I took my girlfriend here for a bday celebration dinner & also had the chance to go next door for the mezcal speakloud which was also amazing. It was a beautiful experience through and through.
Opentable Diner
Disappointment. We had to wait 15 mins to be seated from the reservation time. The menus came out 10 mins after that and the food another 30 mins after that. The food was luke warm to cool and very little flavor. The waiter was basically working the whole restaurant by himself and friendly. The portions were small and the pricing was way too high. The pork dish was a pass. The birria dish was not savory. Confusing menu. Should've gone to tried and true South of Nicks.
Patton
Our server was amazing! It was busy because of Valentine's Day, but my boyfriend and I had a great time. We will definitely be coming back!
Caitlin
Staff was nice, food took really long to come out and was lukewarm when it did. Husband sent back the filet mignon because it was very tough and chewy. Salad was pretty bland.
lina
food is tastily presented but some dishes did not quite achieve the palate satisfaction yet.
Raul
One of the best restaurants in South County. Delicious food, awesome service and great ambiance. It is my go to place when taking guests out to dinner.
Cheri
After reading some other reviews about their steak, we were excited to try Gema, but overall, it was a disappointment. The first and second courses came together, Tostadas and two whole Langoustines that delivered two small bites each after removing the shells. They didn't have the reviewed Tomahawk steak on the menu, so we opted for the Wagyu Filet. It was the worst filet we've ever had in a restaurant, tough and barely edible. We mentioned it to our waiter, Luca, and he seemed surprised when we asked the provider of their Wagyu. We split the steak and left over half. Tough meat happens sometimes, but when you tell the server there's an issue, it should be addressed with the kitchen. The flavor profiles of some of their dishes were interesting and new but we don't think we'll be going back.
Cindy
Food was extraordinary. Server was wonderful and so engaged. Restaurant was uncomfortably cold.
Lesa T
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ceviche
Juana Velazquez
Delicious food and drinks. Excellent service, flowers smelled devine.
Parking: Parking located in the back of restaurant
San Clemente is truly fortunate to have Gema, a refreshing departure from the usual South of Nick's Mexican fare. It's a treat for the senses, offering inventive flavors and fresh, vibrant ingredients that bring something excitingly different to the table. Gema is a hidden gem that deserves far more buzz in South Orange County's food scene—impressive in every way and absolutely worth the visit for anyone seeking a delicious, novel dining experience.
Linda
Service is always amazing & personal. They do take their time to explain each item but I don't mind it here. We have tried most items & never had a bad meal. A little pricy but value is there
Peter
Great place to eat! Yellow Tail tostadas were amazing! The ceviche is incredible too! Honestly...best margaritas I have ever had....one with tequila and one with mezcal! Very classy place. Will go again and HIGHLY recommend.
Krista
Dined at Gema to celebrate my husband's birthday. Overall, we were disappointed with the food. We ordered cocktails, two appetizers and 4 main courses. The short rib main course was good, everything else was fair. This was the consensus of all 4 of us in our party.
Camilla
Awesome food, all gluten free! Staff were excellent and knowledgeable about the menu. The Tomahawk steak was just the best, delivered by the chef himself. Great unusual cocktails and a hefty bill, but worth it. Would go again.
I took my girlfriend here for a bday celebration dinner & also had the chance to go next door for the mezcal speakloud which was also amazing. It was a beautiful experience through and through.
Disappointment. We had to wait 15 mins to be seated from the reservation time. The menus came out 10 mins after that and the food another 30 mins after that. The food was luke warm to cool and very little flavor. The waiter was basically working the whole restaurant by himself and friendly. The portions were small and the pricing was way too high. The pork dish was a pass. The birria dish was not savory. Confusing menu. Should've gone to tried and true South of Nicks.
Our server was amazing! It was busy because of Valentine's Day, but my boyfriend and I had a great time. We will definitely be coming back!
Staff was nice, food took really long to come out and was lukewarm when it did. Husband sent back the filet mignon because it was very tough and chewy. Salad was pretty bland.
food is tastily presented but some dishes did not quite achieve the palate satisfaction yet.
One of the best restaurants in South County. Delicious food, awesome service and great ambiance. It is my go to place when taking guests out to dinner.
After reading some other reviews about their steak, we were excited to try Gema, but overall, it was a disappointment. The first and second courses came together, Tostadas and two whole Langoustines that delivered two small bites each after removing the shells. They didn't have the reviewed Tomahawk steak on the menu, so we opted for the Wagyu Filet. It was the worst filet we've ever had in a restaurant, tough and barely edible. We mentioned it to our waiter, Luca, and he seemed surprised when we asked the provider of their Wagyu. We split the steak and left over half. Tough meat happens sometimes, but when you tell the server there's an issue, it should be addressed with the kitchen. The flavor profiles of some of their dishes were interesting and new but we don't think we'll be going back.
Food was extraordinary. Server was wonderful and so engaged. Restaurant was uncomfortably cold.
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ceviche
Delicious food and drinks. Excellent service, flowers smelled devine.
Parking: Parking located in the back of restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chile Relleno, Halibut Taco
Restaurantji Recommends
San Clemente is truly fortunate to have Gema, a refreshing departure from the usual South of Nick's Mexican fare. It's a treat for the senses, offering inventive flavors and fresh, vibrant ingredients that bring something excitingly different to the table. Gema is a hidden gem that deserves far more buzz in South Orange County's food scene—impressive in every way and absolutely worth the visit for anyone seeking a delicious, novel dining experience.
Service is always amazing & personal. They do take their time to explain each item but I don't mind it here. We have tried most items & never had a bad meal. A little pricy but value is there
Great place to eat! Yellow Tail tostadas were amazing! The ceviche is incredible too! Honestly...best margaritas I have ever had....one with tequila and one with mezcal! Very classy place. Will go again and HIGHLY recommend.
Dined at Gema to celebrate my husband's birthday. Overall, we were disappointed with the food. We ordered cocktails, two appetizers and 4 main courses. The short rib main course was good, everything else was fair. This was the consensus of all 4 of us in our party.
Awesome food, all gluten free! Staff were excellent and knowledgeable about the menu. The Tomahawk steak was just the best, delivered by the chef himself. Great unusual cocktails and a hefty bill, but worth it. Would go again.
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