Vine Restaurant & Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (946) • $$$

"The chicken schnitzel was one of the best dishes we've ever had in our lives. The chicken was moist and well seasoned, the combination of textures with the pasta it's served with went SO well. The maitake flavor pairs so well, this could be a Michelin star dish.The brussel sprouts were also delicious. The duck wings were good but I wasn't as into them as the other dishes. Heather was our server and she was so great and knowledgeable on the menu. The restaurant was cozy and upscale with white linen table clothings. A 10/10 experience all around, we will def be returning."

Tavern House Kitchen + Bar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (918) • $$$

"On a recent trip to Newport Beach, my boss told me he was tired of Nobu and challenged me to find something he'd like better. Fully convinced that both my job and my reputation were on the line, I aggressively researched all options before landing on Tavern House.Spoiler: I was triumphant.From the moment we walked in, the staff were each more pleasant than the last - from the hostesses who knew we were visiting from NC to the absolutely tremendous Nori, we felt cared for and welcomed.The wine list was one of the better curated lists I've seen recently - was absolutely tickled to see my favorite Orin Swift in the bottles (8 Years in the Desert) plus his Prisoner by the glass. We landed on Austin Hope as the ideal complement to our dinners.We started with the barbecued chipotle bourbon oysters, which were *amazing* (and as the thing that made me choose the restaurant initially, they lived up). Around the table, we had the Kurobuta double-cut pork chop, the prime rib dip, the seafood special I forgot, and my own French Onion filet. That filet was the best damn steak I have EVER had. It combined all the wonderful elements of classic French Onion soup with a perfectly seared filet. With frites, y'all!!! We also shared an order of the charred Brussels sprouts, which were also fantastic. Somehow, we saved enough room to risk ordering dessert: a key lime pie martini (dubbed "proper delicious"), the carrot cake (fine. It's dessert laced with vegetables, so), and - drumroll - Bananaggedon. I would come back for that alone and I'm not even a banana fan. So ridiculously over-the-top and easily served our table of four. Even those more excited for carrot cake quickly abandoned that plate in favor of this. Meanwhile, we had a lovely view of the water - complete with fireworks over the Bay! The restaurant was fully decorated for the holidays but I imagine it would have been equally cozy and welcoming even without the seasonal additions. All told, this meal easily crossed into my top 3 for 2024, even accounting for recency bias. It's now a must-visit for every future work trip (we even added it as a top choice in the guidebook we give all visiting execs)."

The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (971) • $$

"As usual, Yelpers have it right. Gorgeous view, good service and vibe. I would love to come back for happy hour and see how they pour. My dessert was satisfying for such a hot day but I had to melt the rock hard, pre-scooped ice cream with the warm cobbler. The mint was a refreshing touch but wanted it to meld with the other flavors (maybe a quick torch to the mint and cobbler crumble topping might do the trick?). Extra points for the choice, tart rhubarb which I personally love.Very pleased with our servers. Thank you."

The Corner

★★★★☆ 4 (950) • $$

"only writing a review because of the current 3.9 stars when they absolutely deserve at least a 4.5. we came here one night when we had to wait for sushi at the spot in the lot and now crave this place regularly. I think we've tried most if not all the appetizers including the 48 hour fries, chips and dip, deviled eggs, tuna tartare, tostadas, and bacon wrap dates. The dates while a common place that many restaurants are so good here for really what stands out is the deviled eggs with the crab. When it comes to entrées, we order the halibut every time, the celeriac purée is so good it will have you licking the plate. Desserts and drinks are also incredible here just truly can't go wrong"

A Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (878) • $$$

"One of my very favorites time after time. Top notch service, excellent food and such a cool and relaxing vibe. The pot pie on Friday nights is delicious and the hottest food you will ever have! The steaks are perfect and the sides are amazing. Mac and cheese is super creamy and yummy. Asparagus is great as well. Always a fan of A Restaurant!"

Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails

★★★★☆ 4 (847) • $$$

"Had a fantastic dinner at Andrei's! The cocktails were a perfect start - I had the Good Vibes, a great mix of jalapeño-infused tequila and citrus, and the Lady Lavender, which was light and refreshing with grapefruit and lavender syrup.For appetizers, the Ahi Tuna Tartare was super fresh, and the taro chips added a nice crunch. The Filet Mignon was cooked perfectly, tender and full of flavor, while the Short Ribs were fall-apart delicious with Brussels sprouts and blue cheese whipped potatoes that hit the spot.I also had the Andrei's Chop Salad - fresh, full of roasted chicken, avocado, goat cheese, and candied walnuts. It was a nice, lighter option.To finish, I tried the Lemon Butter Cake, which was tasty but a bit on the dry side, and the Chocolate Budino, which was rich and amazing. Paired it all with a great cup of coffee to end the night.The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was spot on. Definitely recommend this place!"

DOMESTIC

★★★★☆ 4.4 (697) • $$

"I was so pleasantly surprised to come across this place! A real hidden gem! I was looking for a good banana pudding and came across this place, and I was not disappointed. They have a unique take on banana pudding served with marshmallows and inside they use biscoff cookies. Such a fabulous combination. I just came here for a snack, and the appetizers I tried blew my mind. Easily the best flautas I've ever had. The fries we got were also really good! To top everything off the service was great and the employees are so friendly and sweet. Atmosphere is really comforting and it's a great place to sit and eat with friends or family !"

Beachfire Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (841) • $$

"I found this restaurant on Yelp, I am a little familiar with San Clemente. It is a nice city to visit, shop and dine. The shops and restaurants are not "big" chain stores, but rather, nice boutiques and owner-occupied businesses. Beachfire is open 7 days a week and have it all! Happy Hour specials Monday thru Friday; entertainment like karaoke (Monday) Taco Tuesday, and live bands on the weekends. The service was impeccable, Nick has been the bartender for over 20 years. He came out to greet us on the patio and take our order. Most bartenders stay back, but he was out in the patio "multi-tasking" and greeting customers. Edgar came by to check on us, I thought he was the server or maybe the manager. He is actually one of the owners. He asked where we were from and welcomed us. We ordered an Ahi Tuna sandwich and a chicken habenero flatbread. The sandwich had a generous portion of tuna and seasoned perfectly, topped with avocado. It was plated perfectly $19. The flatbread was delicious, the chicken was grilled, the spice level was medium. It had red onions and pineapple bits and a drizzle of Ranch dressing that added a nice and tasty sweetness $15.The restaurant has an upstairs level, a patio in front, and another outdoor patio at the rear entrance. This is a casual place, but not fast food, they actually service quality food with fresh veggies. Every time I come to San Clemente, it has been a wonderful experience. So many unique stores to explore. I think you'd be pleased too. Relax, enjoy, shop and dine here and don't forget to tell 'em that Rosemary sent ya!"

Craft House

★★★★☆ 3.9 (853) • $$$

"Food and drinks are very good here. Staff is always very friendly. Really good whiskey list and cocktails, if you like it. One of my favorite places in Dana Point"

Zinc Cafe & Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (809) • $$

"Before the transition of ownership I loved the food, especially their egg salad sandwiches. It's obvious that the original owners didn't share the sandwich recipe. I support small businesses so I'll say no more. I wish thm loads of success. It's a great local place to meet up with friends and family. The service is great and what could be nicer than sitting in their lovely patio to soak up the Laguna vibe."

