Restaurants in San Clemente

“The best açaí I’ve ever had. And I’m from Brazil and know what a good and authentic açaí is! And the service at this place is outstanding! Our attendant Bryan was very kind and attentive with our order! Loved it! Thank you!”

“We were visiting friends in San Clemente and had dinner at Vine Restaurant & Bar. The service was outstanding and the food was delish. Great experience”

“We had. not been here in years and our recent visit did not disappoint. Our server Cole was excellent. The food was superb. Highly recommended.”

“Just had a fantastic lunch at HotnChili! The garlic naan was so yummy. We also had the chicken tiki masala & the tandoori chicken. It was all delicious & served quickly. We will be back! 💯💞💞💞💞”

“Met with a networking group here - coffee & pastries are outstanding! Great outdoor place to gather in such a beautiful setting of DTSC. What more could you want. La dolce vita!”

“In-N-Out Burger isn’t just a fast-food joint — it’s a California institution, and for good reason. From the moment you roll up to the red-and-white storefront, there’s a nostalgic charm that immediately sets the tone. The menu is refreshingly simple: burgers, fries, shakes. But don’t let that minimalism fool you — every bite delivers a masterclass in quality and consistency.

The star of the show is the Double-Double: two perfectly seasoned patties, gooey American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and that iconic spread, all hugged by a soft toasted bun. It’s fresh, never frozen, and you can taste the difference. Want to take it further? Go “Animal Style” from the not-so-secret menu — grilled onions, extra spread, and mustard-cooked patties take it to another level.

The fries are hand-cut on-site and best enjoyed hot and fresh. Pair them with a creamy, real-ice-cream shake and you’ve got the quintessential In-N-Out experience. The staff is always friendly, the service impressively fast, and the prices feel like a throwback in the best way.

In-N-Out doesn’t need gimmicks. It wins with quality, tradition, and timeless flavor. It’s more than a burger — it’s a bite of West Coast soul.”

“Best place to enjoy the best coffee and the place has the best workers”

“Came for lunch with my gran about a month after my grandfather passed. It was my gran's first outing since the funeral and i was worried but our server was this adorable silver haired woman named Rebecca. She had my Gran laughing the whole time. We ordered combos and the suggested jalapeño watermelon margaritas, which were spicy and refreshing. We needed a nap afterwards because we were too stuffed! My gran won't stop asking when we can go back. Thank you South of Nicks for lovely meal, and Thank you Rebecca, for helping a family member feel normal after tragedy. You are in our prayers”

“We've come here twice. First time we stumbled accros Antoine's because it was close to our hotel. The 2nd time we came to the same hotel because it was close to Antoine's! Excellent food. Excellent Service. Enjoyed having breakfast and listening to all the locals visiting with each other. Dave can cook a STEAK!!! Perfect! Thank you Dave!”

“Billy's has the meats and the cheeses and the breads and all the fixings you would want on one of the most delicious sandwiches you will ever have the pleasure of consuming. So take my money and make me happy.”

“Best Indian food in town, never disappointed here, super authentic and delicious.”

“good service food it's so delicious 😋 atmosphere everything is incredible”

“Great atmosphere amazing local ?️ art work for sale, live music ? I ordered the fish and chips excellent! And a hibiscus ? cocktail excellent bartender he was amazing will definitely be back!”

“Great location in central San Clemente, good menu choices and a nice range of Belgian Beers. Service was excellent and was attentive but not over bearing. Nice atmosphere and the food was lovely!”

“Quality food at fair prices! Can't wait to come back & actually sit down in the nice dining area. 👍🏼”

“delicious gelato, family friendly and the people are so nice there! they answered all my questions regarding allergies, from nut allergies to gluten free options, we're very happy to have found this gem ❤️”

“The food was very good and the service was excellent. I'm a glad I gave this place a try!”

