Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in San Clemente

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Fig 313

4.7

Exceptional(827)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • San Clemente

Booked 16 times today

Built in 1927, Fig313 stands today as an original historical landmark of San Clemente, with a history that is meant to be shared with its seaside community. Carefully constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, distinctive design features include red-tile roofs, white stucco walls, hand-crafted windows and arches, painted tiles, and open-air courtyards.Originally owned for the first 33 years by John and Jeanette Riley, 313 El Camino Real was renowned as Riley’s Waffle and Coffee Shop. Legend has it that actor John Wayne frequented the restaurant for a hearty American breakfast along with many travelers from all over the world. From 1960 on, Riley’s Café would change ownership many times, evolving into a furniture store, French restaurant, tequila company, and catering business. In 2012, the current owners purchased the property and began renovations and restoration, while staying true to the integrity of the original style.

2. Truly Pizza

4.8

Exceptional(379)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 101 times today

Located in the heart of the Lantern District in Dana Point, Truly Pizza is an artisanal neighborhood pizzeria where friends and family can relax and enjoy the fellowship of sharing pizza - the world's greatest communal food. Our outdoor garden design, rooftop wine experience and nurturing service style promote a welcoming sense of community by offering friends and neighbors a casual dining environment filled with personal touch points every step of the way. *We are an outdoor restaurant with patio & rooftop dining only. We provide blankets and heaters for guests*Please note 20% gratuity is added for parties of 8 or larger.

A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant

3. El Adobe de Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(1058)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 26 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.

A photo of RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel restaurant

4. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

4.6

Exceptional(2482)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 27 times today

RAYA, a restaurant concept by Richard Sandoval, showcases Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats, and Chef Sandoval’s signature Latin flavors.

A photo of Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant

5. Salt Creek Grille Orange County

4.2

Awesome(339)

Price: Expensive

• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 72 times today

Nestled along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Salt Creek Grille proudly returns to the Dana Point community under new ownership. Our newly remodeled interiors and stunning outdoor patio exude elegance and comfort for unparalleled ambiance, setting the perfect stage for savoring our enhanced menu that features a true, wood-fired American steakhouse with a California coastal twist.

A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant

6. Wind & Sea Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1863)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 26 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 Luciana's Ristorante restaurant

7. Luciana's Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(3419)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 43 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.

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

8. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

4.6

Exceptional(173)

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 Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant restaurant

9. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1494)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 17 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.”

10. Stella's

4.5

Awesome(1286)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 9 times today

Stella's is the embodiment of serious Italian cuisine - original recipes and techniques alongside the freshest organic products, housemade cheeses, and carefully selected Italian flavors. Stella's is the perfect place for friends and family to gather - be it at the bar with a chilled martini, an appetizer in the lounge, or dining alfresco while tasting your way through the wine list and menu. Whatever your pleasure or mood, Stella's can make it happen!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

V
ValerieVIP
Orange County •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
As usual the food and the service was wonderful! I took a great friend out her birthday lunch today. We both had the Seasonal Special, halibut, with an amazing wasabi buere blanc sauce, perfectly cooked asparagus and almond rice. My friend asked for mashed potatoes instead of the rice and they gladly accommodated her. We finished with the best, I mean the key lime cheesecake!! Everyone we were in contact with were friendly and efficient. Looking forward to going back!
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Tommy Bahama - Newport BeachPrice: Very Expensive• American• Newport Beach
•
4.7
A
Alicia
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Bosscat is an amazing experience. Great food, drinks,service and ambiance.
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Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
•
4.7
R
Rosi
Las Vegas •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
nice play The restaurant is an inspiration in Cuban food and drinks. I really liked it and the service was excellent.
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Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
•
4.7
D
Dean
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I’ve been going there for about 50 years. I love the place. I don’t like this app nor do I like that one of my favorite restaurants uses it. I would rather call and talk to a live person who is actually there.
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Trabuco Oaks SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.7
L
LaurenVIP
Orange County •28 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 1, 2025
Always a great time eating here. My husband and I LOVE this place. Shout out to Juan for being absolutely amazing every time we eat here. He is the real MVP of this place!
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Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
•
4.5

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in San Clemente

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Fig 313

2. Truly Pizza

3. El Adobe de Capistrano

4. RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

5. Salt Creek Grille Orange County

6. Wind & Sea Restaurant

7. Luciana's Ristorante

8. KAHANI - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

9. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant

10. Stella's

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