Best Californian Restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Lanter's Edge has beautiful views, there is no disputing that. We were there for breakfast. Our table was dirty and at least one coffee mug had something stuck inside it. Being that our party ranged in age from 61 to 90, none of us had enough of an appetite to have either the regular or special brunch ($45 to $73 each.) We were given a limited menu to order off of and four of us had the eggs benedict - delicious!! One had the Monte Cristo and said it was also delicious. We all had coffee and found it to be much like they serve in the upstairs bar area - water with a hint of coffee taste. It was the same with the regular and decaf and would definitely skip it next time since $45 each, for a total bill of $220 (20% tip included whether the service was good or not), seemed a bit high for the quantity and quality. The restaurant is WAAAAAAYYYYY to noisy for our age range. Every one talking loud, doors opening and closing constantly (bringing in the cold air) and dishes clanking (or crashing to the ground at the table across from us.) Would probably choose a local restaurant next time. The in-room dining was very disappointing. The fish taco's were good, but the tomato bisque was way too salty (and no spoon to eat it with) and the kids chicken fingers were over cooked and over salted. Disappointed in the number of options for sure. We received the requested pitcher of ice water, however the glasses were too dirty to drink from. This is still such a beautiful hotel and the staff are all very nice. I have been staying here for at least 20 years and will stay there again without hesitation.

Food is excellent as always. Truly pizza may truly have the best pizza in OC if not SoCal. Service is great. All the servers are so nice and accommodating. The price point is also fairly decent. Cocktails are good, and the ambience is very cozy.

Once again an outstanding experience at this restaurant. The ambience, the food, and the service were all exemplary… this place has a together approach on what a restaurant should be. Look forward to more great meals and experiences here.

Really great restaurant, we now have so many favorite dishes here! If you think you don't like vegetables, you have to come try Mayfield - it is amazing what they can do with carrots or cabbage or sweet potatoes! And their fried chicken is the best!

Best Burger I’ve ever had. Cobb salad and wild shrimp tacos were excellent. Edgar our server added so much to A great lunch outing.