What A Dish Cafe & Catering

Joe A

What A Dish Cafe has to be one of our favorite places to go in Dana Point. The service is amazing, everyone is super friendly and the food is amazing! We first tried their food at a wedding that was catered by them and had to try their cafe when we found out they had a brick and mortar place they served their food. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the truffle macaroni and cheese is on another level! Their pastries are delicious as well, our go to is either the eclairs or petit fours(or both sometimes haha). Don’t get me started in their happy hour, which includes bottles. All in all, this is a great place that more people need to know about!

Cheryl Nasser

Had the chilaquiles and they were so delicious and fresh. Not overwhelmed by sauce just right. Order in advance at the counter and they give you a number to place on your table. Service comes quickly, they serve breakfast and lunch. Great coffee options and some lovely looking pastries and cakes in their bakery counter.

Lynn Lipham

I love coming here for brunch with my boyfriend. We've been coming here for a year now. I love their Cambridge Eggs Benedict with Norwegian smoked salmon, red onions and capers with a side of house salad. Their house salad is to die for made with dates, candied pecans, mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. Yum!! The East Coast Eggs Benedict is pretty good too. And the original Eggs Benny!!! My boyfriend likes ordering the El Capitan, that's good also. The price is reasonable. Their mini desserts are heavenly, the chocolate buttercream is drool worthy. I like my meals with their iced tea. I love the service and atmosphere there too. I love sitting outside on a nice breezy day breathing in the ocean air!!

roadtrip couple

Loved this pet friendly place with a fairly big patio. Servers were friendly. Substitution was allowed while ordering. Food was nice. The coffee size of matcha was huge ! Take away was easy. One of those place where you order and the they give you a number and the food comes to you. Highly recommend !

Claire GN

Charming place. Attentive team members. Delicious food. A pleasant surprise when we needed breakfast quickly. I had the East coast Benedict, did not disappoint!

Reelislander

What a Dish is such a cozy and charming place to enjoy breakfast with your spouse. I don’t order a typical breakfast so I went with the clam linguine, and it was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. My husband ordered the eggs Benedict, and he loved every bite. The warm atmosphere and great service make this spot a wonderful way to start the day. Highly recommend!

Meghan Wells

Came here for brunch on a Sunday with my husband. We sat on the big patio with our dog. We ordered the California Benedict and chilaquiles with short rib and a pineapple mimosa. Nice big portions, beautifully presented. Everything was bright, fresh, and absolutely delicious. Perfectly seasoned and so flavorful. We left stuffed and happy. The service was very sweet and friendly and even filled up our dog’s water bowl for us. Great spot in that beautiful shopping center. We will definitely be back!

What A Dish provided the catering for my niece’s baby shower, and I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about them. From start to finish, their care, attention to detail, and genuine concern for making the day perfect were evident. They listened closely to my niece’s wishes and delivered above and beyond. Every dish was absolutely amazing — fresh, beautifully presented, and delicious. They arrived on time, set everything up flawlessly, and even cleaned up afterward. Without us even asking, they left one of their team members to help serve guests, which was such a thoughtful and unexpected touch. I want to give a special shout-out to Tim, who was truly a godsend. His kindness, professionalism, and warm presence made the entire event feel even more special. He went out of his way to ensure everything ran smoothly, and our family can’t thank him enough. If you’re considering catering for any event, look no further. What A Dish exceeded every expectation. We will absolutely be using them again!

Trevor Rawlings

What A Dish provided the catering for my niece’s baby shower, and I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about them. From start to finish, their care, attention to detail, and genuine concern for making the day perfect were evident. They listened closely to my niece’s wishes and delivered above and beyond. Every dish was absolutely amazing — fresh, beautifully presented, and delicious. They arrived on time, set everything up flawlessly, and even cleaned up afterward. Without us even asking, they left one of their team members to help serve guests, which was such a thoughtful and unexpected touch. I want to give a special shout-out to Tim, who was truly a godsend. His kindness, professionalism, and warm presence made the entire event feel even more special. He went out of his way to ensure everything ran smoothly, and our family can’t thank him enough. If you’re considering catering for any event, look no further. What A Dish exceeded every expectation. We will absolutely be using them again!

