It was a self serve buffet, including the Turkey and Ham (you had to carve your own meats). I did not get a serving of either one of those dishes during (I tried 2-3 times) my dinner (late afternoon) because the carving boards were empty and they had a line of people waiting for replacements in both the meats and other dishes. The taco bar was the best part of the meal and it was very good. Several options of meats and they had a staff warming tortillas for you as you assembled your tacos. I would not recommend dining here when it is self service.
We did the Thanksgiving buffet at 3:45pm. When we got there most of the food area was empty. They finally got another turkey but it was undercooked and we couldn't eat it. The taco station was the saving grace because not many people wanted tacos. The staff was trying hard but I think they were just overwhelmed with the number of people. I never got any turkey or stuffing (the only reason we went). So it was a big disappointment. The view of the harbor was great and the tacos were good so it wasn't a total loss. We learned our lesson.
It was a crowded evening, but unfortunately, it was quite unpleasant. The restaurant was very dirty, with trash scattered on the floor in several areas, seats that hadn't been wiped down, and dirty silverware underneath our table. We should have just walked out. I wish we had, as the food was mediocre at best and my stomach is still bothering me today. Ugh! We've been visiting this El Torito for years, but that's it for us. We won't be returning.
Not busy at all for a Sat night yet service was poor. Took awhile to be seated. Nobody was at the hostess desk for several minutes. Once seated, the waiter was nice but not attentive to get our larger party served. We were near the kitchen and it was loud. Food was cold and not very good. It was obvious why this place was empty on a Sat night.
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We were able to get seated with our reservation pretty quickly. We ordered our food around 6:25pm and we didn't get our kids food until after 7:30pm. When we did get our food, some of our food was cold in the middle. Our waiter was very kind but it was way too long to wait for our food. We won't be back
We arrived towards the last hour and a half of the brunch buffet. The presentation of the set up was not exciting. The restaurant could have freshened up the food instead it appeared we got what was sitting there for a while. Service was great. our waiter was very attentive. The local is very out dated.
Food is not like it was years ago. Very bland and bready texture. It was a family get together for a birthday. With the ten of us we ordered 4 appetizers and main courses. All of it was sub-par. Never, ever returning. The view of the harbor was nice.
Beautiful views and amazing value for Sunday brunch. Staff was so wonderful getting us a great table with a view for our celebration and being so attentive to refills and all such needs. Will be going back for sure.
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It's sad that they are closing this one. Every time we are here in dana Point, El Torito has been our go to place. Great service, nice people. Enjoy while it's there , I know I will, see ya soon.. ?
Not the same El Torito as a few years ago. The food quality seems to have gone down and of course they have added a special service fee on to your check. I prefer not to go there anymore.
