Very last minute request.

We just arranged to meet with two friends for dinner tonight. We (husband and wife) are staying in Dana Pointe. Looking for an ocean view restaurant, not ethnic, just a good selection of fish and beef. We wantant a very nice place, but not over-the-top prices that would make our guests uncomfortable, because they don't expect us to pick up the tab, but we are treating. Our son might join us, too.

We've eaten at 162', at the Ritz, but don't want anything that 'elegant' and/or stuffy. But nice.

Our hotel recommended Splashes, which we'll look into, if any fodorite recommends it, too.

Any ideas?

I went to the Wind and Sea in Dana Point Harbor for lunch with my mother. The view is lovely, and I thought the food was good. I see the reviews on yelp are horrible! Oh well.

They also own the Kona Inn on the Big Island, so I guess it's the same type of thing. Pretty view, nice old harbor style decor, but food which is good but not great. http://www.windandsearestaurants.com...ndsea/home.htm

Las Brisas in Laguna Beach? Just N of Downtown, oceanside. Reservations mandatory. Beautiful views, excellent patio. Menu ranges from superb seafood entrees to casual appetizers.

Could drive further north to Corona del Mar to Oysters. Excellent casual dining room and probably live jazz on a Saturday night.

Thanks! Funny you mention the Kona Inn, because it's one of our all-time favorites for fresh fish sandwiches on an outdoor patio. I'll check out both your suggestions.

Reporting back: we ended up at Cannon's. It was fine for us. The view was spectacular, and the restaurant was not crowded. Food was mediocre, not expensive. The oceanfront view was what we wanted, and we got it there. The restaurant is dated, and there is a musty smell inside, as someone mentioned on TripAdvisor, too. But we were outside on the patio on a gorgeous night, so we did not care about the inside.

Peaceout - French 75 is a fun cool place in Laguna - no ocean views but cool vibe. Was there last Sat. night - La Brisas is great to sit outside and have a margarita - If you like seafood - I highly recommend Zulu Cafe in Laguna - a funky little place that has the most amazing swordfish I have ever tasted (it doesn't even taste like swordfish - I don't usually *like swordfish!)....

Thanks, MomDDT. We are here tonight, too, so might follow your suggestions. This is such a gorgeous place!