Every meal is a chance for celebration, but some moments demand truly exceptional food. Maybe you’re marking a milestone, or perhaps you just want to treat Tuesday like it’s special. Whether you’re craving fiery Szechuan or delicate dim sum, these Dana Point spots serve up memories alongside their incredible dishes.
China Bros
$ | (949) 312-2955 | WEBSITE
You might think that a Chinese restaurant tucked away in Dana Point couldn’t possibly deliver authentic flavors or generous portions, but China Bros does both. We recommend ordering their classics: Start with the fresh vegetable egg rolls, then move on to the chicken chop suey with fried rice or chow mein. (We love the beef pepper steak.) The servers are friendly and quick, offering sensible recommendations that ensure you enjoy a satisfying meal at a reasonable price.
Mandarin King
$ | (949) 494-8992 | WEBSITE
For a relaxed evening of sharing plates of sizzling Mongolian beef and stunning orange chicken, Mandarin King is the spot. Secure one of the cozy tables for your family or group at this Laguna Beach restaurant—which has been a local favorite for years and is now run by the friendly owners. After making a few tough decisions around the $15 lunch specials, you can sit back and relax as your attentive server brings you dish after delicious dish of fresh, classic Chinese cooking.
Not to mention plenty of fried rice and fried wontons. And maybe some sweet and sour shrimp too.
LOC Noodle& Dumpling Bar
$$ | (949) 503-3155 | WEBSITE
If, after many sub-$15 noodle bowls, you have finally decided that it’s time to spend $25 on dumplings, make a visit to LOC Noodle & Dumpling Bar. Located in the heart of Ladera, the restaurant has a casual dining area where you can watch staff prepare fresh dishes to the sounds of upbeat background music. Around 10 items long, LOC’s menu begins with a few small bites like delicious dumplings and garlic eggplant, followed by a satisfying series of noodle dishes.
You’ll try things like savory Cumin Beef, tangy Pineapple Chicken, and San Dan noodles accented with a touch of homemade broth.
THAI DARA 2
$ | (949) 388-5688 | WEBSITE
Most Thai restaurants in Dana Point don’t easily accommodate pescatarian diners—and that’s partly what makes Thai Dara 2 so unique. At this cozy restaurant with warm lighting, the generous offerings include things like the mixed seafood pumpkin curry served with a side of rice, and almost all of the dishes can be made pescatarian. The $18 entrées come with three to four servings, and the price includes attentive service.
Peony Chinese Kitchen
$$ | (949) 715-8120 | WEBSITE
Peony Chinese Kitchen is the only Chinese restaurant in Laguna Beach with that amazing beach view—and that outdoor seating area is full of families with kids and sun-kissed tourists, three tables deep. Everyone is enjoying something here, just as they’ve been doing since Peony opened in Laguna Beach. Just know that you don’t necessarily come here for the innovative cuisine, which is pretty solid, standard-practice, American-Chinese favorites.
You come for the generous portions, and an atmosphere that is so very conducive to ordering about 40% more of those strong drinks from the full bar than you were expecting to.
Golden Dragon Chinese Food
$ | (949) 362-4739 | WEBSITE
Is it a cliché to order takeout from a Chinese restaurant with pictures of menu items plastered on the walls for a quick weeknight dinner? And speaking of ordering, is it a pain in the ass to find a spot that actually delivers food cooked fresh in under six minutes? The answer to both of those questions is yes. But the Chinese food at this spot in Dana Point lives up to the hype.
Get the Mu Shu pork or the General Tso’s Chicken, and be glad you can have a meal somewhere that doesn’t just taste like it came out of a microwave.
Rice Bowl Express
$ | (949) 487-0068 | WEBSITE
Stepping into Rice Bowl Express in Dana Point grants you access to a special society: those who have discovered the city’s most reliable Chinese takeout. Once you order, though, Rice Bowl Express’s clean, tidy space feels nothing like a chaotic fast-food joint where customers hope they get fortune cookies with their meal—instead, the restaurant is a temple of simplicity in American Chinese classics.
