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We visited Chart House in Dana Point last Thursday to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We didn’t have a reservation, so we expected a bit of a wait, and it turned out to be about 45 minutes. Honestly, the wait was worth it. While waiting, we enjoyed the beautiful surroundings—the restaurant overlooks the marina, and the view is stunning, especially as the sun starts to set. Once seated, we were immediately struck by how cozy yet elegant the atmosphere felt. The staff was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, which made our anniversary dinner feel special. The food lived up to the setting—fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. Every dish we tried was delicious and served promptly once we were seated. Parking was easy thanks to the valet service, which takes both cash and card. It’s a small convenience that makes the visit even smoother, especially in a busy marina area. Overall, Chart House Dana Point delivered a memorable evening for a special occasion. Between the gorgeous marina views, great food, and comfortable ambiance, it’s a place we would definitely return to—next time, probably with a reservation to skip the wait!
We had a wonderful dinner at Chart House located in Dana Point. The view was absolutely beautiful, and everyone was so nice. Our server was amazing—too bad I forgot his name! Chart House is highly recommended—if you’re visiting Dana Point, you should definitely check out this amazing restaurant with delicious food. It was the perfect place to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary. Thank God we found this restaurant. We had an amazing experience on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 7 PM.
We went for the view. In my reservation, I wrote, "Celebrating my girlfriend's birthday, so a nice table/view would be greatly appreciated." It was clear this was a woman requesting a table for her and her girlfriend. What followed felt discriminatory. We were seated at the worst table in the restaurant, the only one facing a wall instead of the bay or ocean. Our server was kind (the one positive part), but when we asked to move, she said to talk to the host. I politely explained, "It's my partner's birthday, and we came here for the view, but we're seated facing a wall. We see several open tables." The host replied, without empathy, "It'll be an hour and a half to two hours." That was it. We finished our $25 espresso martinis (below average) and an appetizer, then left. Why stay and spend hundreds more for that kind of treatment? The strict dress code made things worse. It bans shorts and "baggy clothing," so I had to scramble to find something to wear as a lesbian uncomfortable in feminine clothes- only to see a white man nearby in a graphic T-shirt and shorts. The double standard was frustrating and hurtful. We left feeling unwelcome, dismissed, and disappointed. I rarely write reviews, but this was disheartening enough to share. We just wanted a special night for my girlfriend's birthday and instead were made to feel out of place. Oh, and no need for Chart House to come in and comment that you "appreciate the feedback" or "thank us for choosing your restaurant." Address your blatant disrespect toward minorities instead.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chart House Dana Point is always a great experience. The ocean view is incredible, and the whole place has a luxurious vibe. The steak is above average, and they even surprised me with a nice birthday dessert. My husband and I come almost every year for our birthdays or a date — it’s an easy place to enjoy a beautiful sunset with good food. They also seem to update their menu pretty often, which keeps each visit feeling fresh. Highly recommend!
Happy hour is Monday thru Friday 4 - 6pm. Arrive early if you want a spot on the patio. Luckily we snagged the last table. Jose, our server, was excellent. Food was very good and a great value. Beautiful views!