Lantern's Edge

Outer Reef is the next amazing restaurant experience on your ‘to do’ list. Brand new and tucked away in Dana Point with a fantastic ocean view. Nice little details of blue and white everywhere, with thoughtful touches like a lit candle and a little moss decoration. The menu is extensive. Fresh raw fish selections, delicious salads, traditional seared fish, and flavorful pastas. We had the tuna three ways, caesar salad (huge- enough for four people), and the cacio e pepe (also large. Enough for 2-3 people). We even received a complimentary amuse bouche, bread and butter (in the cutest serving dome), and four little desserts. If that wasn’t enough, we also received muffins for tomorrow! What! Can I come back tomorrow?? And finally, the best for last. Our server, Catherine (Cat), was one of the best hosts and menu experts I’ve ever met. She was so happy and positive, and so genuine in her concern regarding our experience. She made this such an outstanding visit. We will ask for her again. She is the best of the best. Knowledge of the menu was unparalleled and she catered to every single detail. What amazing service!

This place is phenomenal… I’ve eaten at michelin star restaurants before but this place takes the biscuit 🍪 The level of creativity and culinary mastery is exceptional. We arrived 30 mins early (jet lagged from U.K.) and were asked to wait at the bar. Turns out, that’s the best place to eat! Both servers (Kevin & Kevin) delighted us with numerous anicdotes and careful advice on the menu. Turns out to be probably the best meal I’ve had in America, and I’ve been coming here for years. Hats off lads and thank you Chef John Tesar for a wonderful experience backed up by your competent crew. 🎩

Great celebration restaurant. Love the service, food and drinks were great; especially loved the tropical drink and we were all big fans of the fam sized Caesar, had to send back cod because it was fishy but they replaced it with lobster ravioli and it was straight amazing. Crab gnocchi was equally delicious. Also enjoyed the filet, Mac and cheese side and halibut. Desert worth the splurge. Justin was attentive and we will return again. Thank you for a wonderful birthday dinner!

Beautiful romantic patio. Great service. Had a seafood pasta and a steak dish. Both wonderful. Everyone enjoyed. We will come back!

Charlene Dator

Had the most beautiful experience of being close to the ocean and not just enjoying the view- but savoring the delicately prepared dishes from Lantern’s Edge delectable menu! Our immeasurable thanks to Jiyan-and the rest of the staff at this welcoming restaurant for making us feel welcome and special. The food is worth all the trouble of driving even in the rain! Loved everything about this place, more power and continued success to everyone involved! 👏🏼🙏

Guillaume Bourcy

Located within the Marriott Sea Cliff hotel, this restaurant is a wonderful choice for both lunch and dinner. Perched atop the cliffs of Lantern Bay Park, you can savor stunning views of the Dana Point coastline and beyond during the day. The menu features an excellent selection of surf and turf dishes, with creative takes on classics like risotto and fish tacos. As a vegetarian, I found several delicious options that made for an enjoyable evening. The addition of a live singer enhances the atmosphere. While it can get a bit busy, we opted to sit outside, where we appreciated the availability of blankets and patio heaters, making it perfect for enjoying a meal with the refreshing evening ocean breeze.

Amanda Hooper

Beautiful setting with fire pits and ocean views. Our waiter was also very friendly and brought blankets, explained the menu and did his best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Unfortunately (like other reviews state) dinner did not meet our expectations.

Elizabeth Bowman

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 wait to return!

NixOil

Omg this place has the best food ever holy cow. We ordered the smash burger, poke bowl, mushroom chicken flatbread, and the fish tacos. They were all super amazing and the fish tacos had a little kick if your into that. Our waitress was super nice and had great tips about the surrounding area. The hotel that is in is also super luxurious with helpful staff and it is an extremely clean place!

Niko O'Hara

We ate for lunch. Maybe it wasn’t peak hours, but there were so many staff waiting on us, it was crazy! Our waters were always full, which I appreciated. The atmosphere is great, very close to the ocean, with constantly good weather (although it can be a little chilly). The servings are large, which is nice since the prices are kind of high. (For example, it was $10 just to add chicken to the Caesar salad; that said, the salad was practically as big as one you’d get at the Cheesecake Factory!) Chicken sandwich was good, fries were solid, staff was very helpful. We’d go back if we’re in the area - probably for dinner to try the steak!

