Lantern's Edge

⭐ 3/5 – Decent Hotel Dining, But Doesn’t Justify the Price This hotel restaurant is fine, but it really didn’t live up to expectations. It offers basic dining that you would expect in a hotel setting, but when you’re paying hotel restaurant prices, you expect something more memorable. The food was decent, but not exciting, and the prices definitely felt higher than they should be for the quality offered. 🍽️ The Food: 3/5 The food was fine, but nothing special. I had hoped for something more flavorful or creative for the price. The dishes were basic and uninspiring—they were okay, but didn’t leave a lasting impression. For a hotel restaurant, it’s decent, but for the cost, I expected a bit more in terms of quality and taste. 🛎️ The Service: 3/5 Service was friendly, but it could definitely be faster. It wasn’t bad by any means, but during peak times, there was a noticeable lag in getting drinks and food to the table. The staff was polite and attentive, but you could tell they were managing a lot of tables at once. They weren’t exactly slow, but you’re not going to get that top-tier dining service you might expect at a higher-end restaurant. 🏡 The Atmosphere: 3/5 The atmosphere felt very standard hotel dining—clean, functional, and somewhat comfortable, but it lacked any kind of unique or personal touch. It was fine for a quick meal, but not somewhere I’d want to linger for hours. The space felt a bit impersonal, and it was clear that it was designed more for convenience than to create a memorable dining experience. 💰 The Verdict: Overpriced for What It Is ✅ Convenient if you're staying at the hotel – it’s great if you just want something nearby and don’t feel like venturing out ✅ Friendly service – staff was polite and did their best, but the service could have been quicker during busy times ❌ Nothing extraordinary about the food – everything felt a bit basic, especially for the price ❌ Overpriced – you’re paying a premium for a hotel experience, not necessarily for better food Would I come back? Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s fine for a quick meal when staying at the hotel, but with so many better options nearby, this wouldn’t be my first choice if I were looking for something more than just a quick bite. It’s not bad, just not worth the higher price tag.

Omg this place has the best food ever holy cow. We ordered the smash burger, poke bowl, mushroom chicken flatbread, and the fish tacos. They were all super amazing and the fish tacos had a little kick if your into that. Our waitress was super nice and had great tips about the surrounding area. The hotel that is in is also super luxurious with helpful staff and it is an extremely clean place!

We ate for lunch. Maybe it wasn’t peak hours, but there were so many staff waiting on us, it was crazy! Our waters were always full, which I appreciated. The atmosphere is great, very close to the ocean, with constantly good weather (although it can be a little chilly). The servings are large, which is nice since the prices are kind of high. (For example, it was $10 just to add chicken to the Caesar salad; that said, the salad was practically as big as one you’d get at the Cheesecake Factory!) Chicken sandwich was good, fries were solid, staff was very helpful. We’d go back if we’re in the area - probably for dinner to try the steak!

This restaurant was fantastic! Our server Christian was phenomenal and guided us through the menu, and all the delicious options. From the rolls, to the swordfish, to the cocktails, everything was so well balanced. The ambiance was a tiny tiny bit weird, plates already on the table for some reason and then taken away and a lil too dark inside. Highly recommend!

The best dining experience we've had in YEARS. 🙌 Shout out to bartender, Macay, who was incredible. We didn't have reservations and they were full, so we sat at the bar for our meal and it was just as amazing. Even more personal, actually. Thanks to the Chef for sending out so many extra special touches as well. Made for an incredible birthday experience for us both. 🎉

This place is absolutely phenomenal from the staff to the ambience and the food everything was spot on!!!! The food really was out of this world and fantastic. The flavors are very creative and unique and work extremely well together. There is also a beautiful outdoor dining area with fireplaces and beautiful lighting from natural lighting to the string lights above you and this outdoor area overlooks the ocean, which is beautiful. The restaurant overall for price wise is pretty expensive but definitely worth every penny. We will definitely be back there in the future.

The Outer Reef is lovely. Inside is simple yet beautiful. Outdoor dining is perfect. Our server Jackson was very attentive. The food was delicious, small servings, Swordfish 👍🏻, oysters 👍🏻, salad 👍🏻 lobster agnolotti 👍🏻 Desserts were good, needs just small changes but good. It’s a bit pricey for the amount but worth it for a special occasion. I will be returning.

Outer Reef is the next amazing restaurant experience on your ‘to do’ list. Brand new and tucked away in Dana Point with a fantastic ocean view. Nice little details of blue and white everywhere, with thoughtful touches like a lit candle and a little moss decoration. The menu is extensive. Fresh raw fish selections, delicious salads, traditional seared fish, and flavorful pastas. We had the tuna three ways, caesar salad (huge- enough for four people), and the cacio e pepe (also large. Enough for 2-3 people). We even received a complimentary amuse bouche, bread and butter (in the cutest serving dome), and four little desserts. If that wasn’t enough, we also received muffins for tomorrow! What! Can I come back tomorrow?? And finally, the best for last. Our server, Catherine (Cat), was one of the best hosts and menu experts I’ve ever met. She was so happy and positive, and so genuine in her concern regarding our experience. She made this such an outstanding visit. We will ask for her again. She is the best of the best. Knowledge of the menu was unparalleled and she catered to every single detail. What amazing service!

