Lantern's Edge

My wife and I were staying at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott and decided to dine at the hotel restaurant for a relaxed evening and a nice meal after a long work day. We arrived around 8:30 PM, a little later than planned, and were hoping for a smooth dinner at the beautiful property. After being seated, it took about 10 minutes before we were greeted and able to order drinks and an appetizer. Our drinks arrived roughly 10 minutes later, and at that point, we ordered our entrées. About 20 minutes passed with no updates — the ice in our glasses had already melted — when our server finally stopped by to say our food would be “right out” and asked if we’d like another round of drinks. When he returned a few minutes later with the new drinks, he let us know there had been an issue printing our ticket to the kitchen, and our food had only just started cooking. He kindly offered the drinks on the house, which we appreciated, but our appetizer had never been put in either. Roughly 20 minutes after that, our entrées finally arrived, though unfortunately the food was underwhelming for the price point. We never complained, and the staff did make a good-faith effort to make things right by comping one entrée and a couple of drinks. Still, the long delays, missed order, and inconsistent communication made what should have been a relaxing evening feel frustrating — especially after an already late dinner. The restaurant has a lovely setting and courteous staff, but the service flow and communication need improvement. We hope this feedback helps the team make some adjustments, because the experience didn’t reflect the quality expected from a Marriott property.

Had the most beautiful experience of being close to the ocean and not just enjoying the view- but savoring the delicately prepared dishes from Lantern’s Edge delectable menu! Our immeasurable thanks to Jiyan-and the rest of the staff at this welcoming restaurant for making us feel welcome and special. The food is worth all the trouble of driving even in the rain! Loved everything about this place, more power and continued success to everyone involved! 👏🏼🙏

Located within the Marriott Sea Cliff hotel, this restaurant is a wonderful choice for both lunch and dinner. Perched atop the cliffs of Lantern Bay Park, you can savor stunning views of the Dana Point coastline and beyond during the day. The menu features an excellent selection of surf and turf dishes, with creative takes on classics like risotto and fish tacos. As a vegetarian, I found several delicious options that made for an enjoyable evening. The addition of a live singer enhances the atmosphere. While it can get a bit busy, we opted to sit outside, where we appreciated the availability of blankets and patio heaters, making it perfect for enjoying a meal with the refreshing evening ocean breeze.

This spot has a perfect and beautiful location with a stunning view of the ocean — absolutely ideal for a relaxed meal or special occasion. The staff were friendly and welcoming throughout the visit, which made a big difference. Unfortunately, their ordering system had an issue and my order wasn’t processed properly. To their credit, they apologized multiple times and handled it graciously — even comping the meal, which I really appreciated. On the food front, the standout was definitely the mushroom dish — rich, flavorful, and truly memorable.

Beautiful setting with fire pits and ocean views. Our waiter was also very friendly and brought blankets, explained the menu and did his best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Unfortunately (like other reviews state) dinner did not meet our expectations.

⭐ 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!

I'm usually not one to write reviews, but I had to after my experience at this place last night—it was absolutely phenomenal. Our reservation was at 7 PM, and to our surprise, the restaurant was relatively quiet. The ambiance was stunning—you could tell they put a lot of thought and care into the décor. The cocktails were incredible—honestly, to die for. Our server, Jett, gave us some excellent recommendations, and everything he suggested was spot on. If you’re into sweet, creamy cocktails, I highly recommend the Lalo Blue. It was smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. The Cliff Diver was another standout—it had a bold, citrusy flavor with a subtle smoky finish that was just divine. For starters, we went with the Fig and Brie Flatbread, which Jett suggested. It was light yet packed with flavor—the perfect balance of sweet and savory with just the right amount of crunch. Absolutely delicious. For the main course, we had the New Zealand Lamb Rack and the Wanderer Farms New York Strip. Both were cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The lamb was tender, not too fatty, and melted in my mouth, while the New York Strip was juicy and rich—a true steak lover’s dream. Dessert was equally unforgettable. My girlfriend had a decadent chocolate cake with candied orange on top—it was rich but not overwhelming, melting in your mouth with each bite. I had an Ube cake with a chopped nut crust and salted caramel ice cream. The combination of sweetness and saltiness was flawless—absolutely heavenly. The service was beyond exceptional. Every staff member was warm, attentive, and genuinely caring. Multiple employees checked in on us throughout the meal, ensuring we were taken care of without being overbearing. Jett, in particular, was a standout—kind, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate. He shared the backstory of the restaurant and insights about Kristine, the executive chef. He also gave thoughtful recommendations, helping me decide on the perfect meat and side pairings. Speaking of sides—the potatoes were fantastic! Crispy, flavorful, and not greasy at all. Honestly, this restaurant deserves to be featured in articles, on food shows—everywhere. The entire experience, from the food to the service, was flawless. We were so impressed that we left a $200 tip—it was that good. Everyone there deserves a kiss on the cheek and 50% raise! I can’t wait to return!

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!