Gemmell's

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imotep

Joined 5 years ago

Couldn't have been better. An unseen place that delivers the goods. There service was beyond expectation and their food was well above there location. When we return to the area it will be a regular place for us. My business partners were equally impressed.

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rparkhk

Joined 6 years ago

The Best Restaurant in South Orange County. This is, without doublt, the best if not the best restaurant in South Orange County. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and so is the staff. The food is always excellent and should be experienced by everyone. The other review mentions the parking problem on weekends which I have not experienced. Perhaps it is due to the fact that I tend to take advantage of Byron's wonderful cuisine on weekdays. The parking lot is huge.

My favorites are pate, smoked salmon or the warm spinach salad that they will make with sugar substitute if you ask. Best pepper steak in Orange County as well as wonderful duck.

Corkage is very reasonable and they welcome you brining your own special wine.

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ferrantelli

Joined 7 years ago

Amazing puff pastry with artichokes and I cant get enough of their Dover Sole. I am always so impressed by this unasuming restaurant (It is so the hidden gem). Every time we go we enjoy Bryon's cooking like it was our first time. Last night when we went we were treated to sitting in thier little alcove,booth, and the waiter casually mention that they had Turbot with a truffle butter sauce. We decided to splurge I got the veal with a port wine sauce and my wife got the Turbot, to start we got their puff pastry with the artichokes, (my wife can never resist). WOW. The sauce on the veal was unbelieveable and the Turbot was equal or better we havent decided. To my suprise also the waiter also mention that they had a few great bottles of wine off the list (always worries us) but we were in the mood to indulge. I asked for a great pinot. He brought out a 1978 Chalone. I said we didnt want to break the bank no thank you. He replied that it was only 95 dollars and we snapped it up. The wine was an experience. The only thing that is difficult about this restaurant is parking on the weekends.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Harbor-side dining with a European flair.. The Scene
Family owned and operated, intimate Gemmell's is nestled snugly amid the shops and restaurants of Dana Point Harbor, which attracts both tourists and locals. Wrought-iron gates, white linens, fresh flowers and high-backed chairs in the semi-outdoor dining room creates a California-meets-the-Bayou casual, upscale feel. A salty breeze gently blows through the large open French windows.

The Food
Chef-owner Byron Gemmell's menu appeals to many palates with house-smoked meats, homemade pastries and his signature sauces. Start with the smoked salmon, strewn with juicy capers and served with toast points. The Feuillette puff pastry with asparagus is light and airy. Northwestern halibut with rice and seasonal fresh vegetables--including a unique mix of carrot, zucchini and nutmeg--is a stand-out. For pasta fans, the chef's own Gemmelli penne with Gulf shrimp in a Dijon mustard cream sauce is truly one of a kind. Finish with the flourless chocolate cake with almond dust.