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Brussels Bistro - San Clemente, San Clemente, CA

Brussels Bistro - San Clemente

4.8 (749)
$30 and under
Belgian
218 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Belgian, Bistro, French
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Thomas Crijns
  • Catering
    We would be pleased to cater your event. Please send us an email at info@brusselsbistro.com or call us at (949)376-7955 for Laguna Beach and (949)218-8489 for San Clemente<br /><br />Merci<br />
  • Private party facilities
    Brussels Bistro offers a warm and inviting place to host your private or semi- private events from 15 up to 70 guests. If you are looking to have a Corporate Event, Holiday Event, Rehearsal Event, Birthday Event or simply enjoy a special and authentic dinning experience, we are here for you. https://www.brusselsbistro.com/specialevents for details.
  • Neighborhood
    San Clemente
  • Parking details
    Private parking for our guests situated at the back of the restaurant. Get into the parking lot on Avenida Cabrillo.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Every Tuesday: All You Can Eat Moules-Frites!

    $39.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Every Tuesday, in addition to our menu, we have All You Can Eat Moules-Frites (Mussels, Belgian Fries, French Baguette) at both Laguna Beach & San Clemente. Not sure which Mussels to choose from? Have been wanting to try and compare multiple ones? This is the perfect time to do so! See you Tuesday!
    Every Tuesday: All You Can Eat Moules-Frites! Photo

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What 749 people are saying

Brussels Bistro - San Clemente reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Brussels Bistro in San Clemente offers a delightful European dining experience with "amazing service" and "delicious food." Known for its mussels, fries, and brussels sprouts, the bistro creates a lively atmosphere perfect for celebrations. Guests consistently praise the "attentive staff" and "inviting atmosphere," making it a must-visit spot.
749 Reviews
  1. Elizabeth

    Orange County19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lively restaurant with amazing service and food. The tallow fries, brussel sprouts, mussels, and everything else were absolutely delicious! Great place to celebrate a birthday, as everyone in the entire restaurant will celebrate with you!
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on June 23, 2025
    Merci Elizabeth! We're so happy to hear you had a wonderful celebration with us. A la prochaine fois! The Brussels Bistro Team

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  2. Cynthia VIP

    Los Angeles27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We go to Brussels Bistro as often as possible, or whenever we’re in San Clemente on the weekend or during the week in the evening. It is the best place in Orange County to get mussels and fries or moules et frites, plus Brussel sprouts. Plus, you can get a great baguette to go with it. My husband had the mussels, I had a quinoa salad and we split a baguette. Sarah our server was very attentive as was her helper. The restaurant was full, but not overly noisy. We had a lovely time as usual. I should note that the large front window is open and so you get all kinds of lovely fresh air while you’re dining without being outside.
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on June 23, 2025
    Merci beaucoup Cynthia! We're delighted you and your husband enjoyed your visit, especially the Moules Frites and baguette. Sarah will be happy to hear your kind words. A tres bientot a San Clemente! The Brussels Bistro Team

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  3. Deborah

    San Diego50 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A salute to the European bistro style, Brussels Bistro presents a warm, open atmosphere with its wood interior and windows open to the sidewalk. The menu fulfills that "vibe" with European flair. Our Prawns with lemon/garlic/butter sauce - delicious. Trout Almandine with stuffed with spinach - wonderful. The beet salad with greens and carrots and light dressing- excellent. Service staff are friendly and helpful. A+ all around.
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on June 20, 2025
    Merci beaucoup for your lovely review Deborah! We're thrilled you enjoyed the ambiance, cuisine, and service. Hope to welcome you back soon for another delicious experience! Warmly, The Brussels Bistro Team

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  4. Lance

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always excellent!! Burgers are awesome. Mussels and fresh baked baguette is tops!
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded 1 day ago
    Merci beaucoup Lance! We're thrilled you enjoyed the burgers, mussels, and fresh baguette! A tres bientot pour d'autres specialites de la maison. Brussels Bistro Team

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  5. Linda VIP

    Orange County56 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We decided last minute to go to a late lunch on Father’s Day. Brussels had open reservations so we booked a table for 3 at 2:30. We’ve always enjoyed their food and drinks and had not been there in a while. Got a seat by the front window. Perfect. Waters delivered and drinks ordered. We ordered mussels, the chicken sandwich and the kale and goat cheese salad. Everything was delicious. The sandwich and the mussels come with their fries. Ordered some garlic aioli to dip. Heaven. Service was great. Walked around downtown afterwards. Perfect sunny day and perfect afternoon.
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on June 17, 2025
    Bonjour Linda! Merci for celebrating Father's Day with us! We're so glad you enjoyed the food, service, and sunny afternoon by the window. A bientot!

