Top 10 restaurants in San Clemente, United States

April 14, 2018 Nobuko Falco

San Clemente is a city in Orange County, California, United States. The population was 63,522 at the 2010 census. Located on the California Coast, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego at the southern tip of the county, it is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. San Clemente's city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea". The official city flower is the Bougainvillea, the official city tree the Coral.
Things to do in San Clemente

1. Vine

211 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672-4714 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards American, Wine Bar, Contemporary, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night SGD 26 - SGD 46 +1 949-361-2079
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 255 reviews

Vine

VINE is an all-encompassing Wine Country dining experience, featuring a Wine Bar, Open Kitchen, and a Semi-Private Dining table in our Wine Room. It offers South Orange County residents a fine dining night out with a complete food and wine experience. VINE is a Wine Country Cuisine influenced by the Napa Valley and other wine producing regions. Our menu features exceptionally fresh & seasonal ingredients of the highest quality prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include noteworthy meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections ranging from 8 craft beers on tap, signature craft cocktails, and over 25 worldwide wine selections by the glass.

Reviewed By Kelly C - San Clemente, California, United States

After walking out of South of Nick ( we were told to sit anyplace and then a my place we sat became reserved except the worst table in this drunken circus ) we walked over to the vine a place we have been waiting to try . Any way the dinning room was so dark we couldn't read the menu and didn't have our cell phones for light anyway we had the specials because stepford wife waitress told us what they were . then a party of 8 came in and they were sat maybe foot from my elbow, so we moved to the bar which had a comfy looking banket but we couldn't sit on as it was reserved ( nobody ever shows up and when we left it was still empty ) So we sat at tippy table with stools so uncomfortable they would have made a Nazi blush and I ate my 30 dollar steak standing up .My wife did manage to stay seated for her fried lobster tail and seemed to enjoy it. Before this we did order drinks that were brought incorrectly we did return the botched booze and they did replace the drinks but didn't seem to like the idea. We ate in this kitchen with death camp chairs then we left . to be truthful the food was decent and the chef seemed to know his stuff I was ok with the pricing as the quality of the product was good. In conclusion this is a steamy very uncomfortable little dive with some decent cook and a horrible blonde wait staff that thinks they are doing you a favor the bartender seemed pleasant but then how do you screw up a double shot of gin chilled and served neat .... She did and wasn't thrilled to fix it hum she must have started there as a waitress . o probably won't go back but you might like it. Me of I wanna be abused and pay for it I will find a brunette in leather and a bullwhip

2. Nick's San Clemente

213 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672-4006 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 13 - SGD 20 +1 949-481-2200
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 680 reviews

Nick's San Clemente

Great food, and warm hospitality. Whether you are looking for a fireside cocktail or a dinner with friends, our carefully chosen menu of sandwiches, steaks, salads, seafood, and handcrafted beverages has a variety of choices to satisfy any appetite. Designed with thoughtful detail, Nick's San Clemente's interior of wood, stone, and jewel like lighting surrounds you in comfort and warmth. A South Orange County Favorite. Enjoy our Patio all year round.

Reviewed By DeborahnJack - san diego

As usual the service and food were excellent. I loved their blackened fish sandwich. Tasty, and cooked to perfection. Our server was friendly and efficient and made us feel very welcome. Whenever my friend and I meet in San Clemente for lunch this is where we go!

3. South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen + Bar

110 N El Camino Real, Corner of Ave Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672-4041 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Private Dining, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards Mexican, Southwestern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 13 - SGD 46 +1 949-481-4545
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 614 reviews

South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen + Bar

"Southern California Mexican" Featuring Prime steaks, seafood, and Mexican favorites. An Orange County favorite for Mexican dining.

Reviewed By Bruce M - Carlsbad, California

This upscale Mexican-inspired restaurant is exceptional; surprising; worth seeking out.

We visited for a late lunch on a rainy Saturday in the off season. The place was packed. It should be.