Besides the occasional addition of shrimp or squid to a stir-fry, you’ll find straightforward near-perfection here. As an added bonus, you can tell your friends you had your lunch at Rice Bowl Express.
Diho Siam
$ | (949) 365-8777 | WEBSITE
You better hope you’re hungry when you come to this Dana Point Thai spot tucked away in a shopping plaza. The portions are generous, so do your best to bring your appetite. (Mention that you’re dining with family. It can’t hurt.) But Diho Siam isn’t just about the quantity. The food is authentic Thai, and the kitchen prepares dishes with consistent quality.
Choose from lunch specials or regular entrees ($12 and $18, respectively), then enjoy some Thai Basil Chicken with perfectly balanced spices, and curry options with rich coconut milk and tender meat. The service is quick and efficient, with staff showing genuine kindness toward children. The environment is clean and pleasant, with ample parking making it convenient for takeout or delivery. This isn’t fancy dining—it’s reliable, flavorful Thai food that keeps families coming back.
The Little Kitchen Asian Cafe
$ | (949) 276-7799 | WEBSITE
Time speeds up at The Little Kitchen Asian Cafe, a cozy strip-mall spot in Dana Point, as the sizzle of beef chow mein fills the air and generous plates are placed in front of you. It feels homier than some Chinese restaurants. The staff—who take pride in meals that aren’t overly salty or saucy—offer friendly recommendations, describe how the garlic shrimp is prepared with fresh ingredients, and talk about why the sizzling rice soup comes so highly recommended.
For straightforward Chinese comfort food, where the portions are large, and even classics like beef & broccoli and kung pao tofu don’t feel tired, this is an excellent choice.
Kaleyard
$$ | (949) 493-8586 | WEBSITE
For a cozy, flavorful, exceedingly warm family dinner, go to Kaleyard. You’re almost guaranteed to eat a dish with ingredients you’ve never tried before, served by owner Helen and her caring staff. Couple that with an atmosphere that feels like being in a beloved neighborhood kitchen, and some of the most delicious Chinese plates this town has to offer, and this spot is perfect for a casual celebration or weeknight treat.
Just make sure to be patient if there’s a wait—the ping pong table makes it fun, but the food is worth every minute.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (949) 364-6661 | WEBSITE
Nothing says “This is a special occasion” like a dramatic atmosphere paired with exceptional service, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at P.F. Chang’s. This remodeled Chinese restaurant is one of our go-to spots for Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries—we’ll take any excuse, really.
Order the $28 Miso Salmon and a round of crispy string beans with spicy dipping sauce, then sit back and enjoy bite after bite of flavorful Mongolian Beef in a dark, dramatic room that could double as a theater set. And if you’re looking to end on a sweet note, they have a delicious Red Velvet Cupcake that makes any celebration complete.
China Moon
$$ | (949) 249-6868 | WEBSITE
China Moon is a cozy, vibrant Chinese restaurant in Dana Point with 50s music playing to create a nostalgic atmosphere. But those are things more suited for regular old lunches. For a special outing, opt for the fantastic lunch special with Kung Pao chicken. The generous portion involves crispy chicken in a perfectly balanced sauce served with steamed rice, so you can create your own satisfying meal.
Panda Express
$ | (949) 996-8098 | WEBSITE
Panda Express feels like a well-oiled machine run by a crew who clearly takes pride in their work, with some team members going the extra mile to make sure you’re satisfied. Tucked into a Mission Viejo shopping center, this quick-service Chinese spot offers entrees around $10-$12, all of which come out fresh and neatly arranged.
Expect things like crispy orange chicken that hits the spot, clean and organized steam-table classics, and a friendly atmosphere that makes grabbing a quick bite genuinely pleasant. Just be prepared for bottled drinks that might not be as chilled as you’d like, and the occasional vegetable that could use a bit more pep.