Ryan Schneider

This restaurant was fantastic! Our server Christian was phenomenal and guided us through the menu, and all the delicious options. From the rolls, to the swordfish, to the cocktails, everything was so well balanced. The ambiance was a tiny tiny bit weird, plates already on the table for some reason and then taken away and a lil too dark inside. Highly recommend!

Elizabeth Bowman

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 cherish forever.

Melody Stevens

The best dining experience we've had in YEARS. 🙌 Shout out to bartender, Macay, who was incredible. We didn't have reservations and they were full, so we sat at the bar for our meal and it was just as amazing. Even more personal, actually. Thanks to the Chef for sending out so many extra special touches as well. Made for an incredible birthday experience for us both. 🎉

2missbrooklyn

This place is absolutely phenomenal from the staff to the ambience and the food everything was spot on!!!! The food really was out of this world and fantastic. The flavors are very creative and unique and work extremely well together. There is also a beautiful outdoor dining area with fireplaces and beautiful lighting from natural lighting to the string lights above you and this outdoor area overlooks the ocean, which is beautiful. The restaurant overall for price wise is pretty expensive but definitely worth every penny. We will definitely be back there in the future.

Sandra Hughes

Beautiful romantic patio. Great service. Had a seafood pasta and a steak dish. Both wonderful. Everyone enjoyed. We will come back!

Marcella Nichols Eastin

Outer Reef is the next amazing restaurant experience on your ‘to do’ list. Brand new and tucked away in Dana Point with a fantastic ocean view. Nice little details of blue and white everywhere, with thoughtful touches like a lit candle and a little moss decoration. The menu is extensive. Fresh raw fish selections, delicious salads, traditional seared fish, and flavorful pastas. We had the tuna three ways, caesar salad (huge- enough for four people), and the cacio e pepe (also large. Enough for 2-3 people). We even received a complimentary amuse bouche, bread and butter (in the cutest serving dome), and four little desserts. If that wasn’t enough, we also received muffins for tomorrow! What! Can I come back tomorrow?? And finally, the best for last. Our server, Catherine (Cat), was one of the best hosts and menu experts I’ve ever met. She was so happy and positive, and so genuine in her concern regarding our experience. She made this such an outstanding visit. We will ask for her again. She is the best of the best. Knowledge of the menu was unparalleled and she catered to every single detail. What amazing service!

Kevin L

This place is phenomenal… I’ve eaten at michelin star restaurants before but this place takes the biscuit 🍪 The level of creativity and culinary mastery is exceptional. We arrived 30 mins early (jet lagged from U.K.) and were asked to wait at the bar. Turns out, that’s the best place to eat! Both servers (Kevin & Kevin) delighted us with numerous anicdotes and careful advice on the menu. Turns out to be probably the best meal I’ve had in America, and I’ve been coming here for years. Hats off lads and thank you Chef John Tesar for a wonderful experience backed up by your competent crew. 🎩

krisanna barbernell

Great celebration restaurant. Love the service, food and drinks were great; especially loved the tropical drink and we were all big fans of the fam sized Caesar, had to send back cod because it was fishy but they replaced it with lobster ravioli and it was straight amazing. Crab gnocchi was equally delicious. Also enjoyed the filet, Mac and cheese side and halibut. Desert worth the splurge. Justin was attentive and we will return again. Thank you for a wonderful birthday dinner!

We celebrated our dad’s 80th birthday here today (party of 13 for brunch) and everything was great! The brunch buffet (including fresh waffles and custom omelettes) was delicious, and the location is beautiful. They also validate parking! I hope the team at Lantern’s Edge reads this, because the entire staff (especially our server, who also very kindly took so many photos for us!) was fantastic. They made our celebration even more special, and we all appreciated their attention and hospitality so much. Would love to enjoy another celebration here again.

Our server, Jett, is a great asset to the restaurant. He was friendly knowledgeable and on top of everything. The food was very tasty however, the prime rib had an unusually large amount of fat. The top half of it was very tasty. The special drink Jett suggested was SO good!

Kristi

Our server, Jett, is a great asset to the restaurant. He was friendly knowledgeable and on top of everything. The food was very tasty however, the prime rib had an unusually large amount of fat. The top half of it was very tasty. The special drink Jett suggested was SO good!

Rebecca Gumaer

We celebrated our dad’s 80th birthday here today (party of 13 for brunch) and everything was great! The brunch buffet (including fresh waffles and custom omelettes) was delicious, and the location is beautiful. They also validate parking! I hope the team at Lantern’s Edge reads this, because the entire staff (especially our server, who also very kindly took so many photos for us!) was fantastic. They made our celebration even more special, and we all appreciated their attention and hospitality so much. Would love to enjoy another celebration here again.

