I stopped by here on my way home to LA from a trip to San Diego. I stopped because of their vegan options and I got the potato enchiladas with pipian mole. Absolutely nothing special, pretty flavorless. I think mainly the customers they get coming in are, not Mexican people. Two stars because Interesting decor and vegan options. read more

This is a regular favorite of ours and we haven't been since the pandemic hit. We decided to take a nice drive and have dinner and we were greatly disappointed. The service was bad and the food wasn't better. With restrictions being lifted we didn't understand the place an order at the counter, take a number and sit yourself down concept. It was very confusing and made for horrible service. The food has always been great, but not this time! The chips were lousy and tasted like they had been bagged a week ago. The salsa had no flavor, our beef fajitas were tough and lacked flavor the whole meal was just bad. Not sure what's going on, but hoping things get back to normal! read more

Really great Mexican joint! Came in here with a big group for lunch one afternoon and they took great care of us. I also love all the decorations at this place, stimulation-overload! Food was really solid though, I got the fajita's and they did not disappoint. I was also picking at everybody else's plates and everything was seriously very tasty. Staff was very friendly and helpful, would definitely recommend! read more

I was visiting the area and a friend brought me in for lunch. Greeted immediately and served ice water and chips w/salsa. The decor was glorious with lots of colors and dios de la muerto firgures. Our food arrived rather quickly and was as beautiful as it was tasty. I did order flour and got corn tortillas, but it's happened before and was not a big deal. In short, my only regret is that I will probably not be back this way again, but if I do, I will definitely come back. ~ Gracias! read more

So me and my girl and my best friend and his wife came to this restaurant.....at first thought the place looked pretty nice....but the food was sub par and ok at its best....my friend order two fish tacos that to him late....and when they came...the face said it all...that he wasn't happy....then his wife got the ceviche and it was more like a shrimp cocktail and it tasted like ketchup.....the only thing that was good was the gac and chips.....i had a mechilada and it was ok.....so with that i live you with this.....great food for people who not Hispanic....cus other then that it was bad for what am use to read more

Wife and I came here. She got the chicken tostada, which they burnt and the chicken was dry and she found a couple bones. I got the laguna beach vegan burrito, which was big but wet and fell apart; I had to eat it with a fork and knife. I've had a better burrito(and cheaper) at Chipotle to be honest. It was aight. The only reason we came is because it was a 30 second walk from the hotel and we had a 20% off coupon - which they don't apply to appetizers or drinks, which I found more than a little lame. read more

Good not great, very much a "Mexican" experience (coke from a can) and the location is very nice however parking is difficult. We will go back but with all of the Mex food joints 'round here, it may be a while. Great chips and salsa. read more

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

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The place is enjoyable. The carnitas were good and plentiful, and the ceviche would have been great given the healthy amount of fish but they must marinate it with salad dressing, it seems, which has a sweetness that wasn't all that appreciated. The salsa does have personality. We still ordered serranos torreados, though. The mariachi alone is worth the visit -- such talent he has, and is very nice as well. So if you're into the stuffy OC scene you won't find it here. I'm glad I went and I'll return. read more

Guacamole is excellent. Carne asada tacos were great too! This place is busy. Even though they're busy someone was always tending to us. The service is quick and friendly! Will return! read more

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We just went here for appetizers. Potato Empanadas and Taquitos. Loved it all, the salsa is fresh and chunky style with lots of spice! I had the Skinny Shiekanna Margarita with organic tequila, very good, not sweet read more

Olamendi's - Very eclectic! - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Foods great, staff is great. It's a must if you are visiting Dana Point. The food is authentic Mexican cuisine. They have cheap combos if you are worried about price and expensive steak and seafood plates as well. read more

Disappointed in how much this restaurant has gone downhill. I hate leaving a negative review of a place we used to really enjoy, but it's ridiculous that we spent over 50.00 on a terrible meal with bad service. Maybe okay for tourists, but the prices are steep considering the quality. - excessive wait time, even when half the restaurant was empty. - salsa tastes like canned tomatoes. No flavor. - bland, flavorless food. Not seasoned, received beans had no salt. - no hot sauces, just their own homemade sauce which is less spicey than Taco Bell mild sauce. Please get a new chef and prepare your wait staff better Olemendis! You are better than that! read more

The food here must have changed because my Steak burrito was tough and the chicken dry flavor wasn't the greatest ....

