El Torito - Dana Point

3.5 (415)

$30 and under

Mexican

34521 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA 92629

About this restaurant

Great for scenic views
Good for groups
Lively

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Breakfast Sat 9:00 am–1:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 2:00 pm–9:30 pm
Website
https://www.eltorito.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Bring the flavor of El Torito to your office or off-site event! We can accommodate groups from 10 to 10,000 and everything in between!
Private party facilities
Show your friends, family, and co-workers how to throw a real party with El Torito. Book one of our rooms, patios, or semi-private dining areas for your next celebration, event, or meeting.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
34521 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA 92629
Neighborhood
Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 415 people are saying

El Torito - Dana Point reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

3.5

3.5 based on recent ratings

3.3Food
3.7Service
3.5Ambience
3.4Value

Noise • Moderate

413 Reviews

DF
DonF
Orange County6 reviews
1.0
Dined on January 2, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Went to the Dana Point El Torito on 2/31 as it said it’s closing on Jan. 3rd only to find customers and some employees standing outside as they decided to close early permanently. So we went to the Laguna Hills location and same thing so we ended up going to Rodrigo’s across the street.🤷🏼‍♂️
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c
cindyo
Los Angeles2 reviews
2.0
Dined on December 25, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The food quality was poor for the price. The restaurant is run down. The bathroom was dirty and it had an odor. Will not be back.
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AA
AydaA
Orange County1 review
5.0
Dined on December 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s a good place been going there for 38 years my family love it there
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C
Chris Gold
Orange County72 reviews
3.0
Dined on December 25, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
For certain, you/re here for the view, the food is second.
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VM
VictoriaM
Orange County2 reviews
3.0
Dined on December 23, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Sadly, there was some confusion on the whose order was whose. It was if they didn't know what food was on what platter. One order was given to the wrong person, then corrected, on another order the server thought they had forgotten to add chicken enchiladas but had actually given platters to the wrong people and it wasn't found out until the parties cut into their lunch. All in all, it was okay, but a little disappointing, as this was my husband's favorite restaurant. We came here for all his birthdays, Father's Day, etc. He passed away in August and since you were closing this was our last time to visit Dana Point El Torito Restaurant and reminisce of the good times we had with him.
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SW
StevenW
San Francisco4 reviews
2.0
Dined on December 19, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Mediocre food, slow service both at check in and when seated.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco2 reviews
2.0
Dined on December 18, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
Wanted to go since it’s closing but they are so short staffed we felt bad for the waiters. They complained about the kitchen, food took forever and was wrong. Bummer.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco1 review
2.0
Dined on December 18, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Terrible customer service, and the atmosphere is very old looking and dirty
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MB
MelissaB Gold
Denver13 reviews
2.0
Dined on December 17, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
While our server was friendly, the food quality was so poor - the corn cake was literally 1 bite and the table-side guacamole literally had no salt.
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NH
NormanH
Orange County1 review
4.0
Dined on December 16, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Sorry to hear restaurant is closing. It has a great view of harbor. However, a close look shows much wear and tear on the facility. Bathrooms are in very poor shape.
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Breakfast Sat 9:00 am–1:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 2:00 pm–9:30 pm
Website
https://www.eltorito.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Bring the flavor of El Torito to your office or off-site event! We can accommodate groups from 10 to 10,000 and everything in between!
Private party facilities
Show your friends, family, and co-workers how to throw a real party with El Torito. Book one of our rooms, patios, or semi-private dining areas for your next celebration, event, or meeting.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
34521 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA 92629
Neighborhood
Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.