Everything was perfect (except perhaps the wait). Service and food was flawless. Dishes with traditional sounding names all were masterful twists on the transitions. The sweet mole, street corn, carnitas enchilada, ... were all created and presented to be memorable. Everything homemade and fresh with the best of ingredients.

Get a reservation and settle in.

4. Billy's Meats, Seafood and Deli

111 Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 Takeout, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Delicatessen, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 9 - SGD 13 +1 949-498-5924
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Billy's Meats, Seafood and Deli

Family owned and operated since 1990. Bill, Barbara, and Kelly Bradley started serving the San Clemente community with the hopes of being the "go to" spot for locals and visitors alike. In 2016, Billy's changed ownership and the new owners, Todd & Leslie Bowers, are excited to carry on the tradition and legacy that the public have come to love and appreciate. We are a full service delicatessen and old fashion butcher shop serving the highest quality meats available at a reasonable price. We also carry a nice variety of wines and specialty beers to take home with your Back Angus steaks!

Reviewed By Danyle S

We traveled from out and asked locals where to go. Multiple people suggested Billy's. I had the best Cuban sandwich ever and the fruit was delicious and fresh.

5. Ellie's Table at North Beach

120 W Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA 92672-4989 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch SGD 13 +1 949-361-1042
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Ellie's Table at North Beach

Ellie's Table is a celebration of Eleanor Mastroianni, whose cooking and baking skills helped turn Jay's Catering-which she co-founded with her husband, Jay-into a true catering dynasty. As a husband and wife team, Jay and Eleanor Mastroianni began a small catering business out of their home in 1972. Today, the company is considered one of Orange County's best caterers. Ellie's Table completes a circle of food industry experience, beginning with Eleanor's first job at Conway's Corner-a small diner in Rochester, PA-and culminating in this cafe, which is dedicated to offering up some of her famous specialties and favorite baked goods. Even though she was a trained nurse, Eleanor took her first steps toward a career in food preparation and entertaining at Conway's Corner, which is also where she met her future husband, Jay. After marrying in 1953, Jay's mother, Maria, taught Eleanor how to prepare classic Italian Mastroianni family recipes. Then, in 1958, Jay and Eleanor moved to Garden Grove, CA, where a new chapter of their lives began. When customers at his milk delivery depot in Westminster inquired about private party catering, Jay accepted the work, knowing his wife was a phenomenal cook. Her specialties included Italian lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and a signature carrot cake. Jay dreamed of becoming an all-inclusive caterer, providing one-stop shopping for clients and the best service available, regardless of the event size. However, Jay needed Eleanor's cooking skills in order to accomplish the dream. When the couple's catering company began to take flight, Eleanor quit her job as a nursing supervisor in 1970 to work full-time alongside her husband. Two years later, Jay and Eleanor introduced their famous palm-sized sandwiches. The Turkey, ham and roast beef sandwiches, along with the egg and tuna salad options, became the basis of a lunch program sponsored by Huntington Beach's Mercury Savings. Three salads-potato, coleslaw and ambrosia-as well as a relish tray, completed the delectable meal. Participants in the lunch program were quick to spread the word about the delicious, freshly-assembled sandwiches, and business for the fledgling catering company began to flourish. Eleanor headed up the kitchen while Jay managed every other aspect; the help of their three children-Linda, John, and Michael-was also critical, as the family worked to become a household name in the catering world. In 1975, the family moved to a larger "catering house" in Garden Grove in order to accommodate growing business. A few years later, in 1987, the catering company's accelerating success made it necessary to relocate to a still bigger, more modern facility on Garden Grove Boulevard. Behind all this growth stood a woman known for her ability to cook, improvise, and supervise a large kitchen-Ellie Mastroianni. Not only did she do much of the cooking herself, but she also taught her staff to prepare her specialties, too. Eleanor later helped Jay run an Italian restaurant, called Ciao Bello, at the Los Caballeros Sports Club in Fountain Valley beginning in 1989. The popular restaurant featured musical entertainment and enjoyed a steady clientele, all of whom relished Eleanor's Italian specialties. Weddings, family reunions, and parties of all sorts took place in the banquet hall upstairs. Both Eleanor and Jay slowed down in 1994 when their daughter, Linda, became the Chief Operating Officer of Jay's Catering/Mastroianni Family Enterprises, but they never strayed too far. Until his death in May, 2013, Jay and Eleanor visited Jay's Catering nearly every day together. When asked, Jay described his wife as honest; friendly, intelligent, loyal, and possessing a great deal of common sense. Thus, a legacy of hard work and great food established by a wonderful wife, mother, and cook lives on here at Ellie's Table. We hope you can tell.