Great food, awesome view and always fun! Make sure to sit in Victor's section for excellent service! read more

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

This place is isolated on PCH, but if you want an authentic Mexican meal, this is a great place. Big enough for groups too with a large back room. I love the classic Mexican combo, and the salsa is legit. Real and yummy with a solid kick and REAL chips. Love it for a non-gringo meal. read more

Stayed at our resort The Riviera right next door and the food is delicious! Very authentic. Usually I'm very picky with my Mexican food, but this place exceeded my expectations! It's a must try! read more

Our party of 5 visited for my birthday. It was a 1st visit for 3 of us. All 5 of us were delighted with food, service, ambiance & the kindness & enthusiasm of the staff. We all had margaritas... delicious! Salsa was bold and perfect for our tastes.. We ordered a variety of entrees. No one was disappointed. There were plenty of choices and our vegan/vegetarian attendees were happy with the wide selection, too. The location is right across from the beach on PCH, with a casual vibe, large patio & easy on-site parking. The interior enchanted me; it is decorated in a Dia de los Muertos motif... almost every square inch is filled with art...plus photos of notable visitors & family. I took many, many photos. It was well worth the 40+ mile drive in every way. I will visit again soon! read more

Wasn't impressed. Basic food no wow factor. Simple place with simple food. Expected better but did not get it.

We've been coming here 35 years. Always great food and good service. Love the roaming mariachis authentic music. After dinner walk outside and take your sweetheart for a stroll on the beach. read more

My friend and I stopped at this place on his recommendation. It was pretty busy so we waited 25 minutes to be seated. When we finally got a table it was one that was set for six but we were hungry so we didn't mind. A waiter came to the table and asked us how many in the party. We said it was just us two. He excused himself and went over to talk to the hostess. She then came to the table and told us that she was sorry but the table was only available for a larger group. So did we mind waiting a little longer? I said yes we did mind. But she was insistent that we vacate the table. Now let me tell you that this has never happened to me in my life before visiting this restaurant. So we left that joint (and it is a joint) rather than be subjected to any further rude and inhospitable treatment. I couldn't post this review with out giving at least one star. So let me state unequivocally that this place deserves NO STARS AT ALL!! read more

Sorry to see so many bad reviews, Used to be a go to spot. I see prices are thru the roof , and that could be one of the reasons. You would think with that kind of real estate , someone would turn it around ? read more

Really good Mexican food. The prices on food are reasonable...drink prices are completely out of control. $15 for a 16oz margarita.!

Fun place.Had dinner with friends. The view is great. Right across from ocean. Tacos and burritos tasty.

We have been to this restaurant a couple times before and each time I meant to complete a review, and this time I'm following through. The reviews on yelp for the most part are good regarding the food but many state it's unorganized and overpriced Mexican food. I agree it's very overpriced. When arriving at the restaurant we were told it will be about 25 minutes wait. When I asked about an available table I was told that it is for others waiting on the wait list, but our name was the only name on the list. We were seated 10 minutes later at the same available table. Not sure why we had to wait. We were staying nearby and always get the recommendation from the hotel staff but every time I am left feeling underwhelmed by the experience. It's always hard to justify spending so much for dinner when we're all getting enchiladas beans and rice. The food was good and a good amount on the plate but again not worth $22 to $24 per plate. Photos of president Nixon everywhere because he ate here a lot. I guess that is their claim to fame and the reason for charging so much. Next time maybe look for another place for dinner. read more

Excited to come here every time we're in town. Great food and service. The view is also amazing.

Really bad food. Just terrible. But....you see the beach the whole time. You can hang out where a president ate weekly for 15 years (Nixon) and sit at his table. Last time we were there, they took our order.....waited about 20 minutes, then told us they were out of cheese. At a mexican restaurant? Cheese! Are you kidding me? So they brought our runny, liqudy food out without cheese. Haven't been back since. We were there 3 times before this "no cheese" event and the food was well below average. The place is surviving on it's location....which is stunning. read more

We have been making the Olamendi pilgrimage regularly since we moved to Dana Point some 13 years ago. I am addicted to the salsa (homemade and quite spicy.) I always recommend Olamendi's for the food. It is consistently great. That's why I gave it five stars. Try the carnitas (there is one platter that serves 3-4), the fish tacos (cooked ceviche is the best description), the Mexican chef's salad, any of the homemade soups, the huge burritos or the traditional combo plates. Prices are getting steep - in the $20 range for a salad and entree dinner. If you love mole, this is the place. There are several on the menu. My fav is the Oaxaqueño - served on chunks of pork. Again, it is very spicy but if you like spice this is the one to get. Also try the blanca nieves (a creamy white jalapeno sauce served on chicken, steak or pork). There is mole poblano, mole Esmeralda (lighter, less spicy) and the Oaxaqueño. I have a pal who orders the Pescado al Mojo de Ajo every time he goes. (Lightly fried fish in a garlic and lemon sauce.) The menu is nothing like the taco/enchilada combo plate special at most Mexican restaurants including the same-named place in Laguna. However ... the food is always great but the service can be really, really, really spotty. There are times when one thinks there are no servers at all and that can be on a mid-afternoon Sunday in February when it is raining outside. Pack your patience. The atmosphere is tacky and ever-changing, except for the pictures of Richard Nixon and other GOP luminaries on the walls. Hey, it is South Orange County. It is hard to imagine Nixon, in suit and tie and well-polished oxfords, eating at the plastic tables that used to be the hallmark of the place. Today, the restaurant is an eclectic collection of wood tables and dining chairs that look like they are from the rummage sale. There are cast-offs from Dia de los Muertos in the dark corners and chain-saw carved depictions of Christ on the Cross. But don't be scared. There are also pinatas and Teletubbies hanging from the ceiling. You really have to see it to believe it. Parking is not plentiful so be prepared to park across busy PCH and run through traffic to get there. (That's in mid-summer. Those rainy February days keep the tourists away. Then the parking is fine.) It is closed on Mondays - even when it is a Monday holiday (like Labor Day.) Finally, the restrooms are outside (one per gender.) The men's room door didn't lock for a while. (Use your imagination, or not.) It is also impossible to think that prissy Richard Nixon would go outside but I guess if one has to go, one has to go outside. At least he had Secret Service protection. I wouldn't send my kid off to the bathroom alone. Go for the food and pack your patience - and maybe some blinders. You are not at Dennys. read more

