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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Clemente's best

Salad and food

Made for those who prioritize fresh, crisp ingredients and view a substantial salad as a complete and satisfying meal.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Tabouli Kitchen image 1
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Restaurant

Small, casual restaurant with a quick service counter and limited seating offers a clean, well-kept environment. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with a focus on fresh, authentic Mediterranean dishes. Popular for healthy, quick lunches featuring generous portions and flavorful options.

Two salad options come with generous portions of hummus, tabouli, and lemon dressing. Fresh lettuce leaves add crispness, making the salads consistently tasty.

Food stands out for its phenomenal flavor and surprisingly large portions. Gyros rank among the best in quick food spots, delivering an exquisite and delicious Mediterranean experience.

People are saying

"The Tabbouleh here is so fresh, nutritious, and delicious."

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

"The salad here is fresh, delicious, and has tasty vegetables."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is extremely clean and well-kept.

2

There is plenty of parking available, including handicap spots.

3

All their proteins are halal, catering to dietary needs.

02
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.

Salads come crisp and fresh, packed with simple ingredients done right. The endive salad stands out as exceptionally good.

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

People are saying

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

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

"The endive salad here is a perfect balance of flavors."

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.

03
MRK Public image 1
Gastropub

Open space blends indoor and outdoor seating with ocean views and succulent decor. Atmosphere stays laid back and mellow, capturing a fresh surf-city vibe without feeling fancy. Crowd enjoys a casual, neighborhood feel with consistent great energy until closing.

Hefty portions of Thai beef salad stand out with rich flavors. The salad combines fresh ingredients and a satisfying mix of textures.

Food stands out for its flavorful and unique qualities. Dishes consistently deliver delicious and exceptional taste.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and has a creative feel."

"The food here is flavorful and unique."

"The Thai salad here is a hefty portion filled with deliciousness."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight, especially on busy nights.

2

The menu features a nice selection of vegan options.

3

The pastrami sandwich is available only at limited times.

04
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.

Wedge salad comes with a Smashburger on top and tastes absolutely delicious. Beet salad offers a different, enjoyable option alongside unique side salads.

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

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were amazing."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I enjoyed the wedge salad with the Smashburger on top."

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.

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.

Salads here stand out for their freshness and crisp texture. The cucumber salad offers a light and refreshing taste.

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

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
Min's Dumpling San Clemente image 1

Modern, clean space with a small outdoor patio offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere ideal for quick meals. The restaurant features a self-order system and serves authentic Northern Chinese dumplings with generous portions. Despite busy times, the vibe remains welcoming and straightforward.

Salads here include a crisp cucumber salad and a fresh seaweed salad. Both offer light, refreshing flavors that complement heavier dishes well.

Food features authentic Northern Chinese cuisine with fresh soup dumplings served hot and spiced just right. Ingredients stay fresh and flavors come through clearly, making the dishes taste like they do in Taiwan.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are so fresh and tasty."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I enjoyed the seaweed and cucumber salads."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of dumplings and Chinese dishes.

2

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes provided.

3

There are limited vegetarian and vegan options available.

07
Buona Forchetta San Clemente image 1

Small, intimate space with tables close together creates a lively, noisy atmosphere filled with a happy buzz. Decor and ambiance reflect authentic Italian style, offering a beach town relaxed vibe that complements the dining experience.

Salads come with thick balsamic dressing that looks strong but tastes good. Options include a beet salad and the Piemonte salad, which can be customized by swapping gorgonzola for feta. Salads are fresh and flavorful.

Food offers authentic Italian flavors with a fresh taste. Every dish serves up delicious, genuine cuisine that stands out for its quality and authenticity.

People are saying

"I found the Italian food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I thought the food was amazing and delicious."

"The salads here are fresh and have good flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets very busy.

2

Parking can be difficult due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

The restaurant offers a plant-based menu for dietary preferences.

08
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.

Salads come with homemade Buttermilk dressing that tastes buttery and rich. Options like the Seared Ahi Salad and BBQ Chicken Salad are well seasoned and consistently fresh.

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.

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 steak salad was delicious and outstanding."

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.

09
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.

Simple but fresh and well seasoned, the house salad works well as a starter or alongside other dishes. It pairs nicely with items like Meatball Snack and Rosemary Focaccia bread for a balanced meal.

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

People are saying

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

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

"The house salad is simple, fresh, and well seasoned."

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.

10
Navroz Mediterranean Grill image 1

Minimalistic decor and comfortable seating create a casual, stylish environment. Fun Mediterranean tunes add to the relaxed vibe. The place operates as an order-at-the-counter spot with generous portions and healthy options for on-the-go meals.

Salads come with cold, crisp greens and often include hummus on the side. They pair well with flatbreads like Naan that have a soft, pancake-like texture.

Food features authentic Mediterranean flavors with generous portions of fresh gyro beef and chicken. Quality stays consistently high, making meals both delicious and visually appealing.

People are saying

"The fresh bread here is amazing, especially with the garlic dip."

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

"I found the salad here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer healthy options for on-the-go meals.

2

Navroz Mediterranean Grill is the only place in the area that offers Mediterranean cuisine.

3

The portions served are generous and can be shared.

11
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.