Reviewed By bartr - Dallas PA

We've become regulars during our January in San Clemente (and this year also visited Ellie's in Capistrano). Love it all, coffee, huge and flavorful pastries (pan au chocolat and almond croissant are our usuals) and a nice lunch deal with baby sandwiches and salads. Breakfast goodies are great, too. It all adds up, but the quality makes it a good value. If possible, grab a table on the lovely patio.

6. Antoine's Cafe

218 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672-4045 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Highchairs Available American, Cafe, Delicatessen, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch SGD 7 - SGD 24 +1 949-492-1763
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 161 reviews

Antoine's Cafe

Reviewed By 3Tcubed - Phoenix, Arizona

We were staying in Capistrano for a week, we found Antoine’s the second morning; went back the next 4. Excellent coffee, a wonderful assortment of eggs Benedict’s my wife and I tried 3, French toast was wonderful as were their crepes and bagels and lox. We usually try a variety of places on vacation but Antoine’s was so good we could not help but go back.

7. The Cellar

156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672-4016 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Bar, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks +1 949-492-3663
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 141 reviews

The Cellar

Cheese shop, wine bar, small plates, live music

Reviewed By Yoganista

I had the fried chicken on brioche and it was honestly the most delicious and decadent chicken burger EVER.

The wine selection is awesome and the service friendly with an attitude.

My fiancé ordered the burger on a gluten-free bun, which was served on a wheat bun so had to be returned. That took forever. When his burger came back and the meat wasn't cooked and that took forever as well.

The place was super busy and mistakes happen, so no biggie.

I love that they allow dogs o the little patio, I wish they did this in Canada!

8. Sonny's Pizza

429 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672-4718 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 20 +1 949-498-2540
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 313 reviews

Sonny's Pizza

Reviewed By Dakineguy - San Juan Capistrano, California

I always order the spaghetti and meatballs. The spaghetti noodles are perfectly cooked. I love the marinara sauce and meatballs too. If you like veggies, try the eggplant parmesan. The eggplant is fluffy and taste great. Sonny's uses a lot of garlic, so if your a lover a garlic, this will be your place.

9. Hapa J's

2016 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672-3248 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations American, Bar, Polynesian, Hawaiian, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks +1 949-276-6657
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 193 reviews

Hapa J's

Reviewed By RDShark - California City, California

The restaurant stayed open for us. We arrived a bit later in the evening. The staff was very accomendating. The food portions were very generous,but to me was very bland. They should concentrate more on quality than quantity.

10. Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar

611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672-5301 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Seafood, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks SGD 20 - SGD 46 +1 949-498-6390
Excellent
45%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar

Reviewed By parev - leominster, massachusetts

Great restaurant! The location can’t be beat, on the pier in San Clemente overlooking the ocean....you can take in a delicious lunch with the crashing waves as a backdrop. The menu features a variety of starters, sandwiches, and entrees. Seafood definitely dominates the menu and includes quite a lineup from coconut shrimp, a real winner, mahi, calamari, ahi tuna, and my favorite fish tacos. I’m here visiting for a week and have already dined
here twice. So go ahead and head down there....you’ll be joining all the other smiley faces!

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