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San Clemente is a beach town in Southern California. It is every bit of Orange County with its shops, restaurants and architecture. With so much to do and see while in town, you will need places to eat and drink. With options ranging from downtown to the waterfront, this list includes 7 restaurants in San Clemente that are each special in their own way.
Breakfast:
1. La Galette
Located a mere feet from the San Clemente Pier, La Galette is small French style breakfast spot. With its white paneling and blue awnings, you are transported to a creperie. With seating outdoors, you are surrounded by beach goers as the waves crash beside you.
With offerings ranging from crepes to bruschetta and salads, this brunch spot has everything you are looking for. With cocktails and coffee drinks, you can sip at your table with the ocean breeze in your hair.
We visited La Galette twice on our trip to San Clemente. On the first day, I opted for an avocado toast so I could eat something easy on the beach. It hit the spot and was the perfect start to an active day.
On the second day, we sat on the patio and enjoyed coffee and crepes. The Nutella and Banana Crepe, pictured below, melted in my mouth and left me craving more.
Check out La Galette on YELP or view their website now!
2. Bear Coast Coffee
Just steps away from the beach lives Bear Coast Coffee. If you are at the pier or on the beach you can spare ten minutes to grab coffee and a bite to eat.
Check out the ‘bear’y great menu on their website.
We visited Bear Coffee Company twice on our trip to San Clemente. Being centrally located at the pier was a no-brainer. The first morning I chose an iced latte knowing it would be a warm day. I was able to order and get a seat on the beach in time for sunrise.
The granola parfait was the perfect pairing to start the morning off on a light note. It was just right to start the day with and was easy to transport on the beach.
On the second day of ordering at Bear Coffee Company, it was a cooler morning so a hot mocha sounded just right. Bear Coffee Company delivered once again and gave me the fuel to make this a great trip.
See over 600 reviews of Bear Coast Coffee on YELP.
Lunch:
3. The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
If you are on the pier, you will not be able to miss The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. Arguably one of the most visible restaurants in San Clemente, you can kick the sand off your feet and grab a glass of wine.
It was a warm day so I went with the Piña Colada. Sipping the coconut drink with an umbrella overhead is my favorite kind of day.
If I am sitting on a pier, you better believe I am getting clam chowder. Add in a bread bowl and I am in heaven.
See over 2,000 reviews of The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar on YELP! Check their website for hours and more information.
4. Cosentino’s Pizza
So close to the sand you can taste it, Cosentino’s Pizza is serving them hot. Stop in for a bite to eat in between building sand castles and reading that book on the beach. The Godfather pizza (think meat lovers) hit the spot for being a little hungover and craving a lazy day by the water.
View their menu and more on their website.
Check out Cosentino’s Pizza on YELP!
5. Rancho Capistrano Winery
This tasting room is centrally located around shops and restaurants. Choose a spot on the patio or inside and order a bottle of wine. We decided on a wine tasting and sampled five red wines.
To go with the wine, we ordered the artisan cheese plate. It had enough to fill two of us while leaving us wanting more. Even though this is a wine tasting room, it ended up being one of my favorite restaurants in San Clemente. The cheese board paired with the wine tasting was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon watching the busy street outside.
Check out Rancho Capistrano Winery on YELP or visit their website now!
Dinner:
6. El Adobe de Capistrano
Located in San Juan Capistrano, this restaurant is a fifteen minute drive from San Clemente. The patio is illuminated in string lights and good times. The inside reminds me of a California mission with its traditional aesthetic.
Offering Mexican and American cuisine, you have a wide range of choices on the menu. We were attending a wedding on the patio so we indulged in steak.
See over 700 reviews of El Adobe de Capistrano on YELP! See their hours and more on their website.
7. Pierside Kitchen and Bar
Just as its name says, this restaurant is right beside the pier. After a day in the sun, you can wash the sand off your feet and stroll in for a drink. It was bustling on a Saturday night. To get ahead of a long wait, be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Make a reservation now on Open Table.
We splurged on the pita bread and hummus as we pondered the rest of the menu. The fried fish tacos were the perfect dinner since we were not super hungry and looking for something light.
See over 700 reviews of Pierside Kitchen and Bar on YELP or view their website.
Book Your Trip Now
Planning a trip to Orange County? Check out 7 of the best things to do in Huntington Beach.
These six spots were my favorite restaurants in San Clemente. Please comment and share if you tried them for yourself. I am always open to recommendations. Comment below and let me know your favorite spots to eat and drink in this quaint beach town.