“Anyone who comes to San Clemente should check out this coffee shop .An incredible combination and synergy of top notch customer service , robust / organic coffee ,and atmosphere make it Rapport.”

“Oh goodness. Why did it take us over a year to find out about this place??

First: you can either park along el Camino or parking is along Avenida De La Estrella located right above restaurant. There is a stairwell that brings you right down to it.

Be sure to go on Tuesday… taco Tuesday… where they have a phenomenal/affordable menu! Honestly the best shrimp taco I have ever had. I’m just sorry I filled up on chips.

They are only opened for lunch on the weekend.

The best part… PET FRIENDLY PATIO!!!!

Update: Doug and I have gotten to know our waitress amber. Bless her.. she waits on the whole outside and she hustles. Food and spirits all so good. Thanks Amber for always remembering 2 ice cubes and being an outstanding server.”

“Their food is so good! I love their beef bowl and their Musubi. Everyone there’s really friendly and they always get your food out quickly and it’s always hot! Thank you!”

“Docent is Decent. Got me a Mouthful of Church on Time, 8.2 DIPA. Lisa has a Peel Top.”

“Love the cellar!!! And it is walking distance so it’s perfect”

“As an açaí bowl lover, I can confidently say that these are some of the best açaí bowls I’ve had.

Would for sure recommend trying them out.”

“Great place and pretty authentic food and top margaritas.”

“Fantastic comedy night, been three times now and each night was awesome! Especially hilarious set by Robert Duchaine.”

“Had a wonderful breakfast outside on the patio deck. Views and ambiance were unreal. The omelette and French toast were delicious. Staff was amazingly attentive. We were not rushed ... A simply fantastic way to start the day. Thank you.”

“Andrea was rocking it! I'm from AZ and she made me feel extremely welcome. Everyone was nice. I can't wait to go back. Such a cool spot. Thank you Andrea!”

“Good people good times good beer. A+”

“Tracy and her team have exceeded my expectations both times I've ordered custom cakes. Not only do they look amazing they taste amazing too!”

“Excellent experience! Excellent food! Excellent service! Fantastic little owner owned/operated Northern Italian cuisine restaurant. We will return!”

“It was fantastic! Amazing craft cocktails I've never had anything like before. Food was also fantastic. Local fish, local produce, how can you go wrong. Get the Tessie for a drink, amazing cocktail ?”

“Every drink we’ve tried has been excellent. Bartenders are knowledgeable and super nice.
And the steak!! I can’t say enough good things about the steak and beef tallow fries. Out of this world”

“Great wines and knowledgable plus friendly staff!”

“This is the definition of a high end steakhouse. The service is impeccable, and the food is decadent. But….. there’s the prices. This place ain’t cheap. Nope. But it’s all about if you think an amazing dinner experience is worth the price. We do.
We ordered the Executive Board, a lazy Susan of sorts with an assortment of wonderful steaks. Each one better than the last. It fed 6 of us easily. The sides are family style. We ordered the potatoes au gratin. Probably some of the best I’ve tasted. The bacon, oh the bacon. About 1” think, and cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce. I want to go back just for that! Mac and cheese that was amazing. And you must order the Parker House rolls. For dessert, the Butter Cake was definitely the best I’ve ever tasted.
All good stuff, but nothing is perfect, including Rare Society…..
It’s noisy, if someone in your party is hearing impaired, they’re probably going to struggle with that.
IT IS EXPENSIVE. Check out the menu online.
If you’re in a hurry, this is an experience, and it is to be enjoyed slowly. And you can’t just walk in. Reservations are a MUST.”

“great food!!!! reasonable pricing!!! please experience their food!! nice people fast service!! love this place!!!”

“Wow! Super yum to say the least. It’s always great when the new local restaurant hits it out of the park! My wife & I started with the bacon & meatballs appetizer. She then had the fried green tomatoes & French onion soup while I had the ribeye. Delicious!”

“Great music venue! We had a blast playing here Mother's Day for Kim and her outstanding team. Thanks, Barnoa!”

