is i could eat here everyday although i might go broke since this place is on the pricer side! The soup was creamy yet not too heavy with just enough lobster essence to be the star of the dish. Casserole of Escargots: Farm raised Helix snails' sautéed with garlic, shallots, Mushrooms and diced Ham in a rich Burgundy Sauce. This was one of the yummiest escargot dishes i've ever had. The sauce was perfectly seasoned and super rich with garlic flavor that you just wanted to lick the dish clean. Or better yet dip all the bread in it so savor all the yummy flavors! This dish is definitely a 5/5 for flavor and 4.5/5 for overall value. Roasted Lamb Rack: Colorado Rack of Lamb oven roasted in a pool of a Thyme garlic demi glaze. Served with the chef's fresh vegetable selection and roasted garlic baby potatoes. This dish again was cooked and prepared to perfection. The lamb was super tender as it was cooked medium. The thyme glaze gave it the extra flavor burst with every bite. The side of sweet potato also gave the dish an extra layer to explore. The sweet and savoriness of the dish definitely puts your taste buds thru an nice workout. This dish gets a 5/5 for flavor and 5/5 for overall value. Crusted Sea Bass: Finished in a champagne lemon dill light cream sauce served with the chef's fresh vegetable selection. This dish was definitely the lightest dish of all our courses. The fish itself was cooked to perfection as it was super moist yet flaky. Yet the lemon dill cream sauce seemed a bit lacking in flavor. Especially compared to the lamb. But if you're looking a lighter entree this would be a good choice. Although it's definitely on the pricer side since this was an off the menu "chef special". So overall i would give this dish a 4/5 for flavor and 3.5/5 for overall value. I probably wouldn't order this dish again especially for $30/plate. Overall i would definitely recommend this place for those looking for a traditional french meal in a super romantic setting. Your date will definitely feel like a princess with the awesome service and experience here. Also keep a look out for groupon deals as they seem quite common for this place. Merci beaucoup Gemmell's! read more

The problem with Gemmell's is not the chef, the food is great, it's not the two waiters. They work really hard and try to please. The problem is with whoever manages the dining room. They need more wait staff!! Only 2 waiters for a restaurant that size is ridiculous. And whoever is managing the dining room should be the one that's checking, Yelp reviews and responding to them and making corrections. They should also be the ones to be keeping trap track of their yelp reservations.. It's a shame because the food is delicious the atmosphere is sweet, they need somebody else running the place. read more

My wife and I made a reservation to have lunch here. When we got to the restaurant we were waiting while a member of staff finished a phone call. When he started to seat us I asked him if he was going to wear a mask (because he wasn't wearing one). He said, no, he wouldn't. I asked again if he would wear a mask and he confirmed that he wouldn't wear one. My wife and I looked at each other and decided to leave. There was no one else at the restaurant. My wife and I went to another restaurant nearby where the staff were wearing masks and gloves and it was pretty crowded. Most of the people walking around Dana Point Harbor were also wearing masks. I love French food and I believe this restaurant has good French food so when this restaurant's staff start wearing masks we'll return to dine there. After all, when they wear masks they protect themselves as well as their customers. read more

Our favorite place in Dana Point! Their duck, with caramelized banana, is divine and their soufflés are the best and only authentic soufflés in the area. Begin with the escargot, which is quite different than other escargots, or the terrine. This is a little hidden gem! read more

An absolute hidden gem. This is a small, family business. It is quite off the radar. GenX's and Millennials and Boomers alike will feel transported back to the 80's given the general vibe of the place. It's definitely not a "happening place"; but the fabulous food obliterates any need for scene! read more

See all

Gemmells is a beautiful restaurant offering old world charm. Excellent food choices pate, soups, salads all served with homemade rolls. The entrées , beautifully prepared, steaks, seafood, chicken, pork and pasta. Deserts range from a light lemon tart, to the grand Marnier souffle. The wine list is extensive and of course my favorite a dry martini with a layer of ice floating on top. Go and enjoy read more

My significant other and I ate at Gemmell"s on a Wednesday evening and our whole experience there was outstanding! The restaurant is very festive during the holidays, as we remembered from our visit there this time last year. It's warm and inviting with a Christmas tree, nutcrackers and other Christmas decorations. We sat next to the electric fireplace which was cozy. The hostess, maybe the owner, was kind enough to take pictures of us in a couple different areas of the restaurant to take advantage of the different decorations. Then came our meal! We had French onion soup, Caesar salad and filet mignon, which came with roasted garlic baby potatoes and fresh vegetables. We also shared a chocolate soufflé for dessert. It was all incredible, especially the filet mignon with the wild mushroom Bordelaise sauce and the chocolate soufflé! The cocktails were also delicious, especially the Italian coffee. Finally, our waiter was excellent and the chef even asked how we enjoyed our dinner. We had such a wonderful experience and can't wait to come back soon! read more

Great customer service. Our server was so kind and professional. The food was amazing. Adorable place to gave a great anniversary dinner.

We were in the area and were craving some French food. This place really hit the spot. Service was awesome and food was really good read more

See all

Great, fast and friendly service. Started with Feuillette which was very good then had the special, John Dory which was delicious. Side vegetables were fine, presentation was dated and not interesting. Menu and Meal was very pricey. read more

Too bad we never got a chance to try this place after living in Dana Point for 30 years and finally getting dressed up for my birthday and came in for our long-awaited meal. on April 4th there were a bunch of signs on the door that said they opened at 11am plus their website said the same thing plus there was another sign on the door "Yes, we're open. " The doors were locked And it was dark inside. I called on my cell phone and heard the phone ringing inside; no employees. We went somewhere else to eat. Afterward when we walked back to the car we saw customers there eating. I went inside to see what was up and found one employee in the back. Me: "We were here half an hour after opening time and the door was locked and no one was here." Employee: shrugs and says "yeah, sometimes we open at 11:40." Au revoir, good luck staying in business. read more

Great traditional fare. Good especially for brunch and Champaign brunches on Sundays.

The food here is the kind you think about, crave and drool over. I had the pork and French onion soup and it was sooooooo good. The pork dish was something I won't be able to find anywhere else, as it came with thus tasty gravy that had the best flavor. I could eat that stuff all day. I'll be back for sure. read more

Just had door dash delivery from Gemmell's. Was the worst food I've had in years. French onion soup tasted like water with soggy bread and slightl'y melted cheese in a plastic container of goo. Chicken Marsala also bland, tough and unappetizing. So mad I ordered this food and spent close to $80, for something I threw down the drain. s read more

This is THE BEST RESTAURANT in Orange County! Excellent expansive authentic French menu. The best sauces!!! Service is slow but good ( expect slow service). Darling ambiance. Can't go wrong with the menu. Lamb, duck, chicken, soufflé etc so so good. read more

The best lunch in town. Extreme quality and flavor for under $20?!?! Coming back again and keeping this place in the rotation....

Classic little French Restaurant, that my 70 year old mom adores. The salmon was so tender, and the sauces compliment. Very different vibe for SoCal, nothing trendy here. Authentic old school. The desserts are my fav though, the soufflé and the lemon tart. Wish they got more business but the place is easy to walk past. read more

It's only the third month of the year and I have dined here with friends twice. I plan to dine here at least 12 times this year. Gemmell's is a jewel of a restaurant with exquisite food If you have not already experienced it's offering, don't wait, set an appointment now...you have a treat in store. read more

My family had a wonderful time celebrating my daughter's birthday. The one server was very attentive and checked on us often. He gave her a birthday dessert which took our breath away. The atmosphere was perfect, not too noisy so it was a relaxing event. The food was delicious but the chocolate and grand marnier soufflé was the best. It was delicious and I can't stop craving it. We might have to go there again soon. read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - Great display for birthday cake - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

There deals are amazing. The food is delicious with a two course meal. Their $18.00 deal dish of calamari steak was super yummy.