Bayside Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.7 (917) • $$$

"First visit, and we were with a group of 15. Wonderful ambiance, and very nice views of the bay, boats, and waterfront homes from inside, as well as the covered patio. They offer free valet parking (tips appreciated). We were there to take advantage of their Brunch menu.SERVICE: Larry waited on us, and the service was excellent, including all of the staff who assisted him. He was kind enough to provide separate checks for our group, and they didn't add a mandatory tip, as many restaurants do with larger parties. I suggest asking about this upfront, so there's no miscommunications.DRINKS: The brunch menu offers two options for bottomless mimosas: the Wycliff Sparkling Brut ($15), and the Le Chemin du Roi Brut ($30), along with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juice mixers. The sparkling wines were tasty, as our party ordered both, and I was able to sample each. I, on the other hand, had a The Spicy Southern Bloody Mary ($16), which was loaded with bacon, olives, and a giant celery stalk. I also tried the Olé Fashioned with mezcal ($17). I thought that both cocktails were well made.FOOD: For a group of our size, all of the orders came out quick, hot, and the portions were plenty. My wife and I thought that the food was okay. Nothing was terrible, but nothing "wowed" us either. Could have used a little more seasoning all the way around. We tried the Bayside Continental ($24), which included a stack of three, very fluffy pancakes, two eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes. The Bayside Benedicts have an option of smoked ham ($26), crab $29), or sautéed spinach ($24). The crab was in need of a little more seasoning. Finally, I had the Meat Lovers Omelette ($25), with bacon, Italian sausage, onion, mushroom, gruyere cheese, and a side of breakfast potatoes. A little salt and pepper, and this was good to go. I heard that the Chicken Barley Soup ($13) was very good, and the Lobster Salad Sandwich ($34) served open face, was okay.Overall, a nice brunch experience, and great service. I would definitely come back and give Bayside another try, maybe for dinner next time."

Lumberyard

★★★★☆ 3.9 (811) • $$

"I'm a local from a neighboring city. Came here years ago and forgot why I never came again. Made the mistake and then remembered. This must be some tourist trap restaurant because I don't understand why anyone would come here with the various better options around. Food is overpriced, venue needs major renovation and staff needs to be replaced. I asked for items several times and it was brought to me in the most inefficient way, and in the wrong quantity asked for. Server attitude was off too. Really basic request gone wrong. I could go on about several additional things but not worth the time. I just want to do other customers a favor to save their money and time and go elsewhere. Not sure what's going on lately, but there's still businesses that think they don't need to provide good service. Or owners that don't provide oversight because it's just money they clearly don't need ? I encourage everyone to be more discerning and support the smaller businesses that take more pride in their work and show us they need the business. This is the only behavior that will change quality. *funny I just read the other reviews and it's either 1 star or 5. I'll tell you that if you're not used to exceptional service and ok with run down dives because you enjoy loud music and loud clientele, this mediocre place will probably suit you LOL different strokes for different folks."

The Mustard Seed

★★★★★ 4.7 (552) • $$

"Hands down the best vegan food in the area. Wow! I had the artichoke crabcakes fried and they were super delicious. The right amount of crisp, i saw some corn and peppers mixed in. The staff was super friendly and the chefs in the back were throwing down in that kitchen!. Every order that came out had me wanting to change my own order. It was such a good vibe inside. Folks enjoying their meals with family and friends. Let us know, how good the food was. I will definitely be back. The vibe alone is a positive."

Flower Child

★★★★☆ 4.3 (641) • $$

"I love this place never disappoint. It's healthy it's fresh. Service is very helpful and indoor and outdoor seating."

Amarith Farmhouse Restaurant & Pie Shoppe

★★★★☆ 4.4 (589) • $$

"I am a sucker for a restaurant that makes their own pie! Amarith Farmhouse was just the ticket. We had lunch there on Wednesday. The pies were on full display in the bakery case.They also offered fresh, house-made donuts!!!! It is almost like they planned the food they offer just for me! You can tell already that I really enjoyed my lunch, right?The service included a friendly counter girl, prompt delivery of everything we ordered accurately and quickly. The decor is very homey, and country-casual.My chicken avocado club sandwich was delicious and had plenty of bacon. The onion rings were light, crispy, hot, and perfection. My friend had the Philly cheesesteak. He really knows his cheesesteaks! He said that his was perfect, and he proved it by inhaling the delectable beauty in record time.I can't wait to eat here again! We had a half dozen donut holes as an appetizer while we awaited our order! YUM!!"

