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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Clemente

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19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant
1. Buona Forchetta San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(233)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Clemente
Booked 35 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 The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
2. The Tea House on Los Rios
4.8
Exceptional(2666)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 29 times today
Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County's premier high tea experience. Known for our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us for an unforgettable experience on Historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. Take the train and making a day of it!
A photo of Coastal Kitchen restaurant
3. Coastal Kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(4846)
Price: Moderate
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 84 times today
Christina and Mike Grant, the owners of Coastal Kitchen, have created an experience that will delight and satisfy the most discerning guest. Fueled by their passion for food and a love of hospitality, the Grants have established Coastal Kitchen as the go-to spot in Dana Point. The menu is clean and fresh consisting of fish and steaks cut in house, great salads, freshly ground burgers and more. Coastal Kitchen has a full bar, patio with fire pits, and fresh coastal design. Our mission is to deliver a quality dining experience in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a consistency that will bring guests back again and again. We look forward to serving you.
A photo of RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
4. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.7
Exceptional(2431)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 28 times today
RAYA, a restaurant concept by Richard Sandoval, showcases Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats, and Chef Sandoval’s signature Latin flavors.
A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant
5. Wind & Sea Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1830)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 31 times today
The Wind & Sea Restaurant is located on the water in the Dana Point Harbor. With water on three sides, every table has a spectacular view. We serve fresh fish selections daily as well as Lobster tail, shrimp, steaks, and vegetarian dishes.Monday through Friday (not available Holidays and Special occasions) we have Hawaiian Happy Hour from 4:00 to 7:00 featuring our world famous Mai Tai's as well as draft beer, wine and food specials. Big screen TV's, keep the lounge exciting at all times. The waterfront open-air patio serves the full menu and is heated at night, perfect for an order of nachos and a margarita or a full dinner under the stars. Private banquet facilities accommodate 20 to 75.
A photo of Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano restaurant
6. Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano
4.7
Exceptional(325)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 18 times today
Voted 2024 San Juan Capistrano Business of the Year!Winner of multiple Best of San Juan Awards including best restaurant, best dinner, best lunch, best ambiance, best wine and many more. Rancho Capistrano Winery has become the must go destination for locals and visitors alike. In addition to producing over 40 different wines from the finest grape growing regions in the West, we are known for our award-winning signature dishes that blend perfectly with our wines. Our grapes are sourced from different premier wine regions, including Paso Robles, Lodi, Northern California and Washington. Rancho Capistrano Winery has proudly grown to be the largest winery in Orange County,
A photo of CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point restaurant
7. CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point
4.6
Exceptional(1475)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 25 times today
At Craft House Restaurant we focus on serving the freshest local ingredients to our guests. From working with local fishermen in the Dana Point Harbor to sourcing ingredients from the local farmer's markets. At Craft House we pride ourselves on having one of the best American whiskey selection in South Orange County. From you daily drinking whiskey to the one's you've spend your life trying to taste (all of the Pappy van Winkle collection).
A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
8. Luciana's Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(3389)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 41 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 Tavern at the Mission restaurant
9. Tavern at the Mission
4.7
Exceptional(501)
Price: Expensive
• American • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 22 times today
Renowned Orange County restaurateur David Wilhelm, along with longtime partner Gregg Solomon, purchased this iconic location in the heart of charming downtown San Juan Capistrano overlooking the Jewel of the California missions. The menu features many of his signature classic comfort foods such as his Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, French 75's Onion Soup, and Whiskey Shrimp Dijon, featured at his Tavern House Kitchen+Bar in Newport Beach. Chef Wilhelm is a longtime South County resident, well known for the many concepts he has created over the years including Kachina, Sorrento Grille, French 75, Savannah Chophouse and Jimmy's Famous American Tavern. Tavern at the Mission has a large, tree covered, pet friendly patio with beautiful mission views. The interiors have been beautifully renovated with a chandelier lit dining room and a warm central fireplace. Our' Tumbleweed Bar' is designed as an homage to San Juan Capistrano's Equestrian and Vaqueros history.
A photo of Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant restaurant
10. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1458)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 26 times today
OPEN FOR DINING INDOORS AND ON OUR WATERFRONT OUTDOOR PATIO Join us dockside for dining with sweeping Harbor views; for a weekend breakfast, or lunch/dinner daily... in the evenings we have patio heaters to keep you warm!Harpoon Henrys Seafood Restaurant is proud to offer a spectacular waterfront view, fresh seafood, and the latest in California Beach Cuisine. We offer our guests harbor views from our dining room and our outdoor waterfront patio. For 46 years, we have provided the best in service, ambiance, and cuisine. We have been winners of awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association”, a finalist for Dining Excellence from both the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the County of Orange, and our wine list has been awarded a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence.”

