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.”

“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 ?”

“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! 💯💞💞💞💞”

“Indubitably Scrumdiddlyumptious. The chicken teriyaki bowl was amazing and the cashier was very nice. The parking was a little scarce but overall it was great experience. Amazing :D”

“Not sure who the waitress was but she was so sweet giving me a hot tea with honey when I couldn’t talk, I really appreciated her kindness! The food was delicious too!”

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

“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.”

“Cookies galore, if you want a cookie, look no more, this confectioners hole in the wall is one of my girlfriend's favorite sweet tooth cures. Small but worth standing in the line of sweet-heads, who all know: Crumbl is the G.O.A.T. 🍪”

“At a time when inflation has driven even lame chain fast-food to premium prices, I find myself loving Chaupain bakery more and more. I truly feel like every dollar is well-spent here. Their pastries? Phenomenal, well-made and beautiful, with some of the smoothest pastry cream I've encountered. Their breakfasts? SO delicious, with great portion size. Highly recommend their bacon mushroom and leek quiche! Every time I've been here, staff have been quick and helpful. The only tricky part is finding a table haha, there's a reason this place is so popular!”

“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!!!!!”

“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”

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

“Good people good times good beer. A+”

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

“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.”

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

“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 ❤️”

“Was recommended by a friend to check this place out on our trip in California. We got there when they opened, so we were served immediately. Our waiters were super friendly and made sure we were well taken care of. Wish they had a little bigger of a menu selection, but the food is amazing regardless!”

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

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

“delicious breakfast best hashbrowns ever!”

“Valentine's Day at Buona Forchetta - San Clemente never disappoints. The ambiance is warm, the service is attentive, and the food is consistently excellent. I ordered the Lasagna Bolognese and my husband had the Cacio e Pepe with burrata. The lasagna was rich, hearty, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Each bite felt like comfort on a plate. The Cacio e Pepe was creamy, perfectly balanced, and the burrata elevated it beautifully. Buona Forchetta always delivers a memorable dining experience.”

“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.”

“The best restaurant with mussels in South Cali. Highly recommend!”

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

“Really cute place. Espresso is good but Acai is great and reasonably priced. Cute art and trinkets inside as well without being crowded. Great place for a stop. Will be back.”

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

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

“Excellent location.
Our server was Taylor and he was very attentive and customer oriented. The fish tacos were great and my daughter enjoyed her cheeseburger. We sat outside and the view of the pier and ocean was great!
Overall great experience. Would recommend to anyone.”

“Great wines and knowledgable plus friendly staff!”

“Bar Jane may or may not fit in with the rest of downtown San Clemente, but if you’re pondering this question, you soon realize that it’s beside the point. The cocktails here are fantastic, and if that’s an unexpected surprise, then just roll with it and change your expectations to fit the facts. Ethan has served us at each of our visits and has always taken great care of us with drink suggestions and overall service. My understanding is that they share a kitchen with The Cellar next door, but we’ve only ever ordered drinks at Jane. I just wish I lived closer.”

“We attended a private Mob Wives themed event at The Parlor Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails and it was a fantastic experience. The team handled all the food accommodations and offered a great variety of delicious dishes.

The speakeasy was transformed into an Italian mob wives dinner and the attention to detail was amazing. The staff was attentive, the service was on point, and we felt so well taken care of all night.

Big shoutout to Joe for helping create such a fun and memorable event! Highly recommend.”

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

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

“Excellent service and the food is incredible. Highly recommended if you enjoy a good steak and incredible drinks.”

“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!”

“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!!! 🙌🏾👏🏾👍🏾”

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

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

“Has the potential to be great. The baklava had great flavor but was overly chewy and couldnt be cut with a fork. Like the bottom was over. Beef Gyro was phenomenal. Got the garlic fries had like a literal jar of garlic in it. I live garlic but even I couldnt eat it.”

“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 🍹.”

“Kuli gets several points for a great atmosphere and vibe, but the coffee and breakfast items we got left a bit to be desired. I wouldn’t recommend the breakfast sandwich or the Lani Chata Latte.”

“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”

“Excellent ice cream shop! The frozen bananas are top tier, perfect consistency. All of the toppings are amazing. The soft serve is excellent. You can't go wrong with anything you order. It's on the main drag close to a bunch of stops and restaurants. It's a must visit whenever I'm in SC.”

