The best restaurants in San Clemente
508 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
Browse another shelf: all of San Clemente’s best · Beauty · Shopping · Nightlife · Bakeries & Sweets · Entertainment · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Arts & Culture · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Cafes · Health & Wellness · Sporting Goods · Parks & Outdoors · Services · Pets
Pinned in San Clemente today
This spot is open today.
Two pinned places a day in San Clemente — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Barrio
RestaurantsRelaxed Italian eatery for housemade pasta dishes, meatballs and other dishes.
Barrio
RestaurantsCasa Bianca Pizza Pie
RestaurantsModest, popular place serving signature thin-crust pizzas, plus pastas & other Italian standards.
Casa Bianca Pizza Pie
RestaurantsSushi Zo Downtown Los Angeles
RestaurantsOmakase menu highlighting fresh, flown-in seafood from Japan & beyond served in a sleek restaurant.
Sushi Zo Downtown Los Angeles
RestaurantsWhata Lotta Pizza
RestaurantsLocal pizzeria chain serving classic & creative pies, plus wings, in a low-key setting.
Whata Lotta Pizza
RestaurantsMasa of Echo Park Bakery & Cafe
RestaurantsFamily-run pizzeria turns out Chicago-style, deep-dish pies with vegan options, plus bread pudding.
Masa of Echo Park Bakery & Cafe
RestaurantsCinco de Mayo Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual, family-style, clean eatery serving burritos, tacos, enchiladas and other Mexican staples.
Cinco de Mayo Restaurant
RestaurantsLas Villanas Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering Mexican eats such as menudo and chilaquiles, plus dessert and coffee.
Las Villanas Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Villa
RestaurantsModest Mexican-American eatery with classic plates, breakfast, burgers & ribs in diner surrounds.
La Villa
RestaurantsROL Hand Roll Bar - Irvine
RestaurantsCasual eatery for sushi and hand rolls served one at a time, along with beer and wine.
ROL Hand Roll Bar - Irvine
RestaurantsPizza Pirates
RestaurantsLocal pizzeria chain serving pies, plus wings & cheese bread, in a casual setting.
Pizza Pirates
RestaurantsDiPiazza's
RestaurantsCasual setting for live rock music, with a lunch & dinner menu that includes pizzas & burgers.
DiPiazza's
RestaurantsPuesto Park Place
RestaurantsFamily-owned option for tacos and other classic Mexican eats, plus margaritas, beer, and wine.
Puesto Park Place
RestaurantsSOL Mexican Cocina
RestaurantsStylish local Mexican chain serving mesquite-grilled steak & seafood dishes, plus margaritas.
SOL Mexican Cocina
RestaurantsPanxa Cocina
RestaurantsTrendy, warm bar/eatery offering seasonal Mexican fusion plates, top-shelf tequila & weekend brunch.
Panxa Cocina
RestaurantsLa Bufadora Baja Grill Mission Grove
RestaurantsRelaxed, quick-serve stop serving Baja-style Mexican grub such as fish tacos, ceviche & burritos.
La Bufadora Baja Grill Mission Grove
RestaurantsCasa Fina Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
RestaurantsWarm, bright eatery for classic Mexican cuisine such as homestyle fajitas, tacos & tequila drinks.
Casa Fina Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
RestaurantsGuisados
RestaurantsUnpretentious taco spot known for its braised meat & veggie stews atop handmade tortillas.
Guisados
RestaurantsThe lowkey poke joint
RestaurantsCheerful eatery specializing in custom poke bowls (Japanese-Hawaiian cuisine rolled in bamboo rice), plus sushi burritos.
The lowkey poke joint
RestaurantsEl Cholo
RestaurantsLocal Mexican chain serving classic dishes & margaritas in a traditional setting since the 1920s.
El Cholo
RestaurantsPizzeria Bianco
RestaurantsTrendy Italian eatery known for serving handcrafted wood-fired pizzas in rustic-chic quarters.
Pizzeria Bianco
RestaurantsRafael's Pizza (Rafael Kitchen + Pizza)
RestaurantsCreate-your-own pizzas come in several sizes at this basic take-out spot also dishing pasta & salad.
