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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in San Clemente

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant
1. Buona Forchetta San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(294)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Clemente
Booked 29 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 The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
2. The Tea House on Los Rios
4.8
Exceptional(2842)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 58 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
3. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.7
Exceptional(2511)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 24 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 Coastal Kitchen restaurant
4. Coastal Kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(5045)
Price: Moderate
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 85 times today
Christina and Mike Grant, the owners of Coastal Kitchen, have created an experience that will delight and satisfy the most discerning guest. Fueled by their passion for food and a love of hospitality, the Grants have established Coastal Kitchen as the go-to spot in Dana Point. The menu is clean and fresh consisting of fish and steaks cut in house, great salads, freshly ground burgers and more. Coastal Kitchen has a full bar, patio with fire pits, and fresh coastal design. Our mission is to deliver a quality dining experience in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a consistency that will bring guests back again and again. We look forward to serving you.
A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant
5. Wind & Sea Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1875)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 16 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
6. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1508)
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
7. Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge
4.6
Exceptional(759)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 11 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 Luxe Restaurant and Bar restaurant
8. Luxe Restaurant and Bar
4.8
Exceptional(637)
Price: Moderate
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 8 times today
Luxe Restaurant and Bar is a true gem in the neighborhood. With its high-quality food, craft cocktails, and wonderful ambiance, it's a favorite among locals. One review even called it a 'great local gem'. The restaurant's offerings, including seafood, steaks, and Italian dishes, are praised for being on par with nearby competition. The addition of live piano music enhances the dining experience. The service is also highly rated, making Luxe a perfect choice for any occasion.
A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant
9. Jack's Restaurant/Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1104)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 13 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 Legends Seafood & Steakhouse restaurant
10. Legends Seafood & Steakhouse
4.5
Awesome(134)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 4 times today
Discover the epitome of culinary excellence at Legends Seafood & Steakhouse in Laguna Niguel, CA. Nestled in the heart of this coastal paradise, our restaurant offers a tantalizing fusion of succulent seafood and prime steaks. Our vibrant ambiance, impeccable service, and breathtaking views create an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a remarkable meal, Legends promises to elevate your senses and redefine fine dining. Join us and embark on a legendary culinary journey unlike any other.

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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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