Best Cozy Restaurants in Ladera Ranch

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

Regions

South Orange County

Neighborhoods

Aliso Viejo / Laguna NiguelDana Point / Monarch BeachIrvineLaguna BeachLaguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill RanchMission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

47 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera Ranch restaurant

1. Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera Ranch

4.6

Exceptional(273)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Winery • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 21 times today

Discover the epitome of outdoor and indoor dining excellence at Rancho Capistrano Winery in Ladera Ranch. Our expansive wrap-around heated deck offers breathtaking views of the picturesque Ladera Town Green park, creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience. Plus, enjoy the convenience of abundant free parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit every time. We offer over 35 of our own wines created from some of the finest vineyards in the west coast and a food menu that has won over 40 "Best of" awards.

A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant

2. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook

4.7

Exceptional(2924)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 21 times today

Welcome to Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. located in Laguna Hills. Our menu features seasonal ingredients of the highest quality and are prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include exceptional meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections. We have over 25 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers, and a full bar featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails.

3. Rosewood Social

4.8

Exceptional(192)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southeast Asian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 15 times today

Located on the rooftop of the historic Franciscan Plaza in San Juan Capistrano, Rosewood Social combines the unique flavors of the traditional American steakhouse with soulful Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy delicious food with a signature cocktail or a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking Mission San Juan at sunset. Join us for a relaxing and truly memorable dining and drinking experience!

4. Ciao Pasta

4.8

Exceptional(1288)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 14 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 Tavern at the Mission restaurant

5. Tavern at the Mission

4.7

Exceptional(614)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 31 times today

Renowned Orange County restaurateur David Wilhelm, along with longtime partner Gregg Solomon, purchased this iconic location in the heart of charming downtown San Juan Capistrano overlooking the Jewel of the California missions. The menu features many of his signature classic comfort foods such as his Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, French 75's Onion Soup, and Whiskey Shrimp Dijon, featured at his Tavern House Kitchen+Bar in Newport Beach. Chef Wilhelm is a longtime South County resident, well known for the many concepts he has created over the years including Kachina, Sorrento Grille, French 75, Savannah Chophouse and Jimmy's Famous American Tavern. Tavern at the Mission has a large, tree covered, pet friendly patio with beautiful mission views. The interiors have been beautifully renovated with a chandelier lit dining room and a warm central fireplace. Our' Tumbleweed Bar' is designed as an homage to San Juan Capistrano's Equestrian and Vaqueros history.

A photo of O'Neill's Bar & Grill restaurant

6. O'Neill's Bar & Grill

4.8

Exceptional(1129)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 5 times today

O'Neill's - our 4,600 square foot bar and grill - is a very popular place after a round of golf. Enjoy great meals and cocktails while you also take in the breathtaking views of the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, Trabuco Creek, and the course.

A photo of Domenico's on the Lake restaurant

7. Domenico's on the Lake

4.8

Exceptional(1250)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 18 times today

Orange County's newest upscale dining experience is now open on Lake Mission Viejo! Well known for our iconic location in Long Beach, Domenico’s was one of the first restaurants to serve pizza in California and is famous for our legendary pizzas and amazing Italian and American inspired dishes. Domenico's on the Lake is an upscale take on our original location featuring new steak and seafood entrees, while still featuring the original recipes that have made us an institution in Southern California.NOTE: OUR LAKESIDE PATIO HAS LIMITED SEATING AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED BECAUSE THE DEMAND OFTEN EXCEEDS AVAILABILITY. PATIO SEATING REQUESTS ARE SUBJECT TO A WAIT.

A photo of Delizie Ristorante & Bar restaurant

8. Delizie Ristorante & Bar

4.9

Exceptional(967)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 15 times today

Chef Santiago is at the helm of this South County Favorite. Delizie offers daily specials including homemade pastas, imported Italian delicatessens, and the freshest fish and meats available daily as well as an extensive listing of wines from California and Italy. Delizie also features a full bar and banquet room, available for private parties.

A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant

9. Mangia Bene Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(692)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 12 times today

Mangia Bene Cucina is cozy because of its vibrant and friendly atmosphere. As one reviewer mentioned, it's a 'comfortable spot' with 'great service' and 'great Italian food.' It's also described as a 'neighborhood restaurant' where people enjoy going, which speaks to its warm and welcoming vibe. Another reviewer said it's 'nice to have a local neighborhood spot.'

A photo of Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge (@ the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano) restaurant

10. Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge (@ the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano)

new

4.5

Awesome(592)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 6 times today

Ysidora pays homage to the Mission's matriarch Ysidora Forster, and invites guests to relax, unwind and indulge in authentic Spanish flavors in a contemporary setting. Enjoy wood fired grilled seafood, hot and cold tapas, local meats and seasonal, locally sourced produce. San Juan Capistrano's moderate climate mimics that of Spain's, making for a perfect match of culinary offerings. The bar offers Spanish wines and Spanish influenced cocktails that honor Spain's olives and legendary gin and tonics.Parking is Valet only available at main hotel entrance. $15 for first 2 hours with validation, $5 per hour for each subsequent hour. Please call us with any questions.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kathleen
Orange County •20 reviews
4.0
Dined today
First time dining here. Food was very good. The salmon could have used more flavor but was cooked perfectly. The fungi flatbread was perfect. I could have eaten several of them myself. The beet salad was very flavorful and a lovely blend of flavors.
More info
Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera RanchPrice: Moderate• Winery• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.6
G
greg
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Everything we ate was delicious! The Service was top notch too. This is a gem!
More info
Rosewood SocialPrice: Expensive• Southeast Asian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
T
Tracy
Orange County •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We always enjoy Ironwood. Their craft cocktails are interesting and delicious, and we love the duck wing appetizers. Our server was fun and attentive. It's a little pricy, but worth it, especially for special occasions.
More info
Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.CookPrice: Moderate• American• Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
•
4.7
J
JanetVIP
Calgary / Southern Alberta •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We absolutely love this restaurant!! The food is amazing—be sure to save room for dessert. We were lucky enough to get Betty as our waitress again—she is now like an old friend!!😎 The GM Jennifer spent time with us sharing the history of this restaurant & the family atmosphere the staff has created in their work environment as well as their service.
More info
Tavern at the MissionPrice: Expensive• American• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.7
L
Leslie
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Best Italian place in San Juan Capistrano-love supporting a family business.
More info
Ciao PastaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8

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