“Such a great place. Nice addition to San Clemente.”

“My daily simple lunch for remote work offers many options for a pescatarian/vegetarian. Clean, organic, and delicious!!! 🙌🏾👏🏾👍🏾”

“We celebrated an early Mother’s Day Saturday evening. Outstanding👏😎flavors, presentation, dessert, cocktails/ vibes..And our waiter(Luca) was personable , fun.”

“Always a great time at The New OC Tavern . Kevin the owner is the greatest host. Always checking on us . Making sure we’re having a good time. The bartender are great. Love how they know what I like to drink 🍹.”

“Best pizza I’ve had since moving to CA from NY. Amazing food, great atmosphere and impeccable service. My go to place!”

“Excellent customer service. Food was very good. Great location.”

“The food here is delicious. I always get the wonton soup. It's a huge bowl and it's very flavorful. I enjoy it every time I get it. I've also had the orange chicken here and that was also quite delicious. I've also had their pad Thai and that was not very good but the Chinese restaurant make me Italian food. So what am I to expect? Anyway, I enjoy this place”

“Great place to get some classics. Great service, awesome vintage Dennys sign off the interstate”

“Soy dueño de las franquicias desde hace 28 años estoy esperando su comunicación de mis ganancias y más con sus derivados tengo mi. Contrato de franquicias con Dennys restaurantes cocos bakery restaura”

“The chocolate they use for their bananas is dairy free. Love the allergy friendliness. I wish they’d keep the Rocky Road topping more frequently. It’s so great and gluten free. Otherwise they don’t have gluten free options besides the drizzles.”

“I spent years in Japan and for an hour I forgot I was in California! The food is outstanding and authentic. ありがとうございました!”

“Great Food. Creative interior design. Wonderful staff. Unique comfort food. My favorite is the Smoked Meatloaf Breakfast Sandwich. Very cozy. Only 12 tables, that are always full. Lots of “Regular” customers. This is a place that you want to return to, time and time again.”

“Wow! I had the best coffee and my husband a delicious smoothie prepared by Ethan!!! Congratulations! Awesome atmosphere!!!! We loved it and will recommend this place a 100%! Keep up with the good job!! Thank you Ethan!!!!!”

“delicious breakfast best hashbrowns ever!”

“Thai Dara 2 is great! I went in today to order takeout for our medical office staff. I noticed a mistake when I picked up my food (likely poor communication on my part), and they fixed it very quickly and kindly. Above 5 stars on service! The food is fresh and delicious. The lunch specials are priced very well and are big portions. There are options for everyone's dietary restrictions, too, which is so great to find.

The interior of the restaurant is cozy and would be a great place for an intimate lunch or dinner.

I'm writing this as I gobble down my delicious pad Thai with shrimp, and I'm also very impressed at how well the food was packaged, it's still piping hot.”

“Always have had a great experience here, and I have going here for over 40 years!!!”

“This is one of our go tos for inexpensive sushi. You can't beat the price on their lunch specials. We come here often because of the accessibility, and price point. They're all very friendly. Usually quite busy.”

“Amazing venue, Great beers and pizza! A must do if you are in the area!”

“Wonderful, Fresh Fish!! Best Macaroni Salad & Sesame Slaw!! Great Vibe!!! San Clemente!!”

“Amazing pizza and atmosphere! Can’t wait to come back again!”

“Decided to go on a quick trip for the holiday weekend. Decided that San Clemente was the spot. Spent some time in old town and saw the pier. Then decided to eat dinner here. It was delicious. I really wanted to try lots of things on the menu. I tried the Maui Onion Soup and the Tempura Spam. My youngest got the chicken katsuand the oldest ordered the nachos with kalua pig. It was enormous. Can't wait to come back to try other things.”

