Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano

39 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant

1. The Tea House on Los Rios

4.8

Exceptional(2771)

Price: Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 63 times today

Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County's premier high tea experience. Known for our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us for an unforgettable experience on Historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. Take the train and making a day of it!

A photo of Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano restaurant

2. Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(345)

Price: Moderate

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 10 times today

Voted 2024 San Juan Capistrano Business of the Year!Winner of multiple Best of San Juan Awards including best restaurant, best dinner, best lunch, best ambiance, best wine and many more. Rancho Capistrano Winery has become the must go destination for locals and visitors alike. In addition to producing over 40 different wines from the finest grape growing regions in the West, we are known for our award-winning signature dishes that blend perfectly with our wines. Our grapes are sourced from different premier wine regions, including Paso Robles, Lodi, Northern California and Washington. Rancho Capistrano Winery has proudly grown to be the largest winery in Orange County,

A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant

3. El Adobe de Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(1062)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 15 times today

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.

4. Ciao Pasta

4.8

Exceptional(1279)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 10 times today

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!

A photo of Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano restaurant

5. Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(741)

Price: Expensive

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 5 times today

Sundried Tomato specializes in New American cuisine and we are committed to offering the freshest quality ingredients on every plate. Due to our intimate setting we kindly ask that for parties of 7 or more you contact us at the restaurant directly. Let Sundried Tomato Host your event! Celebrate with us for your next baby shower, birthday, rehearsal dinner or any other special occasion. We look forward to serving you soon.

A photo of RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant

6. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

4.7

Exceptional(2484)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 28 times today

RAYA, a restaurant concept by Richard Sandoval, showcases Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats, and Chef Sandoval’s signature Latin flavors.

7. Coastal Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(4937)

Price: Moderate

• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 88 times today

Christina and Mike Grant, the owners of Coastal Kitchen, have created an experience that will delight and satisfy the most discerning guest. Fueled by their passion for food and a love of hospitality, the Grants have established Coastal Kitchen as the go-to spot in Dana Point. The menu is clean and fresh consisting of fish and steaks cut in house, great salads, freshly ground burgers and more. Coastal Kitchen has a full bar, patio with fire pits, and fresh coastal design. Our mission is to deliver a quality dining experience in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a consistency that will bring guests back again and again. We look forward to serving you.

A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant

8. Wind & Sea Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1863)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 14 times today

The Wind & Sea Restaurant is located on the water in the Dana Point Harbor. With water on three sides, every table has a spectacular view. We serve fresh fish selections daily as well as Lobster tail, shrimp, steaks, and vegetarian dishes.Monday through Friday (not available Holidays and Special occasions) we have Hawaiian Happy Hour from 4:00 to 7:00 featuring our world famous Mai Tai's as well as draft beer, wine and food specials. Big screen TV's, keep the lounge exciting at all times. The waterfront open-air patio serves the full menu and is heated at night, perfect for an order of nachos and a margarita or a full dinner under the stars. Private banquet facilities accommodate 20 to 75.

A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant

9. Luciana's Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(3428)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 30 times today

Located in a historical home in the resort town of Dana Point, California, Luciana's Ristorante has been serving the Orange County community for over 40 years. The decor is reminiscent of a cozy European-style inn, establishing it as one of Orange County's most romantic restaurants. Awarded the Southern California Restaurant Writers gold medal since 1996, three stars from the California Restaurant Writers, Zagat's Survey "America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants 2008" and an Award of Excellence for its wine list, Luciana's has been setting the standard for classic as well as innovative Italian cuisine. Whether visiting our cozy restaurant or our Bed and Breakfast and Cooking School in Tuscany, Italy, you are sure to experience the best and freshest combination of the old and new worlds.

A photo of CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point restaurant

10. CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

4.8

Exceptional(1503)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 9 times today

At Craft House Restaurant we focus on serving the freshest local ingredients to our guests. From working with local fishermen in the Dana Point Harbor to sourcing ingredients from the local farmer's markets. At Craft House we pride ourselves on having one of the best American whiskey selection in South Orange County. From you daily drinking whiskey to the one's you've spend your life trying to taste (all of the Pappy van Winkle collection).

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Marilynn
Orange County •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Had a great experience at Rancho Capistrano winery for my birthday. We used to be wine members there for a long time. Love it!
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Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan CapistranoPrice: Moderate• American• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
L
LindsayVIP
Orange County •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Brooke provided great service. Food was excellent as always. Great portions as well
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Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan CapistranoPrice: Expensive• American• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
M
Michael
Tahoe / Reno Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
As always, the service is professional and friendly with delicious food. And, they pour a decent glass of wine, which is very much appreciated. It’s my favorite nice-dining restaurant with fair prices for fabulous food and drink.
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Ciao PastaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
L
LindaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The Tea House on Los Rios, San Juan Capistrano is much more than just some place to grab a meal. It offers a dining experience; one which won't soon be forgotten. From the beautiful grounds to the interior decor and delightful outdoor patio, again this place offers an experience in dining like no other. The chefs have been employed here for many years. The staff members all, from a host or hostess to the servers and other staff members are very knowledgeable about the menus. Yes, two menus, one for the foods and another for the 50+ varieties of loose-leaf teas available for your pleasure. Over the past 27 years the Niccola Family has taken a great deal of time, talent and efforts to bring you the best of the best in dining experiences.
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The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
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4.8
L
LoriVIP
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 11, 2025
All of us really enjoyed every part of our experience at El Adobe. The management team here clearly knows how to run a great restaurant. We will definitely be returning with others to enjoy this place.
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El Adobe de CapistranoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano

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39 restaurants available nearby

1. The Tea House on Los Rios

2. Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano

3. El Adobe de Capistrano

4. Ciao Pasta

5. Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano

6. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

7. Coastal Kitchen

8. Wind & Sea Restaurant

9. Luciana's Ristorante

10. CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

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