Is there a way to configure capabilities to restrict a user from being able to create reports, but still allow them to search and view existing reports/dashboards?
"Create reports" as in "save a search privately"? I don't think so.
You can restrict roles from sharing their reports into an app though, by not giving them write permissions for that app. They'll still be able to save reports privately.
Another thing you could do is to remove access to the search app entirely. Then that role can only view an app you built for it, which may only have pre-built dashboards but no manual search interface.
Thanks Martin. I ended up opening a support ticket and they told me the same thing.