Lantern's Edge — Restaurant in Dana Point

Back Again—And Somehow Even Better! After my last visit, I didn’t think this place could possibly get any better—but Lanterns Edge continues to surprise me in the most incredible ways. Here’s a bit of backstory: we originally had a 7:45 reservation at another restaurant because we wanted to explore something new. Big mistake. The customer service was awful—the wait for our cocktails was nearly 30 minutes, and we had to flag down another employee just to get our check because our server seemingly forgot about us. Frustrated, we made a last-minute reservation at Lanterns Edge for the second night in a row—and thank goodness we did. We were running about 10 minutes late, but when we called ahead, Noah, the host, was incredibly reassuring and understanding. After the previous night’s flawless experience, we knew we had to request Jett again—and he did not disappoint. Jett was as kind and attentive as ever, even going so far as to cover the cost of our first round of drinks (an unbelievably thoughtful gesture that we were so grateful for). We kicked things off with the Burrata dip, which was absolutely sensational. The sweetness of the reserve was perfectly balanced by a subtle, spicy savoriness that lingered at the end. We also ordered the rolls, and wow—the jam was phenomenal. Paired with the light, flavorful rosemary butter and the pillowy-soft rolls, it was simply divine. For the main course, we went with the New York Strip (again) and the Ribeye. Both were flawless. The Ribeye, in particular, was outstanding—the butter added richness without overpowering the tenderness of the meat. The carrots were packed with flavor, juicy, and a perfect complement to the steak. To top it off, Jett surprised us with a free side of fries. They were perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. For dessert, we shared the Blackberry Mousse with Basil Ice Cream—a combination I never would have imagined, but I’m so glad we trusted the chef’s creativity. The mousse was light yet bursting with flavor, with hints of lemon cake and a subtle blackberry kick that snuck up on us. The Basil Ice Cream was unexpectedly delicious—the herbaceous note was present but not overwhelming, pairing beautifully with the mousse. Throughout the night, the entire staff was attentive and caring, consistently checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. Toward the end of our meal, it started to mist lightly—not that we minded—but Jett, ever thoughtful, brought us blankets to keep us warm and even protect my girlfriend’s hair. He also replaced our dimming table light and offered to move the heater closer, though we assured him it wasn’t necessary since the temperature outside was perfect for our warm blooded selves. As we were finishing dessert, we shared with Jett that this was our five-year anniversary dinner, and we truly couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience. Moved by our gratitude, Jett took down our names and wrote it in a personal book of people that were so sweet to him (which I don't know who wouldnt be nice to him!). A few minutes later, he returned with an unexpected gift—a bottle of Lalo Tequila, signed by Lalo himself, which Jett was gifted by him and he had been saving in his locker for five months, waiting for the right people. His kindness brought me to tears—his generosity and genuine warmth were beyond words. To show our appreciation, we decided to give him another $200 tip—matching the price of our meal—because he genuinely deserved every penny. (The night before, we tipped 60%, but after the unforgettable experience he gave us, we knew we had to go bigger.) My girlfriend and I made a promise that for every anniversary moving forward, we will celebrate at Lanterns Edge—and we’ll be requesting Jett every time (until he leaves, which we hope he never does!) Thank you to everyone at Lanterns Edge for making both nights truly unforgettable. Your kindness, attention to detail, and impeccable service created memories we’ll...

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...

⭐ 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...