Best Places to Eat in Capistrano Beach: Local Favorites with Flavor

1. Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant

Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant is a local legend that’s been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Capistrano Beach for over 50 years. This family-run cantina is adorned with colorful memorabilia and photos – when you dine here, you become part of their story. (Fun fact: even President Nixon was a regular, famously declaring Olamendi’s the most authentic and delicious Mexican food he’d ever had!) Come for the ocean-view patio across from the beach, stay for the handcrafted mole and tableside guacamole made from recipes passed down through generations.

What to Try: Their rich Mole Poblano & a top-shelf margarita featuring the house Olamendi’s tequila.

Location: 34660 Pacific Coast Hwy, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

Visit Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant website →

2. Agostino’s Ristorante Italiano

Agostino’s Ristorante Italiano offers old-world Italian charm just a few blocks from the Pacific. Visitors and locals alike have been coming here for years to enjoy some of the best Italian food around – think house-made pastas, classic sauces, and fresh seafood. The vibe is warm and homey, with the owner often greeting guests at the door. It’s the kind of place you can settle into a booth with family or friends and imagine you’re at a trattoria by the sea in Italy.

What to Try: The Spaghetti Carbonara or Chicken Parmigiana, followed by a slice of tiramisu.

Location: 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 100, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

Visit Agostino’s Ristorante Italiano website →

3. Sunsets Bar & Grill

Sunsets Bar & Grill is an upscale yet relaxed island-themed lounge bringing “Aloha style” to Capo Beach. Located right on Pacific Coast Highway across from Doheny State Beach, Sunsets pairs tropical drinks and exotic appetizers with spectacular ocean views. The interior sports tiki-inspired decor and a friendly vibe reminiscent of Cheers (if Cheers were in Hawaii!). By day, enjoy the open-air patio for lunch and a view of surfers; by night, join the 21+ crowd for live music, handcrafted Mai Tais, and that warm ocean breeze.

What to Try: The Loco Moco Burger & their famous Mai Tai served in a pineapple.

Location: 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

Visit Sunsets Bar & Grill website →

4. Good Choice Sushi by the Sea

Good Choice Sushi by the Sea is a family-owned sushi bar that brings a little Hawaiian flair to Japanese dining. Tucked in a plaza off PCH, this cozy spot is known for its fresh sushi and sashimi and creative specialty rolls. Regulars love the friendly, aloha-spirited service – it truly lives up to the name “Good Choice.” And despite its unassuming size, the menu is broad, from classic nigiri to teriyaki plates, ensuring there’s something for every taste.

What to Try: The “Capo Beach” Roll (spicy tuna + mango) & the garlic soy edamame.

Location: 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy #106, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

Visit Good Choice Sushi by the Sea website →

5. Kawamata Seafood

Kawamata Seafood is a little slice of Hawaii in Capistrano Beach. This casual eatery specializes in Hawaiian-style poke bowls with a build-your-own twist – choose your base, fresh marinated fish, and toppings galore. It’s known for super fresh ingredients and its “original sauce” that adds an addictive umami kick (don’t skip the spicy mayo either!). Many folks grab their poke to-go for a picnic at nearby Doheny Beach. Expect a line at lunch, as surfers and office workers alike flock here for healthy, flavorful bowls.

What to Try: A custom Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl topped with house sauce & crunchy garlic.

Location: 26881 Camino De Estrella, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

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6. Nikki’s Café

Nikki’s Café is Capistrano Beach’s go-to for a down-home breakfast and lunch. This unpretentious, family-friendly spot may be small, but it serves huge portions of tasty comfort food. The menu is a mix of classic American and Mexican dishes – you can get fluffy pancakes or a breakfast burrito loaded with carne asada and eggs. And did we mention the donuts? Nikki’s shares its space with a donut shop, so you can cap off your meal with a maple bacon bar or apple fritter (a local favorite). The vibe is simple and welcoming, with most patrons dining on the outdoor patio under the California sun.

What to Try: The Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito & a couple of their house-made donut holes.

Location: 34130 Doheny Park Rd, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

Visit Nikki’s Café website →

7. The Bar at El Caminante

The Bar at El Caminante is Capistrano Beach’s newest upscale hangout – a boutique hotel lounge that’s quickly become a local hotspot. Nestled within the El Caminante oceanfront bungalows, this bar features Spanish hacienda-inspired design and panoramic coastal views. It’s the spot for craft cocktails and sharable plates: think artisan flatbreads, ceviche, and Mediterranean-style tapas. Whether you’re sipping a sunset cocktail by the firepit or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch with a view, El Caminante offers laid-back luxury that feels like a mini vacation in your own neighborhood.

What to Try: The signature Sangria Roja & grilled octopus tapas.

Location: 34862 Pacific Coast Hwy, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

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Natalie Boyle
REALTOR®, Founder of Verso Homes (DRE #01329012)
Over 15 years exploring and writing about South OC’s best dining spots.
Learn more about Natalie →