Olamendi's in Dana Point is one of those places that feels like a local secret once you're sitting down with a plate of great food in front of you. I had the Pollo Tomatillo, which was absolutely delicious - tender, flavorful, and nicely balanced for such a simple recipe. My friend ordered the 2-taco combo plate, and it did not disappoint. Everything tasted fresh and well prepared. The salsa had a great flavor with a nice little kick at the end that sneaks up on you in the best way. The location is a bit wonky and the parking lot is tight, but once you're there, it's worth it. The patio is surprisingly comfortable, and inside is the most eclectic collection of tchotchkes you've ever seen - it's like dining inside a little museum or a shop on Calle 16 de Septiembre in Cabo. Even if you eat on the patio, be sure to go in and take a look around. Service was friendly and attentive, and our meals were complemented perfectly with ranch waters - tequila, mineral water, and fresh lime juice. Simple, crisp, and refreshing. We'll definitely be back. read more

Olamendi's - #5 Two Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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A group of nine of us decided to visit Olamendi's in Dana Point. The patio's view is beautiful and we asked to be seated there. Although there were two large tables that could be joined, they refused. We were seated inside. Our server, Claudia, approached our table with a sour attitude. She never greeted us and coldly asked for our drink order. She brought our drinks, and proceeded to take our order. I politely asked if she would break down the bill individually, she said no. Our food was mediocre at best. I ordered a shredded beef Chimichanga which completely tasteless (and to my surprise was charged $4.00 extra for Birria which I did not order). I later discovered the Birria was the shredded beef I ordered). Everyone at the table was disappointed with the taste of the food. We visit many restaurants, especially Mexican Food; we had never encountered the added charges for the basics, i.e. chips and salsa (refills were $3.50 for each item). The carnitas were dry, the Guacamole ordinary, and the tacos were served without salsa. My friend ordered Pico de Gallo and was charged $4.00 for it. We do not recommend Olamendi's. read more

Olamendi's - Main dining room - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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This place had so much potential but judging from the pictures on the wall, I'm guessing the peak was during the Nixon era. Started out with chips and salsa, chips were thick and stale, then ordered chips and guacamole... same stale chips, guacamole was bland, nothing remarkable about it. Coctel with shrimp was meh, and was served on a plate with water at the bottom (yech) and more stale chips. Shrimp chunks were not tasty, easily the worst coctel ever ordered. Cheese enchilada was not good, there was nothing about the food that'd make you want to come back. I get the impression that this place was once a great restaurant but time and perhaps a few ownership changes has taken its toll. For a Friday afternoon during Spring Break, you'd think it'd be bustling, but the place was about 25% full and looked to be occupied by tourists who didn't know any better. To their credit, service was great and fast, and ambience was good. For some reason there's a rack of clothing for sale right in front of the bar. Food was so bad, I didn't want to take a chance on the dessert of flan, we just wanted to leave. Such a disappointment, and I wouldn't recommend to a friend. read more

This place has the best people working for them. Amazing service. Joe was the best. We arrived (2 persons) and requested to be seated inside as it was a little chilly at 6:30 pm. There was an empty table but needed clearing. We said we could wait. Well they were extremely busy and I noticed that all the employees were busting their asses to take care of customers. We ended up waiting 20 minutes for the table to be cleared and seated. Joe (Jorge on the receipt) was amazing seated us and took drink orders immediately! Drinks arrived within minutes. The whole place was extremely busy and I was so impressed on how the staff was handling it. Food arrived in a timely manner and was very good. Joe was such a good server, you could tell he really cared about the customer. This place gets 10 stars from me. read more

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Olamendi's is a great authentic Mexican restaurant. I highly recommend the enchilada dish. Although this was not my first time having Mexican food, it was the first time I tried a shrimp enchilada. I found out it is a killer dish and I regret never trying something new until today. It was our first time dining here. We were very satisfied with our meal. We tried their homemade world-famous flan dessert also. It tasted great. However, it was much sweeter than I prefer. Both the interior and exterior radiated bright colors that created a welcoming and social atmosphere. Overall, this place has excellent food, and our waiter went above and beyond! They have great indoor seating and outdoor patio dining with sunset views. read more

