Best Italian Restaurants in San Clemente

Price: Moderate (25)Price: Expensive (24)Price: Very Expensive (3)

11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pronto Cucina Italiana restaurant

1. Pronto Cucina Italiana

4.9

Exceptional(37)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Clemente

Booked 7 times today

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 Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant

2. Buona Forchetta San Clemente

4.7

Exceptional(171)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Clemente

Booked 42 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

3. Sylvester's Italian Chophouse

4.2

Awesome(33)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • San Clemente

Booked 10 times 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 501 Restaurant and Bar restaurant

4. 501 Restaurant and Bar

4.4

Awesome(7)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • San Clemente

Booked 2 times today

Nestled in the heart of San Clemente, 501 Restaurant and Bar is where locals come to savor the best of our coastal cuisine throughout the day. From indulgent breakfast classics to innovative lunch creations and elegant dinner dishes, each plate is thoughtfully crafted by Chef Aron and his team.Start your culinary journey with our renowned crab cakes or crispy fried brussels sprouts, perfect for sharing as you immerse yourself in the laid-back ambiance of San Clemente. Indulge in our tender boneless short ribs or our signature Scampi Bagatta, a delightful twist on a classic favorite, or opt for our fresh and flavorful Fish Tacos, a true taste of the coast. Our Shore Smash Burger is a must-try, perfectly paired with stunning views and the relaxed vibes of San Clemente living.We take pride in hosting and catering your special events, bringing the flavors of San Clemente to your celebrations, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or intimate gathering with frien

5. Truly Pizza

4.8

Exceptional(259)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 89 times today

Truly Pizza has garnered rave reviews for its outstanding Pizzeria cuisine. Patrons laud the quality of the food, particularly noting the perfect light and crisp pizza crust, satisfying customers' diverse tastes. Some of the favorites mentioned in the reviews include the Wedge Salad, Pesto Turkey Sandwich and Crispy Pepperoni Pizza. Guests particularly commend the unique and tasteful ambiance, with an elegant setting reminiscent of the beautiful Amalfi coast. The dedication of the staff is also recognized, praised for their attentiveness and informative nature regarding the menu. Overall, Truly Pizza not only provides a taste of Italy's rich culinary legacy but also elevates the traditional pizzeria experience. The combination of delightful food and the captivating atmosphere guarantee guests' recurring visits.

6. Stella's

4.3

Awesome(1264)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 4 times today

Stella’s is a highly appreciated Italian restaurant loved by its patrons for its exceptional cuisine and warm ambience. From their incredible seafood Cioppino and spaghetti Bolognese to the delightful crab cake appetizers and lobster ravioli, every dish clearly expresses the authentic flavors of Italy. The desserts, such as the spumoni and chocolate cake, further ensure a truly Italian dining experience. Customers consistently rave about the superior service, with one noting, “Service was outstanding. This was our first visit but it will definitely not be the last!” With live music adding to the authentic Italian charm, Stella’s culinary excellence, as reflected in its reviews, make it a standout choice for Italian cuisine.

A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant

7. Luciana's Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(3339)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 23 times today

Located in Dana Point, Luciana's Ristorante is a highly recommended destination for truly fine Italian dining. Testimonials from satisfied patrons praise everything from the broad and affordable menu to the quality of their meals. Combined with the setting—a cosy, quaint atmosphere with authentic Italian music playing, this gives Luciana's a unique charm. The restaurant is lauded for its excellent service, with servers providing a personable, attentive service and creating a warm, hometown feel. The food is described as being 'primo', delicious, and well-seasoned, with particular commendation for its pastas, ravioli, veal parmigiana, and seafood dishes such as Cioppino and swordfish. As one review exclaimed, Luciana's is a "feast of the gastronomical senses and is matched by its ambiance and service."

A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant

8. Jack's Restaurant/Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1017)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 11 times today

Located in Dana Point, Jack's Restaurant/Bar is widely acclaimed for its authentic Italian cuisine. An old school Italian restaurant, it specializes in an array of dishes, emphasizing seafood. Diners have shared favorable reviews on their expansive menu, specifically mentioning "Osso bucco, swordfish, and linguine," and the "incredible" crab cake special, as well as the "amazing" Orange Roughy. Embracing not just food but an experience, the attentive and friendly service heightens the overall dining pleasure. Profoundly recommended by the patrons for its "reliably good food", the excellence is further reflected in the delightful atmosphere and the gracious service. Jack's Restaurant/Bar is, ultimately, a testament to the glory of traditional Italian dining.

9. Ciao Pasta

4.7

Exceptional(1238)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 20 times today

Ciao Pasta, located in Orange County's San Juan Capistrano, is revered as one of the best Italian restaurants in the region. With a rich tapestry of reviews, it has earned a reputation for its authentic Italian cuisine that offers exquisite dishes including pizza, pasta, salad, fish, and meat. Its menu is loved for using fresh ingredients and serving consistently delicious food. Diners have loved the spaghetti Bolognese, Parmesan crusted halibut, and the salmon salad. Its authentic ambiance, complemented by a wonderful outdoor patio setting, friendly staff, and efficient service, adds to its charm. The restaurant is perfect for any occasion, ranging from a special dinner to a regular night out. The reasonably priced offerings are a plus for many. The wine list, featuring Italian wines, is also appreciated.

A photo of Luxe Restaurant and Bar restaurant

10. Luxe Restaurant and Bar

4.6

Exceptional(599)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 3 times today

Luxe Restaurant and Bar offers an exquisite American cuisine experience in Dana Point. Patrons have praised the eatery's fresh calamari, with many saying it's the best they've had in a long time. The sauces have received commendations for their delightful flavors, especially the marinar sauce made from fresh ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The drinks menu is equally impressive, with beautifully presented martinis and intoxicating rye whiskey Manhattans. Customers also praise the fantastic pasta dishes and the restaurant's ability to cater to dietary requirements, with garlic-free options available. A live pianist enhances a relaxed dining experience, contributing to the restaurant's well maintained, high-quality ambiance. Lastly, Luxe Restaurant and Bar's outstanding customer service is frequently mentioned as one of the key elements of its success.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.