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What a Dish Cafe & Catering

24921 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Suite B100, Dana Point, CA
949-276- 4884
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Ranked #50 of 75 restaurants in Dana Point
Price range: $10 - $16
Description: What A Dish Cafe is a bistro for foodies. We cook with the best ingredients sourced from local and California growers, while seasonally harvesting fresh herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Our prime meats originate from Myer Natural 100% Angus Montana grazing Ranches and "Mary's Free Range" Chicken - who even grow their own grain for their poultry - while our breads are baked fresh daily by local artisans. We cater to locals and travelers alike who appreciate and demand the quality and flavors of fresh, local fare. The menus are adjusted daily and provide a full range of entrees from breakfast through dessert. Our extensive network of vendors has been carefully picked by What A Dish to reflect our commitment to quality.We started the café as research and development facility for our catering menus. The word spread quickly and our reputation grew to the point where we had to start taking reservations for our Thursday evening dining. We also cater fabulous events in private homes and are preferred caters at many Orange county venues.First time diners become regulars and current clients book all of their offsite celebrations with us time and time again. The new schmooze burger is a perfect example of their creative lunch entrées: Fresh ground organic Mary's chicken with fresh herbs and pink peppercorns, smoked Gouda cheese, arugula, no nitrite bacon and a lemon aioli on a fresh baked brioche bun.
Restaurant details
Description: What A Dish Cafe is a bistro for foodies. We cook with the best ingredients sourced from local and California growers, while seasonally harvesting fresh herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Our prime meats originate from Myer Natural 100% Angus Montana grazing Ranches and "Mary's Free Range" Chicken - who even grow their own grain for their poultry - while our breads are baked fresh daily by local artisans. We cater to locals and travelers alike who appreciate and demand the quality and flavors of fresh, local fare. The menus are adjusted daily and provide a full range of entrees from breakfast through dessert. Our extensive network of vendors has been carefully picked by What A Dish to reflect our commitment to quality.We started the café as research and development facility for our catering menus. The word spread quickly and our reputation grew to the point where we had to start taking reservations for our Thursday evening dining. We also cater fabulous events in private homes and are preferred caters at many Orange county venues.First time diners become regulars and current clients book all of their offsite celebrations with us time and time again. The new schmooze burger is a perfect example of their creative lunch entrées: Fresh ground organic Mary's chicken with fresh herbs and pink peppercorns, smoked Gouda cheese, arugula, no nitrite bacon and a lemon aioli on a fresh baked brioche bun.
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8 reviews from our community

87% Recommend
    7
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    1
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Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
California, Maryland
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 April 2013

We went on Easter Sunday after a lovely mass at St. Edward's. Yelp had posted a negative comment: "Staff were very nice and food was good. Everything else was a different story." We thought that was funny! We sat outside and had a very enjoyable time trying to come up with negative comments to post on Yelp, as actually everything... More

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Dana Point, California
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
50 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 November 2012

I love this place! Most of the ingredients are purchased at our local open air market so it's very fresh and healthy. The atmosphere is great and don't forget the desert case...to die for!

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See 18 more reviews by Amy C for Dana Point
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012

Could not have had a better experience for lunch today in Dana Point Harbor. My salad was fantastic and my wife enjoyed the crab Benedict. We will be back to try other items on menu!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Anaheim, CA
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
30 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 February 2012

We picked up the food and brought it to our hotel...rather we had a favorite child do that for us...she brought it to us so we did not have to leave our hotel and the food was delish! I cannot wait to try it again. I had a grilled veg sandwich which came with either soup or salad and I... More

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Dana Point, California
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
31 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 February 2012

I know a lot of people who frequent here and they love it. I prefer RJs in the same center. Totally different atmosphere. What A Dish has a higher end feel to it, but I left still wanting more of something....maybe it was food. The service was ok. The atmosphere is nice and relaxing. I have ordered a cake from... More

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See 7 more reviews by Subluxfixer for Dana Point
SoCal
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 January 2012

We were staying in the area for a long weekend playing golf and decided to try this place for a late breakfast. It was just superb. It was on Saturday around 10 am but we were able to get a table without waiting. Service was outstanding and the food was truly wonderful. We split an omelet and the crabcake eggs... More

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Dana Point, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 November 2011

This is a great place to eat but even more fun to look at the incredible cakes and dessert that they create. The menu changes with what is seasonably available which makes it always delicious!! Amazing chefs. Casual atmosphere.

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See 7 more reviews by DPChick for Dana Point
california
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 October 2011

If I could eat at this restaurant every day ... I would!!! The menu is very creative and unique ... the flavors and ingredients are fresh and flavorful beyond belief ... and the people who work here are wonderful! Definitely save room for dessert -- cupcakes and cookies to die for!

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