Maybe you’re craving fiery Szechuan mapo tofu after a long beach day, maybe you’re planning a special family celebration, or maybe you’re just tired of overpriced takeout that never quite satisfies. Whatever brings you to this list, we’ve found the spots where your dollar stretches furthest—from delicate soup dumplings that burst with broth to wok-tossed noodles with that elusive ‘wok hei,’ all without breaking the bank.
New Mandarin Garden
$ | (949) 492-7432 | WEBSITE
Hype is only irresistible if said thing is worth it. New Mandarin Garden’s honey walnut shrimp is. Plump shrimp, crunchy walnuts, and that sweet creamy sauce that’s best devoured at one of their cozy tables make it so. There are a handful of worn-in booths inside this Chinese spot that’s become a San Clemente institution, but all you really need is $15 and a craving to enjoy anything from their sizzling woks.
Panda Express
$ | (949) 364-6982 | WEBSITE
You’ll find Panda Express in the food court of The Shopps at Mission Viejo. It’s a short walk from some of the best shopping options in the mall, but it’s well worth the extra steps. Your choice in the casual restaurant is simple: orange chicken and chow mein, which are particularly enjoyed by customers. One generous plate will do the job, and it’s open until the mall closes. Don’t skimp on the friendly service that ensures your meal is fresh and hot either.
Golden Dragon Chinese Food
$ | (949) 362-4739 | WEBSITE
Golden Dragon Chinese Food is a lively spot in San Clemente serving quick Chinese food that’s as convenient for a busy weeknight as it is satisfying for a family dinner. The Mu Shu pork is wrapped in thin pancakes with fresh chopped vegetables, and quickly cooked with flavorful sauces. The star, though, is the General Tso’s Chicken.
A gentle bite reveals crispy, tender pieces and a mouthful alongside rice, a side of egg rolls, and a drizzle of that perfectly balanced sauce will have you smiling with contentment.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (949) 364-6661 | WEBSITE
P.F. Chang’s is a dramatic Chinese restaurant in San Clemente where the only decision to make is to order one dish or three. Decide between the crispy string beans with that spicy dipping sauce, the savory Miso Salmon, or the classic Mongolian Beef, and order regular or family-style. Either way, you’ll be eating moreish Kung Pao Chicken, flavorful Hot and Sour Soup, and a load of other bits to be savored slowly.
The service is exceptional, with friendly and attentive servers who make special occasions memorable with personalized touches. They even offer flowers for moms on Mother’s Day. The remodeled space has adjacent parking and is ADA-accessible, making it easy to just show up and feast.
LOC Noodle& Dumpling Bar
$$ | (949) 503-3155 | WEBSITE
At just under $12, LOC Noodle & Dumpling Bar’s pork wonton soup is a siren call that’s hard to resist. The cool-vibed spot in Ladera has become a bit of a local institution thanks to its affordable prices and community support (the clean tables and quick ordering make it a neighborhood favorite). On any given evening you can expect a mix of locals and food lovers, tucking into delicious dumplings or loading up on garlic eggplant and cumin beef.
Diho Siam
$ | (949) 365-8777 | WEBSITE
Diho Siam is a straightforward Thai restaurant that has maintained its high standards over the years. The menu offers a variety of Thai and Chinese cuisine, with family favorites like Thai Basil Chicken, Crying Tiger, Mixed Vegetables, Chicken Satay, and Curries. The Thai Basil Chicken, whether as a lunch special or a dinner entree, is particularly delicious. That said, the curry options—a generous bowl of fragrant sauce with tender meat and vegetables—are pretty fantastic too.
Rice Bowl Express
$ | (949) 487-0068 | WEBSITE
This popular Chinese spot is in San Clemente and specialises in American Chinese classics—hot, fresh dishes served in generous portions. The orange chicken is affordable, but the BBQ pork fried rice is our favourite and worth the extra dollars. They also serve solid versions of fast-casual staples like Kung Pao chicken, Mongolian beef, and various seafood options. FYI, there’s ample parking even during busy hours. But that’s no surprise given it’s great value as well.
new mandarin garden restaurant
$$ | (949) 495-0281 | WEBSITE
This certified charmer of a Chinese-American eatery has been going strong, and pioneering potent orange chicken-sponsored flavor bursts, since its opening, and its cozy dining room is permanently packed with in-the-know chow mein enthusiasts. FYI, sharing is economically wise—bring numbers so you can split their absolute slab of a honey walnut shrimp, a few soups, and a round of egg drop soup, all for under $25 each.
China Bros
$ | (949) 312-2955 | WEBSITE
Something of a San Clemente institution, this Chinese restaurant makes chicken chop suey, fried rice, and vegetable egg rolls daily, and they’re worth going out of your way for, especially at $12.95 for a lunch portion. Each dish is carefully prepared, but we like the beef pepper steak best—it’s juicy with a savory flavor that gradually builds into a satisfying richness. The fried rice is aromatic and perfectly textured, and tastes even better reheated at home the next day.
Kaleyard
$$ | (949) 493-8586 | WEBSITE
One for fans of flavorful food and $8 scallion pancakes, Kaleyard is the most reasonable—and one of the most delicious—places to eat in San Clemente. This little gem serves Chinese dishes with care—scallion pancakes with ginger sauce, and other specialties—all for around fifteen dollars. It’s unlikely to be the fanciest version of each you’ll ever try, but if you’re waiting, the ping pong table is a very pleasant way to pass the time.
Pick Up Stix Fresh Asian Flavors
$ | (949) 643-0779 | WEBSITE
A standout in San Clemente’s Chinese food scene, Pick Up Stix Fresh Asian Flavors delivers exactly what its name promises—fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite. The star here is the customizable meal bowls, where tender meats and crisp vegetables mingle with perfectly cooked rice or noodles under Ignacio’s skilled hand. It’s a really good meal. Especially for under $15. But if that’s not your style, there are vegetarian options, kid-friendly plates, and fortune cookies to round things out.
The comfortable atmosphere and seamless service from phone order to pick-up make this a place customers keep returning to.
China Moon
$$ | (949) 249-6868 | WEBSITE
The buzz for flavorful Chinese-American classics has settled from a frantic roar to a steady hum, and China Moon, a long-standing favorite in San Clemente’s dining scene, is meeting the demand. The sesame chicken is crispy but still tender, the orange chicken is a must-try, and the crab ragú wontons will send your taste buds into a savory delight. There’s a range of options available, from the popular lunch special with Kung Pao chicken to generous dinner portions like the honey sesame chicken.
We’d recommend the latter, which will cost you around $16.