Since 1984 proprietors John, Wanda and Keegan Hicks have welcomed guests and taken special pride in the sincere, friendly attitude of the staff and quality of the food.
Located in the heart of beautiful Dana Point Marina, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the award-winning Harbor Grill Restaurant has enjoyed a reputation for the freshness and variety of its seafood and the warmth of its atmosphere.
Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast, The Harbor Grill features Certified Angus Beef as well as a daily selection of fresh seafood cooked in delicious inventive styles, including Southwestern, Pacific Rim, Caribbean, Cajun and Mediterranean.
With its reasonably priced menu, premium cocktails, and extensive wine list, The Harbor Grill has become a favorite with locals and a popular destination for visitors who are made to feel like "regulars" on their first visit.
"Went for Father's Day. It was not crowded, which should tell you something. There was no special menu for Father's Day. Ordered a crab cake Benedict. The food tasted as if it had been prepared hours before. The crab cake was cold, oily, and lacked the essential ingredient, crab. The O'brien potatoes were also cold, hard, and oily. The fruit salad consisted of a wedge of water melon and cantaloupe. We complained about the poor food, and was given a piece of inedible key lime pie, which probably purchased at Costco.
This is not a place to go if you expect any sort of cooking. I am sure the food at Denny's down the street is better."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
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"We enjoyed our dinner at the Harbor Grill. The only disappointment was that when I made the reservation I specifically stated the special occasion was my wife's birthday. When we arrived, I mentioned we had an Open Table reservation. They acknowledged the reservation was from Open Table, but not a word about the birthday. It would have been nice for someone, including the waitress to say "Happy Birthday" to my wife. It would have been common courtesy."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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"The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial but with ample private dining space. The seafood is simply the best. A new favorite is the halibut in madras curry broth with baby bok choy - absolutely outstanding!"
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"The crawfish etoufee is as good as it gets. It has just the right of amount of spices without being too hot. . . delicious. Our waitress, Tori, was great and brought out "tastes" of the gumbo and etoufee to compare. Personally, I liked the flavor of the etoufee best, but the gumbo was good. The seabass is also very good. We really enjoy coming here."
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"The grilled lobster was good, but not the best, a little tough. The scallops with red Thai sauce were very good. The sauce is excellent but does overwhelm the scallops. Wish a baked potato was offered on the menu - guess that is considered outdated. Reception and wait staff "Sunshine" were friendly and polite. Excellent service."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Harbor Grill's mesquite grill makes for perfectly cook fish! Their White Seabass Ceveche with Avocado is the best I have had! Chilean Sea Bass with the tomato broth is my favorite my husband loves the Japanese sword fish. We have never had a bad meal at Harbor Grill and it is our go to place when friends and family come to town. The wine list to also great."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Noise level way too high. Even though the food & service were excellent, the noise & table s being crammed in too close together detracted from the dining experience."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, great for lunch
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"My friend and I absolutely loved our dinner, drinks and dessert. We commented on every bite. We have been coming to the Harbor Grill for years but last Saturday was especially fabulous. I had citrus scallops and she had the Cajun bass. I had a house margarita on the rocks and she had a buttery chardonnay. For my birthday we were given a raspberry cake/mousse. The service, piano music and friendly atmosphere made us feel especially celebratory!!. Thanks for keeping the quality so hight..a real gem in the harbor."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Best water front restaurant in South Orange County. Always consistent, always good. Love going there."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"I took my mum there for Mothers Day 2 years in a row and it was fantastic food and great service. It's interesting because the outside is so much nicer than the inside- The inside looks like a Coco's and the outside seems much nicer( not to mention a better overall experience in my view). If you are going to make reservations, ask to be seated outside."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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"My husband and son took me and my mother here for Mother's Day. We enjoyed our brunch so much that we had to write a review. We all felt like we were at someone's home for brunch. The food was delicious, hot and the bottomless champagne was generously poured. We all loved the O'Brien potatoes; they weren't greasy at all. The price was very reasonable too. We will definitely be returning soon."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"We wanted to meet friends from L.A. someplace half-way between L.A. and San Diego for a Sunday brunch, and I found Harbor Grill. The service was outstanding and the Bloody Mary's spicy! We ordered crab cakes to share and the opinion was they were the best we have ever tasted -- anywhere! We will definitely return."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"Food and cocktails were great. Server was attentive and helpful. Live background piano music was excellent and helps create soothing ambience against high energy dining room noise. Dining area facing parking lot could use some blinds. We asked to be moved as my friend was facing window and was getting too much light from windows at dusk. They accommodated promptly and courteously. Would highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Have been going to Harbor Grill since 1986 and have always had outstanding meals. This was for a small birthday dinner. We were given a nice, secluded terrace table with a view of the harbor (though it was after dark). They have windshades and heaters to keep you comfortable, but it was warm enough that these extras were unnecessary. Only negative was a crying baby, but what can you do? Most likely the family was seated outside to spare the inside diners from the noise. Most of the tables were in use on a Wednesday evening, which gives an idea of the restaurant's popularity, even in a weak economy. They offer a nice prix fixe dinner with a choice of four entrees, a salad or soup, and either a dessert or glass of wine."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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"We were told over and over that this was the place to go. Obviously, a good majority of diners have no taste buds!! The restaurant itself is ok as far as ambiance goes, it's the food that was deplorable. We started with calamari and the crab cakes. Pretty basic, but still they blew it. The calamari was over-breaded and overcooked. All you tasted was bland breading and the calamari was overcooked and rubbery. The crab cakes were mushy and had no taste. They were also over cooked to a slight burnt crust. 0 for 2. On to Australian sea bass and swordfish-both were over cooked and had sauces that lacked flavor and originality. Really a BIG disappointment and not inexpensive-so a total bust on this restaurant. Look elsewhere....."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