Amazing amazing dinner! I came for Restaurant Week and was able to try multiple different items with their 4 course menu, not to mention a welcome cocktail as well! Ambiance is one of the best if not the best in Orange County. The Food and service somehow surpass the amazing Ocean view. My fiancé and I each did the restaurant week menu and left needing a box to take home. Aaron, our server, did an amazing job describing each of the dishes and helping us choose the best plates to match our pallet. Drinks from bartender Greg were amazing. Shaun, the manager, checked on us throughout our dinner and we truly felt special as a guest. There was a true hospitality focus here! 10/10 will return!

Food: super super yummy. Great menu, with a lot of creative twists - as a local- we can't wait to come back and try more food! Service: absolutely killer. Jett was our server- he's outstanding. Noah was the super sweet host with great customer service. Drinks: I have no idea what my coconut/tequila/ blueberry drink was called- but I'm going to try my best to recreate it at home so I can enjoy this whenever I want! Recommended by Jett- and it did not disappoint!! Dessert: highly suggest trying the Ube Sans Rival. A Filipino dessert that you will regret not trying. I don't know why this isn't on every menu lol. Sweet, creamy, salty, crunchy, and with a side of ice cream that it pairs perfectly with. A must try! Can't wait to come back. Grateful we are locals

The ambiance was exceptional, with carefully curated lighting, elegant utensils, sophisticated dishware, cozy fire pits, and perfectly balanced background music. Even the buzz from surrounding tables was managed with taste, creating a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. During the day, the view is absolutely breathtaking, setting a picturesque backdrop; by evening, it seamlessly transitions into a luxurious setting ideal for a refined dinner experience. The food was nothing short of extraordinary. Every dish, aside from the pasta, was flawless and garnered no critiques. Cooked to perfection, each plate showcased top-quality ingredients, and the presentation was a masterpiece--truly a 10/10. The portions were well-sized, striking a fair balance between price and the caliber of the overall dining experience. The drinks were beautifully presented, with servers keenly attentive to each guest's preferences, ensuring a personalized beverage experience. The berry dessert was an absolute delight, both visually and in flavor, reflecting meticulous preparation and a thoughtful touch in every detail. Overall, this was an outstanding experience, marked by exquisite food and impeccable service. Given that the restaurant has only just opened, our entire group was thoroughly impressed, and I can only imagine it will continue to exceed expectations as it becomes more established.

Lantern's Edge - yes, been here before too and tried so much on the menu! The New Zealand Rack of Lamb sure was delicious. That's what I personally came back for. First time I ever ate octopus as well. Valet was nice, and there is self parking as well. Dana Point is a really beautiful location, and a great place to take a date, or enjoy a special evening with someone special, or just family members. The ocean view is spectacular from the restaurant dining room especially. Service is consistently attentive. We can't wait to come back again.

Service was the best. Value was the worst. Sparce menu, small portions and outrageous pricing. Ambiance was pleasing Will not return.

FABULOUS! My wife and I had the privilege of dinning here on New Year's Eve and wow what a dinning experience! You walk down the stairs and are met with a beautiful fish tank, this was a great start and truly beautiful to look at. The menu was a fixed menu 5 courses and a total surprise, each plate was big enough to fill us and just a culinary journey! We kept saying the closest dinning we've had to omakase where each bite is totally different, the wagyu tartar with caviar, the salad (dressing out of this world), ravioli that had so many unique flavors, each bite was just incredible. The wait staff was attentive and quick but also slowed down our courses as we are fast eaters. I had a cocktail that was also incredible and included a banana. The restaurant is new and just was no better way for us to have ended 2024. Thank you lanterns edge!

Both food and service were absolutely fantastic. Jet out server was very attentive. He provided all kinds of information on the menu and wines. We went during OC restaurant week and we were able to eat various menu items. The pasta and fish were excellent. We were so glad to meet the chef and let her know the presentation and flavors were impeccable. We now have this restaurant on rotation.

We were excited to eat here but disappointed with the experience. The food was sub par. Burgers were medium rare, fish was doused in sauce, the burrata missed the mark entirely. The team was extremely nice but the time it took for us to get every item and the taste of each item was not worth the wait. Worth Checking out someday in the future but not now.

The food was delicious and the ambience was amazing. The ocean views are visible and the staff is friendly. What made our experience is even better was our server, Homero, who was attentive and kind. Would come back again!

The staff working the breakfast shift are so kind and friendly!! The food is very fresh and delicious. Highly recommend and can't wait to come back :)))

It is my 2nd time here at Lantern's Edge! First we went for a dinner, and I love, love the fig & brie; must try! I want to have a to-go for myself. Octopus is so good as well! Must try the burrata!! 2nd time, we went to eat for brunch yesterday. They have a wide variety of food! If you are a seafood lover, you will love their brunch buffet!!! They have unlimited mimosas too; I don't drink much, but I love their mimosas. I think they have brunch every weekend. But because it was Christmas, they opened a brunch buffet. Our server, Jiyan is very nice and accommodating! Good job!