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Loved by locals

Mexican food in San Clemente

A craving for bold spices and handmade tortillas is best satisfied by a kitchen that knows the tradition.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria Luna image 1
Taqueria Luna image 2
Taqueria Luna image 3
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Restaurant

Tiny restaurant with limited indoor and outdoor seating offers a cozy patio and warm, relaxed vibe. Staff speak Spanish, adding to the authentic atmosphere. The place stays open late, serving fresh, well-regarded tacos and Mexican dishes at reasonable prices.

Mexican food here stands out for its delicious and exceptional flavors. Service matches the food quality with a friendly and attentive staff.

Tacos stand out with fish, carne asada, and pastor options that deliver strong flavors. Burritos like the carne asada and birria come with good taste and value, paired with fresh salsa and guacamole.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best."

"I thought this burrito might have been the best I've had."

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos all day.

2

The restaurant is open until midnight on weekends.

3

Limited seating is available inside and in the shared walkway.

02
Bluestone Lane San Clemente Cafรฉ image 1

Coffee shop offers charming outdoor seating with open windows creating an indoor/outdoor feel. Atmosphere stays quiet and inviting, ideal for studying or working with accessible outlets at every seat. Space feels cool and lively, attracting a relaxed crowd throughout the day.

Food arrives quickly and hot, with artistic presentation. Coffee and dishes are consistently delicious and well-prepared.

Breakfast burritos come with scrambled eggs, spinach, bacon, avocado, cheddar cheese, and dill mayo. The Sunshine Burritos taste fresh and pair well with americanos. Portions are small but flavorful.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing and authentic Australian brew."

"The food and drinks here are really good."

"I loved their tasty breakfast burritos."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available near the cafรฉ.

2

The cafรฉ offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

The coffee menu is extensive, featuring Australian-style drinks.

03
Primo Foods image 1
Grocery store

Local grocery store combines relaxed atmosphere with excellent Mexican food and affordable street tacos. Lines can be long, especially on discount taco days when prices drop to under a dollar. The place offers free samples and a smooth shopping experience with a strong neighborhood vibe.

Offers authentic Mexican food with great prices and high quality dishes. The cooked food and tacos stand out, alongside unique craft sodas and excellent BBQ options.

Tacos come with generous portions and fresh ingredients like birria, carnitas, and pollo asada. Taco Tuesday and Friday offer street tacos at $0.69, making them very affordable without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is always fresh and authentic."

"I thought the tacos were delicious and only cost $1.50."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $0.69 on Tuesdays and Fridays, $0.99 on other days.

2

Expect long lines on Taco Tuesdays and Fridays, sometimes wrapping around the corner.

3

Parking options are limited and can be quite challenging.

04
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.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out with Baja style flavors and fresh ingredients. Burritos come large and packed, especially the shrimp variety. Happy hour offers deals on 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."

"The fish tacos are a spectacular deal on Tuesdays."

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.

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.

Shrimp tacos and enchiladas stand out with fresh, tasty flavors. The guacamole uses all avocado with no fillers and comes in generous portions. Taco Tuesday offers a phenomenal and affordable menu, and margaritas, especially during Happy Hour, are excellent.

People are saying

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

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

"You've got to try the Mexican Food; the chips and salsa are excellent."

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
Surfin' Chicken Grill image 1
Chicken restaurant

Family-run chicken restaurant offers a homey atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. The menu features fresh grilled chicken and fish, including standout burritos and tacos. Prices remain reasonable considering the quality and homemade taste.

Food comes out hot, fresh, and delicious with a focus on great quality and homemade preparation. The menu centers on chicken fast food with consistently amazing freshness.

Shrimp tacos come extremely fresh and not greasy, with fish burritos seasoned to perfection. Grilled red snapper and chicken quesadillas stand out, paired well with green spicy salsa.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super delicious and fresh."

"The fish here is so fresh and perfectly cooked."

"The Mexican food here is so flavorful, especially the quesadillas."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a good selection of dishes to choose from.