Lo'roko Pupuseria & Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (704) • $$

"We came in for lunch here. The food I ate was delicious. Enjoyed the yucca and chicharron appetizer plate. The pupusas were so good too. I think one of the best pupusas I've tasted. Our waitress Cindy was super friendly . Highly recommend!"

Lido Bottle Works

★★★★☆ 4.3 (605) • $$

"My dog (yes dog friendly) and I popped in for a happy hour bite. I ordered the hummus and the cucumbers, but the waiter suggested I just combine them and save a buck. I got a lavender beer, it wasn't my fave but wasn't awful. Fun to try something new. I'm pretty basic and tend to find their food too fancy, but I enjoyed this visit. Sit outside and enjoy the view!"

The Dock

★★★★☆ 4.3 (598) • $$$

"Hidden away on a quiet street, The Dock captures your attention right away as it is the only restaurant that is bright enough to be noticed. Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted by the host and a wall full of wine. The host takes you to the back where the salty air and smell of wine permeates the room. For those of you who like to be surrounded by the wading boats and laughter in the room, this is the place where you can forget your arguments and be truly present. Come and order a drink for the occasion. I got Endless Summer and truly, it was the last drink before the season changes again. As an appetizer, I got the octopus, a small dish where you'll still have room for more food. As the main entrees, I got the fish of the day and of course, the lamb. If you ever had lamb anywhere else, well, those restaurants cannot compare to this one at The Dock. The lamb was cooked nicely and without the gamey taste, which is my preference. I would go back here again for the location, good, and ambiance."

The Bistro K

★★★★☆ 4.3 (595) • $$

"Great service, atmosphere and food! The prices are very reasonable. My favorite is the quiche."

21 Oceanfront

★★★★☆ 3.8 (750) • $$$

"Recently decided to visit 21 oceanfront, the place is extremely ambience, wonderful for a date night, the service was exceptional, I enjoyed an Asian pear salad, that they modified for me to make it vegan, it was delightful, my main entrée was the grilled cauliflower steak, which was exceptional, enjoyed a side of mushrooms & roasted asparagus both delicious , definitely will visit again"

Pacific Hideaway

★★★★☆ 4.1 (628) • $$

"Hidden rooftop gem in HB! The food is always delicious and we love how dog friendly the restaurant and hotel are! Our favorite brunch dishes were the Chilaquiles (decent spice level) and the Breakfast Burrito (looks boring in pics but was filled with deliciousness)! They also validate parking for two hours."

The Goldfinch

★★★★☆ 4.2 (576) • $$$

"I'm not typically a fancy food type of guy, so places like this are usually off my radar. But my friend wanted to surprise me with a dinner place, so there I was!PARKING:There's a parking structure where you can park - be sure to validate! It was free for us, but I'm seeing other reviewers say they still had to pay so I guess it only covers a portion of it. But for a quick dinner, we made it out in time.WHAT I ORDERED:Brussels sproutsKnife & fork burgerPicanhaTHE FOOD: Brussels are a MUST! From the first bite, we knew this was going to be a good dining experience. The glaze and bacon made it so addicting. Though I do have to say the brussels here are a little bit more well done than some other places, so if you don't like crispy and some burnt parts, it might be a pass. The knife and fork burger was delicious - the toppings made the burger so luxurious, and the onions were very unique. The picanha was nice and tender, and I can totally see myself ordering that again. Fries were pretty standard, nothing unique, but solid.SERVICE:Our server was SUPER attentive and friendly, and food came out quick. He was more than willing to help us choose what to order - perfect for us undecisive folks.VIBES:Definitely fancy and I would dress up at least a little, but it was still comfy enough for me to walk in with my Crocs on. I can imagine coming back here for a birthday dinner or a date night for sure.BOTTOM LINE:Honestly, I wouldn't say this place blew my mind, but pretty solid dinner spot!"

