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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in San Clemente

Japanese food

Made for those who seek out specific Japanese culinary traditions and refuse to compromise on their appetite.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
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Japanese restaurant

Counter bar with only bar stools and an L-shaped table creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Indoor seating offers views out the window while outdoor seating faces loud motorcycle traffic. Small size and neighborhood diner vibe make it feel intimate and comfortable.

Food offers a real Japanese taste with consistently delicious and fresh dishes served hot and quickly. Portions are large and priced well, making the meals feel both satisfying and affordable.

Teriyaki dishes stand out with a homemade sauce that blends sweetness, tang, and char from the flat top. Sushi tastes ocean-fresh and melts in your mouth, while tempura vegetables offer a crispy, satisfying bite.

People are saying

"The teriyaki chicken bowl was amazing, with tender meat and perfectly cooked rice."

"The food here is so fresh, flavorful, and made with heart."

"The Japanese food's teriyaki chicken bowls are amazing and smoky."

Good to know

1

Placing orders ahead is recommended to avoid waiting.

2

The restaurant is primarily a takeout location with limited dine-in options.

3

Parking is limited and can get crowded during rush hour; arrive early.

02
9 Style Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Cozy ramen restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere and tasteful modern decor. The place stays quiet and casual, filling up quickly as a hidden gem known for its excellent, customizable ramen and diverse menu options beyond noodles.

Food features hot and fresh dishes with great quality and taste. The ramen stands out as especially notable and worth the price.

Ramen stands out with spicy sesame and garlic tonkotsu varieties that deliver rich flavor and satisfying heat. Presentation is neat, and the taste consistently impresses with a balance of spice and garlic.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so flavorful and spicy."

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

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

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early.

2

You can order online for pickup or by phone.

3

The meals are very customizable to your taste.

03
Seasurf Fish Co image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant with mostly outdoor seating and a laid-back vibe. Atmosphere is relaxing and cool, with enough noise to feel lively but still allow conversation. Features include a patio with heaters, a small indoor bar with TV, and quick table turnover.

Food impresses with excellent quality and unforgettable flavors. Prices stay surprisingly affordable even with drinks included.

Poke bowls stand out with options like spicy and classic versions. Sushi includes Tuna sushi and various rolls. Other dishes feature fish tacos and poke nachos.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were the best anywhere."

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and always excellent."

"You have to try the poke nachos; they're a must-visit."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with many items priced just a few dollars.

2

Enjoy $1 oysters and $3 battered fish tacos during happy hour on Tuesdays.

3

Parking is available behind the restaurant for easy access.

04
Full Moon Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot with cozy, casual atmosphere and counter seats by the chef offering views of the ocean. Busy and lively, it draws people for affordable, fresh sushi and reasonable prices. The space feels tight and simple, creating a laid-back, welcoming vibe.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious. Dishes come out quickly and taste excellent every time.

Fresh, flavorful sushi comes with beautifully crafted rolls and fair prices. Service stays attentive and friendly every time.

People are saying

"The sushi here is incredible and a great price."

"The Japanese food here is amazing, with really fresh fish."

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and high quality."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials range from $9.50 to $12.50, including a roll, side, and miso.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere after 5pm; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Parking is readily available near the restaurant.

05
9 Style Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, modern space offers a cozy, intimate vibe with a busy, popular atmosphere that often requires early arrival or reservations. The energy feels inviting and cool, attracting those who appreciate fresh, creative sushi and skilled chefs.

Food arrives timely with eye-catching plating. Dishes stay consistently delicious even during busy times.

Freshness stands out with every bite, especially in the nigiri and negitoro roll. Creative specialty rolls and a chef's choice Chirashi Bowl showcase high quality and authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi I've ever had."

"I found their salad to be the best I ever hadโ€”fresh and crisp."

"The sushi and sashimi here are delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak dining hours.

3

The restaurant is small, so arriving early is advisable.

06
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a two-level patio and space heaters for comfort. Atmosphere reflects surf culture with loud music and a lively vibe, especially on the patio. Bar features include house-made margaritas and a focus on flavorful dishes like poke bowls and tacos.

Food features great taste and friendly service at an affordable price. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options for a spacious dining experience.

