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Gemmell's

34471 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
949-234-0063
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Ranked #18 of 75 restaurants in Dana Point
Price range: RM61 - RM121
Cuisines: French, Seafood, Californian
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Outdoor seating, View
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations
Dining style: Casual Dining
Cross street: Dana Point Harbor Drive
Transit: Public transit stops in front of the Harbor of Dana Point.
Description: An oasis by the sea, where dining is romantic cozy, comfortable, and highlighted with personal service. Like dining out should be - Gemmell’s is a Dana Point Harbor dining destination, an experience for the palate not to be forgotten.
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54 reviews from our community

74% Recommend
    31
    9
    5
    7
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Green Valley, Arizona
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
34 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

We were driving from LA to San Diego and stopped here for lunch. We had seen it the last time we visited Dana Point, but only had a sundae at a restaurant on the bay then. This restaurant does not have a water view, but looked very inviting. It was my husband's birthday, so we were looking for something memorable.... More

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Dana Point, California, United States
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Excellent luncheon menu with good wine selection and nice table setting with linens. Soup specials and sand dabs are the best! Not crowded at lunch and prices are reasonable for fine dining in the afternoon.

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See 5 more reviews by Dan P for Dana Point
los angeles
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

of classical music and classical French dishes with generous portions and caring service. Our dishes for five of us were all impeccably prepped and presented, the room is classic and comforting, the decibel levels low enough for innuendoes in conversation and food to be absorbed. Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful? Yes
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2013

Fantastic food. The decor is a little weird...cheap French decor and a mismatch of things, but the food and service is outstanding. Their signature pasta dish is to die for.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by Roche R for Dana Point
San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
22 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 March 2013

I loved the quaint, kitschy decore - maybe that's just me - red velvet chairs, fresh white table cloths, a fresh red rose on every table, lots of paintings on the walls, a little bar in the corner - and the service we had was great. So was the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc we ordered. The location is great too... More

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California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 February 2013

Six couples gathered at Gemmell's on February 10 for our annual Valentine dinner. Barbara (the manager) set up the front enclosed heated patio area for our party. It was a perfect environment for our small group. Pink roses on the table added a nice touch. The wine list is extensive. We selected #902, called Liquid Velvet (a California red blend),... More

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Caldwell, New Jersey
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 February 2013

Saved this restaurant for our last night in town expecting a great meal. We arrived and were seated right away but we wanted a quiet table so they put us in a tiny booth in the back corner which was cramped and near the kitchen. The live entertainment was so loud that it was uncomfortable. We had high expectations, as... More

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See 3 more reviews by Buytheshorts for Dana Point
London
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
25 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 November 2012

This restaurant was a 1970's throwback. We visited at a time when there was a conference in Dana Point and every other restaurant was packed. This place was mostly empty - 4 other tables. Service was all wrong, we were pushed into an appetiser selection before we had even been given menus. These consisted of individual plates of slop -... More

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usa
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 November 2012

Just stumbled on to this lovely restaurant. The staff was very attentive from start to finish. The food was excellent - French with a California coastal twist.

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See 2 more reviews by kmcbUsa for Dana Point
Laguna Niguel, California
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 September 2012 via mobile

Magnificent dinner of the roasted duck, which was my husband's choice and I had a special entree of wild caught yellow fin tuna sauté in tomatoes, capers sauce. We finished with a chocolate soufflé. For anyone looking for a culinary experience that will wake up the senses, this is the place to go. Pricey but worth every penny. Romantic Parisian... More

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See 4 more reviews by Nancy M for Dana Point

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