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As our families were coming into town for a wedding, a group of seven of us made last-minute reservations for dinner here on a Wednesday night. The restaurant was easy to find along the coast south of Dana Point. Their relatively small parking lot had plenty of spaces available when we arrived at 530 p.m. Some street parking was also available if you come at a busier time. We were quickly seated in their decorative dining room, which had walls full of photos of famous past guests. As sunset approached, other groups were availing themselves of the outdoor tables. They serve all the favorites. Several in the group started with Margaritas, while others went for Mexican Coke or water. Chips and salsa were brought out. The red salsa was quite spicy, even though they said it wasn't. We must have been lightweights. I ordered two crispy taco combo, one chicken and one beef. Both were delicious and (temperature) hot with shells that did not break midway through eating. The side of refried beans was great with a thick cheese layer on top. I didn't care as much for the rice in the combo. My wife got their signature burrito with red and green sauce. It was huge, almost the size of her head, I think. Needless to say, she didn't finish it but did enjoy it. Some others got tacos, and someone else ordered two wet enchiladas. Everything was great. Service was awesome the entire evening, and we had a great time. read more

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Definitely a Mexican owned and operated and been in business a long time. The Nixon pictures made the place dated and for me a bit of turnoff. Good menu selection. Wish I had gotten the Tostadas instead of chile releno as it was sweet and taste was off. Rice was great and good salsa. After just returning from 3 months in México, I would rate this as not authentic ... more California Mexican. read more

Olamendi's - Olamendi's - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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A friend of ours gave us a bottle of the Ultra Premium Organic Tequila, 100% Agave Azul bottle for Christmas. The Tequila was fantastic!! She said if you like the Tequila, check out the restaurant in Dana Point, you'll love it. Boy, was she right!! So, we take PCH from Long Beach to Dana Point-just a beautiful oceanic scenic drive. We knew as soon as we pulled in, the place had character and a killer ocean view. Walk inside, surrounded by colorful Mexican decorations, a Trophy Tequila case, and multiple photos of Nixon visiting that same restaurant many years ago. Of course we ordered Mezcal Margaritas, shots if Mezcal, AND the Mole!! Literally, the BEST Mole you'll eat, we could taste the chocolate and ALL ~50+ ingredients... i had Enchiladas, he had the Chicken. Food was truly delicious!! Service was fantastic, from our Meatball Soup to the Churros for Dessert!! They were very attentive, and never left us lonely. Truly recommend for all those who love authentic Mexican food, great Tequila (you can buy a bottle to take home. ), and a killer ocean view!!!! read more

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I still think about this meal from three years ago, which says a lot--and none of it good. The food arrived heavily committed to oil and completely uninterested in seasoning. A bold culinary philosophy, I suppose. The service matched the vibe. The waitress was inexplicably rude from the start, as if I'd personally disrupted her day by ordering lunch. Between the cooking and the attitude, it was a full sensory experience I do not need to revisit. Haven't been back since. read more

Food took forever to come out and once it did multiple plates were messed up and cold by the time it was corrected. Food wasn't great and waiter would not split the bill up for us according to our group. Would not recommend and not worth the price of the food. read more

Sunset Views and super salsa served up at Olamendi's Mexican Restaurant near Capistrano Beach since 1973. The view is priceless. The history is notable, and the staff is great. Cheerful family-run spot for Mexican classics served in colorful surroundings with a full bar. read more

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Great service and location here at Olamendi's with Amazing weather today. Perfect pit stop to relax and enjoy the sunshine and ocean breeze. The main dish was carnitas de Olamendi was kinda dry and not properly seasoned right because you need the fiery mole sauce to compliment this dish. The Hibiscus drink was refreshing and delicious. They also have a vegan menu too. They also have a sweet mole sauce with 50 ingredients and all vegetarian version no meat. Beautiful atmosphere and environment with nice clean restroom available inside for disabled customers too. Lots of parking available here during non peak hours. Love the different colors of umbrellas too. Overall a wonderful alternative to the mundane things in life. Try the new and fresh approach to traditional Oaxaca Mexican cuisine here in Beautiful Dana Point right on Pacific coast highway. Enjoy the Sunshine of Love today. read more

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Check your bill! Used to go here a lot, but stopped because they have a tendency to add items to your bill you never got. ie 3 shots ordered but charge you for 5. read more

Food was great but the service was awful. Took 30 minutes to get a Diet Coke. Over charged my party on both food and drinks for drinks we never recieved... so sad to see a place I loved go so downhill read more

What a great place across the ocean. I stopped by there. Victor was an awesome server and I had their signature burrito with beef. Absolutely delicious. Just a word of advice to you gringos out there. The salsa is got a little bite to it so be careful highly recommend. read more

