Raya - Dana Point

"We made a reservation through OpenTable and found that bar seating is prioritized. There's free parking available at the end of the block, and we heard they confirm spots as well. Accessibility can be a bit challenging since the window seats require navigating some stairs. Our waitress mentioned a 30-minute wait time, but the hosts were kind enough to accommodate us earlier due to availability. For our meal, we ordered the Buddha bowl, roasted sweet potatoes, ohrengraue coffee cake, and an apple dessert. Definitely save room for dessert—you won't regret it! They are beautifully crafted, with incredible aromas and textures (I know that sounds pretentious, but you'll understand once you taste them!). The main courses were decent; however, the Buddha bowl was a bit bland and the egg it came with had barely set whites, which made it too mushy for our liking. The service was fast and friendly, and the view is absolutely stunning. You have a panoramic view of the gorgeous Seal Rock Beach but are mostly sheltered from the wind thanks to the windows and walls. Overall, it was a fabulous experience."

This restaurant is a fantastic spot to admire breathtaking beach views and the lovely decor. Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the corridor adorned with roses and other beautiful flowers. There are also cozy, well-lit private seating areas alongside a charming fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I ordered a passion fruit mojito, an espresso martini, swordfish dip, steak tacos, and the dark chocolate crème catalana. The drinks were exceptional! However, I have to admit that the swordfish dip fell flat—it was somewhat bland and dry, making it my least favorite dish. Despite that, I would gladly return to give it another try. On a positive note, the tacos were excellent, and the dessert—a unique and delicious twist on crème brûlée—was a highlight. My total bill came to $98, which I found reasonable considering I was dining at the Ritz Carlton. Service was outstanding, with special thanks to Ryan, who made sure I had everything I needed throughout my meal. Cleanliness, atmosphere, and views all earned top marks from me. I will definitely return. Just a note: valet service was complimentary, which was a pleasant surprise, but typically there is a $5 fee if you dine at the restaurant.

The food at the restaurant was average, but the service and the view were absolutely stunning! Unfortunately, nothing I tried really resonated with me. The Brussels sprouts were decent, though not exceptional, and I was somewhat let down by the lack of flavor in such a beautiful hotel. My friend added jalapeños, cheese, and hot sauce to the crab potatoes, and that combination truly made my heart happy! If a dish isn’t delicious, it should be made delicious! I’d recommend checking out another restaurant (which is only open on Fridays) for a better selection, or exploring some local spots in the area. Often, these small, local places are the best, especially when you can tell the grandparents are in the kitchen! With that said, it’s a great place for cocktails! I’d recommend saving the cooking and eating for Grandma. I give it 4 stars for the view and service!

First, the hostess was amazing and brought us in although I had no reservation. Within a minute of us our server was there and right after we had drinks (our server was great all the time). Definitely the shrimp as an appetizer. Everything was really good, and the view was fantastic. We will definitely come back.

This place offers delicious lunch(11 am 2 pm), afternoon food (2 pm 4 pm), and dinner options. You do not need to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy the Raya restaurant. Going to the Ritz is always a good experience. Ask for a table by a window and marvel at the views while you enjoy an impeccable meal. The service is always top notch if not every employee, then most. I want to give a huge thank you to Shekinah and Sue especially for making the 'already amazing ' experience that much better. Chris was my server and he was very attentive and courteous. His recommendations were spot on. Great cocktail and good presentation food. Overall, The service was perfect, Views were heavenly. Food lacked the Ritz reputation but was still pretty good.