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Best Authentic Restaurants in San Clemente

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Gema restaurant
1. Gema
4.3
Awesome(241)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • San Clemente
Booked 3 times today
With a moody Mexico City vibe & modern dining room, Gema has an intimate neighborhood feel & buzzy bar scene. Our scratch-made kitchen highlights the finest Mexican ingredients & the countries staples of corn, chiles & regional cheeses .Our craft cocktail program changes with the season & features house-made syrups & fresh daily juiced citrus. Our bar hosts over 100 bottles of Mexico's finest small batch Mezcals which can be enjoyed in a flight or purchased by bottle and housed for your convenience inour Mezcal Liabrary. Our wines are brought in from Valle de Guadaulape and offer an amazing taste into the emerging Baja wine region. Gema celebrates the vast & sophisticated cuisine of Mexico, its people & its culture. We are proud to serve authentic Mexican cuisine that moves beyond the stereotypical bean and rice culture often associatedwith Mexican eateries. We hope you join us at Gema to experience the true palate of Mexican dining.
A photo of Pronto Cucina Italiana restaurant
2. Pronto Cucina Italiana
4.9
Exceptional(47)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Clemente
Indulge in our authentic Italian cuisine and experience the taste of Italy right here in San Clemente, CA on the famous Avenida Del Mar. Our family, originally from Sicily, has been proudly owning and operating Pronto Cucina Italiana since April 2021, bringing you the finest dishes made with imported Italian ingredients and locally sourced produce. Specializing in pasta and pizza, from different regions in Italy. Menu and wine list curated by Ole award-winning Chef Adriano Piazza.
A photo of Brussels Bistro - San Clemente restaurant
3. Brussels Bistro - San Clemente
4.7
Exceptional(676)
Price: Moderate
• Belgian • San Clemente
Booked 7 times today
Since 2004, Brussels Bistro has brought the best of Belgium's flavors to Southern California.Brussels, Capital of Belgium, is also the Capital of Europe. Brussels Bistro restaurants, Chef Thomas Crijns (From the prestigious Namur Hotel School) and his teams offer a unique and authentic experience of the Belgian and French cuisine in the Heart of southern California. Come travel with us, enjoy and taste the Brussels Bistro Experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere in both Laguna Beach and San Clemente. Come enjoy our Special Mussels & Belgian Fries, the Chef's Boeuf Bourguignon, our Famous Pork Shank, amongst other unique Belgian and French Selections.
A photo of Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant
4. Buona Forchetta San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(232)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Clemente
Booked 44 times today
Experience a piece of the Buona Forchetta San Diego heritage through authentic Italian recipes that have been handed down through generations. Today, there are five locations around San Diego, with our sixth opening this month in San Clemente, CA. Buona Forchetta’s Italian wood-fired pizzas—with the perfectly soft-yet-crispy crusts—continue to garner awards including San Diego Magazine Best Pizza 2023 Critic’s Choice, Gambero Rosso Best Pizzeria, Gayot Best Italian Restaurant San Diego, OpenTable Diner’s Choice and more. Our handmade pasta dishes bursting with rich flavors, fresh seafood specialities and decadent desserts will all leave you craving more. All Buona Forchetta locations also offer gluten-free Italian options and rotating specials.
A photo of Sylvester's Italian Chophouse restaurant
5. Sylvester's Italian Chophouse
4.3
Awesome(51)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Clemente
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to Sylvester’s Italian Chophouse. Located near the water in a beautiful 1932 historic building in the seaside community of San Clemente California. We share a culinary interest, respect and appreciation for traditional Italian and French foods. The goal of keeping it simple with good breads, pizza, pasta and a variety of steaks, all paired with outstanding wines. Our kitchen is comprised of a team that has cooked at top restaurants around the world. With experience in both fine and casual dining, we landed in the middle, on what San Clemente does best, “causally sophisticated”. We are so happy to have you and your family with us!
A photo of KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
6. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
Exceptional(157)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 15 times today
Join Chef Sanjay’s culinary journey from New Delhi to Dana Point and enjoy a contemporary approach to Indian regional specialties that places creative artistry, quality of ingredients, and respect for authentic flavors and ingredients at the forefront of cooking. KAHANI, which means "story" in Hindi, is open from Tuesday through Saturday; 5-9 p.m.
A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
7. El Adobe de Capistrano
4.7
Exceptional(1031)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 24 times today
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.
A photo of Ciao Pasta restaurant
8. Ciao Pasta
4.8
Exceptional(1260)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 7 times today
Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!
A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
9. Luciana's Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(3386)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 34 times today
Located in a historical home in the resort town of Dana Point, California, Luciana's Ristorante has been serving the Orange County community for over 40 years. The decor is reminiscent of a cozy European-style inn, establishing it as one of Orange County's most romantic restaurants. Awarded the Southern California Restaurant Writers gold medal since 1996, three stars from the California Restaurant Writers, Zagat's Survey "America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants 2008" and an Award of Excellence for its wine list, Luciana's has been setting the standard for classic as well as innovative Italian cuisine. Whether visiting our cozy restaurant or our Bed and Breakfast and Cooking School in Tuscany, Italy, you are sure to experience the best and freshest combination of the old and new worlds.
A photo of Tastes of Greece restaurant
10. Tastes of Greece
4.8
Exceptional(405)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Our family-friendly yet intimate and quaint European style restaurant offers an array of freshly prepared creative and traditional Greek delicacies can be tasted only if one were to visit Greece.A place to dine and experience true Greek hospitality, come in to enjoy an out of the ordinary getaway.The cuisine is so vast; it can satisfy almost any palate or diet including low carb, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available at all times. The family recipes we prepare always begin with fresh products purchased daily from local vendors and Greek distributors in order to create the authentic flavors enjoyed only in a Greek home.Join us for a memorable experience!Yia mas!

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