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Food and cocktail spots in San Clemente

A dinner where the cocktails are treated with as much care as the food, not just an afterthought to pad the bill.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Riviera Restaurant & Bar image 1
Riviera Restaurant & Bar image 2
Riviera Restaurant & Bar image 3
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American restaurant

Modern design and comfy seating create a chill but elegant atmosphere with awesome music enhancing the vibe. The space suits gatherings of any size and feels like a hidden gem among hotel restaurants. The mood stays pleasant and relaxed, making it a great spot to meet and unwind.

Food here reaches a high quality level similar to restaurants in Europe or Australia. Dishes like the chicken roulade with risotto stand out as delicious and beautifully prepared.

Signature cocktails stand out with their fun and unique flavors. The bar serves drinks that are consistently excellent.

People are saying

"I loved the homemade breakfast burrito and chips."

"The cocktails were fun and unique."

"The food here is delicious and homemade."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant offers a bottomless mimosa deal during brunch hours.

02
Flights & Irons Urban Kitchen image 1

Speakeasy-style restaurant with cozy, intimate atmosphere and live jazz music creates a relaxing vibe. Comfortable seating and a wood fire oven add warmth to the space. Guests enjoy a thoughtful dining experience paired with a good selection of beers, wines, and crafted cocktails.

Food comes cooked in iron over a wood fire, delivering well done and amazing flavors. The menu offers thoughtful dishes with excellent service guiding choices.

Cocktails feature a super good list with a variety of tasty options. The mezcal sour stands out for its unique flavor combination.

People are saying

"I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this hidden gem."

"The food here is delicious, especially the fresh bread and tomato soup."

"The cocktails here were super good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can sell out quickly.

2

Happy hour offers $2 off select menu items and drinks at the bar.

3

Parking is limited; consider using the shopping center across the street.

03
Ilya image 1
Food and drink

Stone details and Cycladic-inspired dรฉcor create a warm, coastal Mediterranean atmosphere with a relaxed indoor-outdoor flow. Soft lighting and heaters keep the space cozy, while attentive service supports a luxury dining experience. The vibe suits both intimate dates and lively group nights.

Food features exceptional quality and Top Chef Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes deliver an exciting and delightful dining experience.

Creative cocktails complement fresh seafood and wood-fired dishes. An impressive selection pairs well with the menu and enhances the overall experience.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"It's the perfect spot for a romantic date night."

"The cocktails here are fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Valet parking is available for $10, but street parking can be challenging.

3

Expect to share plates, as the menu is designed for communal dining.

04
Pronto Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with dimmed lights that shift to a lounge vibe after dinner. Sunny patio provides a pleasant outdoor dining option, while a full bar complements authentic Italian flavors. Tables fill quickly, creating an intimate and lively setting.

Food features 100% fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors. Dishes like focaccia and short rib ravioli stand out for their quality and taste.

Cocktails here are perfectly crafted and really hit the mark. A rye cocktail pairs well with meals, showing thoughtful balance.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was excellent and seasoned perfectly."

"I thought the Italian food here was authentic and delicious."

"I found the cocktails to be perfect."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekday evenings due to limited seating.

2

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

3

Happy Hour runs daily from 2 to 5 pm, including weekends.

05
Franco's Famous San Clemente image 1

Spacious Mexican restaurant with an airy patio and pet-friendly courtyard offers a comfortable setting and lively bar area. The atmosphere blends friendly local energy with good music and a relaxed vibe. Cocktails, especially margaritas, stand out as a highlight alongside fresh chips and house-made salsa.

Mexican food offers great taste paired with tasty cocktails. Outdoor seating enhances the experience during happy hour with a pleasant breeze.

Delicious cocktails like Lavender Dreams, SOS, and Franco โ€˜78 stand out here. Hugo crafts some of the best cocktails, making it a great spot to chill and enjoy a quick drink.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very well priced."

"The airy patio is a delightful spot for tasty Mexican food."

"Hugo makes the best cocktails; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm and all evening on Tuesdays.

2

Taco Tuesday offers an affordable menu with great options.

3

Expect a small wait for seating during popular happy hour times.

06
Krazy Kooters image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant with funky decor blending pirate, western, and Aztec temple themes creates a unique atmosphere. Live reggae music and a magician performing card tricks add entertaining energy. Outdoor patio features a party bus bar made from an old delivery van, enhancing the lively vibe.

Food here is consistently fresh and high quality. Every dish tastes excellent and pairs well with fun cocktails.

Bartenders show strong skill, crafting top-notch cocktails. Drinks offer a fun vibe that pairs well with good food quality.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were amazing."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The cocktails here are awesome and top-notch."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit of a hassle, so plan accordingly.

2

Brunch features live magic shows that entertain guests at their tables.

3

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to popularity.

07
Drift Distillery & Smokehouse image 1

Distillery combines live blues and rock music with a beautifully crafted design and lovely outdoor space. The atmosphere feels inviting and intimate, with a quiet vibe that supports privacy despite close tables. Craft cocktails and local beers complement the setting, creating a relaxed yet engaging experience.

Food arrives quickly, hot, and well presented with a family atmosphere enhancing the experience. Cocktails and dishes are consistently excellent and delicious.

Craft cocktails stand out with super consistent quality and unique flavors. They pair well with the great BBQ, making the drinks and food experience excellent.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is fantastic."

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"The brisket sandwich was just okay, I'd add jalapeรฑos and onions."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights.

2

Parking is ample and convenient at the location.

3

The menu features unique offerings that differ from typical appetizer selections.

08
Jane image 1
Cocktail bar

Art deco inspired space offers an intimate, moody atmosphere with dim lighting and cozy, elevated design. Music stays at a comfortable volume, supporting conversation without strain. Cocktails impress with creative flavors, while small bites encourage sharing in a relaxed, speakeasy-style lounge.

Small plates pack big flavor with a smaller menu focused on quality. Bao sliders stand out as a delicious hit, paired with top notch drinks.

Cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced, featuring drinks like a gin and lavender mix and a subtle Penicillin with ginger and lemon. Each cocktail is handcrafted with care, offering smooth bourbon options and attractive garnishes that invite trying more.

People are saying

"The drinks here are dangerously good and sippable."

"It's a cool vibe with dim lighting and a cozy, elevated atmosphere."

"I found the cocktails here to be fantastic and handcrafted."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made via Google Assist, but it's often unreliable.

2

Cocktail specials are available on certain days of the week.

3

Prices are on the higher side, so budget accordingly.

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San Clemente, California

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