Wine Bars near Dana Point

“Smoked salmon appetizer was incredibly good....But they stopped serving it. I really wish it would come back, it was easily the best thing on the menu in my opinion.EDIT: October 2021, the smoked salmon appetizer is back!!EDIT 2: February 2022, alas the smoked salmon appetizer is gone again. That didn’t stick around very long.EDIT 3: July 2022 - It’s back again!The server mentioned that the smoked salmon appetizer is kind of a seasonal thing. Apparently it requires a lot of prep work. ?‍♂️EDIT 4: April 2024 - Smoked Salmon has been gone for a while now. It was easily the best appetizer item they had and it’s disappointing they can’t offer this anymore.“

“Their passion shines through in everything they do. Not only are they a winery, but they also offer exceptional food beyond the typical cheese boards and crackers. The ambiance is remarkable—far from the usual brown, oaky wine setting. It's opulent yet inviting, adorned with cheerful colors. My first visit was delightful, and I look forward to returning soon.“

“I honestly cannot understand any negative reviews for this restaurant. Not only is it beautiful, but the food is wonderful! Their round pizzas have the most special and unique crisp crust. It’s just phenomenal! The toppings are thoughtful and high quality. The umami mushroom and la foresta were some of the best pizzas I’ve ever had anywhere. The salads are delicious as well.I’m so happy to have somewhere special nearby that takes pride in their food and doesn’t taste like every other place around.“

“Gelsen's Wine and Food Bar are EXCELLENT. I am there often. The food is always consistently excellent. Shawn provides top notch service like a white tablecloth restaurant. Excellent choices of wines. Always refilling water. Chef makes the absolutely best hamburger, highest quality meat, perfection. Love the crab cakes (freshly made) the sushi chef makes the sushi fresh to order. I love the blue crab roll. The prices are amazing. I have met some of the nicest patrons there. Fun to chat and eat - even if you don't like beer or wine. Shawn plays great music too. The only thing I can add if I am there so often I would like to see more choices on the menu -- Gelsen's you have it all in the store: soups, more salads, guacamole and more. Did you know James Cagney owed this shopping center back in the day? It used to be a theater. Come and join us for a bite at Gelsen's Wednesday - Sunday - noon - eight or you are a "dirty rat" - line from Cagney's movies!“

“Great happy hour values! $5.00 bubbles! The green chill fries @ $8.00 were amazing. The pork was very flavorful and delicious. Only con was it was very noisy. We were sat on the patio next to the street. Lots of revving engines. Our server Kelsey was great! We'll be back!“

“I have been coming to Casanova since childhood. I love its consistency, the staff, and the food. Lovely rigatoni mama rossa, eggplant parmagiana, and chicken marsala. Their house salad is simple but delicious - I wish they would bottle and sell the dressing! It is definitely a lovely neighborhood Italian restaurant, with tons of regulars and an awesome happy hour.“

“Excellent service, atmosphere and perfect for date night. Excellent French cooking. Everything was delicious!While their tasting menu was absolutely stunning, ordering from the regular (and the special) menu would be more flexible. Portions were surprisingly generous.“

“After a long day at a conference at The Ritz, ten of us took an uber to this gem of a restaurant. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. The smell of wood-fired pizza immediately set my mind on pizza and wine. We were greeted warmly and seated quickly. Everyone in our party raved about the food they ordered. Our server was delightful, fun, and knowledgable and she managed our party perfectly. I look forward to returning.“

“Stop by this place after brunch around the corner and decided to do the blind test of three different wines ..I'm far from an expert or anything but we did enjoyed and had fun trying to guess what our wines were. If you guess it right, you get it free!! lol Also ordered a charcuterie board Sat at the patio. Wanted to go to the upper level but they had a private party going on. It sounded fun! Hey, so if you're having some sort of private event, maybe you should consider the idea of looking up this place. Service was attentive. We had our dog with us and they were nice enough to let us bring her to the patio area with us and enjoy the sunny weather.“

“I didn't know i could LOVE indian food until i visited Kiaan's. Oh my good gravy..... So tasty!!! I do not do spicy AT ALL so appealing to my taste buds can be challenging. Amrit couldn't have been more accommodating and assured me i would be happy. He was right. The chicken curry was my favorite. It was so creamy and smooth and delicious. The naan was perhaps the best i have had...loaded with butter and garlic flavors. The service could not be more excellent; the perfect mix of friendly and prompt and so comfortable. I know the restaurant is owner/ family operated and the attention to detail and care shows. Fine dining complete with white tablecloths and napkins. So very elegant and yet pricing was so reasonable!!I know they are now open 7 days a week and i cannot wait to come back with my husband! Such a wonderful addition to Talega in San Clemente. THE BEST!“