Diamond at Dana Point. Hungry, looking for a place for lunch.... Menu looked interesting, and we tried it. Our choice could not have been better. The pate with its pate choux surprise was delicious. Lobster bisque had no lobster meat ... essence of lobster came through nonetheless. Sand dabs meuniere, calamari, and house-smoked salmon were all wonderful. Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert. Wait staff were excerptional. No question about returning.
Fabulous. I have been to the restaurant and catered events many times. The food is beautiful, delicious and satisfying. I don't know how they do it, but the crepes or fish are hot and cooked to perfection when prepared for 75, but tastes like it is prepared for 1.
The Love definetly comes with there meals or should I say J'taime?
This is a true gem. It’s a small, family business. The food is absolutely amazing. The service is normally super, but on the rare occasion, it can be slow when too busy. Julian is a mainstay and at times a one man show; having been there for years; offering wonderful libations and service.
Normally, it is pretty mellow and not a problem.
The ambiance is special. I love it. GenXer’s, Millennials and Boomers alike will feel as if they stepped back to the 80’s. A hip, “happening” place it is not. Everything else about it obviates any need for scene!
Really a very nice place for French food. Not many of those left. They're all taco restaurants now. Over Christmas the decorations are gorgeous. It is worth coming in and going to the tiny bar and having a drink just look at the decorations.
I loved the rack of lamb, had the escargot for an appetizers. Loved the experience
Went for dinner and had a great time at Gemell's. Beautiful restaurant and ambient atmosphere. Pleasant French music. Prices are great for a restaurant like this. Or food was FANTASTIC. We had a 4 course dinner for 2. My husband preferred potato leek soup and said it was the best soup he had ever eaten in the restaurant. I also liked a lot my cream of mushroom soup. The presentation of the dishes is very interesting and cute. Steak was well cooked and so was the fish. I was blown away by the presentation of the duck patte appetizer (see the photos).Dessert was fantastic and I loved my cappuccino! We will be back for sure.
Oh my it was wonderful. We celebrated a friends birthday today. Service great and food delicious. I had the Eggs Benedict, others had: fish, crêpes, and salmon. Three of us took food to go. Two said mushroom soup is the best. Will be back soon.
Very good food nothing is over seasoned or too salty. Lunch portions are much bigger than expected and everything was cooked perfectly, down to the vegetables that are served. Prices are also very good considering it's located right next to the beach.
this wonderful restaurant hosted my wife's birthday party. We couldn't ask for more beautiful environment. The staff were so accommodating. And the food was amazing. Will definitely be back and once again wanted to thank them for helping us create such a wonderful memory.
Todd Picconi - Your Dependable, Experienced Realtor
+5
I love coming here for the food and excellent service. It's a small and quaint restaurant and could not be any better.
Fine dining by the Gemmells. No relation ;).
A little on the spendy side but the meals were great. Quiet and intimate restaurant. We both had steaks; the Filet and New York. 10/10 would eat at again on date night. Not really for kids....
Wow! Just wow! Some of the best drinks, appetizers, food, and deserts EVER! Their food is fresh and made to order. We have NEVER had such an amazing dining experience! The service was impeccable. This will definitely be our to go to in the future! I highly suggest not to try the chain restaurants. This place will leave you in pure bliss. Thank you!!!!
Enjoyed Bastille Day at Gemmell's Restaurant! Loved the souffle
The place is quaint and pleasant. The staff was efficient and courteous. The GM Barbara was also very attentive and made it a point to double check on our food and overall experience. The food was delivered in a timely, but unrushed manner and it was excellent. The French onion soup is one of the best I have ever had. The food gras,which is not always available was very well prepared and was delicious. The entrees (steak, and fish special ) were also excellent. Overall it was a great dining experience.
It’s a place where time flows differently - you can just enjoy your food, music, company and forget to hurry up or stress out.
Don’t come hungry. The wait for a nice table ‘outside’ on a Sunday morning is long, but worth it! My eggs Benedict were bomb! Looking forward to trying more things next time.
Side note: They also had the game on, for those of you sports fans 😎
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We ate at Gemelli's the first night we stayed in Dana point and went back every night for our 4 day trip! We never do that! But this traditional French restaurant had everything: amazing food cooked perfectly, a quiet & lovely covered patio with views of the cliffs (if not the noisy/busy harbor everyone else was packed into) thoughtful & attentive service from Kevin every night, and charming French music from days gone to provide just the right ambience.
We've lived and travelled all over including the French countryside & this place had the feel of a family business that's been around in a place for a long time the way restaurants are in Europe: because they add the right touches to add to local foods & enjoy giving customers a special evening.
We had escargot every night both ways, so good! The duck was amazing. And we couldn't get over the Sand Dabs, a perfect light juicy flaky crispy deliciousness! And EVERYTHING had the perfect sauce as good French cuisine should!
Thank you Gemmell's for making our trip very special!
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