“Great selection of flavors, high quality ingredients and so delicious! You won't miss the dairy 😉”

“Finally got to try one of their famous cakes. Delicious!!!! Had an online order and we were instantly greeted by a very nice young man working there, our cake was ready and we were good to go within a minute. I love the small business vibe they have and the enthusiasm from the employees. Will be back!”

“I stopped in for an iced latte, and it was fantastic. There’s plenty of parking both in front and back, which made it super convenient. The vibe inside was awesome—surfboards and a vintage motorcycle added a cool, laid-back touch to the decor. The staff were friendly and casually dressed, which matched the relaxed atmosphere perfectly. The customers all seemed easygoing and chill, making it a really comfortable spot to hang out. If I had more time, I definitely would have stayed longer. I’ll for sure be coming back whenever I’m in the area.”

“Fantastic atmosphere. Felt like sitting in the hull of a pirate ship. Best selection of rums I've ever seen (more than 100). All that and surprisingly reasonable prices on expertly crafted drinks!”

“I will say this place is amazing I’ve been very happy with every bite of my Baja beef wrap I had the spinach tortilla as my wrap and the secret sauce as my condiment and I can’t recommend it enough the outdoor seating area was perfect for socializing and enjoying the weather. The flavor is perfect with portion and I ordered the small size drink which for my weight loss goals was ideal!!”

“When we searched for the best sushi place in San Clemente, Malulu Sushi came up first on the list.

Good things come in small packages, right? Well, this is a small place, but it doesn't matter because the food & service are excellent.

To me, service is very important!!! At Malulu, the Japanese hospitality is on full display. Then, the food came, and we realized that we had found our favorite sushi place in SC.

Everything we ordered was tasty. And to our surprise, the female sushi chef made the best spicy yellow tail handroll. It reminded us of a sushi roll that we could only get at a sushi restaurant in Laguna Niguel (sadly, the chef moved to Japan).

We are already planning to go back this week & bring some friends along.”

“Fun and unique flavors like tarot, cucumber & elderflower, pineapple & ginger. They also offer dairy free and vegan ice creams as well! So delicious and their staff is super friendly too!”

“I always enjoy coming here. The owner is very courteous and the portion sizes are generous. A good selection of vegan dishes, which can be difficult for Thai restaurants.”

“Amazing taco 🌮 experience”

“This is in a busy area of Saint Clemente California. The portions are Great The Services Great, and the food is very tasty. Had the machaca. Breakfast definitely recommended.”

“Best Ice Cream around, so many great flavors. I can't wait to try them all”

“Favorite local eatery for breakfast. Feels like you're sitting at a café in France. Ocean view, great selection of baked pastries and breads. The most beautiful Cafe au Lait too! Friendly staff.”

“Outstanding Burgers, Salads, Carnitas sandwiches, hot dogs! I’ve had them all.. Best place to enjoy with family and friends.”

“Great flavor, great service and great prices”

“Stopped here yesterday with a bunch of hungry Harley riders the staff was super cool & friendly my hamburger was out of this world now that’s what I call a hamburger & fast service we all left a good tip for the hardworking staff I gotta hit this spot again soon”

“Decent spot for coffee, but the real draw here is the vibes.

Steps away from the ocean! And a great people-watching bench outside alongside some small tables.

Coffee (got a latte) was okay. But loved the location and much-needed bathroom haha”

“Always the best of everything and the staff is fabulous”

“I've found my new favorite hidden hideout in San Clemente! Tucked away in this charming old town shopping center is Alohaha, a place that absolutely nails both açai bowls and coffee in the most delightful way.

First off, the staff here deserves a special shoutout — they're genuinely warm and welcoming in that way that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. Abby in particular is an absolute ray of sunshine who reminds you in her demeanor, that life is beautiful!

Their coffee smoothies are where the magic happens. The perfect balance of rich coffee flavor and smoothie goodness that somehow manages to be refreshing and energizing at the same time. Not too sweet, not too bitter — just right.