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  6. David VIP

    Phoenix / Arizona285 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great choice for a great menu and service‼️ Everything is incredibly good! Best kept secret in town!
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on June 12, 2025
    Merci infiniment David! We're so happy to be your go-to-spot! A tres bientot!

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  7. Karen VIP

    Orange County51 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband said that the last time he had escargot this good was in Europe. Not into mussels or escargot? II’s okay lots of great choices on the menu. Very good!
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on June 8, 2025
    Merci Karen! That's quite the compliment! A bientot!

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  8. Jackie

    Toronto / Ontario2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Pricing for adding bacon and tiny bottles of soda was a little over the top.
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on June 8, 2025
    Merci Jackie for the feedback and your visit!

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  9. Lisa

    Orange County4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great staff! Delicious crab cakes! Enjoyed the food!
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on June 1, 2025
    Merci Lisa! We're so glad you loved the crab cakes and our team. A bientot pour une autre belle experience chez nous! Brussels Bistro Team

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  10. Danielle

    Las Vegas6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 25, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    This cozy little restaurant in San Clemente may be small, but it's clearly popular—and for good reason. It was packed when we arrived, but thankfully we had reservations and were seated right away. We were given a table by the window, which brought in natural light and helped the tight space feel more open and inviting. Our waitress quickly took our drink order. I had the Zen and Tonic ($16), which was perfectly balanced—clean, refreshing, and not overly botanical. My husband got the Strawberry Margarita, which had great flavor and wasn’t too sweet, which we both appreciated. For a starter, we shared the Belgium Fries ($9) with an assortment of dipping sauces ($1 extra). They arrived piping hot and crispy. We loved the garlic sauce most, with the truffle sauce coming in a close second For the main course, I chose the Boeuf Bourguignon ($34) with Gratin Dauphinois. It was outstanding. The beef was incredibly tender—falling apart with just a touch of the fork—and the vegetables in the stew were perfectly cooked not mushy at all. My only regret was choosing the gratin as the side; while good, I found myself wishing for mashed potatoes or even fettuccine Alfredo to better soak up sauce. My husband went with the Lasagna, which came with a heads-up from our waitress that it wasn’t traditional. The menu notes it includes ham and Gruyère cheese, and while it was flavorful, the combination made it a bit on the salty side. It was “good, not great”. Overall, despite a few minor preferences, this restaurant absolutely delivered on quality, service, and atmosphere. I’d happily make this a regular stop anytime we’re in San Clemente
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on June 20, 2025
    Merci beaucoup Danielle for your thoughtful and detailed review. We're so glad you enjoyed the cuisine and the cozy ambiance. Your feedback is truly appreciated and help us keep improving. We hope to welcome you again tres bientot in San Clemente! The Brussels Bistro Team

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FAQs

Brussels Bistro - San Clemente offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 218-8489.

Brussels Bistro - San Clemente is rated 4.8 stars by 749 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. South Orange County
  5. San Clemente

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Brussels Bistro - San Clemente

218 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    San Clemente
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Belgian, Bistro, French
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Private parking for our guests situated at the back of the restaurant. Get into the parking lot on Avenida Cabrillo.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Thomas Crijns
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    We would be pleased to cater your event. Please send us an email at info@brusselsbistro.com or call us at (949)376-7955 for Laguna Beach and (949)218-8489 for San Clemente<br /><br />Merci<br />
  • Private party facilities
    Brussels Bistro offers a warm and inviting place to host your private or semi- private events from 15 up to 70 guests. If you are looking to have a Corporate Event, Holiday Event, Rehearsal Event, Birthday Event or simply enjoy a special and authentic dinning experience, we are here for you. https://www.brusselsbistro.com/specialevents for details.
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