2

Prices at Surfin' Chicken Grill are reasonable and not outrageous.

3

The restaurant is clean and has seating inside and outside.

07
Los Molinos Beer image 1

Brewery with shaded outdoor seating and a family and dog friendly patio offers a cozy, communal vibe reminiscent of a classic German beer hall. Live music, including cover bands, adds to the vibrant atmosphere while surf videos play on TVs. The space feels open and welcoming, attracting locals and travelers alike.

Food arrives quickly even for large groups and pairs well with a variety of craft beers. The menu offers consistently great flavors that complement the lively atmosphere.

Birria tacos and breakfast burritos stand out with rich flavors and solid preparation. Taco Tuesday offers a special menu featuring birria egg rolls and fries alongside classic tacos.

People are saying

"I loved the perfectly crafted beer here."

"I thought the food here was great."

"The Mexican Food here is solid, especially the Hazy IPA."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a special menu that shouldn't be missed.

2

Live music happens every Saturday, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

The brewery is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

08
Nomads Canteen image 1
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.

Menu features Tex-Mex classics like tacos, nachos, and Tortas with fresh fish and vegetarian options. Salsas and guacamole stand out, paired often with the house-made Watermelon Margarita.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the great beer selection."

"The Mexican food here is delicious with great, friendly service."

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.

09
Riviera Restaurant & Bar image 1
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.

Homemade chips and a breakfast burrito stand out with fresh flavors. The menu features classic tacos and simple entrees like salmon and sea bass, plus tasty taquitos during happy hour.

People are saying

"I loved the homemade breakfast burrito and chips."

"The food here is delicious and homemade."

"The homemade chips and breakfast burrito at this Mexican food spot are delicious."

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.

10
The Sunrise Cafe image 1

Old-fashioned diner with classic decor and local art creates a laid-back beach vibe. Seating is well spaced, offering a quiet, friendly atmosphere ideal for breakfast. Outdoor seating faces two streets, adding to the small surfside town feel.

Food tastes homemade and is made fresh right in front of you. Meals come out timely and smell good enough to eat immediately, even when ordered to go.

Breakfast tacos come in a set of three huge tacos with a choice of breakfast potatoes or hash browns. Burritos are very tasty and notably large in size.

People are saying

"I loved the breakfast here; the omelette and hash browns were amazing."

"I found the food here to be really great."

"You have to try the breakfast tacos; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

The cafe is located on a busy street corner with parking available in a back lot.

2

There are both counter service and tables available.

3

They are mindful of dietary restrictions.

11
Ricos Mexican Food image 1

Small space with limited seating inside and outside offers a pleasant atmosphere and fast food Mexican dishes. The vibe is casual and comfortable, with freshly made food that draws consistent appreciation for its quality and flavor.

Food features excellent quality and fresh ingredients with dishes like asada torta and fish tacos served alongside fresh guacamole and warm chips. Service is friendly and attentive in a small, comfortable setting with outdoor seating.

Breakfast burritos stand out with home-made sauces and a light, flavorful touch. The birria tacos and Carne Asada Cali offer rich, satisfying flavors, complemented by fresh guacamole and warm chips.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

"I loved the huge burritos with great salsa."

"I found the breakfast burrito excellent, light, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

It can take a few minutes from ordering until the food is ready, so calling your order in advance is recommended.

2

There is seating inside and a few tables outside if you want to enjoy the beautiful weather.

3

The small bottle of water costs $2.35.

12
Rose Cafe & Donuts image 1

Donut shop offers fresh, high-quality donuts and delicious breakfast burritos in a clean, chill atmosphere with limited outdoor seating visible to the kitchen. It closes early, stopping grilled food service by mid-afternoon, and attracts locals with reasonable prices and a relaxed vibe.

Food includes breakfast dishes and donuts that are consistently good and delicious. Grilling stops at 2pm even though the place stays open until 3pm.

