Best Authentic Restaurants in San Clemente

12 restaurants available nearby

1. Gema

4.3

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • San Clemente

Booked 7 times today

With a moody Mexico City vibe & modern dining room, Gema has an intimate neighborhood feel & buzzy bar scene. Our scratch-made kitchen highlights the finest Mexican ingredients & the countries staples of corn, chiles & regional cheeses .Our craft cocktail program changes with the season & features house-made syrups & fresh daily juiced citrus. Our bar hosts over 100 bottles of Mexico's finest small batch Mezcals which can be enjoyed in a flight or purchased by bottle and housed for your convenience inour Mezcal Liabrary. Our wines are brought in from Valle de Guadaulape and offer an amazing taste into the emerging Baja wine region. Gema celebrates the vast & sophisticated cuisine of Mexico, its people & its culture. We are proud to serve authentic Mexican cuisine that moves beyond the stereotypical bean and rice culture often associatedwith Mexican eateries. We hope you join us at Gema to experience the true palate of Mexican dining.

A photo of Brussels Bistro - San Clemente restaurant

2. Brussels Bistro - San Clemente

4.8

Exceptional(681)

Price: Moderate

• Belgian • San Clemente

Booked 25 times today

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.

A photo of Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant

3. Buona Forchetta San Clemente

4.8

Exceptional(250)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Clemente

Booked 38 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 Sylvester's Italian Chophouse restaurant

4. Sylvester's Italian Chophouse

4.3

Awesome(53)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • San Clemente

Booked 6 times today

Welcome to Sylvester’s Italian Chophouse. Located near the water in a beautiful 1932 historic building in the seaside community of San Clemente California. We share a culinary interest, respect and appreciation for traditional Italian and French foods. The goal of keeping it simple with good breads, pizza, pasta and a variety of steaks, all paired with outstanding wines. Our kitchen is comprised of a team that has cooked at top restaurants around the world. With experience in both fine and casual dining, we landed in the middle, on what San Clemente does best, “causally sophisticated”. We are so happy to have you and your family with us!

A photo of KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant

5. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

4.6

Exceptional(168)

Price: Expensive

• Indian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 10 times today

Join Chef Sanjay’s culinary journey from New Delhi to Dana Point and enjoy a contemporary approach to Indian regional specialties that places creative artistry, quality of ingredients, and respect for authentic flavors and ingredients at the forefront of cooking. KAHANI, which means "story" in Hindi, is open from Tuesday through Saturday; 5-9 p.m.

A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant

6. El Adobe de Capistrano

4.7

Exceptional(1044)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 58 times today

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.

7. Ciao Pasta

4.8

Exceptional(1271)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 35 times today

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!

A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant

8. Luciana's Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(3416)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 46 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.

9. Tastes of Greece

4.8

Exceptional(406)

Price: Expensive

• Greek • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 1 time today

Tastes of Greece – Authentic Greek Cuisine in Laguna Niguel, CAIndulge in fresh, homestyle Greek dishes at Tastes of Greece, a family-owned gem in the heart of Laguna Niguel. Our menu features traditional favorites like moussaka, souvlaki, lamb gyros, spanakopita, and fresh seafood, crafted with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with charming indoor dining and relaxing outdoor seating, perfect for families, date nights, or gatherings. Pair your meal with a curated selection of fine Greek wines and end on a sweet note with our delicious baklava.Conveniently located in Crown Valley Plaza, we are dedicated to serving memorable meals with exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a casual lunch, or reserving a table for dinner, experience the finest Greek dining in Orange County. Reserve your table today and savor the flavors of Greece without leaving Laguna Niguel.

A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant

10. Jack's Restaurant/Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1070)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 17 times today

Jack's Restaurant/Bar is a beloved Italian joint in Dana Point. The authenticity of its Italian cuisine is consistently praised in reviews, with phrases like 'authentic, delicious Italian food' and 'excellent food & service in the old New York style'. The restaurant's commitment to quality and service is clear, with many reviewers highlighting the 'excellent service' and 'delicious food'.

‘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

S
sophieVIP
Orange County •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food is amazing. We have tried several different items on our different visits and never disappointed. Services top notch.
More info
Buona Forchetta San ClementePrice: Moderate• Italian• San Clemente
•
4.8
C
chris
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great time at Brussels Bistro. Food was amazing. Will come back for sure
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Brussels Bistro - San ClementePrice: Moderate• Belgian• San Clemente
•
4.8
R
Ram
Alabama •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fabulous experience. Service was amazing. Food was excellent and the presentation was delectable. Plenty of sumptuous choices on the menu. We had warm pakoras topped with whipped yoghurt for an appetizer. Delicious! For the main course, we had the curry sampler with Afghani Chicken. Although it said served two, there was plenty for 4 seniors with leftovers to take home! Overall a wonderful dinner at a great location with great ambiance!! Would highly recommended it. Definitely pricey but well worth the extra touches.
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KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna NiguelPrice: Expensive• Indian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
•
4.6
K
KristieVIP
Los Angeles •19 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
We had a very nice dining experience at Slyvesters. We sat at the bar, the restaurant is beautifully designed and appointed. The food was top notch. From the herbed focaccia bread to the short rib lasagna everything was excellent. The service at the bar was very good. We are excited to try more of the menu and will definitely return.
More info
Sylvester's Italian ChophousePrice: Expensive• Italian• San Clemente
•
4.3
M
Matteo Romano
Orange County •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 8, 2024
Incredible food made by scratch. The flavors and textures of the food were so unique and so delicious! Cocktails and wine all from Mexico. Entire staff is so passionate about the food!
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GemaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• San Clemente
•
4.3

Best Authentic Restaurants in San Clemente

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Gema

2. Brussels Bistro - San Clemente

3. Buona Forchetta San Clemente

4. Sylvester's Italian Chophouse

5. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

6. El Adobe de Capistrano

7. Ciao Pasta

8. Luciana's Ristorante

9. Tastes of Greece

10. Jack's Restaurant/Bar

See what locals rave about

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