Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County

Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in San Clemente

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

51 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Rare Society - San Clemente restaurant
1. Rare Society - San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(71)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • San Clemente
Booked 62 times today
Sink your teeth into Rare Society - a modern homage to the golden age of the American steakhouse. Chef and owner Brad Wise reimagines vintage upscale dining with a bold, contemporary edge: a wood-fired grill fueled by red oak, an in-house dry-aging program, sustainably sourced seafood, and a progressive cocktail menu that nods to the classics while pushing boundaries. The space hums with energy - smoke curling from the grill, the scent of fire and flavor wafting through the air. It’s easy to picture a Rat Pack-era dinner party in full swing: elegant, indulgent, just a little unruly. Rare Society doesn’t just pay tribute to steakhouse tradition - it revives it, reinvents it, and serves it with just a little bit of swagger.
A photo of South of Nick's - San Clemente restaurant
2. South of Nick's - San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(2066)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Clemente
Booked 60 times today
An essential stop in Orange County for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking. Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.
A photo of Nick's - San Clemente restaurant
3. Nick's - San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(3208)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Clemente
Booked 79 times today
Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our intimate restaurant features a chic island bar, walls of glass and a spacious covered patio, perfect for people watching. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.
A photo of Parlor, Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant
4. Parlor, Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails
4.7
Exceptional(252)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Clemente
Booked 19 times today
Parlor is the gathering place to welcome and entertain our community. A comfortable setting to enjoy amazing food and share your favorite drink. This is our version of Pizza Americana. The kitchen uses local almond and white oak to fire and finish our dishes. All of the pizzas, pastas, salads and signature plates are made from scratch, starting with fresh, local, high quality ingredients prepared daily. The sauce is made with hand crushed tomatoes grown in California. We use only the finest cheese and our sourdough is cold fermented with a starter over 30 years old. We look forward to serving you!
A photo of Vine Restaurant & Bar restaurant
5. Vine Restaurant & Bar
4.9
Exceptional(3174)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Clemente
Booked 41 times today
Welcome to Vine Restaurant and Bar located in San Clemente. Our menu features seasonal ingredients of the highest quality and are prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include exceptional meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections. We have over 25 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers, and a full bar featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails.
A photo of Brussels Bistro - San Clemente restaurant
6. Brussels Bistro - San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(746)
Price: Moderate
• Belgian • San Clemente
Booked 15 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 Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Clemente restaurant
7. Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(164)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • San Clemente
Booked 7 times today
Located in the heart of San Clemente, the Rancho Capistrano Winery location exudes a captivating charm that seamlessly blends with the coastal beauty of the surroundings. The architecture, adorned with rustic elegance, creates an inviting atmosphere for wine enthusiasts and visitors alike. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, and Winner of San Clemente Best of awards in the wine category, the San Clemente location at Rancho Capistrano Winery invites guests to savor fine wines, enjoy exquisite cuisine, while immersed in the coastal beauty of Southern California.
A photo of Drift Distillery and Smokehouse restaurant
8. Drift Distillery and Smokehouse
4.6
Exceptional(38)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • San Clemente
Booked 15 times today
We are an award winning craft distillery and bbq smokehouse located in the heart of San Clemente.All of our spirits are handcrafted here in San Clemente with grain from our parents' farm in Kansas, making us a true grain to bottle distillery. We are also proud to serve KC style inspired bbq with a SoCal twist.
A photo of Fig 313 restaurant
9. Fig 313
4.7
Exceptional(891)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • San Clemente
Booked 8 times today
Built in 1927, Fig313 stands today as an original historical landmark of San Clemente, with a history that is meant to be shared with its seaside community. Carefully constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, distinctive design features include red-tile roofs, white stucco walls, hand-crafted windows and arches, painted tiles, and open-air courtyards.Originally owned for the first 33 years by John and Jeanette Riley, 313 El Camino Real was renowned as Riley’s Waffle and Coffee Shop. Legend has it that actor John Wayne frequented the restaurant for a hearty American breakfast along with many travelers from all over the world. From 1960 on, Riley’s Café would change ownership many times, evolving into a furniture store, French restaurant, tequila company, and catering business. In 2012, the current owners purchased the property and began renovations and restoration, while staying true to the integrity of the original style.
A photo of Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant
10. Buona Forchetta San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(343)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Clemente
Booked 31 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 in San Clemente (plus a recent seventh in Newport Beach). 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo