Top 5 Romantic Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano, CA

It’s almost that time of year again when the stores fill up with chocolate hearts, pink and red teddy bears, and vibrant bouquets of elegant red roses. This can only mean one thing — it’s time to start planning a Valentine’s Day date for you and your loved one.

Our team at Capistrano Mazda wants to help you plan a holiday date for you and your partner. So, we have compiled a list of where you can have a romantic Valentine’s dinner at one of these five restaurants in the San Juan Capistrano, California, area.

L’Hirondelle

Reserve a table for you and your sweetie this Valentine’s Day at L’Hirondelle, which has been in operation for 30 years. This eatery has won the People’s Choice Best Entrée award at the Taste of San Juan for several years. When you enter this restaurant, you’re entering a unique dining experience that transports you back into old-world elegance with its atmosphere and meals. The cuisines are traditional Belgium, and an old barn replica houses the establishment, creating a rustic and romantic environment. Order some appetizers to share, like a pate, brie cheese, and fruit plate.

Here are some delicious meals you can order:

• Tarragon chicken.
• Rainbow trout.
• Bratwurst plate.
• Fresh salmon and egg scramble.

Use the restaurant’s website to book your table in time for the holiday.

• Hours:
  • Tuesday through Saturday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. for dinner.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch.
• Address: 31631 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

Cedar Creek Inn

Cedar Creek Inn is a fine spot for dinner and cocktails for a romantic evening. Recently, Forbes named this location one of the top 100 Al Fresco dining locations in America. This cozy yet elegant atmosphere offers a relaxing and romantic place to share a meal with your partner. There are plenty of shareable appetizers on the menu, such as spicy nachos, potato skins, and classic shrimp cocktails. Additionally, there are various beers, wines, and specialty beverages to sip on while chatting, including nonalcoholic options.

Here are some shareable appetizers you can order for the table:

• Peruvian-style chicken.
• Pot roast.
• Rack of lamb.
• Angel hair pasta.

To ensure a table, use the restaurant’s website to make reservations.

• Hours:
  • Monday through Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
  • Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Address: 26860 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

Trevor’s at the Tracks

Experience a fine dinner with live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks for a romantic evening. Trevor’s has local artists play live, which can increase your overall satisfaction with your visit, especially when you can listen from the patio with the sunset and night stars as your backdrop. This location accommodates several dietary restrictions and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. After dinner, you can order a dessert “Charcuterie” board to share with your partner. This board includes many mouth-watering treats, like brownie bites, freshly baked cookies, and toasted marshmallows.

Try sharing some of these other tasty desserts after a scrumptious meal with your sweetheart:

• Vegan banana split.
• Cast iron cookie.
• Basket of churros.
• Berries & cream.

It’s important to note that this restaurant doesn’t accept reservations currently, so it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you can make an order for takeout to enjoy a romantic meal in the comfort of your own home or on a picnic.

• Hours:
  • Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Address: 26701 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano.

Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar

Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar is an Italian location that takes traditional, old-world style and mixes it with a modern approach. The interior has a rustic Italian feel that’s inviting to customers. You can try several meals from areas here, such as Northern, Mediterranean, and Southern Italy. The chefs prepare the specials and desserts daily, so you know you’re getting high-quality fresh cuisines. You have over 40 options from the wine bar, which makes this establishment one of the area’s largest wine providers.

Here are the shareable desserts you can get with your partner:

• Home-baked brownie.
• Tiramisu.
• Carrot cake.
• Chocolate lava cake.

Make your reservations online using the wine bar’s website.

• Hours: May vary depending on your reservation.
• Address: 27211 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

Sundried Tomato

For some delightful American cuisines, visit Sundried Tomato for your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. This modern bistro has a stylish interior with an outdoor patio where you can enjoy the sunset during your meal. When you eat here, you know you’re getting a meal with the freshest ingredients, and the chefs use organic items when possible. The kitchen staff makes everything from scratch and in-house. While locals know this establishment for its American dishes, it also takes a unique twist with preparing or plating it. Additionally, try the soup that the restaurant is named after.

While the sun-dried tomato soup is delicious and creamy, here are some other items you can order here:

• Pasta-less vegetarian lasagna.
• Root beer-marinated baby back ribs.
• Pan-seared stuffed jumbo shrimp.
• Fresh baked halibut.

Book your table using the eatery’s website and beat the wait times on Valentine’s Day.

• Hours:
  • Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Address: 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

So there you have it, our team’s recommendations on where you and your sweeties can have a romantic Valentine’s dinner at one of these five restaurants in the San Juan Capistrano area. What do you think of our list? Did we miss one of your favorite spots to grab dinner during the holiday? Contact us, and tell us about it. Here at Capistrano Mazda, we take pride in listening to our customers’ opinions.

Visit our dealership in San Juan Capistrano before heading out on your romantic date. Our technicians can help ensure your vehicle is in top shape to pick up your partner. While your car is getting a checkup, come to our showroom and view our inventory of new vehicles and used automobiles. Whatever your car needs are, we want to help you.