“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!”

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

“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.”

“Outrigger Tavern is a classic San Clemente spot. Great drinks, friendly bartenders, and a laid-back local vibe that makes you feel right at home. Perfect place to unwind, catch a game, or hang out with friends without any fuss. Always a good time and a place I’m happy to come back to.”

“This is a simple, clean, and efficient setup. Serving staff were knowledgeable and able to help us with our choices. The food was fabulous. Go early, we understand that the line goes out the door after 5.”

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

“Such a cute place! Amazing bowls and flavors. also gave free extra smoothies to my kiddos ❤️ Staff is very nice and welcoming 10/10”

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

“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!”

“I’ve been here several times over the last few years and every time I’ve had such a pleasant experience! The coffee is consistently well done, and the pastry selection is always a delight. There’s a cute back patio and plenty of seating if you’d like to read or journal or maybe catch up with a friend”

“The employees are very friendly and accommodating. I recommend this place to anyone who loves coffee.”

“First time, and our family is sold on Smashburger. My wife who does not like eating beef, really liked the smash chicken burger while my boys and I really enjoyed our smashburgers. Fries are quite delicious, also. Next visit we will try their shakes.”

“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!”

“The owner/chef is a nice dude with portions as big as his personality. For those unfamiliar- think home cooked “el pollo loco” if you will. His wife is the other chef and prep cook. I like simple food and the Half chicken with rice and beans is my go to since 2018. Local tip: this is a couple who’s been running the joint for over 40yrs, the husband is the only cook and sometimes his wife hopes over to help turn out meals. Sometimes the chicken is underdone when they’re super busy, but in almost 10 years I’ve maybe gotten 3 under cooked meats and when I bring it up, he cooks it more, sometimes throws in a free leg or wing and some extra guac or beans. This is as close to hole in the wall/family as it gets. For what this place is, I hope it stays Open until they retire or a son/daughter takes over. Think el pollo loco before it became mainstream, for a day I’m not feeling burgers, I love coming here and sitting on the. Lot of good fish on the menu too, makes me think Baja or south gulf. Very refreshing eats”

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

“Watching TV and saw Pad Thai and had to have some. Wanted chix/shrimp and couldn't get any of the platforms to give me that option. Pad thai near me got me to Thai Dara 2 and my order had lots of both perfectly cooked shrimp and big white meat chicken pieces. The order left me with enough for dinner. I will definitely be back.”

“This is very much a classic diner the food is quick to arrive delicious and well prepared and almost so beautiful to look at but you feel bad eating it… You stop feeling bad after the first bite then you start to feel wonderful thinking that there’s no possible way you could ever put an end to this joy. I ordered the cheeseburger with fries and let me tell you each bite welcome the next they have wonderful parking outdoor dining and like I said before a classic feel. This is definitely one of those places you wanna come back to.”

“Moulin in San Clemente is this adorable French bistro that's totally transporting. The vibe's cozy and it feels like a mini getaway. We sat outside and it was perfect, beautiful sunny day and the outdoor seating is gorgeous. I went for the omelette special with mushrooms and French ham and it hit the spot, eggs were perfect and the flavors were great. My wife loved the Croque Monsieur sandwich. Customer service was outstanding, the staff were super friendly and on point. Oh, and the fresh squeezed orange juice was amazing! They've also got this cute little market thing going on which was a nice touch. If you're in San Clemente, Moulin is a solid pick for a chill French meal. We'll be back.”

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

“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!”

“This place is delicious. The ramen was so good and it was a first time here so first impression is really good. We will be coming back. My stomach is sensitive but this didnt do anything to me”

“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.”

“Amazing taco 🌮 experience”

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

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

“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.”

“This has turned into a locals hang out. Waitresses seem to know the clients well. The outside dining is perfect for happy hour as the sun starts to set and the afternoon breeze sweeps in. Umbrellas keep you in the shade earlier in the afternoon. I LOVE the FLAUTUS. Light and crispy on the outside with a moist protein topped with a generous portion of guacamole. The bar is a fun place to hang. Bartenders are busy but friendly enough. This place has patrons with the San Clemente friendliness.”