What really elevates this place to 4.5 star territory is the whole vibe of the location. There's something special about being nestled in this old town shopping center that feels like a little escape from the everyday hustle. It's the perfect spot to just hang, sip something delicious, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. I've spent hours here just vibing, working on my laptop, or catching up with friends. This place captures that quintessential SoCal energy that keeps me coming back again and again!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​”

“The foxx is the best If you want a good place This is it”

“We have been regular customers for several years???They make the best smoothies ever. And the prices are affordable. Quality healthy smoothies from a family operated business with lots of pride in serving the San Clemente community.”

“One of the last great dive bars in the US with a great selection of local craft beers on tap. Awesome bartenders, great live music and an amazing hidden wine store and lounge in the back.”

“If you live in the south end of town and looking for a cold beer and some fun conversation this is the place. Great drink specials and it’s like a party every time i am there.”

“Wow!! What a difference new ownership and a remodel have made. My wife mentioned this place, I retorted, what a dump.... don't go in the bathrooms. This place has changed and all for the better. She had the waffles and we came back for more. The original owner Pete Katsimientas (sp) woud be proud. They even keep his Pete's Burger the quality of which dropped off with the previous owner. I will try the Pete's Burger again next trip there.”

“The staff are always courteous and welcoming. The sandwiches are always tasty too!”

“Excellent ramen. Curry was terrific and definitely homemade and high quality. Cabbage salad was exactly what I had experienced when in Japan. Everything was very authentic and fresh.”

“Great crispy chicken sandwich, bbq burger, kids burger meal, jalapeño burger, sweet potato crispscut fries … all of it was great!!!! Thanks for a great Sunday lunch!!!”

“While on my morning walk I found this cute lil cafe that sits directly on the beach by the San Clemente Pier. My son got the bagel breakfast sandwich & coffee, my daughter got the nutella toast & I got the acai bowl. We all thought our food was good. We will def be back on our next visit there!”

“Great food and service. Was very impressed to see all workers wearing gloves and masks. Other restaurants need to follow your example. These are uncertain times and every precaution is necessary. I want to help support local businesses but if they don't protect both staff and workers, I won't be back. Kudos to you Guichos!❤”

“Great restaurant! The fish is good quality and very fresh. The ideal texture. They have a great selection of options for your bowl (and a scoop of avocado is free!) Their prices are competitive with other places in the area.”

“Decided to choose this place for a nice weekend away from the city and I belive I choose correctly. It's very quiet and discreet. Easy access to many local restaurant and very close walk to the ocean. Beautiful place both inside a d out. The restaurant and the the 2 drink freevee for staying was a huge plus. I am definitely coming back soon.”

“I love this place. I’ve been coming here since it was captain culver’s…. Over 20 years ago… and the things I’m obsessed with are:1. Bombay Melt (curried chicken with secret Bali sauce, tomato, onion, and cheese atop an English muffin) served with soup of the day, green salad, or potato salad2. POG- passionfruit, orange, guava juice.They also have delicious smoothies.The place is owned by Mauricio but you’ll often find his daughters working the restaurant. :)They are lovely people with excellent customer service.You can sit inside or outside. It’s a very laid back vibe. You order at the counter, and then they will bring your food out to you or call you when it’s ready.The only thing you need to know, is sometimes they close a little early.. even though their hours are usually till 16:00, I’ve found them closed at 15:00 or 15:30. I suspect it all depends on how busy they are. So, if you want an afternoon snack, I recommend you call ahead to make sure they are still open.”

“Great place & Beer list. Smokehouse & plenty of room. Very friendly place”

“Great food! Great service! Awesome people! Love it!”

