Casual dining in Dana Point, CA

Dana Point Ca. is one of the "fun places" in Orange County to visit for a day, or on ones vacation. Located on the ocean, between Newport Beach and San Clemente, it is easily reached by using the Pacific Coast Highway, which goes right thru the town.

Dana Point Harbor is where you will find a large concentration of restaurants and shops, also a few hotels, and the departure point for whale-watching tours, day fishing trips, kayaking, boat rentals and harbor cruises. It also offers many fine dining choices, most with views of the yachts in the nearby marina, and the blue Pacific ocean, just a stone's throw away.

1. The Coffee Importers of Dana Point, California have been owned and operated by the Miller family since 1979. The harbour-side, outdoor coffeehouse and cafe was inspired by the, alfresco cafes the Miller's saw, on a visit to Europe. This is an ideal breakfast location for the early morning walkers; an ideal lunch spot for all the visitors who come to the harbor; and while dinner is not served, the location is ideal for watching the yatchs and kayakers in the harbor and the inlet inside the breakwater. It is also a great spot to see the spectacular sunsets that southern California is known for.

2. The Expresso bar features a variety of delicious Expresso drinks, made, either with steamed milk or with whipped cream. In addition they also serve

a. The Cappuccino Royale, is a Trademark of the Coffee Importers, it is made with a blend of expresso, half and half steamed and frothed brandy sauce, and topped with whipped cream.

b. Chococcino is made with a blend of Expresso, half and half and a special chocolate blend, topped with whipped cream.

The menu features a large variety of different Coffee drinks - hot and iced - as well as hot chocolate when the weather is on the cool side, and soft drinks and sodas when it is hot.

3. Bagel Shop is a favorite for the early morning walkers and joggers - who use the marina as an exercise spot. They can enjoy breakfast from a variety of choices - scrambled egg bagel sandwiches, lox with cream cheese on a toasted bagel, pancakes and my favorite "Eve's choice" a mixture of diced granny smith apples, non-fat vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.

4. The Scoop Deck Ice Cream shop sells Dryers ice cream cones, sundaes, soft yogurt and fountain drinks, all day, as does the Juice Bar which has smoothies, fresh juices and vegetable drinks.

These different food venues are all part of the Coffee Importers, whose outdoor seating, makes it convenient for those who brought their dogs, to sit and enjoy a meal, while having their "pooch" by their side. Patrons of the Coffee Expresso, have a front row seat, to the local Art show, which is put on at certain times of the year, by local Dana Point artists, and includes strolling Musicians, to serenade the people who flock to the harbour.

1. The Jolly Roger restaurant is located right on the waterfront with great views of the harbor. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is very casual, no need to dress up. One of my favorites here is the "Sunset Dinner specials"

2. Proud Mary's Restaurant has been serving up savory hamburgers for lunch and mushroom and avocado omlets for breakfast since 1977, and is a favorite of residents and visitors alike. If you are having a family reunion or some other joyous occassion, the restaurants can be yours exclusively - by prior arrangement.

3. The Wind and Sea restaurant has a unique location on the peninsula, it has water on 3 sides, and diners can sit inside or use the waterfront patio. Established in 1972 it has become a top steak and seafood restaurant and won many excellence awards. A favorite of locals is the Hawaiian Happy Hour - from 4-7 pm, Monday thru Friday. The Mai Tai's are the best, with over 2,000 served to date.

4. The Harbor Grill restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and on Sundays a champagne brunch from 9 am to 2 pm. It prides itself on a reasonable priced menu, premium cocktails and an extensive wine list.

5. The Brig's pride is their great "home cooking" and a staff that has been with them for 10 years or more. They cater to a couple or a band of ten or more, come on in and enjoy, tghere's something to fit everyone's appetite

While's there are other cafes and restaurants in the Harbor, these are my favorites, if you visit anytime soon, or perhaps already have been to some of them, leave me a comment as to how you enjoyed your meal.