Best restaurants & bars in San Clemente

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

With great food, exceptional hospitality and a fun atmosphere for dining and libations, it’s no wonder Asada Cantina + Kitchen is San Clemente’s hottest new restaurant. Despite opening in the middle of the pandemic, Asada has quickly earned a reputation for offering delicious Mexican food, such as its carne asada plate, signature (and giant) burritos, and Salsa Quemada—a warm roasted salsa. And let’s not forget its assortment of margaritas, which includes customer favorites such as the hibiscus margarita and the blood orange margarita.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT - SILVER

Opening a restaurant under any circumstances is difficult, let alone in a pandemic, but the husband-and-wife team of Tai Carballo, a nutritionist chef, and Dan Zanicoski have already wowed San Clemente residents with their organically sourced French cuisine.

BEST BREAKFAST

“We are like a second kitchen for most people. We have regulars that come three or four times a week,” said Antoine’s Café owner Veronique Price. “Depending on the mood you’re in, we have something for you.” After 30 years of business, Antoine’s Café continues to be a local favorite, with its prime down- town location. Price says customers love the omelettes and Eggs Benedict from the breakfast menu.“Our food is fresh and high quality,” Price added.“Our staff is friendly, warm and attentive.”

BEST BREAKFAST - SILVER

A favorite amongst the surf crowd, SC Café’s menu offers both American and Mexican breakfast classics, like griddle combos and huevos rancheros. This family-owned diner style restaurant offers quality service, ample portions and a delicious all-day breakfast menu.

BEST BRUNCH

Café Mimosa, established in 2007, was named after the Mimosa plant—a flower found in France, as well as in the backyard of an Ole Hanson home where the Price family first set roots in San Clemente. Café Mimosa owner Antoine Price Jr. says the restaurant’s Eggs Benedict sets the menu apart, with the choice of steak, lobster or traditional ham. Customers can honor the French bistro’s namesake by ordering a mimosa with nine different flavors to choose from while enjoying the view of Avenida Del Mar from the patio.

BEST BRUNCH - SILVER

Locals and visitors alike flock to Antoine’s Café for its welcoming atmosphere, fresh ingredients and sizable dishes. Customers can design their own omelet, go for a savory or sweet crepe and much more.

THE BEST BAGEL

The bagel selection at The Bagel Shack honors the spirit of San Clemente, with bagel sandwich names like Churches, San-O, T-Street, Lowers and Uppers. A dozen of the sandwich options are named after local, legendary surf breaks, with 21 different bagel flavors to choose from, baked fresh daily. Options can be as intricate as the Wedge, which includes jalapeno cream cheese, avocado, tomato, onion and bacon—or as simple as a classic bagel and cream cheese combo.

BEST BAGEL - SILVER

Antoine’s Café incorporates both American and French influence in its menu and the bagels are no exception. Try the French Bagel, which comes with goat cheese, tomato, onion and fresh basil or the classic Lox Bagel.

BEST CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA

Not just family-owned, the beans used for Zebra House Coffee are family-roast- ed, as owners Sara and Curtis Peterson use coffee beans acquired and roasted by Sara’s father. From the signature Eclipse dark roast to the Organic Indonesian Bali Blue Moon full-city roast, there’s always a quality cup to be found. With the help of employees’ good vibes and its inviting and cozy atmosphere, the family makes this house feel like home. Zebra House continues to thrive with online orders and its convenient drive-thru.

BEST CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA - SILVER

One of the most recognized names in South Orange County coffee, Bear Coast sources its coffee from the top 1% of coffee in the world, and its location across from the SC Pier is a staple.

BEST DONUT

San Clemente’s top choice for donuts several years running, Surfin’ Donuts has connected with the community. Family-owned-and-operated since its inception, Surfin’ Donuts is always sure to be busy right from the start of the day, especially as people snag a fresh batch of its specialty tiger tail pastries. Surfin’ Donuts has all varieties of donuts and pastries, from the classic glazed, chocolate and sugar, to berry- and custard-filled. Don’t miss the fritters, a wide selection of breakfast sandwiches and choice coffee.

BEST DONUT - SILVER

Rose Donuts has a loyal customer base, which lets you know it’s a place to hit for fresh donuts in North San Clemente. You’re in for a unique experience with their famed donut burger.

BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO

People tend to like the breakfast burritos at The Grill because they’re “gigantic, fat, and juicy”—in the words of Sheryl Leverich, who co-owns The Grill with her husband, Doug Lemon. The burritos come filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and other tasty bits. Customers can also add on sour cream or beans.“They’re really good. We get so many people from all over the place,” manager Madison Serrano said. Being selected for best breakfast burrito in San Clemente is “awesome,” as Serrano puts it.

BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO - SILVER

Eggs, beans, and cheese are included in the options that customers have when they visit this longtime local favorite spot. Pedro’s conveniently has two locations in San Clemente, one in the south part of the town and the other in the north part.

BEST SPOT TO CURE A SWEET TOOTH - GOLD

At South Swell, its owners believe in the importance of supporting local. That’s why most of its products come homegrown, from right here in San Clemente, with the help of local bakeries and suppliers. But what really separates South Swell from any other dessert spot is its rotating toppings menu, keeping local and out-of-town customers guessing what to try on their next visit. Plus, it’s always an experience when you come to watch your own creation when building your own ice cream bar.

BEST SPOT TO CURE A SWEET TOOTH - SILVER

Schmid’s Chocolates is all about quality and fine ingredients, as it uses Belgian chocolate to make its handmade, and even customizable creations, which are rotated seasonally. A top pick among customers: the dark chocolate salted caramel.

BEST SPOT FOR TAKE-OUT FOOD - GOLD

People love Guicho’s Eatery, because it serves quality, fresh Italian food for anyone on the go for a quick lunch or for families looking to enjoy a hearty feast at home. With two locations to choose from at both ends of San Clemente, Guicho’s setup is designed to provide terrific, friendly service to customers who love and crave delicious neighborhood-style Italian food. What also attracts customers is the restaurant’s veteran kitchen staff, who know the recipes and know exactly what the people want.

BEST SPOT FOR TAKE-OUT FOOD - SILVER

Regardless of whether you’re looking to dine in or bring home food for the whole family, Mongkut Thai extends its hospitality and quality customer service to all those who walk in the restaurant’s doors.