San Clemente, often called the Spanish Village due to its Spanish colonial-style buildings, is a coastal gem in southern Orange County, California. This city is famous for stunning beaches, the San Clemente Pier, surf culture, scenic trails, historic downtown, and attractions like Casa Romantica, drawing tourists year-round. But did you know that San Clemente is also a culinary hotspot?
From Pedro’s Tacos, serving the town’s best tacos, to Sol Agave, known for mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, to Vine Restaurant offering a sophisticated fine-dining experience, or Romano’s Pasta and Pizzeria transporting you straight to Italy with its delicious pasta, the city has flavors to satisfy every craving.
Below is a list of the best San Clemente restaurants to visit. Make your trip even more delicious!
At a glance
10 places · swipe
01Antoine’s CaféFounded in 1991 by Veronique Price, Antoine’s Café blends her French heritage with a passion for American…
02Pedro’s TacosPedro’s Tacos has been a local favorite since opening in 1986 as the first fish taco business in South San…
03SC Ranch MarketSC Ranch Market is a small grocery store famous for fresh fruits, meats, and panadería, but it’s the…
04Sol AgaveStarting as a food truck in San Juan Capistrano, Sol Agave now offers refined Mexican cuisine in San Clemente.
05Miyako SushiLocated in a strip mall along Interstate 5, Miyako Sushi offers some of the freshest sushi in San Clemente.
06Vine Restaurant and BarSituated in downtown San Clemente, Vine Restaurant & Bar offers a sophisticated and vibrant dining experience.
07The CellarThe Cellar combines a restaurant, cheese shop, and wine bar in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere.
08Surfin Chicken GrillLocated in Pico Plaza, Surfin Chicken Grill is famous for its grilled chicken, ribs, and seafood.
09Active CultureActive Culture is a natural food café offering a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options without…
10Romano’s Pasta and PizzeriaRomano’s Pasta and Pizzeria is a family-run eatery offering freshly made pasta, sauces, and pizzas at…
Antoine’s Café
Founded in 1991 by Veronique Price, Antoine’s Café blends her French heritage with a passion for American breakfasts. Now owned by her son, the café is famous for its breakfast and lunch offerings.
Signature items include Brioche French Toast, custom omelets, and Eggs Benedict, while lunch features fresh salads, croque Madame, and crepes. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, outdoor seating, and takeout options, Antoine’s is considered the best breakfast spot in San Clemente.
Address: 218 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Pedro’s Tacos
Pedro’s Tacos has been a local favorite since opening in 1986 as the first fish taco business in South San Clemente. The menu is simple, affordable, and delicious, featuring tacos (potato, grilled chicken), quesadillas, burritos (including the famous Trestles Burrito), and combo plates.
Drive-thru, walk-up window, and outdoor seating make it convenient for a quick bite. Pair your meal with drinks like Coke, piña colada, or fresh orange juice.
Address: 550 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
SC Ranch Market
SC Ranch Market is a small grocery store famous for fresh fruits, meats, and panadería, but it’s the bustling back kitchen that steals the spotlight.
Known for Mexican and Central American dishes at great prices, the menu highlights include Al Pastor tacos, beef tongue, tripe, carnitas platillos, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burritos. Don’t miss Taco Tuesdays or Salvadoran pupusas on Fridays. Desserts include fresh bread, cookies, pan dulce, tres leches, ice cream, sorbet, and coffee.
Address: 101 W El Portal, San Clemente, CA 92672
Sol Agave
Starting as a food truck in San Juan Capistrano, Sol Agave now offers refined Mexican cuisine in San Clemente. Appetizers include taquiza street tacos and shrimp taquitos, while main dishes feature Chile Verde, pork carnitas, skirt steak with Portobello mushrooms, garlic shrimp, and chicken fajitas.
Don’t miss their signature butter cake with Abuelita chocolate. With 11 margaritas, a full tequila bar, and indoor/outdoor seating, Sol Agave is a must-visit.
Address: 111 Avenida Del Mar, Ste 1B, San Clemente, CA 92672
Miyako Sushi
Located in a strip mall along Interstate 5, Miyako Sushi offers some of the freshest sushi in San Clemente. Enjoy indoor, outdoor, or sushi bar seating with friendly service.
Popular rolls include the Crunchy Lobster Roll, Leaving Las Vegas Roll (deep-fried avocado, crab, and four fish), and Hola Amigo (tuna, fried jalapeños, capelin roe). The menu also features sushi, tempura, sashimi, udon, teriyaki, salads, and specialty rolls. Takeout is available.
Address: 641 Camino de los Mares, Ste D120, San Clemente, CA 92673
Vine Restaurant and Bar
Situated in downtown San Clemente, Vine Restaurant & Bar offers a sophisticated and vibrant dining experience. The menu highlights include crispy Meyer lemon duck wings, handmade charcuterie, pumpkin ravioli, Jidori chicken schnitzel, a 45-day-aged ribeye, and craft burgers.
Sweet options like Belgian chocolate cheesecake satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy inventive cocktails, mocktails, and a curated wine list featuring European and California reds.
Address: 211 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
The Cellar
The Cellar combines a restaurant, cheese shop, and wine bar in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. The seasonal menu includes weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner, featuring pork chop, pumpkin butternut squash, shepherd’s pie, maple Brussels sprouts, the famous Cellar Burger, pasta, and flatbreads.
Enjoy microbrews, creative cocktails, wine flights, and a wide wine selection. Live music is available five nights a week, with indoor and outdoor deck seating.
Address: 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Surfin Chicken Grill
Located in Pico Plaza, Surfin Chicken Grill is famous for its grilled chicken, ribs, and seafood. Signature dishes include whole or half grilled chicken, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, shrimp tacos, red snapper, mahi-mahi, seafood bowls, and salads with carne asada or grilled chicken. Surf-themed décor and indoor/outdoor seating make it a fun, casual dining experience.
Address: 71 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, CA 92672
Active Culture
Active Culture is a natural food café offering a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options without sacrificing flavor. Breakfast items include egg dishes, acai bowls, granola bowls, and bagel sandwiches.
Lunch options feature bowls with garbanzo beans, quinoa, brown rice, soups, salads, burritos, nachos, tacos, the Wholesome Bowl, and the Grassroots Burger with falafel sauce and lentil patties. Fresh juices, smoothies, coconut-based shakes, and frozen yogurt complement the menu.
Address: 111 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Romano’s Pasta and Pizzeria
Romano’s Pasta and Pizzeria is a family-run eatery offering freshly made pasta, sauces, and pizzas at reasonable prices. Lunch and dinner favorites include seafood shells, penne pasta, cheese and lobster ravioli, spaghetti with meatballs, grilled chicken, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Specialty pizzas include pesto chicken, roasted garlic chicken, and BBQ chicken. The menu also features Caesar salads with fish and desserts like cannoli and tiramisu.
Address: 979 Avenida Pico, Ste E, San Clemente, CA 92673
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