I am from Phoenix Arizona and had lunch there yesterday. It was the best Mexican food I have ever ever eaten. Claudia was our waitress and she was excellent and knowledgeable on the food that she was serving us. I would highly recommend this Mexican restaurant to tourists locals anyone that sees a small little restaurant tucked away on the Pacific Coast Highway. The only downfall that I had was the lack of parking. It was very difficult getting in and out of the small area but it was well worth it. read more

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

Have seen this place a lot with its excellent location! Finally tried it tonight and couldn't have been more pleased! Wonderful and enticing atmosphere! So many things to marvel and look at! On a busy Friday night, they were still very on top of things! Food was great!!! We will definitely visit again! BTW, the best Guacamole I've had in awhile!!!! Service was also very friendly!!! read more

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Simply put the food lacks flavor. The enchiladas were mushy from using to much sauce, the rice watery and the beans were bland and the chips were stale. The restaurant overpowers you with everything on the walls and underperformed in the kitchen. read more

Margaritas...stealthily strong and tasty. Salsa, fresh and spicy. Guacamole made "just now". Chimichanga crunchy and cheese-y. Definitely a must visit again kind of place. read more

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I didnt know if I would like this place, went here with my family and got the tacitos. They were really delicious! You must try the hibiscus margaritas they are the best! Amanda is AWESOME! read more

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

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This is our go to place when we take the Harley out for a Sunday drive. It's never crowded early, and the buffet is a rare good treat.

Chips are so thick, no flavor to them and hurt to chew and are painful because they poke your mouth. I ordered the carne asada burrito which was $17, and it was gross. All that was in there was carne asada, which is just ground beef that was over cooked, and refried beans. Really boring and expensive for what you get. We will not come back. read more

The prices have increased, the quality and quantity has decreased over the years. Have gone to Olamindis many times over the past 20 years. I will not return again. Their food and portions use to be very good and fair. Not any longer read more

I love Olamendis! A local gem. Great location- delicious food & margaritas. Just had the veggie tostada and it was amazing! They made 3 special quesadillas for my husband using corn tortillas with steak and he loved them. This is a great restaurant frequented by President Nixon. So blessed to have it so close to San Clemente. read more

I love this place. Great food, great service, even better coffee! They make their own organic blend with cinnamon and cacao. I've never had anything bad. I drive an hour to go here. I can't say enough about the place. Give them a chance. I'm sorry for the other people's experiences that I've read on here but mine have always been fabulous. read more

Decided to try this out as it was walking distance to our hotel and looked like a lot of people were eating there. The food was good... not excellent but good. My son ordered the kid taco because the kid meal comes with sopapilla (small) instead of just the a la cart taco since he doesn't eat the sides anyway. Kids meal should also come with juice which we didn't get since we ordered a virgin margarita for him. When it was time for dessert, we asked about the sopapilla and the lady rudely told us they don't do that but we could have packaged cookies if we wanted. I told her it was on the menu and it's why we ordered a kids meal and she said "we didn't get around to changing the menu" I asked why he couldn't have them and just do a smaller portion since they are in the dessert regular menu too and she told me there were too many kids with allergies. She was extremely rude and non accommodating so we essentially paid $17 for a kids taco and Virgin margarita and the rest either didn't come or was left on the plate. Really disappointed in the service. read more

Love this place! This is now one of my favorite Mexican restaurant. The food was great. The strawberry margaritas were delicious and refreshing. I definitely recommend this restaurant to family and friends. read more

This place is a South OC classic! Still awesome after all these decades. It's a must see if you are visiting Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano or the other beach cities. It hasn't changed much in 50 years and that's a good thing! I moved from the area and will miss it for sure. read more