Doheny Cafe

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Self admitted difficult customer today. We were stopping in on a walk during a work meeting. We were in a bit of a hurry and wanted to seat quickly. They offered us carry out as they didn’t have space at the time. But when they knew we were in a hurry they adjusted and accommodated to get us seated quickly. The staff was great. The food was good and the atmosphere was great. Within walking distance of the beach and our hotel. It checked all the boxes of what we were looking for.

J G

Loved it here on a Saturday (Labor Day Weekend) around noon, party of four. Really busy around this time. Parking was definitely busy, cars are always pulling in and out, it can be hard to navigate the small parking lot with big vehicles, trucks! Atmosphere was pleasant, you get the nice breeze from the coast line. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Plan to wait in line around 30 minutes or so just to be safe, and plan for 5 to 10 minutes while you navigate the parking lot. Food was really good to be honest, we did enjoyed our meals, their coffees, and lattes! Definitely a worthwhile visit of you find yourself here around Dana Point!

Audrey Morales

After my meal here I felt so peaceful. They did such a great job with the atmosphere of their restaurant while providing easy, yet delicious food options. I'm very impressed by the biscuits and gravy. Some of the best gravy i've ever had. Very flavorful. Plus the Biscuits had a beautiful crisp on the edges so they never got soggy. One detail I admired was the chilled water glasses instead of using ice. This just leveled the experience up a few notches. I'm surprised how quickly we were seated considering it was a Saturday around 10 when we arrived. Well done! When my husband and I are back in SoCal we will be visiting again.

Meli

Erin is AMAZING!!! She was friendly, attentive and her suggestions did not disappoint. My mom brought me here for brunch and it was outstanding. I had The Big Leo- a modern twist on a Ruben sandwich (pastrami, pickles, slaw). And it was the best Ruben I’ve ever had!! 100% recommend getting this if you like Ruben sandwiches. I appreciated the quality of the food. The cafe is super cute with a local feel to it. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!

Debbie C

Doheny Cafe is hands down one of my favorite places to eat in Dana Point. I appreciate that they prioritize high-quality ingredients, cooking with organic foods and avoiding seed oils—something that sets them apart from most other restaurants. Every single meal I’ve had here has been absolutely delicious, but my go-to favorite is the steak and eggs. I feel what really makes this place special is the incredible service and care from the owner, Chef Danielle. She is exactly what an owner should be—passionate, welcoming, and dedicated to making sure every customer has a great experience. Whenever she’s there, you can feel the warmth and attention to detail that makes this restaurant special. I also love their sister restaurant, Maison, which has the same commitment to amazing food and high-quality ingredients. Maison has a more vibrant, energetic atmosphere, while Doheny offers a laid-back, relaxed vibe, making both spots unique and worth visiting. I also love that both restaurants are so accommodating with meal customizations, allowing you to have options based on your preferences and specific dietary needs. I’ve been hyping this place up to all my friends— and I definitely plan to keep coming back as a regular. If you’re looking for great food made with superior ingredients, you’ll love it here.

E. C.

Servers were attentive and friendly. Meals were well prepared, large portions and tasty. We were seated promptly and again, our servers were very charming. It’s worth a revisit.

Lorri Dana

Great find this morning! Little cafe is in an unassuming strip mall just off of PCH. Decorated so cute and help is very friendly. Food is delicious. They take care to make it look beautiful as well! Seems to get busy, so there may be a wait. Parking is free in the strip mall parking lot.

Alyssa Flynn

A friend and I went for a late lunch and both really enjoyed our dishes. The food came out perfect and the server was really nice/attentive. We can’t wait to go back to Doheny Cafe to try more items on the menu.

Laurie Proia

highly recommended! Delicious food , wonderful service and staff! Aces across the board 👏👏

Joel Goldstein

Terrific casual Cafe. Take out or table service. Yummy breakfast and brunch menu. Free parking. Formerly called Maison Cafe. Young, friendly staff. Food is fresh and good.

Absolutely delicious food made with quality ingredients. We came for breakfast 3 days in a row while staying locally. Service was wonderful. Cool, open atmosphere. Potatoes and waffles were especially good.

Slightly yuppie but very good breakfast! Cool atmosphere with the front of the building garage doors that open up so it's more or less an open-air cafe.

This place is a hidden gem, but well know for those who know. We went there for lunch and had wonderful service, the food was not only fantastic but healthy too. The menu was great with offering the right amount of items so you do get lost in your choices. Erin was our server and she was attentive, friendly and gave us excellent service. The price was perfect for the quality and quantity. Definitely added to my go to lunch restaurants.

We love starting our day with a wonderful breakfast. We've basically tried all the ones in San Clemente and Dana Point. We have 3 favorites and Doheny Cafe is one of the 3! This was such a great experience, service excellent, food phenomenal - just a wonderful experience. We both especially liked the creative take on some basic meals, including the house made jams and salsas. We'll clearly be back soon!

We were visiting the area from out of town and stumbled on this place. You can’t ask for a better breakfast/lunch spot! Incredible food, great atmosphere, and the service was top notch. My wife will fly back just to have their beet salad again, that’s how much she loved it 😂

We had breakfast on a Saturday morning, the place was a bit crowded but we got a table quickly. The waitress was very nice, attentive and gave us recommendations about the food. The staff was friendly as well. About the food: It was amazing! We had waffles with mascarpone and berries, a side of eggs, potatoes, bacon and everything was delicious! Usually, I think waffles are plain but these had different flavor! FYI, the waffles are a bit big, so you can share them, they're enough for two people. Also, I highly recommend the peach and hibiscus mimosas, they're super fresh and tasty. The place: I loved the chill vibes from the restaurant, it's comfy and clean. I can't wait to go back for more waffles!!

