El Torito, Dana Point CA

Happy hour is the way to go. And this location is the absolute best. Great views in the evening.

This place rocks! I have been to allot of restaurants at 5 star levels but wow the customer service was above and beyond. To me, El Torito brunch is nothing new. Sunday Brunch has always been top tier. Golden Corral could profit learning from them. El Torito is unique because the brunch is a hybrid of American and Spanish dishes. I wish we had more brunch style restaurants in Southern California. I use to love going there when I lived in the OC. But it’s random because came across it one week. Then I took my daughter the following week. And wow they did not disappoint. The service shows they care for their customers and I can only say that it’s worth every Nickle, cent, and dime to have the experience. I would say it is pricy but perfect for any occasion. Not to mention you have a view. In our case it was Dana Point Harbor. I can’t explain any further only that it is worth the experience. Taco bar is was awesome too.

I loved the
Place, good food, excellent service, thanks Arturo and Enrique for the service.

I first came to El Torito Dana Point last November, for Thanksgiving Dinner.

That was a BLAST. The food and service were so good, and the vibe was so chill n fun, we HAD to return*.

We came by for Taco Tuesday, and the Sunset View. While we didn't partake of what appeared to be a Taco BUFFET BAR.

We did enjoy the Premeir Patrón Cadillac Margarita and a Mezcal Watermelon Margarita to go with our complimentary chips n salsa.

The bacon wrapped shrimp were so good; EXCELLENT, in fact.

I dug into the MACHO COMBO, and she had the Shrimp Enchiladas.

Though I am STILL on a diet * (no sweets or desserts until October 1st) she also partook of the Mudpie Ice Cream Cake.

I love it here, truly. And NOT just because I now receive a 25% Discount as an XRG Company Member * (I bartend at Las Brisas, Laguna Beach) but because I always feel like both Family, and Royalty every time I walk in.

Oh yeah, I find the prices here exceptionally reasonable.

Can't wait to come back!

Love El Torito but my 3 star is because the place is getting old and needs a fresh coat of paint or a power wash. It's clean but it's not. Don't know if this location will be closing with the remake of the Harbor which would explain not spending more money to update it.

Hector was fantastic, food was great. It was so nice to have great service and a good view with dinner.

I would just love to give a huge thank you to our server, this was my first time coming to this restaurant and I love it our server was very friendly and helpful, he checked in on us and offered refills when he saw we were low on our drinks. He had a big smile on his face from the start to end so this made us feel welcome and appreciated, I really appreciate him aswell since it’s my birthday he got a group of people to come sing me Las mañanitas thank you for the great experience Arturo J, 10/10 made brunch so much better. The food the service the atmosphere will definitely be coming back thank you once again for your kindness:)

The table was sticky. The restroom needed cleaning badly. Found an 8 inch hair in the salsa. I won't be back.

I don’t think they’ve cleaned the seats or carpeting since the 90s. The smell inside the restaurant this morning was unbearable. Drinks were decent, didn’t order food because of the stink. I’d describe it as unhoused on the harbor

Won't be coming back to this location: This place has been looking like it needs a makeover badly for a while now, they charge a surcharge on the bill for corporate greed, the service is pretty slow with few workers on our visit today around 12 PM.
Food did taste good though but not worth the cons listed above.

Service was ok, but the food was disappointing and if not for it being in the Dana Point harbor it all would only rate 1 star.

Our server was Hector and he was very friendly, he gave us a great experience so we will definitely be coming back!

Ordered and picked up Fajitas Bar on 7/30/23. Paid $366 for a dinner party. Didn’t realize till got it home that Lettuce/Cabbage Mix, Sour Cream, Chips and Salsa were all MISSING! Seriously? ! I’m going there tomorrow to insist on refund for these items. This is the 2nd time i’ve had an issue with large catering order. I’ll never order from Dana Point restaurant again.

The service was outstanding as was the amazing view of the harbor. I’ve eaten here since 1988 and the service is even better today. The BEST salsa too! Thank you to Marcos (manager), the hostess Hailey and Hector (our server tonight). We’ll definitely return!

Nice Mexican restaurant next to pier at Dana point.

Ordered the family style fajita set- with steak, chicken, barbacoa, and grilled shrimp. Ordered two family sets and easily fed all 8 of us.

Interior definitely needs a remodel/refresh.the mini chicken tostadas were soggy and just tasted bad. Our waitress was nice but overworked