Egg N Bird

★★★★☆ 4.1 (487) • $$

"You can taste the quality of food here. Clean, and the Service is fast. Chicken is tender, flavorful, and not spongy like most sandwich places.Rice is done well, Slaw is crunchy and tangyThe crack sauce pairs perfectly with whatever you order."

Westend

★★★★☆ 4.2 (448) • $$

"We had a private event here tonight for a 30th birthday and it was such a blast! First and foremost, Kayleigh and Dax gave us top notch customer service. Went above and beyond to make my husband's 30th memorable and personable. The food was yummy and the drinks were strong. Can't ask for much more! The bartender was super sweet and kept things moving a great pace! We will have more future events here!"

The Stand - American Classics Redefined

★★★★★ 4.6 (372) • $$

"Pros-Nice locationDid a fundraiser with our school!CleanCooked to order- they ask what temperature you want your burger!Ahi tuna salad was so good!!Minus a star for-They forgot the avocado on my saladI think they charged an extra dollar for ranch and didn't warn me about that (it was for my son's kid's meal that was charged more than my other son's meal)Food takes a while to come out but they were pretty busy.I will definitely come back and will just expect to wait and will check if my order is correct! Thanks for fundraising!!!"

Sessions West Coast Deli

★★★★☆ 3.9 (458) • $$

"I came by Sessions West Coast Deli with a group of friends for Happy Hour. The restaurant was hosting a fundraiser with American Cancer Society, where a percentage of the sales of food and (non-alcoholic) beverages were to be donated. Love it! Sessions West Coast Deli has a few locations. This location specifically is located in the Irvine Woodbridge Village area. I parked by the AMC and walked over. They have a few tables inside, and more seating in the patio. This area has a few other restaurants and vendors so there is also additional seating in the plaza. My friends and I picked a large table in their patio. Staff was really nice and as it got colder, they came out and turned on the heat lamps for us. When I arrived my friend had already ordered a bunch of appetizers to share. The fries were good to nibble on, but I was especially impressed by their chicken tenders! I'm normally not even into the tenders but I am a fan of their tenders here. So moist and flavorful. Game changing. For my meal I decided to get the Half Sandwich + Soup Combo ($17.50). This combo comes with a signature sandwich, tomato soup, and shaka spuds. A perfect well balanced meal. I love trying a little bit of everything so this option gave me everything I wanted. For my sandwich I picked the Meddock Melee. It came on a soft pillowy toasted ciabatta bun with chicken, jalapeno jack, avocado, sprouts, marinated tomatoes, cherry peppers, adobo buttermilk and squaw. Absolute perfection. The soup was *chef kiss* delicious. Exactly what I needed on a chilly evening. The spuds are crispy chips with a hint of rosemary. Everything was amazing. I also ordered a soft drink in which they have craft sodas on tap, and you can refill as needed. Delicious meal and a great time hanging out with my friends. We already talked about adding this spot to our happy hour rotation. I especially love to support a business that gives back to the community. Excited to explore more of their menu!"

Black Market Meal Prep

★★★★★ 4.7 (314) • $$

"This place is a gold mine ALL ORGANIC produce. My favorite meal prep restaurant. You can order hot or cold meals and it doesn't need to be meal preps. They have burgers, bowls salads you name it! I love how many variations you can make with all of the ingredients they have. Love how vegan friendly they are. Perfect for tracking macros and reaching your body goals. The sauces are delicious. Rewards program is really cool too. It's like a candy shop for people who want to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Only thing I'm sad about is the extensive plastic use/waste. I asked if I can bring my own Tupperware's they said no because of food inspection which I understand. Hey I tried lol. I really don't like using and discarding all this plastic. Not a deal breaker--but something to improve for the environment."

Off The Hook

★★★★☆ 4.2 (371) • $$

"Most expensive and most delicious Halibut Fish and Chips I've had in a long time. It normally comes with cod but you can upcharge to halibut. It is so tender and flavorful!The place is a fancy bar attached to the Original Fish Company. I believe it shares the same kitchen."

