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Loved by locals

Salad and sandwich spots in San Clemente

A lunch spot that takes both the salad and the sandwich seriously, rather than treating one as a weak side dish.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
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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.

Short rib and chicken sandwiches stand out with juicy, tender meat and crispy toasted baguettes. The Bahn Mi sandwich features smoked vegetables and layers of banana peppers, horseradish crรจme, and crisp lettuce for a bold flavor.

People are saying

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

"I thought the fried chicken sandwich was the best I ever had."

"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.

02
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.

Juicy chicken with fresh ingredients defines the Hawt Chicken Sandwich. Options include spicy or not and crispy or grilled, with coleslaw inside.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were amazing."

"This hot chicken sandwich is really good and juicy."

"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.

03
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.

Fried bologna sandwich stands out with sliced bologna piled like pastrami and layered with pickles on panini bread. It comes with potato wedges and offers an upscale adult twist on a classic.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the fried bologna sandwich; it's unlike any other."

"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.

04
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.

Meatball sandwich stands out as a signature item, often paired with spaghettini meatballs. Other options include turkey and chicken sandwiches, offering a variety beyond the classic meatball.

People are saying

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

"I found the takeout pastas and chopped salad to be 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.

05
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.

Sandwiches come with fresh, flavorful meat and are served on various breads like garlic toast, wheat, and gluten free buns. Options include Reuben, BLT, Caprese, and chicken sandwiches, all made with care and juicy ingredients.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious and juicy sandwiches here."

"I enjoyed the handmade sandwiches with a beer."

"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.

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.

French-style sandwiches and burgers offer a tasty twist on usual American fare. Croissant breakfast sandwiches come very rich, while the tuna sandwich costs $18.00 and tastes good but feels pricey.

People are saying

"The food and service here were amazing."

"Their croissant breakfast sandwiches were very rich."

"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
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.

Sandwiches come on crusty baguette and feature fresh, flavorful fillings like salmon, tuna, and brie-walnut-apple. Options include croissant sandwiches and classic French styles like croque-madame.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here irresistible and beautiful."

"The vibe here feels like a charming European getaway."

"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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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.

Sandwiches come with fresh ingredients and soft whole-grain bread. Options include an Italian sandwich and a veggie sandwich with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese. Some sandwiches have too much lettuce and little meat.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the sandwich, packed with fresh ingredients on soft bread."

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.

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San Clemente, California

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