R Keith Beal

Slightly yuppie but very good breakfast! Cool atmosphere with the front of the building garage doors that open up so it's more or less an open-air cafe.

Sarah Carter

Absolutely delicious food made with quality ingredients. We came for breakfast 3 days in a row while staying locally. Service was wonderful. Cool, open atmosphere. Potatoes and waffles were especially good.

Paul Anderson

Great location and atmosphere. Food was fantastic. Outstanding service. We will definitely come back!

Nick Mouchaham

We were visiting the area from out of town and stumbled on this place. You can’t ask for a better breakfast/lunch spot! Incredible food, great atmosphere, and the service was top notch. My wife will fly back just to have their beet salad again, that’s how much she loved it 😂

Pat Kornychuk

We love starting our day with a wonderful breakfast. We've basically tried all the ones in San Clemente and Dana Point. We have 3 favorites and Doheny Cafe is one of the 3! This was such a great experience, service excellent, food phenomenal - just a wonderful experience. We both especially liked the creative take on some basic meals, including the house made jams and salsas. We'll clearly be back soon!

Lou B

This place is a hidden gem, but well know for those who know. We went there for lunch and had wonderful service, the food was not only fantastic but healthy too. The menu was great with offering the right amount of items so you do get lost in your choices. Erin was our server and she was attentive, friendly and gave us excellent service. The price was perfect for the quality and quantity. Definitely added to my go to lunch restaurants.

Melissa

We had breakfast on a Saturday morning, the place was a bit crowded but we got a table quickly. The waitress was very nice, attentive and gave us recommendations about the food. The staff was friendly as well. About the food: It was amazing! We had waffles with mascarpone and berries, a side of eggs, potatoes, bacon and everything was delicious! Usually, I think waffles are plain but these had different flavor! FYI, the waffles are a bit big, so you can share them, they're enough for two people. Also, I highly recommend the peach and hibiscus mimosas, they're super fresh and tasty. The place: I loved the chill vibes from the restaurant, it's comfy and clean. I can't wait to go back for more waffles!!

Menu prices have more than doubled since the last menu picture was uploaded 4 months ago. Food was very good and service was excellent.

Andy G

Menu prices have more than doubled since the last menu picture was uploaded 4 months ago. Food was very good and service was excellent.

Orange native here, so I typically dine for breakfast in old towne Orange. The food here is alright for price but some of the recipes try to do too much. Ordered Orange juice and it was extremely tart/acidic so told them I didnt want it, they tried hard to offer anything else rather than a refund, so I was like sure and got an Arnold Palmer. APs are simple, tea and lemonade, idk what they do to theirs but theirs also some sparkling taste to it and an aftertaste. Ordered a burrito, can't go wrong there. I enjoyed it. Sad there wasn't any regular hot sauce here, they boast they make their own but it tastes odd. Prob wont come back here but I appreciate the staff's friendliness.

Great food! However not party of 4+ friendly. Waited for nearly an hour, was 4th on the list, however watched 10 parties get seated in front. Business prioritizes smaller parties rather than order of reservation, regardless of possible seating arrangements. Many empty tables but instead of waiting for a minute to combined, prioritized those parties of 2 arriving within minutes. I think atmosphere and seating arrangements could use some work. Due to seating parties of 2 at tables that seat 5. Giving a 3 due to flies and dirty flooring. Otherwise food is great!

Natasha Escobedo

Great food! However not party of 4+ friendly. Waited for nearly an hour, was 4th on the list, however watched 10 parties get seated in front. Business prioritizes smaller parties rather than order of reservation, regardless of possible seating arrangements. Many empty tables but instead of waiting for a minute to combined, prioritized those parties of 2 arriving within minutes. I think atmosphere and seating arrangements could use some work. Due to seating parties of 2 at tables that seat 5. Giving a 3 due to flies and dirty flooring. Otherwise food is great!

Decided to stop by on our way to the Mission and was really looking forward to trying this spot based on the reviews. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the service. As a previous server, I know firsthand that you create an experience for guests by being kind, warm, and welcoming…that is literally part of the job. The waitress with the back tattoo and glasses seemed annoyed in helping us, and our server (young blond male) was extremely dry. No greeting, no warmth, he just walked up to the table and stared. It felt uncomfortable and uninviting. Maybe it’s a generational hospitality thing, who knows, but this is a reminder that you never know what someone is walking in with or dropping in for. Today was my mom’s birthday and I felt terrible starting off the day for her in an unwelcoming place. A smile and basic kindness cost nothing. Also, FYI to rude servers: if you don’t want to take a table, ask a coworker to swap with you. It isn’t fair for a guest to deal with that attitude or treatment. Food was mediocre. Do not recommend.

Wendy Gonzalez

Decided to stop by on our way to the Mission and was really looking forward to trying this spot based on the reviews. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the service. As a previous server, I know firsthand that you create an experience for guests by being kind, warm, and welcoming…that is literally part of the job. The waitress with the back tattoo and glasses seemed annoyed in helping us, and our server (young blond male) was extremely dry. No greeting, no warmth, he just walked up to the table and stared. It felt uncomfortable and uninviting. Maybe it’s a generational hospitality thing, who knows, but this is a reminder that you never know what someone is walking in with or dropping in for. Today was my mom’s birthday and I felt terrible starting off the day for her in an unwelcoming place. A smile and basic kindness cost nothing. Also, FYI to rude servers: if you don’t want to take a table, ask a coworker to swap with you. It isn’t fair for a guest to deal with that attitude or treatment. Food was mediocre. Do not recommend.