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Chart House was a really nice restaurant! It had a great ambience; great views of the city, dim lighting, and good music. The food was really good as well. We got the Crispy Coconut Shrimp, Calamari and the Salmon. Everything had surprising flavor! The meal was a bit pricey but I think it was worth it. The Pacific ocean is beautiful! They do have a happy hour and believe when I say it is well worth it! $6-$8 drinks. $9, $11 and $13 appetizers. You could definitely leave full and feeling great for not too much money. The only catch is that the happy hour is only available in the bar sitting area (not the dining room) and it is first come first served from 4 pm- 6 pm and fills up pretty quickly so get there a little early to ensure you get a seat. They offer valet parking in their parking lot, otherwise there is limited street parking. If you prefer the dining area be sure to make a reservation! All in all this place is a vibe!
We went for Valentines Day, and we honestly can’t wait to go back. We sat outside and the views were amazing, and as it got a little chillier as the sun went down they provided heaters which was a great added touch. Our waiter’s recommendations were great and the food was fantastic. The mojito flight was so fun. Definitely a great date night!
Our server Heather was incredible! We came for happy hour and dinner at sunset. The sunset views from this restaurant have to be the best of our entire trip. Heather was incredibly nice, gave great recommendations for the rest of our vacation, and even offered to take our photo during sunset. Cant wait to come back!
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.
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!