Why Dana Point Is the Perfect Southern California Staycation

"A theatrical, Michael Mina–headed steakhouse known for big tableside moments and indulgent surf-and-turf. Highlights include a sizzling cast-iron broiled shellfish platter that is finished tableside with lemongrass tea over a bed of rock salt (oysters, Gulf shrimp, lobster and king crab), a hay-smoked Snake River Farms rib eye cap presented under a glass cover that reveals smoke and hay as it’s sliced, and a roving martini cart. The menu mixes Mina signatures (caviar parfait, lobster pot pie) with new surprises, offers complimentary duck-fat fries in place of bread service, and is overseen by executive chef Bryan Brown. The restaurant’s scale and showmanship have earned strong critical attention, including being named the county’s best by a local critic." - Andy Wang