Best Italian Restaurants in San Clemente

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant

1. Buona Forchetta San Clemente

4.8

Exceptional(260)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Clemente

Booked 52 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 501 Restaurant and Bar restaurant

2. 501 Restaurant and Bar

4.3

Awesome(9)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • San Clemente

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

3. Truly Pizza

4.8

Exceptional(379)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 107 times today

Nestled in the heart of Dana Point's Lantern District, Truly Pizza redefines Contemporary Italian cuisine with its artisanal approach to pizza-making. This neighborhood gem offers a "warm and lovely patio" dining experience, enhanced by the "best pizza in Orange County," as raved by diners. The quality of ingredients is evident in every bite, from the thin, crispy crust to the outstanding cheese and sauce. Guests are treated to a vibrant atmosphere complemented by a rooftop wine experience. The service is consistently praised as "friendly and efficient," ensuring each visit feels like a special occasion. Truly Pizza is a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional Contemporary Italian dining.

A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant

4. Luciana's Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(3420)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 51 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.

5. Stella's

4.5

Awesome(1286)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 9 times today

Stella's in Dana Point is a culinary treasure for seafood enthusiasts, offering a taste of the Mediterranean with an Italian twist. Diners rave about the "unbelievable" seafood dishes, like the Lobster Ravioli and Cioppino, which are praised for their perfect balance of flavors. The fresh, high-quality ingredients ensure each bite is a delightful experience reminiscent of dining by the Mediterranean Sea. Guests appreciate the attentive service and inviting atmosphere, with live saxophone music adding to the charm. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual night out, Stella's promises a seafood experience that will leave you craving more.

A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant

6. Jack's Restaurant/Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1079)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 22 times today

Jack's Restaurant/Bar in Dana Point is a gem for seafood lovers, offering a delightful variety of fresh and flavorful dishes. Renowned for its authentic Italian and seafood specialties, diners rave about the exquisite preparation and taste. One guest highlighted the "halibut which melted in our mouths," while another recommended the "sea bass" as a must-try. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with impeccable service, ensures a memorable dining experience. As one review puts it, Jack's is "consistently great in every aspect," making it a top choice for those seeking high-quality seafood in a cozy, family-friendly environment.

7. Ciao Pasta

4.8

Exceptional(1277)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 28 times today

Ciao Pasta, nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, offers a vegetarian and vegan experience that is both authentic and delightful. Celebrated for its rich flavors and commitment to quality, the restaurant's menu is a testament to the vibrant traditions of Southern Italy. Guests rave about the "amazing food" that is consistently "delicious and fresh," making Ciao Pasta a standout destination for plant-based dining. The restaurant's cozy, inviting atmosphere is perfect for enjoying their extensive array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all crafted with the finest ingredients. For those seeking a true taste of Italy, Ciao Pasta is a must-visit!

A photo of Luxe Restaurant and Bar restaurant

8. Luxe Restaurant and Bar

4.9

Exceptional(619)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 12 times today

Luxe Restaurant & Bar in Dana Point is a hidden gem renowned for its exceptional Italian cuisine. The menu boasts a delightful array of classic Italian dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring every bite is a culinary delight. Guests rave about the "outstanding meatballs" and the delectable house-made lobster ravioli, which a diner described as "absolutely amazing." The ambiance is enhanced by live music, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. With its attentive service and authentic flavors, Luxe offers a dining experience that effortlessly transports you to the heart of Italy, making it a must-visit for Italian food enthusiasts.

A photo of Casanova Ristorante restaurant

9. Casanova Ristorante

4.4

Awesome(22)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 5 times today

Casanova Ristorante, nestled in the heart of Dana Point's Monarch Beach, is a standout destination for seafood enthusiasts, offering a true taste of Venetian and North Italian culinary artistry. Known for its "outstanding" pesto pasta with scallops and "best vongole around," the restaurant consistently delivers top-tier, authentic seafood dishes that transport diners straight to the Italian coast. The ambiance complements the exquisite cuisine, with a classic trattoria feel that invites relaxation and enjoyment. Whether savoring calamari or indulging in shrimp arrabbiata, guests are treated to a memorable dining experience, making Casanova Ristorante a must-visit for seafood lovers.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Brandye
Orange County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Food and service were amazing as always. Great menu with plenty of choices.
More info
Ciao PastaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
M
mollyVIP
Portland / Oregon •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Always wonderful!! Great food! Good service! And love the severs!
More info
Buona Forchetta San ClementePrice: Moderate• Italian• San Clemente
•
4.8
MR
MollieR
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Such delicious pizza (we ordered 3 different kinds)! They were all so good! The design was really lovely, the service was great. We will definitely go again!
More info
Truly PizzaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
•
4.8
S
Stefan
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
You can’t beat Luciano’s for atmosphere, and when you can find a good Italian restaurant with veal parmigiana on the menu, you go for it! It’s what we might have called back in New Jersey “a classy joint!”
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Luciana's RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
•
4.6
V
VinceVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 Sept 2024
Fabulous food and very relaxing and peaceful sitting outside. Wonderful fire pit!!
More info
501 Restaurant and BarPrice: Expensive• American• San Clemente
•
4.3

Best Italian Restaurants in San Clemente

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Buona Forchetta San Clemente

2. 501 Restaurant and Bar

3. Truly Pizza

4. Luciana's Ristorante

5. Stella's

6. Jack's Restaurant/Bar

7. Ciao Pasta

8. Luxe Restaurant and Bar

9. Casanova Ristorante

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