This spot has a perfect and beautiful location with a stunning view of the ocean — absolutely ideal for a relaxed meal or special occasion. The staff were friendly and welcoming throughout the visit, which made a big difference. Unfortunately, their ordering system had an issue and my order wasn’t processed properly. To their credit, they apologized multiple times and handled it graciously — even comping the meal, which I really appreciated. On the food front, the standout was definitely the mushroom dish — rich, flavorful, and truly memorable.

The Outer Reef is lovely. Inside is simple yet beautiful. Outdoor dining is perfect. Our server Jackson was very attentive. The food was delicious, small servings, Swordfish 👍🏻, oysters 👍🏻, salad 👍🏻 lobster agnolotti 👍🏻 Desserts were good, needs just small changes but good. It’s a bit pricey for the amount but worth it for a special occasion. I will be returning.

Sahar Meshksar

This spot has a perfect and beautiful location with a stunning view of the ocean — absolutely ideal for a relaxed meal or special occasion. The staff were friendly and welcoming throughout the visit, which made a big difference. Unfortunately, their ordering system had an issue and my order wasn’t processed properly. To their credit, they apologized multiple times and handled it graciously — even comping the meal, which I really appreciated. On the food front, the standout was definitely the mushroom dish — rich, flavorful, and truly memorable.

Das Sigs

The Outer Reef is lovely. Inside is simple yet beautiful. Outdoor dining is perfect. Our server Jackson was very attentive. The food was delicious, small servings, Swordfish 👍🏻, oysters 👍🏻, salad 👍🏻 lobster agnolotti 👍🏻 Desserts were good, needs just small changes but good. It’s a bit pricey for the amount but worth it for a special occasion. I will be returning.

My wife and I were staying at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott and decided to dine at the hotel restaurant for a relaxed evening and a nice meal after a long work day. We arrived around 8:30 PM, a little later than planned, and were hoping for a smooth dinner at the beautiful property. After being seated, it took about 10 minutes before we were greeted and able to order drinks and an appetizer. Our drinks arrived roughly 10 minutes later, and at that point, we ordered our entrées. About 20 minutes passed with no updates — the ice in our glasses had already melted — when our server finally stopped by to say our food would be “right out” and asked if we’d like another round of drinks. When he returned a few minutes later with the new drinks, he let us know there had been an issue printing our ticket to the kitchen, and our food had only just started cooking. He kindly offered the drinks on the house, which we appreciated, but our appetizer had never been put in either. Roughly 20 minutes after that, our entrées finally arrived, though unfortunately the food was underwhelming for the price point. We never complained, and the staff did make a good-faith effort to make things right by comping one entrée and a couple of drinks. Still, the long delays, missed order, and inconsistent communication made what should have been a relaxing evening feel frustrating — especially after an already late dinner. The restaurant has a lovely setting and courteous staff, but the service flow and communication need improvement. We hope this feedback helps the team make some adjustments, because the experience didn’t reflect the quality expected from a Marriott property.

⭐ 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 higher price tag.

Mitchell Kuiper

My wife and I were staying at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott and decided to dine at the hotel restaurant for a relaxed evening and a nice meal after a long work day. We arrived around 8:30 PM, a little later than planned, and were hoping for a smooth dinner at the beautiful property. After being seated, it took about 10 minutes before we were greeted and able to order drinks and an appetizer. Our drinks arrived roughly 10 minutes later, and at that point, we ordered our entrées. About 20 minutes passed with no updates — the ice in our glasses had already melted — when our server finally stopped by to say our food would be “right out” and asked if we’d like another round of drinks. When he returned a few minutes later with the new drinks, he let us know there had been an issue printing our ticket to the kitchen, and our food had only just started cooking. He kindly offered the drinks on the house, which we appreciated, but our appetizer had never been put in either. Roughly 20 minutes after that, our entrées finally arrived, though unfortunately the food was underwhelming for the price point. We never complained, and the staff did make a good-faith effort to make things right by comping one entrée and a couple of drinks. Still, the long delays, missed order, and inconsistent communication made what should have been a relaxing evening feel frustrating — especially after an already late dinner. The restaurant has a lovely setting and courteous staff, but the service flow and communication need improvement. We hope this feedback helps the team make some adjustments, because the experience didn’t reflect the quality expected from a Marriott property.

Sohrob H

⭐ 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 higher price tag.