Last Updated on May 7, 2025 by Lauren Belzer
San Juan Capistrano is a Southern California oasis tucked between the coastal towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach. Known for its historic mission, charming architecture, and relaxed ranch-meets-beach-town vibes, it’s the kind of place that doesn’t feel “stuffy.”
While it may be famous for the swallows that return each year, let’s be real—the food scene is what really keeps people coming back. Between the storybook-worthy Los Rios Historic District and the trendy new River Street Marketplace, San Juan Capistrano is a treasure when it comes to food!
La Vaquera
Nestled in the heart of the River Street Marketplace, La Vaquera offers a farm-to-table, wood-fired dining experience that celebrates California’s rich heritage. Their kitchen has an impressive 11-foot oak-wood grill, around which the entire restaurant was designed. Whether you’re there for brunch, lunch, or dinner, the ambiance and flavors are sure to impress. Don’t miss their handcrafted cocktails made from artisan spirits and a curated selection of local and imported wines. The Lady Lasso is a favorite!
We’ve been for both dinner inside the restaurant and brunch outside on the patio! There are some similarities in the menus, but some differences, too!
What to Order:
- ROASTED HEIRLOOM BEETS – whipped farm cheese, citrus, salsa seca, pink peppercorn honey
- CORNBREAD – queso oaxaca, roasted poblano pepper
- CHILAQUILES – tortilla chips, salsa roja, sunny side up farm eggs, chipotle-santa maria pinquito beans, pickled red onions, queso fresco, lime crema
- VAQUERA BURGER – fresh ground beef, Monterey Jack cheese, charred poblano pepper, pickled red onion
- TUNA TARTARE – ahi tuna, cucumber, paprika oil, radish, pickled fresno chilies, tortilla chips
- SURF AND TURF – 5 oz beef filet, prawns, garnet yam, nopales sofrito (order with Vaquera Butter!)
Ciao Pasta Trattoria
We went to Ciao Pasta for one of our countdown dinners leading up to our wedding. The chef/owner is from Puglia in Southern Italy, and showcases some dishes of the region, even though there are a lot of different options that originate from all over Italy. The food was delicious!
What to Order:
- CALAMARI FRITTI – Fried Calamari + Pomodoro Sauce
- TROFIE – Homemade Short, Twisted Pasta + Basil Pesto + Stracciatella Cheese
- BRASATO DI MANZO – Slow Cooked Short Ribs + San Marzano Tomato Sauce + Red Wine Reduction + Homemade Orecchiette Pasta (Chef Pasquale’s mother’s special recipe from hometown Puglia)
We can’t wait to keep eating our way through San Juan Capistrano and adding to this list!