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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Clemente

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12 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Nick's - San Clemente restaurant
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 South of Nick's - San Clemente restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2066)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Clemente
Booked 61 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 Vine Restaurant & Bar restaurant
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 The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3019)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 48 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 RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2568)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 32 times today
RAYA, a restaurant concept by Chef Richard Sandoval, showcases Pan-Latin coastal cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats, and signature Latin flavors.
A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1898)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 47 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 Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1533)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 12 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.”
A photo of Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(773)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 9 times today
Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a modern speakeasy with the allure of old Hollywood, offering a menu of east coast classics with west coast flavor and finesse. This chef driven, husband and wife owned restaurant provides a comfortable neighborhood dining experience. Scarlet offers local, quality ingredients carefully curated to meet every diners desires. Scarlet is a place for everyone to enjoy a date night or just a quick bite at the bar. Scarlet introduces a new menu every season courtesy of Chef-Owner Paige Riordan and Chef de Cuisine Daniel Martinez. Enjoy a taste of the season from Scarlet’s dining room or heated canyon-view patio and. Scarlet elevates the plate with a new menu of dishes brimming with bold, finessed flavor highlighting peak-of-season ingredients, humanely raised prime meats, and sustainable seafood, reflective of Riordan’s East Coast roots.
A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1141)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 17 times today
Jack's Restaurant/Bar is a true neighborhood gem, loved by locals and visitors alike. It's praised for its warm and friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian & Seafood Specialties, Vegan & Gluten-Free Menus, and has a full bar. One reviewer called it a 'neighborhood hang out' and another noted it's a 'great place to escape to and have a dining experience'. It's the perfect place for a casual night out or a special celebration.
A photo of Stella's restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1313)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 8 times today
Stella's is the embodiment of serious Italian cuisine - original recipes and techniques alongside the freshest organic products, housemade cheeses, and carefully selected Italian flavors. Stella's is the perfect place for friends and family to gather - be it at the bar with a chilled martini, an appetizer in the lounge, or dining alfresco while tasting your way through the wine list and menu. Whatever your pleasure or mood, Stella's can make it happen!

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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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