Sand dabs were excellent! Such a charming restaurant right in the harbor. Everything was wonderful for a lovely date night with my hubby

Everything we ordered was perfect! Lobster Bisque, Wilted Spinach salad and Sea Bass. The fish was buttery, flaky and perfect with a sauce to die for! It's sad that The landlord will not update the outside of the building (it's owed by the county) because, this restaurant (building) is dated on the outside but still has its "Vintage Beach Charm". Not too busy for a Monday night, but there was a steady stream of visitors all night. This is "Fine Dining" IE; leave time to talk and enjoy some wine or a cocktail between courses. Chef Byron has been at this location for many years and learned his craft working for some of the best French Chefs around the country. Building and decor aside, I would make this place a definite stop for great French Cuisine! read more

First time customers who, while dining at another local eatery overheard that they loved to go to Gemmell's for their Sand Dabs. Say no more since I absolutely love them. I was not disappointed. The preparation was perfect. The lemon butter sauce was outstanding. They were happy to substitute sides and the service overall was great. We did go at 5:30 PM so we didn't have to wait for service or our food to be served. We will definitely be returning for some of our other favorite menu selections. read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

came in on valentine's day, was very lonely and sad. That was until a hunk of server came in and made my day. he offered to be my date, i very much accepted. he cooked the food for me, gave me a show, and still managed to clean the table. thank you kevin for making my night, call me. read more

Love this place! The food is delicious, desserts are exquisite and the ambience is perfect.

I brought my family to Gemmells for dinner on April 19. We had reservations for 5:00 PM. When we arrived the restaurant was void of any staff whatsoever. We wandered thru the kitchen to attempt to find some one who could help us. Finally we were seated at 5:40PM by I would think is a manager. At 6:pm there still was not a waiter in sight. We thought it odd that there were no others dining,and maybe the restaurant was in the process of closing. We were served our dinner and enjoyed our selections. However the whole experience was very disappointing. We will not be back. William Skeen read more

Gemmell's in Dana Point Harbor is always excellent whether lunch, brunch or dinner. Chef/owner Byron, 23 years in biz, is amazing! Lunch specials are best kept secret. Top off a perfect white linen classic French meal with one of Gemmell's many delicious desserts! Soufflé is amazing! read more

Delicious I got The French Onion Soup and Pork Tenderloin was definitely a really good choice and the service was good

Small, family run restaurant with casual elegance. Fois Gras was exceptional. Sea Bass and Jon Dory were fantastic in lemon butter sauce. Some of the best French cuisine I have had including my many trips to France. Think small authentic village rather than Parisian. So, much better! Service is a little "laissez faire", so authentic European. Look forward to returning. A hidden gem in Orange County read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - Fois gras with pears. Exquisite. - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

This has been a favorite place of mine with friends plus I got engaged there, so have tried to return only to find the door locked at noon and later. Last time 8-10 people left while we waited knowing eventually the same guy would open. It has happened 4 times with no apology from him. This is the first time I have left a review, but the lady who this happened to on Christmas prompted me to do so. We also had revs each time. I know they are closing soon and I wanted to go today, but I drive much too far to risk having to stand out front waiting....so I cx'd my rev for today. The owner must know all this by now. read more

I had a special event coming up so I went to Gemmell's days before to pick out the perfect table for the evening, it was put in the book. My guests and I arrived and was seated at the table I had selected. We had put in our drink order when the person that seated us said we had to move, we were then put at a table next to the kitchen so everytime someone went in or came out of the kitchen, we were interrupted. It seems that we were bumped because somebody else was always seated there so we were out of luck even though I had made extra efforts to pick the table for the evening. That was my last visit to Gemmell's. read more

We were a party of four last Friday night...Each of us ordered something different and everything was absolutely delicious. We will be returning often. read more

Amazing place to eat, family owned. The food is out of this world prepared by the owner, head chef and his wife Barbara who waited on us. Such a delight, they really care and make the best dining experience, you won't be sorry. I'm so glad I found this place, definitely a future staple when I'm in Dana Point. read more

Gemmell's Restaurant - Frog legs, first time ever. Absolutely amazing. - French Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all