Olamendi's - #4 Burrito #4 Burrito #4 Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Food was bland. Atmosphere interesting. Service pretty bad. I had a to go box and I left it on the table. I went to the car which is about 15 yards from the front door, said goodbyes to my friends and realized I had forgotten the box. Went back not more than 3 minutes after I left through the front door. There were 2 people cleaning the table and I asked where my to go box was and they were like we don't know, didn't see it. So I went back to the ca and asked my wife, did you grab the box? She said no so I went back in again and started looking around everywhere not finding it. Then one of the guys walks over to the garbage and says is this it? Most decent restaurant would come out and give you the box but even if that is not the case, to lie the first time I go back in??? Come on guys you are better than that. I certainly wouldn't go back to this place. read more

Wow!! This place has really gone down hill. They changed the menu now it's basically an overpriced Taco Bell. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and they were hard and they tasted weird. Definitely not the same quality as it was in the past. Service was good but the food not so much. Sad because I've been coming here for years. Definitely will not go back. read more

Yuk The draw must be the view. Food and margaritas just yuk. Skinny marg so tart it was undrinkable. Almost straight lime juice. Enchiladas order was wrong, ordered one chicken, one cheese, got two chicken. Green enchilada sauce too limey. With all the good Mexican food in The area I would avoid this place read more

When in the area, Olamendi's has been our "go to" place for years. We especially like going there after we go walking through Doheny. I personally like their beef tacos , while my wife loves their chili rellano (with a beef ). If we didn't live 18 miles away, we would be there every week. read more

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Can't go wrong with Mexican food! Right next to PCH & the coast ! Friendly & fast ! read more

Olamendi's - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Food, service, and ambiance - perfection! We sat out of the patio in one of our sunny afternoon overlooking the ocean across PCH. The Chili Relleno was to die for. I added some carnitas and it was delish Our waiter was pleasant and courteous. Their horchata was fresh and just blended nicely. Overall, I definitely will come back again. read more

Definitely the worst Mexican food in Dana Point snd I remembered why I haven't been back since 2022. :(. The fajitas are inedible and so is the presentation. I sent back my food but ate the house salad and guacamole My stomach is aching so much. I should have gone anywhere else for lunch!! read more

Olamendi's - Yuckyyyyy - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Even though they have an outside patio on asphalt and are right across from the beach, they do not allow dogs on the patio. Big bummer in our dog friendly community. :( read more

I am so sad to leave this review - I have been coming to Olamendi's for 40+ years. First with my parents growing up and then when I had my own family we came here all the time. I just cannot recommend this place anymore at all. I keep trying to go and have a positive experience but it just keeps getting worse and worse. I think sadly tonight was and will be our last visit. The quality of the food has gone so down hill I just can't do it anymore. The chips were so so stale to the point you couldn't even chew them. I ordered the combo with the chili relleno and the refried beans were hard and old. The sauce on chili relleno tasted like ketchup. I'm sorry Olamendi's - I tried to keep coming back for nostalgia sake but I just can't do it anymore. Obviously it's a great location and most of the staff is kind but that's all :( read more

Want bad food? And rude/bad service? With high prices? Make sure to visit & ask for Claudia the waitress who has 9+ 1 star reviews (search if you think I'm exaggerating ). Incredibly rude & beyond slow service. Visit Ricardo's or el adobe for some quality, great service. This place has terrible parking & some of the lowest quality food and service you can experience. read more

Chile en Nogal is gross and extremely sweet !! Food is expensive here and not good ! Meh ! Service was fine ! Just come here for beer and chips and salsa . read more

Ordered four tacos. Shrimp, fish, birria, chicken. Shrimp was bad quality frozen. Fish looked like slop. Chicken was dry. Birria was dry. The ingredients for the meat used is just bad quality. Do yourself a favor and skip this place. If you think this is legit Mexican food you're wrong. read more

2nd time eating here came back the next day Excellent!!!! Service awesome !!! Trust me try there rolls Royce margaritas wow the best one I have tasted I love margaritas but oh man it was smooth you get buzzed or even drunk like I was no hang over lol it was that good there food was great but the best one is there capo beach buritto thank you will be back next time where down here I'm capistrano beach read more

Not worth it but you'll probably come here anyways for the tourist trap and lack of options otherwise. First off, The prices are way too high and the service way too subpar to be turning away people dressed in.. i dunno.. BEACH ATTIRE. But whatever. We sat outside and I covered up my inappropriate shirtless self and ordered ceviche and tacos. Very mid mexican food and we hardly got checked on or our waters refilled. read more

