San Clemente is one of those California beach towns everyone has visited, has probably spent a sunny afternoon in, and is still completely unclear as to what it actually is. It’s a coastal gem. But as this surprisingly charming slice of Orange County started to morph into a culinary destination, it took on a whole different identity – San Clemente is where every pasta lover goes to find their next great meal.
Fettuccine Marcello Italian Kitchen
$$ | (949) 388-5757 | WEBSITE
Chances are if you’ve ever been out for Italian in San Clemente, Fettuccine Marcello was probably being recommended. But the charming restaurant also has a prime spot on the Pacific Coast, providing a great place to swing by for date night or a family gathering. Expect to find your traditional pasta and seafood dishes and expect them to be wonderful. And elegant. A plate of veal piccata will cost you a reasonable $28.
Romanos Pasta & Pizzeria
$ | (949) 498-4700 | WEBSITE
If you have absolutely nothing to do with San Clemente or dinner, we still recommend finding your way to Romanos Pasta & Pizzeria. This little Italian spot is serving some truly outstanding, classic Italian food at reasonable prices in a space you can settle into comfortably. And we mean REALLY delicious Italian food. The Meat Lovers pizza is tremendous and something we could drive down the coast for every week.
The service is friendly and attentive, and its atmosphere is slightly removed from the typical crowded chain restaurant scene, meaning more quality time with you and your garlic rolls.
Buona Forchetta San Clemente
$$ | (949) 503-2842 | WEBSITE
Good Italian and San Clemente have been long-time lovers, and Buona Forchetta is the area’s dinner staple. The classic Italian spot runs smoothly, is reasonably priced, and has a great customizable pasta situation that pretty much everyone at night is ordering. But sitting at a table and going to town on their gluten-free options is not only an honorable choice but a recommended one as well.
Pronto Cucina Italiana (Pronto Italian Deli)
$$$ | (949) 503-3049 | WEBSITE
Welcome to San Clemente’s new Italian darling. This charming coastal town isn’t exactly known for its authentic Italian dining scene, but Pronto Cucina Italiana is a lovely feather in San Clemente’s cap. The cozy and intimate space feels more like a trattoria tucked away in a Tuscan village than a casual spot to grab pasta at lunch, but it works. The menu is thoughtfully crafted, and the wine list is easily the best in the area.
Head back on Wednesday for that special wine tasting menu and really let yourself unwind.
Italian Cravings
$ | (949) 492-2777 | WEBSITE
This classic Italian strip mall spot probably doesn’t have the artisanal pasta of the high-end places downtown, but it makes up for it with consistently satisfying family favorites. You could come in and get a perfectly balanced capellini alla checca for around $16 or go all-in on a ground beef and mushroom pizza that’s been praised as one of the best in years for about $22. The cheese pizza is also a reliable kid-friendly option for under $15.
Italian Cravings is a little further out than those fancier spots too, making it easier to enjoy a meal without the pretense.
Guichos Eatery
$ | (949) 481-1070 | WEBSITE
If there’s such a thing as a San Clemente staple, Guichos Eatery is certainly it. The local favorite is one of the area’s best and continues to be a go-to for just about everyone nearby. Don’t come looking for your truffle-infused pasta here, Guichos is filled with your classic Italian takeout staples of fusilli with bread, penne with marinara, and linguini with shrimp, scallops, and mushrooms. And it’s all exactly what you want.
The interior is fairly standard, so the move is to head outside with your order for the beach or a park and watch the waves roll in while you eat your amazing pasta.
Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta
$$ | (949) 498-2540 | WEBSITE
It’s 7pm, you’ve been chasing toddlers all day, and your partner just reminded you about the in-laws visiting tomorrow. Time for pasta. And Sonny’s will give you just that. No, this isn’t the most authentic Italian food in town, but it’s still pretty delicious and well-priced for the family dinner you’re obviously in need of.
The outdoor seating with flowers is also a step up from the more casual pizza joints on the block, just in case your mother-in-law decides to join at the last minute so you can all ‘catch up properly.’
Fratello’s Italian Kitchen + Bar
$$ | (949) 661-5200 | WEBSITE
No matter how many times you tried to convince yourself that a quiet night in was the better option, sometimes a family dinner out is non-negotiable. In which case, head to Fratello’s. Earning the well-deserved reputation as a cornerstone of the local dining scene, Fratello’s is one of the coziest, most welcoming spots in town, and one you should embrace as such. No, you’re not going to have fried calamari and Alfredo pasta every single night, but when that moment calls, go to Fratello’s.
Savor your meal here and remember exactly why this place has kept everyone coming back for over twenty years.
Gibroni’s Pizza
$ | (877) 312-9975 | WEBSITE
When the weekend calls for a family outing with a side of fun, there’s no better spot in San Clemente than Gibroni’s Pizza. Directly adjacent to the bustling downtown scene, Gibroni’s has a cozy, family-friendly setting that’s perfect for loud trivia nights where everyone’s having a blast. And the Detroit-style pizza is delicious. We’re partial to the Baba pizza with garlic Parmesan wings and a whole bunch of local brews all at once, but read the room.
Either way, this new-school San Clemente spot rarely disappoints.
Rocco’s Restaurant
$$ | (949) 388-7766 | WEBSITE
Rocco’s is essentially the less chaotic answer to other Italian spots and also where you go when it’s 7:30pm and you’re still craving pumpkin ravioli. The beloved European restaurant serves a fabulous fusion of flavors and makes you feel completely justified in indulging in every bite. There’s an excellent Thanksgiving meal option, though, if the chicken marsala and risotto route feels more appropriate that evening.
Either way, the food is fantastic and reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is a bit more refined than the other pasta places in South OC. And that’s important while you ponder if that Ahi Crudo was worth the risk.