“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 ordered a dish that is not commonly found at the Thai restaurants I go to. Pad Prig King. I think I've only had it at two other places. I'm not going to claim to be an expert on that particular dish but I thought it was very good. I arrived exactly on time and the food was so hot it was hard to carry in my bare hand. Even the rice was very hot. I will be going back and trying other dishes”

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

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

“Spend a bunch of time in San Clemente, can’t believe I’ve never found this place before. Great food, great drinks, great peeps…ended up staying at hotel too-Great Experience!!!”

“It’s always sad to see a great business go away after many years. I came by today to get my last Bali burger before they close at the end of the month. Their food is so delicious and fresh! If you get a chance to come in and try their food before the end of Jan 2026 , I’d highly recommend that.”

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

“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!!”

“Local spot, good service, and the burgers were amazing! Was able to drop in and upon the first bite the Dodgers won game 1 of the world series and it was a pretty cool core memory moment.”

“I love Juice My Heart in San Clemente! It is my go-to place for fresh carrot juice and good sunshiney vibes. See Diana for your shot of wheat grass and vegetable juice chaser. I highly recommend! 💛 ☀️ 🥤”

“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.”

“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!❤”

“Just popped in and ate here for the first time tonight. I ordered the shawarma chicken bowl. It was soooo good!!! Like hands down! So good 😊”

“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!”

“Wahoos has the best Outer reef burrito! Their chips salsa and guacamole are so good too. For a short time the serving size went down but they corrected it and back to good portion’s again so I wanted to give them a good review! I highly recommend Wahoo’s! 🤙”

“The guy in there tonight made the absolute TASTIEST sub I've ever had from Subway! Just wanted to say good job and thank you! That's what Subway is all about!”

“The food and service was amazing”

“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.”

“Watching TV and saw Pad Thai and had to have some. Wanted chix/shrimp and couldn't get any of the platforms to give me that option. Pad thai near me got me to Thai Dara 2 and my order had lots of both perfectly cooked shrimp and big white meat chicken pieces. The order left me with enough for dinner. I will definitely be back.”

“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 ?”

“Just popped in and ate here for the first time tonight. I ordered the shawarma chicken bowl. It was soooo good!!! Like hands down! So good 😊”

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

“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!”

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Awesome food!! Been visiting (I’m from Chicago) since my daughters family moved to CA and discovered in 2008. I love the Mama Avila soup, very hearty and so delicious. There’s nothing that I’ve tried that I didn’t like. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!!”

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

“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! 💯💞💞💞💞”

“The food and service was amazing”

“Amazing taco 🌮 experience”

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

“Classic, old school, 40 years ago style fish taco. Large double tortillas, tasty creama- sauce, cabbage, pico de gallo(salsa), quite filling. Many other food items. Second favorite is the bean burrito w/Pico de gallo. Then carne asada burrito, breakfast burritos too. Supply you with plenty of packaged sauce. A value, nostagic, SC food place. Drawback, walk up, or drive through, minimal seating, no tables. Basically, take you food to go eat someplace else.”

“The best I have been too.”

“Amazing place! Perfect place to enjoy great food in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. We are from out of town and found this place so welcoming. Our daughter knows us and suggested this place for us to go and experience California while enjoying dinner in a comfortable setting.”

“Popped in here for a pizza and a beer. Both were great. Craft brew made by their nearby in house brewery. Nice west coast IPA. Pizza was awesome. Craft made, nice crust, and classic sauce. Good vibes at this place and worth a stop or make it your neighborhood favorite.”

“Our food was very tasty! Fish & Chips good portion and Qunioa Beet Salad was dee-lish. Service is excellent. They demonstrate care for your choosing them to dine with.”

“We were really impressed with the Picnic Cafe who we hired for a recent event. Their lavish grazing board was gorgeous and they did all the set up and take down which made the process super seamless. It’s definitely a wow moment if you’re looking for something a bit more creative than average catering for your event!”

“Visiting area for weekend and as craving something a little bit light for lunch. Decided to stop by and was greeted by a friendly female staff member all by herself. Walked me through the menu and helped me keep smiling and laughing while she made my smoothie. Kudos to her friendly customer service but also more importantly my acai pistachio smoothie was bomb!”