Project Social

★★★★☆ 3.8 (443) • $$

"Burger Heaven - I feel so Stoopid...because I wanted to go here for such a LONG time, however, I had an assignment out of town.Finally home, fatigued and literally out of gas, I succumbed to delivery of a cheeseburger. I want to know their secret? How in the heck...Do you have one of the BEST cheeseburgers delivered to your door ?I ordered Brussels sprouts delicious, (cauliflower -take a pass), AND the wings...FLOCK'n A+mazing!!!Tots crispy cooked - Dee-Lucious! This place is so reasonably priced, for $35 bucks delivered ~ I am watching the Saints vs Chiefs game sharing my wings with friends tonight!FANTASTIC PROTECT THIS BUSINESS AT ANY COST!"

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

★★★★☆ 4 (397) • $$

"This is probably the best value and best quality food in the Star Wars area at Disneyland. Both the Endorian Fried Chicken & Tip-Yip, and the Felucian Kefta Garden Spread were really good! I couldn't tell those meatballs were vegan. The Batuuan Beef Pot Roast and Fried Chicken Baos were really good too! The Black Cald Cold Brew - It's just water-downed ice coffee with Cocoa-Puffs: not worth the money. The interior is cool and makes you feel like you're part of the Star Wars theme. TIP: Know the menu prior to coming so you're prepared on what to order. If you don't know what exactly to order, you might feel pressured because people behind you have been waiting long. When you arrive, have someone save a table while you wait in line."

Whitestone Restaurant & Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (336) • $$$

"I hosted my wedding rehearsal dinner here with almost 50 people in attendance. The service here especially for that amount of people was amazing. All my guests were so happy and I'm so happy I got to meet Nader in the process. I never once needed to call for a waiter because they took such good care of us. The food here was also very delicious. We had a variety of seafood and all my guests complimented the quality and the quantity of the food. My favorite was the red curry mussels and the grilled prawns. Absolutely delightful. If im ever in the Dana Point area, I look forward to stopping by Whitestone again!"

Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge

★★★★☆ 4 (369) • $$$

"I met AR for an early, Wednesday evening dinner at the Sendero Marketplace, but we hadn't yet decided where to eat. We were limited to the nicer, sit-down restaurants, skipping over the casual spots like Jersey Mike's and In-N-Out. The two upscale options were Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge and Morena's Mexican Cuisine, both on the pricier side ($$$). Scarlet Kitchen, however, boasts a great Happy Hour, with a new "Reverse Happy Hour" every Friday from 8:30-9:30 PM. (AR mentioned it's usually packed here on Fridays. My guess is the evening Happy Hour.)Last time at the marketplace, AR & I dined at Morena's, where we had a fantastic evening of great food and service. So naturally, I assumed we'd be returning there. But AR surprised me with a curveball: she suggested trying Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge instead. Being the adventurous foodie I am, I was all in!We were greeted warmly by two hostesses and offered a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. The evening was cool, and outdoor dining seemed perfect, especially when the hostess brought out cozy throw blankets for us. AR quickly bundled up, and we chose a table away from another family dining outside, sitting side by side. It was a nice evening.Soon after, our waiter Nathan appeared with waters and an impressive spread of menus: Happy Hour menu, regular dinner menu, "Winesday" specials, and another drink menu - at least four or five menus in total.The menu is a creative fusion of American classics with a sophisticated twist. The variety of dishes showcase the chef's creativity and attention to detail. Decisions, decisions... With so many tempting Happy Hour choices, AR and I were both hungry, and everything looked amazing. After some deliberation, we finally placed our order but kept a few menus on hand - just in case we wanted to add more to our meal!Our order:Heart of Scarlet ($10) Happy Hour drink menuGluten free organic vodka, pomegranate juice, hibiscus, limeChefs Old Spirit ($11) Happy Hour drink menuBourbon, spiced apple syrup, cardamon bitters, dehydrated apple & cinnamon stick (Seasonal cocktail)Rueban Tacos ($17) Happy Hour menuSlow cooked pulled pork, sauerkraut, irish white cheddar, romaine, scarlet sauce, choice of corn or flour tortillaMediterranean Shrimp Risotto ($31.50) Standard menu; split orderWild jumbo shrimp, spicy white wine tomato sauce, portuguese linguica, parmesan risotto, parsleyChocolate Souflee ($12) Dessert menuRich chocolate cake, vanilla bean ice cream, fresh berriesGrand total: $88 (+tip)*See uploaded photosThe drinks were well-made. AR enjoyed her floral, Heart of Scarlet, describing it as both tasty and strong. I opted for the Chef's Old Spirit, a seasonal cocktail. It had good flavor but was a bit sweet for my taste (though the Spiked Apple Cider looked tempting as another fall option). The Reuben Tacos were a hit with both of us - great, smoky flavor and nice portions. AR & I also split the Mediterranean Shrimp Risotto. Our server, Nathan, kindly offered to have the dish split in the kitchen and brought out on two separate plates, to which we eagerly agreed. It saved us from the hassle of dividing it at the table - always a good thing for me, as I tend to make a mess. Truth. The risotto was creamy & delicious! I'm not sure if I've ever had risotto before, though I've certainly seen Chef Ramsey yelling about it on TV. AR was in the mood for it, and I'm always up for trying something new! I was pleasantly surprised to find linguica, a flavorful Portuguese sausage, in the dish. (Linguica is a staple in Hawaii, usually served for breakfast alongside eggs.)As we sipped our drinks, AR and I browsed the dessert menu and decided to split the Chocolate Soufflé - a perfect end to the meal.Overall, it was a fantastic dinner date with exceptional service. However, be prepared for a slightly higher price point, but for the level of service, atmosphere, and food, it's well worth it. (In all fairness, it seems the average lunch/dinner for two runs around $100 nowadays.) Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a night out, Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a fantastic choice in Mission Viejo. The staff was friendly, attentive and accommodating, frequently stopping by the table to check on the food, refill water glasses, and clear away empty plates.Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge in Mission Viejo is a hidden gem that balances modern flair with comfort. The ambiance strikes a perfect blend of cozy and upscale, with warm lighting and chic décor that set the stage for a great time. AR and I are already planning our return visit. She's eyeing the Lobster Mac & Cheese, while I'm keeping it simple--I just want to try a little bit of everything, especially the Eggs Benedict on their Sunday Brunch menu.Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a night out, Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a great choice!- Big Aloha!Food: 4Ambiance: 4Service: 5Value: 3+ (Good Happy Hour menu)"

The Pizza Bakery

★★★★☆ 4.2 (326) • $

"My favorite pizza place! We order from The Pizza Bakery almost every single Friday night. It is one of my favorite rituals during the week. There is so much care and love put into all the food. It is a true local, family owned business. Everything is made with such quality, the salad dressings, the garlic knots, the brownies, the sauce...What makes The Pizza Bakery truly stand out is it's commitment to customer service. In all the years I have ordered from them, recently there was a small glitch with my order ( first time ever) and they went above and beyond to take care of it. It was thoughtful and greatly appreciated. I will happily continue to order from The Pizza Bakery, this is a business that I am proud to support!"

California Pizza Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (588) • $$

"Absolutely loved it here! Our server Shirley was amazing!!! She went above and beyond, highly recommend her. Great recommendations. BEST SERVICE i've had in awhile! The food was incredible, highly recommended it especially the spinach dip and caesar salad. Will be coming back when in town."

Bao Chick

★★★★☆ 4.3 (305) • $$

"The staff here are super passionate about their fried chicken--both the popcorn chicken and chicken strips have that amazing crispy crunchy breading. And paired with their house sauce? DIVINE.Besides the chicken, what I loved even more are the grilled baos and soup dumplings that would give Din Tai Fung a run for their money. Literally oozing with soup and honestly one of the best I've ever had!Thanks for reading! ^-^"