Breakfast burritos stand out with steak and fries, chorizo and potato, and a classic California burrito option. Burritos and sandwiches offer solid choices for breakfast and lunch.

People are saying

"The donuts here are so delicious and fresh."

"I enjoyed the food and donuts; they were delicious."

"I loved their breakfast burritos; they were dynamite."

Good to know

1

They stop grilling food at 2pm, even though they are open until 3pm.

2

The prices are very reasonable, with sandwiches costing around $12.

3

They have leftover donuts after they stop serving grilled food.

13
Coastal Cowboy CA Eats image 1
American restaurant

Modern country decor with cowgirl surf art creates a laid-back, fun vibe that feels warm and welcoming. Busy atmosphere fills with people drawn to bold, fresh flavors in dishes like smash burgers and fish tacos. Patio seating adds to the casual, inviting energy.

Food features top shelf quality with a menu full of amazing options. Service includes attentive servers who bring orders to the table after counter ordering.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, bold flavors and great taste. The menu also features smash burgers, breakfast burritos, and sides like fries and rodeo mac and cheese cooked to perfection.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"The staff at Outdoor Seating were so sweet and attentive."

"The fish tacos here have super great flavor and taste fresh."

Good to know

1

On Thursday, all IPA beers are $5.

2

Expect a 30-40 minute wait during peak hours.

3

You can substitute a gluten-free bun for any sandwich or burger.

14
Nomads Hotel image 1

Spacious rooms feature cool decor and modern amenities with wave noise machines by the bed. An upstairs bar and grill creates a lively atmosphere that can be heard from guest rooms. The location offers a peaceful, relaxing vibe within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the beach.

Outdoor seating complements the terrific food and great beer selection at the cantina upstairs. Staff provide solid service, and the atmosphere feels vibrant and fun.

Upstairs cantina offers delicious Mexican food and great tequila. Complimentary drink tickets and welcome drinks add to the experience.

People are saying

"The vibe here is so laid-back and full of personality."

"The food upstairs was delicious and great."

"I loved the Mexican food, it's steps from the waves."

Good to know

1

The rooftop restaurant and bar closes at 10:00 PM.

2

Expect the upstairs hustle to end around 11 PM.

3

Surf camp is hosted at Nomads Hotel.

15
Antoine's Cafe image 1

Small, intimate cafe with a classic diner style and surfboards on walls and ceiling creates a cozy, warm atmosphere with soft lighting. Outdoor seating offers a dog-friendly space with shaded areas. Weekends bring a busy, lively vibe while weekdays feel more relaxed.

Food comes in generous portions and arrives warm. The menu offers a wide variety of classic foods with consistently fresh and delicious quality.

Breakfast features tacos, burritos, and California eggs Benedict made with care. The menu offers a solid variety including sandwiches and burgers alongside Mexican staples.

People are saying

"The food and service here were amazing."

"I loved the delicious breakfast, especially the fluffy pancakes."

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

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for a table during peak breakfast hours.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The cafe opens at 6:30 am, perfect for early risers.

16
Chelas Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating and a chill atmosphere featuring contemporary Mexican music and soccer on television. The vibe is comfortable and relaxing, reminiscent of a beach shop in Mexico. Generous portions and flavorful dishes like burritos and rib eye tacos define the experience.

Food features freshness and excellent flavor with generous portions. Preparation is consistent and the taste is very good.

Generous portions of breakfast burritos stand out, especially the MVP and chorizo varieties packed with flavor. Fresh chips and salsa accompany burritos and tacos, with the Chile verde wet burrito and carnitas tacos noted for their rich taste.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and fresh."

"The tacos and rice and beans here are so good for Date Spots."

"The Mexican food here is really delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 3 pm to close on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and is popular among locals.

3

On Wednesdays, enjoy fresh fish tacos with chips and salsa for $6 during Happy Hour.

17
El Jefe Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Family-run Mexican cafรฉ offers a casual, authentic atmosphere with street-style tacos and homemade dishes. The vibe is relaxed, welcoming both families and those who want to watch the game with a beer. Plenty of parking and bilingual staff add to the local, approachable feel.