Rafael's Pizza (Rafael Kitchen + Pizza)
RestaurantsLa Torta Loca
RestaurantsTacos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican eats served in a casual, family-friendly restaurant.
La Torta Loca
RestaurantsPietro's Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsLong-standing outfit in a strip mall preparing pizza & other classic Italian dishes in relaxed digs.
Pietro's Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsCash-only Mexican eatery offers counter-serve Mexican fare & fountain sodas in a basic setting.
Tequila Jack's Restaurant & Cantina
RestaurantsRefined dining rooms serving Mexican fare & cocktails with harbor views & a waterfront deck.
Tequila Jack's Restaurant & Cantina
RestaurantsSecret Pizza
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve known for New York and New Jersey-style pies and vodka slices.
Secret Pizza
RestaurantsKura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsAn array of sushi & other Japanese dishes drifts past diners on a conveyor belt at this simple spot.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsCeci's Gastronomia
RestaurantsCute cafe, bakery and shop featuring made-to-order pasta, sandwiches and baked goods.
Ceci's Gastronomia
RestaurantsBrio Italian Grille
RestaurantsRelaxed Italian chain eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, plus wine & cocktails.
Brio Italian Grille
RestaurantsSUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
RestaurantsCelebrated local sushi chain serving traditional rolls & sake in a chic, intimate space.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
RestaurantsPizza Boy
RestaurantsPizzas by the slice or pie are served in a basic space along with sandwiches, salads, wings & more.
Pizza Boy
RestaurantsCasita Del Campo
RestaurantsLocal fixture since 1962 serves classic Mexican fare in colorful space with indoor or patio seating.
Casita Del Campo
RestaurantsMomi Sushi
RestaurantsSmall, family-run spot featuring fresh, traditional sushi rolls and noodle bowls.
Momi Sushi
RestaurantsMarcello's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsLocal Italian chain serving a menu of pizza, pasta & sandwiches in a low-key setting.
Marcello's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsPIZZANISTA! DTLA Arts District
RestaurantsNew York-style thin-crust pizza made with artisanal toppings in an edgy, rehabbed old building.
PIZZANISTA! DTLA Arts District
RestaurantsThe Italian Homemade Company (Long Beach)
RestaurantsCasual Italian eatery specializing in fresh pasta and sauces.
The Italian Homemade Company (Long Beach)
RestaurantsMama Roscoe's Pizzeria
RestaurantsRelaxed, clean eatery, specializing in pizza by the slice and featuring beer and wine.
Mama Roscoe's Pizzeria
RestaurantsKura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsAn array of sushi & other Japanese dishes drifts past diners on a conveyor belt at this simple spot.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsPizza Twist
RestaurantsFamily-run eatery specializing in pizzas and wings infused with Indian flavors like paneer and curry.
Pizza Twist
RestaurantsMario's Place
RestaurantsUpscale Northern Italian spot offering a classy patio-enhanced atmosphere & late-night weekend jazz.
Mario's Place
RestaurantsD'Caesaro Pizza & Italian
RestaurantsCozy, low-key Italian restaurant offering pizza, pasta, sandwiches & salads for dine-in or takeout.
D'Caesaro Pizza & Italian
RestaurantsGuelaguetza Restaurant
RestaurantsKid-friendly Mexican restaurant featuring Oaxacan fare and colorful decor.
Guelaguetza Restaurant
RestaurantsEnrique's Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsA big menu of all the classics pairs with a limited bar in a simple space lined with paintings.
Enrique's Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsEl Trigo Restaurant
RestaurantsUnassuming, family-run eatery offering homestyle Mexican food, including handmade tortillas.
El Trigo Restaurant
RestaurantsAzao sushi
RestaurantsCozy Japanese restaurant featuring a varied sushi menu alongside sashimi and salmon dishes.
Azao sushi
RestaurantsCasual, counter-service sushi restaurant in an airport business center supplying specialty rolls, sashimi, and entrees.
El Patroncito Mexican Cuisine
RestaurantsEasygoing outfit with traditional decor serving tacos, burritos & ceviche, plus other standards.
El Patroncito Mexican Cuisine
RestaurantsAmagi Sushi
RestaurantsSmall, relaxed sushi bar with a menu of classic rolls and other options like poke bowls and fried gyoza.