I was looking for a nice breakfast spot in Dana Point with an ocean view, and this place came up. We booked a table, and while it didn’t have an ocean view, it was located in the cutest shopping center I’d never visited before,even after living in Orange County for many years. Honestly, it felt like I had traveled to a different city. When I arrived, my reservation simply meant I was guaranteed a table, but the restaurant wasn’t too crowded, so I think I would have gotten one anyway. We were seated right outside, which was lovely. The surrounding shopping center area was cozy and charming, and the food was amazing. We heard their Eggs Benedict was highly recommended, so we ordered two different kinds: the California and the classic (with added avocado). Both came with a side—we opted for the soup, which was delicious. We also tried the crepes, which were just as good. Overall, the flavors and presentation were excellent, making it a great spot for a weekend brunch. The only drawback was the ordering process. Even with a reservation, you have to stand in the same line as everyone else to place your order at the counter. It’s not necessarily long because of the crowd,it’s just that the counter also handles pastry sales, cake orders, and even wedding cake consultations. For example, the person in front of us was trying to place a custom cake order, which took a while. Thankfully, after a few minutes, the friendly cashier took our order while they waited for him to finish. Still, I wish they had servers to take orders at the tables, which would make the experience perfect. In the end, I’d still recommend this spot,charming location, excellent food, and a pleasant vibe for a leisurely brunch.

This brunch spot is a nice choice for savoring delicious Eggs Benedict and indulging in tasty desserts. The restaurant is excellent and offers an extensive array of breakfast dishes. We ordered the Smoked Salmon and Tuna Eggs Benedict, and I enjoyed the poached eggs and fish. However, the potatoes served with it didn't quite suit my taste. Additionally, I must mention that their eclairs are absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend trying them with a cup of coffee.

The country omelet is loaded with meat and cheeses, very tasty. The cinnamon roll is good, the bread is too light and dry. The lemon raspberry muffin is super fluffy and moist, delicious. We like to support the local when we could.

Great location and such a cute environment. My bff and I got 1 thing and split both of them. We got the brunch bowl and brioche French toast. I thought the brunch bowl would be more small bites but overall everything was good.

roostahktchn M

The country omelet is loaded with meat and cheeses, very tasty. The cinnamon roll is good, the bread is too light and dry. The lemon raspberry muffin is super fluffy and moist, delicious. We like to support the local when we could.

Katherine Melnyk

This brunch spot is a nice choice for savoring delicious Eggs Benedict and indulging in tasty desserts. The restaurant is excellent and offers an extensive array of breakfast dishes. We ordered the Smoked Salmon and Tuna Eggs Benedict, and I enjoyed the poached eggs and fish. However, the potatoes served with it didn't quite suit my taste. Additionally, I must mention that their eclairs are absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend trying them with a cup of coffee.

Ariella Smith

Great location and such a cute environment. My bff and I got 1 thing and split both of them. We got the brunch bowl and brioche French toast. I thought the brunch bowl would be more small bites but overall everything was good.

Tam G (Tam)

I was looking for a nice breakfast spot in Dana Point with an ocean view, and this place came up. We booked a table, and while it didn’t have an ocean view, it was located in the cutest shopping center I’d never visited before,even after living in Orange County for many years. Honestly, it felt like I had traveled to a different city. When I arrived, my reservation simply meant I was guaranteed a table, but the restaurant wasn’t too crowded, so I think I would have gotten one anyway. We were seated right outside, which was lovely. The surrounding shopping center area was cozy and charming, and the food was amazing. We heard their Eggs Benedict was highly recommended, so we ordered two different kinds: the California and the classic (with added avocado). Both came with a side—we opted for the soup, which was delicious. We also tried the crepes, which were just as good. Overall, the flavors and presentation were excellent, making it a great spot for a weekend brunch. The only drawback was the ordering process. Even with a reservation, you have to stand in the same line as everyone else to place your order at the counter. It’s not necessarily long because of the crowd,it’s just that the counter also handles pastry sales, cake orders, and even wedding cake consultations. For example, the person in front of us was trying to place a custom cake order, which took a while. Thankfully, after a few minutes, the friendly cashier took our order while they waited for him to finish. Still, I wish they had servers to take orders at the tables, which would make the experience perfect. In the end, I’d still recommend this spot,charming location, excellent food, and a pleasant vibe for a leisurely brunch.

Very nice place. The Brussels sprouts were tasty, and the hummus plate was also very good. We ate outside. Service was very good. The parking can be a challenge at times, but we found a spot. The restaurant is INSIDE the center, so the sign is not visible (that I could see) from the outside. When Google brought us here, we thought we might have taken a wrong turn.

Steven Arnold

Very nice place. The Brussels sprouts were tasty, and the hummus plate was also very good. We ate outside. Service was very good. The parking can be a challenge at times, but we found a spot. The restaurant is INSIDE the center, so the sign is not visible (that I could see) from the outside. When Google brought us here, we thought we might have taken a wrong turn.

