About This Food Place

Coastal Kitchen is a spot where you can enjoy New American dishes in a relaxed, cozy setting right off the Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. The place feels casual but with a touch of style, making it good for anything from a quiet solo lunch to a lively dinner with friends. They offer a mix of comfort food and healthy options, including small plates and vegetarian choices, all served with thoughtful attention to local ingredients. Whether you’re sitting by the fireplace, grabbing a drink from the bar, or enjoying the outdoor seating, the vibe is laid-back and inviting, with a solid lineup of beers, cocktails, and wines to go along with whatever you’re in the mood for.

Why People Come Here

  • People come here for a diverse New American menu that features fresh, coastal-inspired seafood alongside classic favorites.
  • This place is often chosen for its well-balanced dishes that pair main courses with thoughtfully prepared sides.
  • People come here for the efficient and attentive service that ensures timely food delivery and a comfortable dining pace.
  • This place is often chosen for its relaxing ambiance that suits both casual gatherings and special occasions near the coast.
  • People come here to enjoy a carefully crafted drink menu that includes unique cocktails complementing the food offerings.

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Coastal Kitchen is ideal for relaxed lunches or cozy, intimate dinners by the fireplace, whether solo or with a group. The casual yet upmarket vibe suits both quick midday meals and leisurely evening gatherings, letting you savor fresh local specialties and excellent cocktails at your own pace. Outdoor seating adds a breezy option for sunny days, while the attentive service ensures a comfortable, unhurried dining experience perfect for savoring every bite and sip.

Reviews

Gregory Taylor

Gregory Taylor

5
⋅ Mar 28, 2026

Not the kinda person to go for a fish burger but when your in a coastal restaurant you kinda got to and I was not disappointed. Delicious and my partner had the fishcakes Great place near the coast.

V Quette

V Quette

5
⋅ Mar 27, 2026

Exceptional dining....the food was so fresh and delicious...the side dishes complimented the main courses perfectly. The ambiance was so nice, perfect place for a gathering. The service was excellent....we loved loved it!

Christopher Taylor

Christopher Taylor

5
⋅ Mar 20, 2026

Some of the best food/seafood I’ve had in Orange County. We enjoyed every bite of everything we ordered, and had multiple “I think that was the best _____ I’ve ever had” moments (shrimp cocktail and butter cake with hot fudge were the two biggest hits). Beyond the food though, the service was truly top-tier. Food came out within minutes of ordering, we were constantly refreshed and checked up on by our amazing server Kelly, and she graciously entertained our request to try half a dozen sauces from all sorts of dishes to truly take our experience to the next level. Will absolutely be coming back any time I want to take friends/family to enjoy an upscale, delicious meal

camisha early

camisha early

5
⋅ Mar 04, 2026

I really loved their cheeseburger—it totally hit the spot! The appetizers were great too, super tasty. We had this amazing cake with ice cream (wish I remembered the name!) and it was the perfect way to end the meal. Also, shoutout to the staff—they were incredibly warm and friendly, which made the whole experience even better.

Hüseyin PEKER

Hüseyin PEKER

5
⋅ Feb 25, 2026

I had a wonderful dining experience at Coastal Kitchen. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and perfect for a relaxing meal. The staff was friendly and attentive throughout, and our server Greg was especially fantastic—professional, cheerful, and genuinely helpful. We tried several dishes, including the Clam Chowder, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, and Salmon. Everything was delicious and perfectly cooked. The salads were fresh and flavorful, with a great balance of ingredients. I also appreciated that the kitchen was flexible and allowed us to make small customizations to our orders, which made the experience even better. The service was fast and efficient without feeling rushed, and every dish was served with care and great presentation. Overall, Coastal Kitchen exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend it and look forward to coming back!!! :-)

C R

C R

5
⋅ Jan 06, 2026

Food was wonderful, service was superb. I ordered clam chowder - it was perfect. Temperature was ideal for eating... Served with 4 small bread rolls & "Herb butter" flavored with basil, oregano & other herbs. Highly recommend. Parking is tough - advise using a smaller vehicle if possible, not a big Lincoln or Caddy

Sophia Mendros

Sophia Mendros

5
⋅ Jan 02, 2026

The food was amazing! I got the cheeseburger minus pickles and cheese, and it was very well put together & delicious! The toppings go perfectly together. My mom got the clam chowder and she loved it! She is picky with her soups lol. My brother got the baby back ribs and they were so tender! Falls right off the bone. And the sauce on them was perfect. The staff was all so kind and friendly & our server was great! Definitely give this place a try!

C U

C U

5
⋅ Jan 02, 2026

I’ll be honest: I walked into Coastal Kitchen fully prepared to roll my eyes. The place looks like the kind of spot where the water has a backstory and the bill arrives wearing designer shoes. I was ready to declare it pretentious and overpriced before I even sat down. And then… that jalapeño–cucumber margarita happened. One sip and suddenly I’m rethinking my entire personality. It’s stupidly good. Perfect heat, crisp cucumber, dangerously smooth. The kind of drink that makes you forget you came in ready to judge and instead start plotting your next visit like a thirsty hypocrite. The service? Surprisingly warm. The vibe? Relaxed without the “we only seat influencers” energy I expected. So yeah, Coastal Kitchen won me over. I came in ready to hate it, and instead I left telling friends, “Okay, fine, it’s actually amazing.” If you’re anywhere near Dana Point, get the jalapeño–cucumber margarita. It’s the drink that will make you forgive the fact that you assumed this place was too fancy for its own good.

  • Monday
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  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday
  • 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Where This Food Place Lives

34091 CA-1, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States

+1 949-449-2822