It's been 15+ years since I've eaten here. The food is every bit as good as my last visit. Service was excellent and many additions to the epic memorabilia hanging on the walls. If you're looking for classic, authentic Mexican food, look no further. And be sure to walk around and check out some of the pictures and other cool stuff. read more

A ruined reputation. I have gone here many times over the years and have liked it. Went in the other day (after 2-3 years) and boy, NOT the same place. The service was iffy. Talk about shrinkflation!!! The portions are smaller and the prices? Yikes, $101.29 for lunch?? The guacamole was about the portion of a 1/2 an avocado (it literally looked like the busboy ate most of it on the way to the table) AND they charged us $12.00 ?!?!?!?!? read more

What a charming place with excellent food and beautiful views! After a whole day of flying across the continent and doing an interminable line at the car rental, we finally arrived at Dana Point and were able to relax by the beach and enjoy the beautiful day. And we noticed we were hungry and that Olamendis was almost next door We arrived shortly after 5 PM and got our choice of outdoor seating with the fresh air making everything nice. Olamendis is an iconic venue in this area. The owner knew Nixon, who lived close by, as well as a plethora of Washington insiders. Her niece narrated to us about how White House staff would come here to eat. Today, it is still a charming place. We ordered margaritas, which noticing a couple of Yelp reviews, we expected to pay $20 apiece. However, they were priced at $11-$16 per rail drinks, and the upper price was paid for organic exclusive tequila, commanding a high price, not only here but also anywhere. I ordered the mole which was was exquisite. This came with a superb albondigas soup. My spouse ordered the pork tacos with tamale which was also finger licking good. Every member of the staff was at this best. Superb experience. read more

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Right across the street from the ocean, indoor or outdoor, we sat outdoors 81degrees and the sun was out with plenty of umbrella shades. Waiters and waitresses are attentive, they are polite, friendly and respectful. There is also a drink menu, if I was not driving believe me you I would have had some spirits. The menu is simple and easy, the food was delicious, plate hot to the touch. I wanted to order more but I knew my eyes were too big for my stomach, I will be back and I hope you Yelp readers make the trip! read more

Friendly & fast service !the server made us feel at home. Ambiance was very nice & right off the beach .Thanks Jorge! read more

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I had the shrimp chili rellano and it was delicious! Also the flan is awesome! Great service and colorful! Bought a festive blouse! read more

Olamendi's - Great food at Olamendis - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

The food is awesome and our waiter Victor is absolutely the best! The atmosphere is so eclectic and being right across from the beach makes it a special place. read more

Love this place whenever we stay at my brother's timeshare next door!! They have something for everyone with ample parking. This time around, we were in town for Fourth of July. Perfect place for fireworks =) when the weather is nice, perfect patio with view of the beach! Ambiance inside reminded me of the movie, Coco, with the skeletons and overall, "celebration decor." Bright and festive! I was on a shrimp cocktail "kick" at the time so, was so happy to see couple clients order it. It came in a HUGE glass cup. Lots of cocktail sauce and pieces of whole shrimp. That was a nice surprise to see/taste that! Also, ordered their spicy margarita -- also, in a HUGE glass cup. Service is always nice and friendly. Almost like a mom and pop shop. read more

Olamendi's - Spicy strawberry House Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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I really wanted to like this place and have given it multiple chances, but the inconsistency is just too much and lately the food has only gotten worse. Tonight, I ordered the two enchilada combo, thinking cheese enchiladas would be a safe bet. Unfortunately, they were barely edible. The cheese inside was thick and rubbery, the sauce was clumpy, and both the rice and beans were cold. What made it worse was the lack of care from the staff. I sent the food back and shared my concerns with two different employees. Neither offered an apology or seemed to care. Sadly, I think I've given this place enough chances. read more

Everytime we pass through the area we stop here for lunch. Friday went around 1130am, sat outside, had margarita and then the food comes. It has defiantly gone down in the quality aspect and there was no flavor to the meats, cheese was blah and the portions smaller. Hopefully we caught them on an off day, maybe owners changed but not sure if after all these years we will be going back. read more

Typical family Mexican restaurant with indoor abs patio seating. Across the beach from capo beach so nice coastal location. Staff is really friendly and helpful. Parking is a bit difficult with a small lot but street parking is close by. Food wise had capo beach burrito with carnitas, taco plate and chimi. Food was pretty good. Nothing stood out but no complaints either. Good selection of beer and drinks. read more