25 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Clemente

“great beach side place. Mexican treats.“

“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“

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

“Delicious food and great scenery“

“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 ?“

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

“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!!“

“Best high end Mexican Gastronomy restaurant that I’ve been to in OC. The food quality, service, and atmosphere were superior. Gema offered a nice selection of Baja white wines and tequila selections. I thought what we had was amazing and complimented the food nicely.

First course we had the shrimp, second was ceviche, and main dish was the sea bass. Overall a great restaurant. A must try if you’re in San Clemente.

Dietary restrictions: All of their dishes are Gluten Free!“

“We haven’t been here for several years because the fish had gotten dry and thin, but happily the fish was excellent on the wahoo bowl!

Vegetarian options: Tofu can be the protein on any dish. Bean and rice dishes, cheese enchiladas. Salads.“

“Great service and great food“

“Absolutely LOVE this place! The food is always so fresh and delicious and the quantities are generous. Our favorite dishes are chicken and Carnitas fajitas for my husband and son. I eat vegetarian so I get a side salad with black beans and loaded up with the fresh pico de gallo and guacamole. The staff is so friendly. Maz Especially has such a great attitude and is so helpful! This is been a favorite of ours for years and we will continue to go there at least a couple of times a month. Outdoor dining is delightful with the ocean breeze and umbrellas.“

“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.“

“Found ourselves in the area at dinner time and hadn’t been there before so in we went. I had two tacos, she had a salad. They ignored the “no avocado please” request? My “fuego” carnitas was not all at fuego, but it was tasty and filling. They bring the food to you and clear your table“

“Short review for a short visit.

???Try the tripas tacos. With a beer! Portions are large and prices were decent.

Traffic on the 5 was backed up so stoped in for a bit and a beer. Out door in door seating so pups are fine to bring along. It's located not to far from the beach and an off shore park. The breeze is nice my friends ?

Parking: Small lot, but there is street and public parking down the street.“

“Great flavor, great service and great prices“

“The location of the restaurant was in a nice ritzy area. Usually I find vegan restaurants in the middle of nowhere but this one was near a lot of shopping . The food was great if I didn’t order togo I would’ve taken photos. Had the nachos, a wrap and a quesadilla for the kiddo. Also indulged in a shake?“

“Have always loved this place. Friendly staff, great food, and excellent service.“

“Yesterday i came in For lunch Right before i started eating i notice two asian people Came in a Started changing the air conditioning filters A big no-noo specialy during bussines hours and with out covering the salsa bar or any other area I asked the manager to stop them, he came out talk to them and the continued any way Check my facebook photos and videos...“

“Wonderful place under new management! We're from San Diego and visited this place on our return from Knott's Berry Farm. The food and service was great! Met the owner who has great plans for the future. We'll be back next time we're in town!“

“The #1 spot I enjoy for lunch time!

Parking: Parking is limited too customers only. Lunch hour may be challenging at times, so the drive-thru may be your best option. Which is fine, then you can eat your food near the beach.“

“The icemaker did not work and it hasn’t worked for a long time. I don’t understand why that isn’t a priority to fix that. I found this to be a big negative about eating at this location.

Dietary restrictions: I don’t have any, but they cater to what you want.

Parking: I don’t ever have a problem parking there.

Kid-friendliness: I don’t bring kids

Wheelchair accessibility: N/A“

“The Bean Cheese and Rice burrito is my go to and is always so good. if you want a better deal on the fish tacos, just get their fish taco burrito, literally the same and so good. i am obsessed with their home made green salsa and it is just so good. you’ve got to try it.“

“Don't sleep on JDs!!!! We booked JDs rooftop for our wedding after party and it was one of the best decisions of the entire weekend. Justin was so cool, easy going, straightforward, and helpful. You can bring in your own outside food or order pizza from Gibronis downstairs, OR Justin will connect you to a preferred vendor that works JDs all the time. Our guests had a blast and we ended the night downstairs in the bar with the live DJ dancing the night away. Bonus points for the private bouncer Justin provided for our group who helped me put a bandaid on my finger (had a little too much fun.) 10/10 would do it all over again. Can't wait to go again when we visit San Clemente next!“

“This Taco Bell is located by Lowe's in San Clemente it is immaculately clean the times I've been there haven't been busy but steady the service has been great and the employees are very friendly and helpful.

Wheelchair accessibility: Currently meets the California standards for wheelchair accessibility.“