Food features authentic Mexican cuisine made in house with care. Meals carry a special flavor that satisfies cravings for home style dishes.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines with tacos de lengua, soft taco plates, and huevos rancheros. Tostadas feature cooked mushrooms, potatoes, and onions, while enchiladas and quesadillas offer solid options.

People are saying

"I thought the food was super good and made fresh in-house."

"This Mexican food felt so authentic, it was like being in Mexico."

"It's a family-owned restaurant, and the family welcomed us with a smile."

Good to know

1

The prices at El Jefe Cafe are very reasonable.

2

There is plenty of parking available, which is usually hard to find.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but there is a fee for ATM use.

18
Baja Fresh image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating welcomes guests with dogs, creating a casual and open atmosphere. A large salsa bar offers a variety of fresh options, standing out as a key feature. Food portions are generous, with a menu that changes periodically to maintain variety.

Food stays consistently fresh and tasty with a good variety that changes sometimes. Portions are large, like the grilled fish taco combo that covers two meals.

Fresh ingredients stand out, especially at the salsa bar with its large variety of salsas and guacamole. Burritos and grilled fish taco combo plates offer generous portions, though some items like fajitas may have a wait.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The salsa bar has a nice selection and fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes, including burritos and tacos.

2

Expect to pay around $17 per person for a meal without drinks.

3

The restaurant offers large portion sizes suitable for sharing.

19
San Clemente Ranch Market image 1
Mexican grocery store

Smoke from the grill rises visibly, signaling authentic Mexican comfort food inside a low-key, unassuming exterior. The atmosphere feels down-to-earth and refreshing, with generous portions and reasonably priced produce drawing a steady local crowd.

Mexican food here is genuine and loaded with flavor. Burritos, tacos, and guacamole come fresh and tasty, with food preparation visible during service.

Quick takeout tacos and Al Pastor tacos stand out for their consistent flavor. The menu also features breakfast burritos, Asada Quesadillas, and fresh Mexican sweet breads alongside salsa and produce.

People are saying

"Their Al Pastor tacos and breakfast burritos are delicious."

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best genuine Mexican comfort food."

"The Mexican food here is legit, fresh, and loaded with flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers the best deals on tacos in the area.

2

The market features a wide selection of authentic Mexican treats.

3

Prices are very reasonable compared to other local markets.

20
Los Patios Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with a comfortable patio that welcomes dogs. The vibe is relaxed and inviting, featuring fresh homemade tortillas and authentic dishes. The setting feels charming and cultural, reflecting an old downtown style.

Food comes out hot, fresh, and tasty with generous portions. Service and bar complement the consistently great meals.

Shrimp tacos stand out with fresh homemade tortillas and authentic flavors. Burritos like the Chile Riano and Asada and Wet Chili Verde offer large portions and rich taste. Chips and salsa come top tier, and Baja enchiladas impress with their bold flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, and Roxy is such a delight."

"This taco spot is a cute, cozy gem."

"I found the food to be authentic, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, making it easy to drop in.

2

Parking can be tight, especially during busy hours.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly on the patio.

21
Mr Pete's Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Interior features a southern California/Hawaiian vibe with Hawaiian music playing in the background, creating a cool and inviting atmosphere. Space is well lit, large, and immaculately clean, suitable for families and casual dining. Ocean views add to the relaxed, island-inspired setting.

Food features Triple 2, Aloha Burger, and Turkey Avocado Melt served with fries or onion rings. Teriyaki chicken bowl stands out more than the Mexican options. Meals come fresh and taste delicious in a casual setting.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to have excellent flavor."

"I was amazed by their pancakes and macadamia nuts."

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is now called Aloha Mr. Pete's after the new owners rebranded.

2

They have a drive-thru, so there is no waiting time to sit.

3

Prices increased significantly after the decor update.

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San Clemente, California

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