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Local picks

Salad and lunch spots in San Clemente

A crisp, fresh bowl is the only thing that sounds right for a midday break.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Tabouli Kitchen image 1
Tabouli Kitchen image 2
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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.

Lunch offers a steady stream of familiar customers and features quick Mediterranean dishes. The menu suits those looking for a great new lunch option with reliable quality.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot's chicken bowl and tabouli are full of flavor."

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
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.

Warm welcomes set the tone for lunch here. The meals deliver a taste sensation that impresses consistently.

People are saying

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

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

"This lunch spot's authentic, fresh ingredients make everything ridiculously delicious."

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.

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.

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.

Lunch offers a flavor bomb with dishes like Garlic Shrimp. This spot stands out as a top choice for midday meals in the area.

People are saying

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

"I thought the salads were great."

"You have to try the poke nachos at this Lunch Spot."

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
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.

Fast service delivers lunch orders within minutes. Paying upfront with Alan, the cashier, keeps things moving smoothly. Food arrives quickly from the kitchen, making it a convenient lunch spot.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are so fresh and tasty."

"This Lunch Spot's dumplings and pot stickers are 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.

05
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.

Lunch offers a cool menu with options suitable for both lunch and dinner. The spot stays quiet during late lunch hours, making it easy to have a company lunch without distractions.

People are saying

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

"The steak salad was delicious and outstanding."

"This lunch spot had a laid-back environment and no one was disappointed."

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.

06
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.

Hearty breakfast and lunch options are available all day, making it a solid spot for a midday meal. The menu suits both tourists and locals, with coffee served alongside.

People are saying

"The food and service here were amazing."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is always quick and friendly."

"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.

07
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.

Offers quick, healthy, and flavorful lunch options like the Chicken Roma Asiago Bagel Stack. Coffee quality after lunch varies.

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.

08
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.

Offers a French breakfast and lunch menu with a focus on fresh breads. Closes early around 3pm, making it a spot for an early afternoon meal.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here irresistible and beautiful."

"This lunch spot's pastries are unreal, like buttery croissants and artwork desserts."

"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.

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San Clemente, California

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