Amagi Sushi
RestaurantsEl Patrón Downtown Riverside
RestaurantsEnchiladas, quesadillas & other Mexican favorites presented in an enduring locale.
El Patrón Downtown Riverside
RestaurantsRivera's
RestaurantsLocal chain serving traditional Mexican dishes, beer & wine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Rivera's
RestaurantsMain Street Pizza & Cafe
RestaurantsFamily-friendly Italian eatery serving staples including pizza, pasta & sandwiches.
Main Street Pizza & Cafe
RestaurantsSushi Ok riverside
RestaurantsCasual eatery in a strip mall provides a wide array of sushi & classic Japanese entrees, plus sake.
Sushi Ok riverside
RestaurantsOOTORO LITTLE TOKYO
RestaurantsCasual sushi joint, also serving sake, that's popular for lunch specials, as well as for dinner.
OOTORO LITTLE TOKYO
RestaurantsRamiro's Cocina Mexicana
RestaurantsCasual Mexican restaurant serving classic favorites such as enchiladas and tamales for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Ramiro's Cocina Mexicana
RestaurantsHabanero | Mexican Grill
RestaurantsMexican cuisine & imported beer served in a narrow, relaxed space with a warm vibe.
Habanero | Mexican Grill
RestaurantsYume Japanese Restaurant Long Beach
RestaurantsJapanese fusion choice with a range of sushi rolls, teriyaki & drinks in vibrant surrounds.
Yume Japanese Restaurant Long Beach
RestaurantsLola's Mexican Cuisine-Bixby Knolls
RestaurantsMexican fare made with farm-fresh produce & organic meats served in upbeat digs with a cool bar.
Lola's Mexican Cuisine-Bixby Knolls
RestaurantsRiverCrust Deli
RestaurantsDeli known for sandwiches including a popular Philly cheesesteak, plus pizzas and salads.
RiverCrust Deli
RestaurantsLos Compadres
RestaurantsLocal chain of festive restaurants featuring an extended menu of south-of-the-border classics.
Los Compadres
RestaurantsHako
RestaurantsDeep-fried pork and seafood cutlets, plus noodles and sushi rolls.
Hako
RestaurantsSushi West
RestaurantsCasual Japanese cafe & sushi bar offering a long menu of rolls, donburi & curries, plus combo deals.
Sushi West
RestaurantsMariscos Chinola and Mexican Food Restaurant
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery featuring seafood dishes, tacos and ceviche, plus beers and cocktails.
Mariscos Chinola and Mexican Food Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Familia Street Tacos & More
RestaurantsAuthentic Mexican comfort food such as tacos, mulitas, and burritos served in a casual atmosphere.
La Familia Street Tacos & More
RestaurantsBruegger's Bagels
RestaurantsCafe/bakery chain preparing small-batch, New York-style bagels, plus breakfast & lunch sandwiches.
Bruegger's Bagels
RestaurantsOut of the Park Pizza
RestaurantsBuzzy, casual bar & grill offering pizzas & rotating menu of craft beers, plus TVs & pool tables.
Out of the Park Pizza
RestaurantsAntonio Pizza
RestaurantsInformal restaurant offering specialty pies, classic Italian pasta entrees & submarine sandwiches.
Antonio Pizza
RestaurantsOhana Sushi
RestaurantsThis Japanese restaurant serves sushi & nigiri alongside other fare like gyoza & tempura.
Ohana Sushi
RestaurantsPapa Joe's Pizza
RestaurantsFamily-owned pizza joint serving thin-crust pies, wings and sandwiches, with a beer selection. Arcade games and darts are on hand too.
Papa Joe's Pizza
RestaurantsPizzamania
RestaurantsTiny strip-mall spot offering basic pizza, salad & sandwich options, plus daily happy-hour specials.
Pizzamania
RestaurantsRossoblu
RestaurantsSteve Samson’s Bolognese-inspired menu, including handmade pastas and Italian wines.
Rossoblu
RestaurantsBaja Sonora Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsBright, casual Mexican cafe serving a lengthy menu including big burritos plus a salsa bar.
