Seafood RestaurantSteak HouseFine Dining RestaurantAmerican RestaurantRestaurantBanquet HallChart House
On a clear day, the view from Chart House Dana Point extends 50 miles down the Southern California Coast all the way to La Jolla. As one of the best Dana Point restaurants with a view, Chart House is seated atop the majestic bluffs overlooking the Dana Point Harbor and the pristine azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Simply put, Chart House is one of the most romantic restaurants in Dana Point, year round.
In the spring, the ocean comes to life with the mass migration of grey whales as they travel past Dana Point on their trip south. From our restaurant, you can view not only these majestic whales, but also dolphins and seals. Sailboats from the Yacht Club and Harbor streak across vibrant blue waters and fishing boats dot the horizon. Every July, the Chart House affords the best view in town of the magnificent fireworks set off from a barge in the Harbor. In December, holiday lights dazzle as the Boat Parade fills the waters. And all of this can be viewed from your table while enjoying the most unique menu of Prime Rib, steak and seafood Dana Point has to offer.
For the best seafood restaurant in Dana Point with an amazing happy hour and the most beautiful ocean views in Orange County - Chart House is the place to be.
Many customers reported long wait times for seating and food, with some experiencing rude or unprofessional behavior from staff.
Food Quality
While some dishes received praise, many customers found the food to be inconsistent, with complaints about overcooked or poorly seasoned meals.
Atmosphere and Views
The restaurant's location and views were frequently highlighted as a major positive aspect, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
Management Concerns
Several reviews pointed to poor management practices, including overbooking and lack of responsiveness to customer complaints.
Mixed Experiences
While some diners had excellent experiences with attentive service and delicious food, others felt disappointed and would not return.
BB
Blaine Bolin
Jan 2, 2026
3.0
Heinous Food, didn’t think you could make a lava cake unenjoyable but Chart House proved me wrong. Waiter assured me the lobster risotto was the best risotto he’s ever had, i really hope he was being dishonest, because I can’t think of a restaurant doing a worse risotto.
But hey, if you like the wine list, the views and the property are fantastic
AR
Angela Rumer
Dec 31, 2025
3.0
This was my first time at Chart House so I will start by saying maybe this was an off night. I had a reservation for two at 7 and we were not sat until 7:35 after being told they were running about 10 minutes behind. Everyone around us also had reservations and they were all waiting for their reserved table as well, not a good sign. We finally get to our table and it took at least 10 minutes for a server to come by. At this point it’s almost 8 pm and I am starving! We ordered drinks and put in our food right away as we were worried about long wait times. We were given bread and found a bug in it. We told the server and he apologized. We finally got our food and it was good but not great. The experience we had did not match the price tag of the bill. I wish they would have explained all the delays or done something to make guests feel seen. Communication goes a long way.
RB
Ryan Brown
Dec 29, 2025
5.0
Great atmosphere, amazing food and service for our large family party/ anniversary/ holiday get together last night. Special thanks to Zamora, manager who went out of his way to assist my wife with temporarily fixing her glasses with some clever twine and ingenuity. We'll be sending him a thank you as well soon. Happy New Year
EY
Eman Yehya
Dec 26, 2025
1.0
The smell of the place was very off from the beginning so we chose to be seated outside.
It’s was a course set menu for 81$ per person so we thought how hard can it be and that it’s not likely anything could go wrong.
The time of serving between plates took around 20-30 min so by the time we actually got to have our main course we were full and bored.
Food came cold. Ahi tuna was tasteless. And instead of getting a well done fillet steak we got a pink medium steak.
After sharing our feedback with the manager nothing was actually offered to compensate and we paid full price.
Waiters and managers were nice but wouldn’t go back there.
KT
Kiana Tabibzadeh
Dec 14, 2025
3.0
Save yourself time, money and stress by avoiding this place . The hosts are the rudest. This was not our first time dining there. Each time we make a reservation and arrive early. In our reservation we request for a table in the dining room and preferably window booth. One would think that maybe one time among the nearly 10 times our request would be met, noooooo. Instead we are told we can’t guarantee and each time we are seated anywhere but where we requested, I mean a one time accommodation would mean honesty but they are liers. I ordered a salad with basil balsamic dressing as listed on the menu, yet the server asked me for the dressing and I pointed to the menu and she said the menu is wrong. Salad arrived without any dressing. When the check arrived I gave my credit card and my rewards card, the check came back for signature with only the rewards card, thankfully I noticed the credit card was missing. If you want ices dinning with quality food and service go elsewhere avoid this place. Hosts are RuDE. Servers want to upsell you for the tip. Parking is crazy
Yes, Chart House accepts reservations, but they do not require them.
What are the operating hours of Chart House?
Chart House is open Monday through Saturday from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
What types of pickup and delivery services does Chart House offer?
Chart House offers in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and delivery services.
Is there a happy hour at Chart House? If so, when is it?
Yes, Chart House has a happy hour from Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, available at the bar and bar patio only.
What is the dress code for dining at Chart House?
The dress code at Chart House is casual.
What are some signature dishes or specialties at Chart House?
Chart House specializes in fresh fish, slow-roasted prime rib, Mac Nut Mahi, Kim Chee Calamari, and Hot Chocolate Lava Cake.
What payment options are accepted at Chart House?
Chart House accepts American Express, Cash, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Travelers Check, and Visa.
Are there any nearby beaches that customers can visit before or after dining at Chart House?
Yes, Doheny State Beach and Dana Cove Park are nearby beaches where customers can enjoy the ocean before or after their meal at Chart House.
What parks are close to Chart House that guests might explore?
Harbor Point Conservation Park and Samson Overview Gazebo are nearby parks ideal for a relaxing walk or sightseeing before or after your visit.
Are there any interesting landmarks or cultural sites near Chart House?
Yes, the Cliff to Everlasting Blue monument, The Gazebo at Dana Point Harbor, and the Pilgrim museum are nearby landmarks that guests may wish to visit.