Tannins

Restaurant & Wine Bar

by Dina Scaglione

A Cozy Classic with Flavorful Flair
Tannins is one of those rare local gems that feels less like a restaurant and more like going to a friend’s house for dinner—only with a better menu. There’s a genuine warmth from the moment you walk in, filled with friendly faces, kind-hearted greetings and a sense this is where you belong. Think Southern Italian-style comfort food centered around flavorful pastas and hearty main entrées, balancing old-world café charm with a modern flair.

From Salads to Steak
Lunch, dinner and Happy Hour options abound, with a large selection of satisfying dishes. Known for their entrée-size salads, a standout is the Tannins Salad—mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, garbanzo beans, avocado, shallots, capers and a refreshing poppy seed dressing. Sandwich fans will love the Del Obispo, made with sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato and onions on a French roll with red raspberry vinaigrette.

Pizzas are another highlight. Try the signature Tannins Pizza, its olive oil-brushed crust layered with mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, Romano cheese, red onion, garlic and fresh parsley—or go for the classic Margarita with fresh mozzarella, Roma tomatoes and sweet basil.

Entrée lovers can dig into hearty portions of Chicken Parmesan, Pancetta Carbonara or Harris Ranch Flat Iron Steak, just to name a few.

Specials & Sips
Happy Hour runs Mondays from 2 p.m. to close, Tuesday through Friday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Bring in your receipt from the car wash next door between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and enjoy 15% off your bill. Other weekly perks include Wine Wednesdays with half off bottles of wine, and Tail Tuesdays—offering a 6-ounce Maine lobster paired with a 4-ounce filet mignon for just $29.99.

Still a Favorite After 20 Years
Now celebrating its 20th year, Tannins remains a beloved local favorite offering generously portioned, expertly prepared meals served without pretense—or breaking the wallet. Open daily, Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and until later on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar
27211 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano
949.661.8466 • TanninsRestaurant.com