Baja Sonora Mexican Restaurant
RestaurantsMiches De La Baja
RestaurantsTacos, seafood, and other Mexican dishes served in a relaxed atmosphere with beers and cocktails.
Miches De La Baja
RestaurantsBacetti Trattoria
RestaurantsStylish restaurant offering classic & modern takes on Roman-inspired dishes, plus Italian wines.
Bacetti Trattoria
RestaurantsMamma Mia
RestaurantsCasual eatery specializing in pizza, pasta dishes and seafood entrees, plus beer and wine.
Mamma Mia
RestaurantsRamen Hub & Sushi - Long Beach
RestaurantsSimple counter-serve Japanese eatery with a variety of ramen & poke bowls, plus sushi rolls.
Ramen Hub & Sushi - Long Beach
RestaurantsGuisados
RestaurantsUnpretentious taco spot known for its braised meat & veggie stews atop handmade tortillas.
Guisados
RestaurantsViaje Restaurant
RestaurantsMexican, Oaxacan and Latin-food eatery featuring a selection of ceviches and mole dishes.
Viaje Restaurant
RestaurantsCalaca Mamas Cantina
RestaurantsCasual Mexican option for familiar dishes, cocktails, and margaritas, plus a churro cart.
Calaca Mamas Cantina
RestaurantsItalian Pizza Rosa
RestaurantsSnug, simple joint turning out pizzas with a variety of toppings, plus slices, pastas & subs.
Italian Pizza Rosa
RestaurantsSushi R91
RestaurantsSleek, contemporary Japanese option with a sushi bar, a full kitchen menu, fusion dishes & full bar.
Sushi R91
RestaurantsLola's Mexican Cuisine- 4th Street
RestaurantsFiestalike, bright digs for homey, family-recipe Mexican chow (tacos, flautas) plus sangria & beer.
Lola's Mexican Cuisine- 4th Street
RestaurantsCañadas Grill
RestaurantsInformal, family-owned destination for traditional Mexican fare & American standards.
Cañadas Grill
RestaurantsRubio's Coastal Grill
RestaurantsBeach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.
Rubio's Coastal Grill
RestaurantsPizza Parlor LB
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery for pizzas (including classics) and salads.
Pizza Parlor LB
RestaurantsAvila's El Ranchito
RestaurantsFamily-owned local restaurant chain offering homestyle Mexican dishes & drinks in a casual setting.
Avila's El Ranchito
RestaurantsLatte Da Ristorante
RestaurantsUncompromising approach to homemade Italian dishes served in a casual, comfortable setting.
Latte Da Ristorante
RestaurantsPizza Factory
RestaurantsOrder-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.
Pizza Factory
RestaurantsLos Compadres Restaurant
RestaurantsLocal chain of festive restaurants featuring an extended menu of south-of-the-border classics.
Los Compadres Restaurant
RestaurantsEXO Sushi
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving sushi rolls, sake, and wine, plus happy-hour specials.
EXO Sushi
RestaurantsMomo Sushi
RestaurantsPosh sushi eatery (including sashimi) that offers an omakase menu, as well as an à la carte offering.
Momo Sushi
RestaurantsL'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele Belmont Shore
RestaurantsCozy Italian eatery specializing in wood-fired pies and handmade pasta.
L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele Belmont Shore
RestaurantsSushi Times
RestaurantsJapanese dishes (sushi and sashimi included) are served at this casual eatery, along with ramen, tempura, curry and beer.
Sushi Times
RestaurantsCielito Lindo
RestaurantsCasual Mexican restaurant offering comfort food, late-night hours, and live music.
Cielito Lindo
RestaurantsIguana's Mexican Food
RestaurantsCasual restaurant featuring traditional Mexican fare such as burritos and tacos, plus breakfast tacos.
Iguana's Mexican Food
RestaurantsHawkins House of Burgers
RestaurantsPerennial place providing classic burgers & other American comfort foods in an easygoing atmosphere.
Hawkins House of Burgers
RestaurantsThe Trails Eatery
RestaurantsElevated diner fare & gluten-free brunches served in a sleek, modern space inside a strip mall.
The Trails Eatery
RestaurantsEl Cholo - The Original
RestaurantsLocal Mexican chain serving classic dishes and margaritas in a traditional setting since the 1920s.
