Best Cozy Restaurants in Ladera Ranch

Had a fun date night with my husband. We always enjoy ironwood. The cocktails are delicious (hot okdiehawn is my favorite). And the service is great. My husband enjoyed the fried chicken sandwich and I had a simple butter lettuce salad with blackened salmon. Both dishes were delicious. This time we sat at a high top by the bar. We enjoyed the vibe.

Wow. What a gem to have in San Juan Capistrano. I had my doubts on seeing such high reviews but everything was great about our experience here and I agree it’s top notch. We came for a late Valentine’s date and it delivered. Great food (Bang Bang Shrimp, Croissant Waffle, and Steak and Eggs) and beautiful outdoor seating. This venue is also quite large as well so could accommodate large parties. We’ll be coming back soon.

Went for valentines and it was such a joy. The food was also wonderfully complex and deeply rich. The waitress was very friendly throughout and always checked in frequently. Would and have recommended.

It was my first time dining with RCW. After reading numerous reviews, I decided that RCW was the best place for dinner. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the ambiance and energy of the place. It wasn’t too rowdy, but it wasn’t too quiet either—just the right balance where you can enjoy a private dinner while still being surrounded by lively company. The food was beyond great. We started with the Brussels sprouts, which absolutely blew my mind, and then moved on to the Cowboy Steak and Filet Mignon. For dessert, we had the Whiskey Bundt Cake—an absolute must-try when you visit. Be sure to pair it with their coffee; you won’t be disappointed. We also tried the dessert wine, which had distinct chocolate raspberry notes, though those flavors only came through after a strong hit of alcohol (lol). The only downside of the night was the service at our table. From the moment we sat down, it took 20 minutes just for the server to come over and take our drink order. Even after placing the drink order, it was another 20 minutes before they returned to ask about appetizers—by which time we were already ready to order our main dishes. I believe the manager noticed because she personally came over to take our dessert order. It seemed like she had seen us sitting there, twiddling our thumbs while waiting for the server. I had read reviews mentioning that the service at the Ladera Ranch location was subpar, and unfortunately, I have to agree. Other than that, I highly recommend visiting this place just for the food! Thank you to the manager on duty who noticed us sitting there uncomfortably. She is definitely service-oriented and genuinely cares about taking care of the customers.

In spite of a dismal, rainy day, I was delighted the minute that we walked in the door. The hostess had obviously read my comments when I made our reservation, and greeted us warmly. All of my requests had been met, we were served by a charming, knowledgeable server, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch and a carafe of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. Topping that off with a luscious dark chocolate torte and fresh- brewed coffee, our time there could not have been better. My thanks to the wonderful, caring staff and your excellent chef!