Nestled in the historic downtown of San Juan Capistrano, Mayfield is a restaurant that captures the spirit of coastal California dining with a distinct Mediterranean influence. The menu at Mayfield San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful balance of modern and rustic, offering guests a curated selection of dishes inspired by the fresh produce and vibrant flavors of Southern California and the Mediterranean coast. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual brunch, an intimate dinner, or small plates with friends, the Mayfield menu delivers an experience that is both refined and approachable.
Overview of Mayfield’s Culinary Approach
Mayfield prides itself on crafting dishes that are meant to be shared. The menu leans into seasonal ingredients, locally sourced produce, and bold, clean flavors. With influences from Spain, North Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean, the cuisine is rich with spices, herbs, and texture, yet never overcomplicated. From wood-fired vegetables to slow-cooked meats and fresh-baked bread, each item is designed to offer comfort and discovery in every bite.
Casual Elegance with a Global Twist
The overall dining experience at Mayfield emphasizes hospitality and warmth. The ambiance is elevated yet relaxed, with interiors that echo the rustic charm of European cafes. This same spirit carries through to the menu thoughtfully constructed, yet full of vibrant, global character. Their food philosophy is simple: let the ingredients speak for themselves while highlighting the cultural connections between California and the Mediterranean.
Brunch Menu Highlights
Brunch at Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano is a must-try for locals and visitors alike. It offers a blend of savory and sweet options with distinct Mediterranean notes that make the dishes stand out from typical brunch fare. Some brunch menu favorites include:
- Shakshuka A slow-simmered tomato and pepper stew topped with baked eggs and served with grilled sourdough. It’s spicy, warming, and deeply satisfying.
- Labneh & Toast Creamy strained yogurt topped with olive oil, za’atar, and fresh herbs, served alongside house-baked sourdough.
- Challah French Toast Fluffy, golden-brown challah slices with seasonal fruit compote and whipped crème fraîche.
- House Granola Bowl Toasted oats and seeds layered with local yogurt, honey, and fresh fruit.
Drinks also play a key role in the brunch experience, with options like fresh-squeezed juices, craft coffee, and seasonal mimosas made with house-made syrups and herbs.
All-Day Menu and Shared Plates
The heart of Mayfield’s dining philosophy is built on sharing. The all-day menu features small and large plates that are perfect for groups. Dishes are served as they’re ready, creating a flow of flavors across the table.
Small Plates
- Marinated Olives A simple starter of citrus- and herb-marinated olives, briny and refreshing.
- Charred Eggplant Dip Smoky eggplant purée topped with garlic oil and pomegranate seeds, served with warm flatbread.
- Spiced Lamb Meatballs Tender, flavorful meatballs in a tomato-harissa sauce, garnished with mint and yogurt.
- Roasted Carrots Heirloom carrots roasted with honey, coriander, and tahini drizzle.
Large Plates
- Wood-Fired Chicken Half chicken seasoned with sumac, garlic, and lemon, roasted over oak and served with herbed couscous.
- Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder A showstopper dish, served with flatbread, pickles, and a yogurt-tahini sauce for wrapping.
- Whole Grilled Branzino Light and flaky Mediterranean sea bass, served with charred lemon and fresh herbs.
The larger dishes are ideal for the center of the table, encouraging diners to share and experience a variety of tastes in one meal.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Mayfield San Juan Capistrano is also accommodating to those following plant-based diets. Many of their dishes either are vegan or can be made vegan upon request. Their focus on vegetables, grains, legumes, and bold seasonings ensures these offerings never feel like an afterthought.
Popular vegetarian choices include:
- Hummus with Flatbread Creamy chickpea dip with garlic and lemon, served warm with soft flatbread.
- Fattoush Salad Crisp vegetables tossed with herbs, sumac, and toasted pita chips.
- Roasted Cauliflower Served with preserved lemon and pine nut salsa verde.
The attention to detail and creative use of spices ensure that vegetarian and vegan dishes are just as satisfying as their meat-based counterparts.
Desserts and Sweet Finishes
To end the meal on a sweet note, Mayfield’s dessert menu is short but impactful. Their offerings often change with the seasons, but typically include Mediterranean-inspired pastries and modern takes on classic sweets.
- Olive Oil Cake Moist and fragrant, often paired with citrus or seasonal fruits.
- Date Sticky Toffee Pudding Rich and indulgent, served warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pistachio Baklava Flaky layers of filo filled with ground pistachios and honey syrup.
The desserts pair beautifully with a cup of Turkish-style coffee or a digestif from their curated beverage menu.
Wine and Beverage Selection
Mayfield offers a thoughtful selection of wines, many of which come from small Mediterranean producers or Californian vineyards that reflect similar flavor profiles. Wines are selected to complement the spice-forward and herbaceous nature of the food.
In addition to wine, they offer house cocktails that draw inspiration from Mediterranean ingredients. Expect drinks with citrus, herbs like thyme and rosemary, and unique bitters. Non-alcoholic offerings include herbal teas, mocktails, and kombucha, catering to all preferences.
Why Mayfield Stands Out
There are many restaurants in San Juan Capistrano, but Mayfield distinguishes itself with its seamless fusion of Californian ingredients and Mediterranean technique. The menu is approachable yet inventive, offering something for every type of diner from meat lovers and pescatarians to vegetarians and health-conscious guests.
The kitchen’s attention to detail and dedication to high-quality ingredients are evident in every dish. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, happy to recommend wine pairings or share the background of a menu item. Combined with the relaxed, warm setting, the dining experience feels both intimate and elevated.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, catching up with friends, or simply craving bold, flavorful food, the Mayfield San Juan Capistrano menu offers a rich and inviting culinary journey. The shareable nature of the menu fosters conversation and connection, while the setting adds a layer of charm that’s hard to replicate.
For those in search of thoughtfully crafted Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a strong Californian foundation, Mayfield delivers a menu that’s diverse, exciting, and entirely satisfying from the first olive to the last crumb of dessert.