Food is important, especially after a good surf session. San Clemente has some excellent options, from good cheap eats to higher-end dining. We’re partial to the more casual places and this list reflects that. That said, a couple of fancy restaurants made the list and that’s because we believe they’re worth the extra effort.
Where to eat in San Clemente
We’re posting this list as a quick reference guide, not a complete list of restaurants, nor a full review. These are the places we go to regularly, in alphabetical order. We’ll add to this list over time and add photos. But this is the essential info that will help you find a good place to eat based on your craving.
This is our favorite place for breakfast because they serve our favorite dish, Huevos a la Mexicana (eggs scrambled with onion, tomato, and jalapeno, served with rice and refried beans, made into breakfast tacos on tortillas of your choice, flour or corn). They also serve excellent chips (warm) and salsa (perfectly spicy). Their hot sauces are made in-house and are really good (the green, more mild, the orange, very spicy). We can also attest that their flan is legit. Note: it is a chain, but I’m partial to the staff at this location on the southern end of El Camino Real.
This is one of the nicer restaurants on our list where you can dress up (but it isn’t required). An open, industrial-type space with a good bar centrally located on Del Mar. We’ve eaten at an actual table maybe twice. More often, we sit at the bar, order escargot, and drink a Vieux Carre (or two or three). The bourbon drink is really excellent and worth the splurge. We’re not big bourbon drinkers but it’s usually the reason we head to this place.
Probably the best bakery I’ve ever been to, including France and NYC. Not for the paleo diet, unfortunately, because the croissants (whether plain, almond, pistachio, or custard filled) are what I always hope croissants will be: buttery and flaky, not dry. The quiche is better for anyone avoiding carbs and they’re all delicious (ham and cheese is my personal fav but the mushroom and onion is also good). The shop is also centrally located on Del Mar — and you can visit their stand during the Farmer’s Market on Sundays.
We’ve developed a frozen yogurt habit thanks to this place on Pico. There are others in the area. This is our favorite because the texture is creamy and revolving selection of flavors is interesting and satisfying. Plus, it’s yogurt with active cultures so it’s good for us, right?
Sorry. It’s not in San Clemente proper but it’s easy to get to just up the road and very worth the trip. Super delicious mid-range tacos that won’t break the bank. I never leave without having at least one Surf n Turf taco, but the carne asada and al Pastor also top our list.
Solid sushi in a strip mall across the road from Trader Joe’s. This place is reliable; sometimes you may need to wait if you don’t have a reservation. Likewise, they serve sizable portions so you shouldn’t leave hungry.
This is a regular spot, sometimes once a week. We go for the Drunken Noodles and Ivory Touch (a ginger dish). Also recommend the Chicken Lettuce Wraps as a starter and for dessert, Sticky Rice with Mango. Also centrally located on Del Mar.
Probably the best sushi restaurant in San Clemente. It’s tiny and there’s often a long wait if you don’t have a reservation. But it’s worth it. My favorite is the Garlic Nine roll. Plan for it. You won’t regret it.
Don’t judge. It’s fast and affordable. And I get the Super Greens, which are fresh and super delicious, instead of rice or noodles. The teriyaki chicken is also good with minimal sauce.
This is a bodega that sells delicious street tacos to-go only (there’s no seating) made fresh at the deli counter in the back of the tienda. If you go on Tuesday or Friday, there’s likely going to be a line out the door for 99-cent tacos. We very highly recommend the BBQ tacos whenever they have them. The flan is also good and homemade, sold in the fridge section near the cashier.
The priciest Mexican food on this list, South of Nick’s serves delicious food in a pleasant setting. Dress up if you want and find a seat at the bar if you can. We save it for special occasions. Enjoy a well-crafted margarita. Skip the flan (unless you like cheesecake).
Last but not least: Korean BBQ that’s delicious. Maybe the best meal I’ve ever eaten out of a styrofoam container. Chicken teriyaki is on-point, a large portion served with rice and salad (my choice). The dressing is special. Pour some on your BBQ. Topped with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds. The other food is good too, but go for the BBQ. The service is outstanding.
Leave a Reply