San Clemente’s Top 5 Must-Try Restaurants

5 Must Try Restaurants

San Clemente is a coastal paradise in Orange County, Ca offering a great selection of local and international cuisine.

These restaurants are personal favorites of The Ulnick Group. After working up an appetite showing property, you can find us dining with clients and friends at one of these must-try restaurants.

Whether you’re visiting San Clemente, or lucky enough to be a local, stop in at one of these 5 mouth-watering restaurants. You won’t regret it.

 

The Vine

Californian-Mediterranean Cuisine

The Vine offers a Wine Country fine dining experience influenced by Napa Valley. Their menu provides a creative selection of beautifully crafted dishes and fine wines. Everything on the menu is prepared from scratch daily using exceptionally fresh and locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Their menu features meats, flavorful seafood, and a variety of fresh gourmet salads handpicked from their garden. Start with one of their noteworthy starters, like the crispy Meyer lemon honey duck wings, lump crab, and roasted heirloom beets, or their delicious house-made English pea and spring garlic ravioli. There truly is something for everyone. The Vine is known for their carefully curated wine list of more than 100 worldwide wine selections, 25 of which are available by the glass. They also offer artisan craft beers and fresh signature craft cocktails.

The has both indoor and outdoor seating, including a beautiful Dining Room with an Open Kitchen, a Wine BarOutdoor Patio, and a Semi-Private Dining table in their Wine Room. With such a wonderful dining experience, it’s no wonder The Vine has been featured in dozens on local magazines and won the 2015 Diners Choice Award.

 

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211 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672

949.361.2079

Mon: 5:30PM-9:30PM
Tues-Thurs: 5:30PM-10PM
Fri-Sat: 5PM-11PM
Sun: 5PM-9:30PM

 

South of Nicks

Mexican Fare

South of Nicks offers traditional Mexican fare with a twist. The gorgeous surroundings and mouthwatering smells immediately draw you in. Choose from an extensive menu of traditional options and creative selections made with the highest quality ingredients. Try a combination plate, or opt for one of their house specialties like the delicious filet mignon ranchero or seafood enchiladas. Stop in on a Sunday morning for their must-try weekend brunch! They also offer an extensive list of margaritas, specialty cocktails, sipping tequilas, wine, and Mexican beer of tap! Known for their top notch standards of hospitality, Nicks promises a memorable and delicious dining experience. Dining at South of Nick’s is more than just delicious Mexican food.

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110 North El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672

949.481.4545

Open 7 Days a Week
Mon-Thurs: 11AM-10PM
Fri-Sat: 11AM-11PM
Sun: 10AM-10PM

 

The Cellar

American Eatery and Wine Bar

Wine, microbrews, music, incredible food. Do we need to say more? Featured in dozens of magazines for their exquisite cuisine, live music, cheese shop, and wine war. The Cellar is a lively restaurant in the heart of San Clemente open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu offers delicious starters, traditional breakfast options, sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, and various steak, seafood, and chicken entrees. Come enjoy live music Tuesday-Sunday every week. Be sure to visit their music calendar to see who is playing each evening. Relax by the grand piano for dinner and enjoy some tunes, or have a drink at the wine bar and try one of their cheese board selections. In addition to their delectable cuisine, they also have a cheese shop storefront that offers a variety of high-quality cheeses, artisan honey, and accouterments. Whether you come for brunch, drinks, and appetizers, or dinner and live music, you will definitely be back again and again.

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156 Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente, CA 92672

Tues-Thurs & Sun: 7AM–11PM
Fri & Sat: 7AM–1AM

 

Cafe Mimosa

Brunch & Classic French Bistro

Cafe Mimosa is a charming family-owned restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Since opening its doors in 2008, Cafe Mimosa has earned a reputation as one of the best brunch spots in San Clemente. Their menu offers scrumptious breakfast options like the croissant French toast, smoked salmon tartines, chorizo scramble, a variety of delicious eggs benedict choices, and so much more. Don’t forget to try a delicious pick-me-up off the espresso menu. Come for lunch and choose from a variety of sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads. Dine inside in the lovely cafe, or enjoy a mimosa on the shaded outdoor patio.

Cafe Mimosa also recently opened its doors for dinner, offering a classic French bistro fare, including chicken dijon, beef bourguignon, and tested California law with foie gras. They also offer a varied selection of wines by the glass. Whether you come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the charming decor and mouthwatering menu will leave you satisfied.

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243 Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente, CA 92672

949.481.6780

Open 7 Days a Week
8:00AM – 3:00PM

 

Nicks

Steakhouse & Seafood

Nicks provides an exceptional fine dining experience. The elegant atmosphere, superb service, and the delectable food are all top-notch. From the wine and appetizers to entrees and desserts, the incredibly delicious menu choices are endless. Begin your meal with bacon deviled eggs, Tuna Tartare, or their delicious fire roasted artichoke. Next, choose from an array of fresh market salads. For the main course, choose from one of their house specialties, made up of seafood, steak, pork, and chicken entrees. Pair your meal with your choice of a variety of sides, including a loaded baked potato or market vegetables. They also offer gourmet burgers and sandwiches. Finish your meal with an indulgent dessert, like the warm butter cake or hot fudge sundae. Dine in the modern, airy dining room, or enjoy a signature cocktail at the bar. Call ahead for reservations as Nicks always books up fast!

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213 Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente, CA 92672

949.481.2200

Open Daily from 11AM