El Cholo - The Original
RestaurantsCourage Bagels
RestaurantsSnug counter-serve bakery with sidewalk seats furnishing housemade bagels & sandwiches.
Courage Bagels
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsEinstein Bros. Bagels
RestaurantsChain for bagels and breakfast sandwiches as well as muffins, coffee and the like.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
RestaurantsBambinos Pizza Deli 3 (Federal Blvd)
RestaurantsLocal chain pizzeria offering pies, calzones & pasta plus American classics like chicken wings.
Bambinos Pizza Deli 3 (Federal Blvd)
RestaurantsBeach Sports Grill & Bar
RestaurantsSports bar serving American grill fare & drinks in an upbeat space with TVs, pool table & DJ nights.
Beach Sports Grill & Bar
RestaurantsCheba Hut "Toasted" Subs
RestaurantsLaid-back sandwich-shop chain for creative toasted subs, plus snacks & desserts.
Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs
RestaurantsTaco Nazo
RestaurantsCounter-serve eatery known for its fish tacos & other Baja-style Mexican food favorites.
Taco Nazo
RestaurantsRoad to Seoul Korean BBQ (Western)
RestaurantsDiners dig into all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ from sirloin to squid amid simple surroundings.
Road to Seoul Korean BBQ (Western)
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsFlavor Table
RestaurantsCasual restaurant specializing in breakfast and homestyle dishes such as shrimp and grits and salmon croquettes.
Flavor Table
RestaurantsEl Gallo Giro
RestaurantsBasic Mexican eatery, part of a local chain, serving homestyle fare & fruit drinks.
El Gallo Giro
RestaurantsBobo's Burgers
RestaurantsSimple counter-serve joint serving breakfasts, burritos & burgers, plus a range of shakes & sundaes.
Bobo's Burgers
RestaurantsDan Sung Sa
RestaurantsLate-night, old-school haunt offers Korean small plates, soju drinks & wooden walls to scribble on.
Dan Sung Sa
RestaurantsNORMS Restaurant
RestaurantsThis week, NORMS Restaurant nails the SoCal diner vibe with hand-cut steaks, fluffy hotcakes, and all-day breakfast made to order. Grab the…
NORMS Restaurant
RestaurantsLittle Beast Restaurant
RestaurantsLittle Beast Restaurant is serving seasonally inspired New American plates with lively craft cocktails and mocktails, plus a thoughtful…
Little Beast Restaurant
RestaurantsAll That Barbecue
RestaurantsWhen the meat mood hits, All That Barbecue brings 30+ grill-it-yourself proteins to the table, from filet mignon and brisket to beef belly…
All That Barbecue
RestaurantsThe Breakfast Bar
RestaurantsLong Beach’s Home for Brunch since 2002, The Breakfast Bar serves up family recipes with big-hearted hospitality that feels like your cool…
The Breakfast Bar
RestaurantsKoreana Grill
RestaurantsSometimes you just want straight-up tasty Korean BBQ without the scene. Koreana Grill in nearby Riverside keeps it simple with…
Koreana Grill
RestaurantsnFuse Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
RestaurantsnFuse Restaurant, Bar & Lounge gives California comfort a fresh twist with locally sourced ingredients, bold seasonal dishes, 28 taps of…
nFuse Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
RestaurantsMonarch Bay Beach Club
RestaurantsKeep it close to home with Monarch Bay Beach Club, where California coastline flavors meet laid-back luxury. Think ceviche tostadas, crab…
Monarch Bay Beach Club
RestaurantsGladstone's Long Beach
RestaurantsCraving a salty breeze with your shellfish fix? Gladstone's Long Beach pairs waterfront vibes with the good stuff like lobster rolls,…
Gladstone's Long Beach
RestaurantsVino e Cucina is an authentic trattoria turning out fresh, traditional Italian plates made daily, plus an outstanding wine list that…
Nothing matched that. Know a spot we’re missing? Tell us →
Showing the 120 most recent of 508. See what changed this month →
Listed here?
You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →
New spots land in the newsletter first
Free, every morning — this list is what we've already told San Clemente about.
One email a day. Unsubscribe anytime.