Ritz-Carlton’s luxe dining room features expansive views over the ocean & refined Pan-Latin seafood.
Hours
| Friday | 6:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Monday | 6:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
Phone: (949) 240-2000
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
We actually started our evening at the bar, and I have to say, we received wonderful service there despite how busy it was. The bartenders were attentive, friendly, and made great drinks while managing a full crowd.
The two hostesses working on Friday night when we visited were both super sweet. We brought a bouquet of flowers for a friend’s birthday dinner, and not only did they keep it safe for us; they even put the flowers in a vase while we waited for the birthday celebrant. That thoughtful touch really stood out and set a nice tone for the evening. The large windows overlooking the ocean are absolutely stunning and make for a beautiful ambiance.
Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end.
The whole dining experience after that was honestly a disaster. Granted, we were waiting on one person to arrive, but the staff wasn’t attentive or consistent about checking on our table. Our server, Jessica, genuinely tried her best, but her efforts were overshadowed by everything else that went wrong.
I wasn’t feeling well that night, so I kept it simple and ordered the Caesar Salad with shrimp and it turned out to be the saltiest salad I’ve ever had in my life. I ended up only eating a few pieces of shrimp because the rest was just inedible. Another guest at our table sent back her octopus because it was cold. The menu had only one vegan option, and everyone else in our group also complained about their food.
To make matters worse, the entire dining experience dragged on for three hours. Multiple staff members would walk by and completely ignore tables calling out for help, not even a “let me grab your server.” It felt like no one wanted to deal with anything outside of their assigned section. Jessica could only do so much on her own.
For a restaurant inside the Ritz-Carlton, the level of service and food quality were shockingly disappointing. Sadly, this will be a one-and-done experience for me.
Special thanks to Dean, who was incredibly patient and gentle throughout the evening—his warm service made us feel truly welcomed. Also shout-out to Noe for his attentive and kind service!
I’d love to return again—hopefully on a sunny day next time. ☀️
Jennifer is so attentive and welcoming.
The view, of course, is staggering. That being said, the high ceilings, to better accommodate the view, makes the place the opposite of cozy.
The menu is not expansive, but the food is done exceptionally well, as you’d expect. Seafood is cooked perfectly. The kitchen does a great job of blending flavors for a great culinary experience.
The service is attentive and professional, again as would be expected inside of the Ritz.
Now, let’s talk about the food: the grilled octopus and the corn and hominy chowder were absolute standouts. The octopus was perfectly tender and bursting with flavor—one of the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve been enjoying octopus since I was a child. As for the chowder, it was easily one of the best soups of my life. As a seafood enthusiast who grew up on fresh catches, I was blown away by the rich combination of flavors. The soup was packed with generous chunks of crab, complemented by corn, bacon, roe, and a subtle kick from serrano. It was an unforgettable dish.
To top it all off, the staff surprised me with a complimentary cake and candle to celebrate my birthday. I don’t even remember mentioning it in my Open Table reservation, but that thoughtful touch truly made my day.
Overall, this was an exceptional experience from start to finish and can’t wait to return and relieve it all over again!