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"I took my husband for his birthday meal, along with our 2 middle school children. My husband and I are both on strict healthy-eating diets at the moment and we found delicious and filling options anyone would love. He had the gumbo and raved about it. He likes very flavorful food with a kick and this hit the spot for him. I had the grilled salmon salad and it was tasty. Although the outdoor eating is along a parking lot, it has views of the harbor just feet away. Very quiet and peaceful. Oh, and they provided a small slice of cake for his birthday and the pianist played "Happy Birthday" as they served it. Nice touch! We are new to the area and our neighbor recommended this place. We'll definitely go back."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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"The Harbor Grill is one of the absolute must eats in Dana Point. It reputation matches its quality of food, service, and attention to detail. Weather I want fine dining, seafood or fish tacos this place has a variety of prices and options for whatever the occation maybe. It's a first choice for date night and and a shoe in for best food in Dana Point. I'd recomend this gem to anyone."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"The swordfish, sea bass, and filet mignon were appreciated by my guests, but my Crawfish Etouffee was as good as any at Mandina's or Papadeaux in Gulf Country. I miss good creole cooking, including crawfish, crab and shrimp etouffee, red fish courtbouillon, shrimp creole, jambalaya, and even a fried oyster po'boy. Thanks!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We've been coming to Harbor Grill for years now, and it's still our fave. Just came for our anniversary this week, and we give it an A+. Food could not have been better prepared, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the service was perfect. You can have a nice conversation without a lot of noise (just the appropriate solo piano in the background, as always), waitresses that are cordial but not overbearing and pushy, and a menu to die for ... it's truly our #1."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"The Harbor Grill is truly a "Hidden Gem" as it is a great restaurant but very hard to find. It is located right on the harbor in a rather large shopping center with poor signage and directions. I was meeting a friend there for lunch and both of us got lost trying to find the right lot and then couldn't find the restaurant when we were in the proper parking lot. The search was worth the effort as this lovely, homey restaurant has glass windows into the kitchen so you can see all the great fish and cooking as you walk by. The prices were low considering the size of the portions and the quality of the fish. Now that we know where it is, I am sure a return visit will happen soon."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"Overall, a very pleasant experience for lunch. Service was prompt, efficient and friendly. The quality of the meal was excellent. As others have noted, while the restaurant is located at Dana Point Harbor, there isn't any significant harbor view. (we could see the boats a block away from the outside patio dining area). That said, the excellent service and quality meal more than compensate for the lack of view."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
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"We have been eating here for many years. It is one of those rare restaurants that has managed to supply consistent high quality in food and service. Fish preparation is their main strength. They have a full bar and a qualified bartender who is not shy about a generous pour when making cocktails. The usual crowd is somewhat older and the vibe is subdued with lots of regulars enjoying food and being with friends and/or their significant others. On most nights there is a piano player, and the music is low key and unobtrusive. Try this place."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"My husband and I have been coming to this restaurant for 23 years. We first came here on our honeymoon. Never had bad food or bad service. We bring our of town guests here. Their lobster ravioli with basil cream sauce is to die for, my personal favorite. My husband loves their clam chowder. While my husband has tried almost everything on the menu. He prefers fish. I love their petite filet mignon. It's hard to save room for dessert, but their Key Lime pie is awesome."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Fish is always fresh and grilled to perfection. Fresh veggies and delicious sauces of either red Thai curry or black bean complete the entrees perfectly. A relaxed, casual environment with consistently well prepared seafood makes this place a winner in our book!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
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"The food was great, I enjoyed the huevos rancheros. The wait staff was great, she was very attentive and fun to talk to. Was expecting a better view of the harbor but the wait staff and quality of the food made up for the view. The view wasn't bad, I was expecting better. If you're looking for a champagne brunch that's reasonably priced near the water, next to some shops and other restaurants, this would be a great place to go. Food was excellent."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic
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"I was looking for a place to have a good seafood meal at a reasonable price point near the Dana Point Harbor. The Harbor Grill met that need. The decor is nice but not stuffy. The food was good and exceeded my expectations. I had the seafood gumbo and found it to be flavored nicely and reminded me of my days in New Orleans. The service was acceptable. The view was OK however walking along the harbor to get to the restaurant was even better. All in all a good experience."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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