“Came for lunch with my gran about a month after my grandfather passed. It was my gran's first outing since the funeral and i was worried but our server was this adorable silver haired woman named Rebecca. She had my Gran laughing the whole time. We ordered combos and the suggested jalapeño watermelon margaritas, which were spicy and refreshing. We needed a nap afterwards because we were too stuffed! My gran won't stop asking when we can go back. Thank you South of Nicks for lovely meal, and Thank you Rebecca, for helping a family member feel normal after tragedy. You are in our prayers”

“I have to rate The Mediterranean Rim on Del Mar 5Stars. Their food is Always consistent, and always consistently delicious. Such a cute and cozy place. Its our favorite “date night” restaurant in town. I personally Love the goat cheese salad, Squash Soup, Skirt Steak, Fish, ?Wine sections are great, and the sauces they create are fantastic. Must add the best homemade cheesecake for desert. Thank you.”

“Best Tomo fried rice, smothered fries, and Ramen I've had since moving to south OC. And the staff is super friendly! I drive 15 to 20 minutes just to get their food.”

“It was fantastic! Amazing craft cocktails I've never had anything like before. Food was also fantastic. Local fish, local produce, how can you go wrong. Get the Tessie for a drink, amazing cocktail ?”

“Excellent food. Some of the best around. I highly recommend it.”

“In-N-Out Burger isn’t just a fast-food joint — it’s a California institution, and for good reason. From the moment you roll up to the red-and-white storefront, there’s a nostalgic charm that immediately sets the tone. The menu is refreshingly simple: burgers, fries, shakes. But don’t let that minimalism fool you — every bite delivers a masterclass in quality and consistency.

The star of the show is the Double-Double: two perfectly seasoned patties, gooey American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and that iconic spread, all hugged by a soft toasted bun. It’s fresh, never frozen, and you can taste the difference. Want to take it further? Go “Animal Style” from the not-so-secret menu — grilled onions, extra spread, and mustard-cooked patties take it to another level.

The fries are hand-cut on-site and best enjoyed hot and fresh. Pair them with a creamy, real-ice-cream shake and you’ve got the quintessential In-N-Out experience. The staff is always friendly, the service impressively fast, and the prices feel like a throwback in the best way.

In-N-Out doesn’t need gimmicks. It wins with quality, tradition, and timeless flavor. It’s more than a burger — it’s a bite of West Coast soul.”

“been here a couple times now and I love love the coffee. the caramel vanilla latte is so good everytime. and all the employees have been really sweet and friendly. it’s my new fav coffee place. I believe he said his name was Ryan, but he was super kind with amazing service :)”

“Very pleasing atmosphere calm peaceful elegant great peace of mind I enjoyed my food there and drinks are great as well”

“We celebrated an early Mother’s Day Saturday evening. Outstanding👏😎flavors, presentation, dessert, cocktails/ vibes..And our waiter(Luca) was personable , fun.”

“The best açaí I’ve ever had. And I’m from Brazil and know what a good and authentic açaí is! And the service at this place is outstanding! Our attendant Bryan was very kind and attentive with our order! Loved it! Thank you!”

“Met with a networking group here - coffee & pastries are outstanding! Great outdoor place to gather in such a beautiful setting of DTSC. What more could you want. La dolce vita!”

“Amazing venue, Great beers and pizza! A must do if you are in the area!”

“Amazing pizza and atmosphere! Can’t wait to come back again!”

“Pure Burger is a top notch spot, that has always focused on providing amazing service. I’ve been there countless times, and each time leave satisfied with the best quality burger around. Super grateful to have them as part of our local community!”

“Great selection of gelato 🍨 plus food and desserts 🧁!!!!”

“Wow! I had the best coffee and my husband a delicious smoothie prepared by Ethan!!! Congratulations! Awesome atmosphere!!!! We loved it and will recommend this place a 100%! Keep up with the good job!! Thank you Ethan!!!!!”

“Amazing taco 🌮 experience”

“Best place to enjoy the best coffee and the place has the best workers”

“Great place to get some classics. Great service, awesome vintage Dennys sign off the interstate”

“Quality food at fair prices! Can't wait to come back & actually sit down in the nice dining area. 👍🏼”