Salads feature fresh tuna and blackened salmon with a nice balance of flavor and a bit of a kick. Ingredients come beautifully prepared and pair well with dishes like garlic butter whitefish.

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

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the salads were great."

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.

12
Hapa J's image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Open windows and surfer theme create an airy, chill atmosphere with a down-to-earth vibe. Busy areas feel lively and noisy, while smaller rooms offer a quieter experience. The setting evokes a strong sense of Hawaiian vacation.

Mac salad stands out with giant chunks of potato and a rich texture. Thai beef salad delivers a spicy kick balanced with savory flavors.

Food offers great variety and consistently delicious flavors. Every dish tried delivers incredible taste and satisfying quality.

People are saying

"The food here is really delicious and fresh."

"These pig nachos are the best I have ever tasted."

"The Thai beef salad was tasty and spicy."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special menu items focused on tacos and quesadillas.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with $2 off drinks.

3

Parking is available in the lot across the street with plenty of open spots.

13
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.

Salads come in generous portions with options like the Santa Fe salad and Cobb salad. Vegetarian choices are available and the salads taste fresh and delicious.

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

People are saying

"The food and service here were amazing."

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

"I loved the Santa Fe salad; it was delicious with generous portions."

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.

14
Guichos Eatery image 1
Italian restaurant

Takeout-only Italian eatery offers cozy atmosphere and fair prices with generous portions suitable for groups. Food includes creamy seafood pasta and fresh salads, enjoyed in various casual settings. Service handles large orders smoothly, though order accuracy needs attention.

Chopped salad stands out with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Garlic bread often accompanies the salads, adding a crunchy side.

Food comes out hot and fresh with a delicious taste that impresses every time. Meals offer great value and leave guests satisfied.

People are saying

"I found the pasta here to be amazing, especially the fettuccine with shrimp."

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

"I found the chopped salad amazing."

Good to know

1

Guichos Eatery is takeout only, limiting the dining atmosphere.

2

The prices are very fair for the portion sizes offered.

3

Both locations of Guichos Eatery are convenient for quick stops.

15
Beach Hut Deli image 1
Restaurant

Small patio and indoor booths with TVs create a relaxed, comfortable setting near the ocean. The vibe is casual and unhurried, welcoming people who want to sit outside or enjoy a quiet meal. Dog-friendly outdoor seating and free parking add to the convenience and appeal.

Salads come large and fresh with tasty toppings. The Gabo Salad stands out as a solid choice.

Food here stands out for its great taste and consistent quality. Meals come with amazing service and pair well with a selection of beer.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious and juicy sandwiches here."

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

"The sandwiches here are so flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in the commuter lot nearby.

2

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for sandwich orders.

3

The restaurant offers hot, cold, and vegetarian sandwich options.

16
Panera Bread image 1

Cafe space offers self-order screens and booths with power outlets for convenience. Atmosphere stays friendly, calm, and soothing with a relaxed vibe. Weekends bring a crowd of mall shoppers, creating a lively but still comfortable setting.

Chicken salad comes in a generous portion with abundant ingredients filling the container to the top. Caesar salad tastes decent but could use more dressing.

Food comes out delicious and easy to customize with consistently good quality across visits.

People are saying

"I found the food here really good and delicious."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches are delicious and packed with fresh ingredients."

"The chicken salad here is so generously filled."

Good to know

1

Expect higher prices compared to other fast-casual dining options.

2

The restaurant is often busy with mall shoppers on weekends.

3

Clean bathrooms and tables are available for guests.

17
Moulin image 1
French restaurant

Small French cafe offers authentic Parisian vibe with quaint outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. Atmosphere feels light and upbeat, lively with families and celebrations during busy times. Patio welcomes dogs and invites guests to enjoy sunny Southern California weather.

Salads come with fresh chicken and sides like the Moulin salad found in the cold case. Some fruit salads include honeydew, but ripeness varies, and orders can face delays.

French cafe food offers authentic vibe with dishes like croque-madame, quiche Lorraine, and chocolate crepes. The menu includes brie-walnut-apple sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and mimosas, all served with an ocean view.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here irresistible and beautiful."

"The food here is authentic French, made with high-quality ingredients."

"I enjoyed their salads and many desserts."

Good to know

1

The cafe closes at 3pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Parking can be challenging, especially on summer weekends; free parking may be limited.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, particularly on weekends and holidays.

18
Nick the Greek image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers a super casual and clean space with a small, thoughtfully put together interior. Atmosphere varies from relaxing to loud music, creating a flexible vibe. Known for stacked, well-seasoned gyros and flavorful pitas, it attracts those seeking authentic Mediterranean flavors.

Salads feature cucumbers, pickled onions, tomatoes, and feta with a good balance of seasoning. The Greek Salad stands out with its fresh ingredients and perfect seasoning, though olives are sparse.

Freshness stands out with a variety of options like the Greek Salad. Food tastes consistently delicious and offers a great mix of Greek fast food flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and really tasty."

"You'll love the delicious Greek food, especially the gyros."

"The Greek salad was good, perfectly seasoned with cucumbers and feta."

Good to know

1

Expect a long line during promotional events.

2

Online ordering is available, but coupons may not work.

3

The Gyro Bowl portions are generous and made to order.

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