Poke bowls stand out with fresh tuna and Ahi Tuna Torte options. Shrimp tacos and tuna skewers also appear alongside mixed drinks and draft beers.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really yummy and enjoyable."

"I enjoyed the great beer selection."

"I loved the poke bowl and tuna skewer."

Good to know

1

Parking on the premises is limited, but municipal parking is available nearby.

2

Nomads Canteen offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

The hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Clemente.

07
Malulu Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi spot with a mom-and-pop vibe and limited seating like restaurants in Japan. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, attracting those who appreciate fresh, high-quality fish and traditional preparation. Offers a quiet, unassuming setting tucked away in a strip mall.

Food comes out fresh and beautifully arranged. Dishes range from tasty salads to consistently great sushi with solid quality and flavor.

Fresh fish and authentic sushi preparation stand out here. The spicy yellowtail handroll is a highlight, crafted by a skilled female sushi chef. Friendly staff and Japanese hospitality add to the experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is incredibly fresh and tasty."

"I found the sushi to be super fresh and tasty."

"I found the food here to be pretty good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but walk-ins are common.

2

Expect a 90-minute dining experience during peak hours.

3

The lunch menu offers great value for money.

08
Yoshiharu Sushi & Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Sushi bar and vibrant wall art create a clean, modern space with a diner-style booth setup. Atmosphere feels pleasant and welcoming without being flashy. Menu highlights include fresh sushi, rich spicy ramen, and authentic hot sake, attracting those seeking quality Japanese flavors.

Food features sushi burritos and Tonkotsu Spicy black ramen as highlights. Dishes come across as consistently yummy and excellent.

Fresh sushi comes in generous portions with standout options like the Matt Damon sushi roll featuring a crunchy, flavorful mix. Ramen choices include Spicy Tonkotsu and black ramen, both rich and well-seasoned, alongside tasty appetizers and bento boxes.

People are saying

"The ramen here is so good, especially the spicy miso."

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever had."

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is still in its soft opening phase, so some items may not be available.

2

The menu offers a wide variety of options, including appetizers, ramen, and sushi.

3

The restaurant is located in the Ralph's complex, which may limit views.

09
Miyako Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Newly remodeled space combines cool modern design with cozy, clean atmosphere and friendly, quiet vibe. Sushi is known for exceptional freshness and quality, attracting steady crowds despite limited seating. Outdoor tables add casual option near the beach.

Food here is incredibly fresh and melts in your mouth. Dishes come out delicious and consistently amazing.

Sushi and sashimi come with exceptional quality and melt-in-your-mouth freshness. Nigiri and cooked dishes show careful preparation and consistent great service.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is exceptionally good, especially the sushi."

"The food here is amazing and incredibly fresh."

"The seafood here is always super fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect over an hour wait for dine-in or takeout during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families.

3

Happy hour specials are available from 4-6pm on weekdays.

10
San Clemente Sushi Co image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small dining space with quaint, down-to-earth vibe and quiet atmosphere despite freeway proximity. Seating feels awkward but the setting suits romantic dinners well. Staff remain attentive, enhancing the friendly environment.

Food arrives quickly and stays fresh with high quality ingredients. Service matches the wonderful and amazing flavors on the plate.

Sushi here is consistently fresh and clean, with rolls bursting with flavors like the baked salmon roll. Bento boxes come with all the fixings and leave you feeling full.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is fresh and delicious."

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

"You have to try the scallops; they're the best seafood dish."

Good to know

1

Parking could be challenging on weekends and during the evenings towards dinner time.

2

The restaurant closes at 9 PM.

3

They have their own parking lot.

11
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue San Clemente image 1

Hawaiian restaurant offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with generous portions and clean environment. The order process is straightforward, and food preparation is timely. Signature dishes include flavorful BBQ mix and standout Kalua pork.

Food here is consistently fresh and clean with generous portions of comfort dishes. Meals come out quickly but are carefully prepared, offering excellent flavor and quality every time.

Chicken Katsu stands out with its crispy texture and savory flavor. Spam musubi and BBQ chicken also feature as popular choices, often ordered in musubi or plate form.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food was prepared quickly and it was delicious."

"The Japanese food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean, making it suitable for families with babies.

2

The order process is simple and straightforward for quick service.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

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San Clemente, California

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