Rainy-day brunch plans sent us indoors, and luckily we snagged a table inside at What a Dish Café. On a warmer, drier day, the patio would be really cute and inviting. Ordering is done at the counter, and they bring your food out when it’s ready—easy enough. I decided to go with a lunch plate instead of breakfast, and honestly… that was my mistake. I usually try to order things I wouldn’t make at home, so I chose the tuna melt. Unfortunately, it was a letdown. For a café that’s also a bakery, I was expecting something more than basic white toast. The tuna itself was pretty mediocre—my homemade version is definitely better. Watching another table receive the chilaquiles didn’t help; they looked amazing and exactly what I should have ordered. Lesson learned. Overall, the vibe was nice and the setup is casual, but the food didn’t win me over this time. Not sure there will be a next visit, but if there is, I’d stick to breakfast.

We had the dad’s breakfast - 2 eggs + blueberry pancakes. Above the bar but not outstanding. Huevos rancheros also above the bar but not outstanding. Reasonably good quality at reasonable price but not enough to make me rush back.

Tracy Foreman

Rainy-day brunch plans sent us indoors, and luckily we snagged a table inside at What a Dish Café. On a warmer, drier day, the patio would be really cute and inviting. Ordering is done at the counter, and they bring your food out when it’s ready—easy enough. I decided to go with a lunch plate instead of breakfast, and honestly… that was my mistake. I usually try to order things I wouldn’t make at home, so I chose the tuna melt. Unfortunately, it was a letdown. For a café that’s also a bakery, I was expecting something more than basic white toast. The tuna itself was pretty mediocre—my homemade version is definitely better. Watching another table receive the chilaquiles didn’t help; they looked amazing and exactly what I should have ordered. Lesson learned. Overall, the vibe was nice and the setup is casual, but the food didn’t win me over this time. Not sure there will be a next visit, but if there is, I’d stick to breakfast.

Bernadette Minton

We had the dad’s breakfast - 2 eggs + blueberry pancakes. Above the bar but not outstanding. Huevos rancheros also above the bar but not outstanding. Reasonably good quality at reasonable price but not enough to make me rush back.

Letty Pileski

I only ordered coffee. It was not great. Beautiful location though. The food looked amazing but I didn't order anything to eat.

Location is great. Staff very nice. Food is not so good. Honestly, I was expecting more. This is one of those places where you order at the counter and they bring you your food to the table. I was wanting an omelette, so I got a “build your own” with cheese, onions, peppers and mushrooms with a side of potatoes. Unfortunately, the omelette was way overcooked and greasy. The potatoes were “ok” and the chai latte very good. I am hoping my experience was a “one off”, but “buyer beware”

Bryan Lambert

Location is great. Staff very nice. Food is not so good. Honestly, I was expecting more. This is one of those places where you order at the counter and they bring you your food to the table. I was wanting an omelette, so I got a “build your own” with cheese, onions, peppers and mushrooms with a side of potatoes. Unfortunately, the omelette was way overcooked and greasy. The potatoes were “ok” and the chai latte very good. I am hoping my experience was a “one off”, but “buyer beware”

Saw this place looking cute. Went into order and had the worst customer service. The brown hair lady taking my order belittled my friend and then ignored me half the time to talk to her coworker. When I asked my server for the manager, they never came. Finally I asked another server he apologized and offered a cupcake for 3 people to share.

I recently tried their chilaquiles with added short rib, and unfortunately, it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. I understand that it was delivered, so the chips got a bit soggy, but even with that in mind, the dish felt a little dry overall. The salsa seemed to be lacking, which left it feeling somewhat bland and in need of more flavor. The short rib, though tender, didn’t really stand out, and for the price, I was hoping for something more satisfying in both portion and flavor. On the plus side, the restaurant offers a great variety of healthy options on their menu, and I appreciate the effort to cater to different tastes. This was my first time trying their food, so I’m open to giving it another shot, but I’m not sure yet given the price-to-quality ratio of this dish. I’m hopeful that some of their other menu items might stand out more.

Belem Ramos

I recently tried their chilaquiles with added short rib, and unfortunately, it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. I understand that it was delivered, so the chips got a bit soggy, but even with that in mind, the dish felt a little dry overall. The salsa seemed to be lacking, which left it feeling somewhat bland and in need of more flavor. The short rib, though tender, didn’t really stand out, and for the price, I was hoping for something more satisfying in both portion and flavor. On the plus side, the restaurant offers a great variety of healthy options on their menu, and I appreciate the effort to cater to different tastes. This was my first time trying their food, so I’m open to giving it another shot, but I’m not sure yet given the price-to-quality ratio of this dish. I’m hopeful that some of their other menu items might stand out more.

Megan Karasuda

Saw this place looking cute. Went into order and had the worst customer service. The brown hair lady taking my order belittled my friend and then ignored me half the time to talk to her coworker. When I asked my server for the manager, they never came. Finally I asked another server he apologized and offered a cupcake for 3 people to share.