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ellivip
    California Central Coast •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This restaurant never disappoints and now with the Christmas lights and tree and decorations it is enchanting. We took our 2 neighbors who had never been and they were overwhelmed. The food was great and the wine although a bit overpriced was delicious. Really a beautiful start to our Christmas season!
    More info
    Farmhouse at Rogers GardensPrice: Expensive• American• Corona del Mar
    •
    4.8
  • Gail
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Coastal kitchen never disappoints - I prefer clean, healthy protein heavy dishes and there are so many amazing choices for me there! Their fish is delicious, filet is the best and shrimp cocktail is like eating baby lobsters!! We love it and it’s always the go-to…service amazing too!
    More info
    Coastal KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Miami - Dade •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Buona Forchetta is by far the best restaurant in all San Clemente area! Classic, perfectly cooked real Italian pasta, pizza and antipasti. The staff is warm , happy and very welcoming =) We eat there at least once a week, reservations recommended because good food + reasonable price + cute atmosphere = always full!
    More info
    Buona Forchetta San ClementePrice: Moderate• Italian• San Clemente
    •
    4.8
  • Alice
    Orange County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We are all pleasantly surprised that the Beachcomber wasn’t just beach food.. The cocktails were yummly and the food was delicious. We had the ahi nachos, lobster rolls & artichoke as appetizers. Main dishes included cioppino, short rib, ahi over zucchini spaghetti and shrimp linguine. The best was their dessert.. The brownie that had a huge toasted marshmallow on top.. So good and the beignets we also tasty. Potions for all foods were healthy. We will return during the day to enjoy the scenery.. Hearing the waves were just as great and relaxing.
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    Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal CovePrice: Moderate• Californian• Newport Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Christine
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We were seated in the “music room” which was decorated with some Baroque music instruments, quite lovely. My sister and I each ordered the set tea, it came with the infamous currant heart shaped scone, finger sandwiches, (egg salad, cucumber, caramelised onion tart, salmon mousse and something tastes like curry), dessert and your choice of tea selection. Mine came with the tomato bisque which was ordinary, it could be a tad bit creamier. The price for my tea set was $48.00. We always enjoyed our visit at The Tea House, but if I were asked what will be the best thing on the list then my answer would be “you must try the currant scone which comes with their crème fraîche and homemade preserves .” We always ordered a few to go!
    More info
    The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
    •
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in San Clemente

San Clemente, located in South Orange County, is home to a delightful array of "neighborhood gem" restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. These establishments are renowned for their intimate ambiance and exceptional dining experiences, which make them stand out in the local culinary scene. Each restaurant offers unique menus that often highlight local ingredients and showcase innovative culinary techniques. The dining scene in San Clemente is characterized by its casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, appealing to both locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal. These restaurants not only provide excellent food and service but also contribute to the community's charm and appeal. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a vibrant setting for a family gathering, San Clemente's neighborhood gems offer something special for every occasion. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes them must-visit destinations for anyone exploring the culinary delights of South Orange County.

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