Luxe Restaurant and Bar

Luxe Restaurant and Bar
By Bonnie Small

Dana Point’s dining and nightlife scene has just stepped up a notch! With the opening of Luxe, on the corner of Del Prado and Violet Lantern (in the former location of Purple Feet), your decision about where to go for cocktails, dinner and happy hour has become immeasurably easier.

Luxe’s sophisticated vibe is a welcome addition to the local landscape. A horseshoe shaped bar anchors the center of the restaurant with plentiful bar stools and a full selection of libations. In addition to the tables around Luxe’s perimeter windows, a somewhat more intimate lounge area in the back is furnished with low tables and sofa-style seating, providing the perfect place to catch up with friends and share Luxe’s small plate offerings. For those seeking an al fresco experience, patio seating is also available.

We started with a tasty eggplant flatbread drizzled with garlic aioli and mint. The swordfish brochette was primo – skewered with hunks of red onion, mushrooms and yellow pepper. We also enjoyed the Luxe Ahi Tartare – a yummy stack of finely diced cucumber, ultra-fresh Ahi, topped with an avocado mousse.

Some friends recommended the Jumbo Meatballs and one bite told me they would be on the table every time we visit! Served in a light garlic marinara sauce, these house-made beef spheres were melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs. We also loved the Stuffed Shrimp (full of lump crab meat and drizzled with a lemony butter sauce) and the petite Filet Mignon served with a duo of fingerling potatoes and braised onions.

In addition to their selection of small plates, Luxe offers sandwiches, salads and dinner portions as well as a cheese plate with fruit and nuts and a bento-box-style Mediterranean Sampler of hummus, roasted eggplant & garlic dip, feta cheese and Kalamata olives.

Luxe’s happy hour is 3-6 p.m. daily, including selected wines at $5-$6 per glass and small plates priced at 2 for $12. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, I’d suggest the Pomegranate Mojito which is swirled with fresh mint and the perfect touch of tart ruby juice.

24582 Del Prado Ave • Dana Point • 949.276.4990
LuxeDanaPoint.com