San Clemente’s surfside charm hides a culinary truth: its pizza scene is no sleepy beach-town affair. Forget soggy slices from boardwalk joints—here, Neapolitan perfection bubbles in wood-fired ovens, while New York-style folds compete with California-inspired pies. This coastal enclave serves up crusts worth ditching the waves for, proving that sometimes the best breaks happen at the dinner table.
Buona Forchetta San Clemente
$$ | (949) 503-2842 | WEBSITE
It’s not every day you’re going to eat lasagna bolognese before noon, but when you want that for yourself, make sure you have it at Buona Forchetta San Clemente. This cozy Italian restaurant in San Clemente draws in a steady lunch crowd, but you’ll never feel out of place here in casual wear. Drop by for a solo meal at the bar or roll in with friends on a weekend.
Station Craft Taproom + Pizzeria
Tucked away in San Clemente, Station Craft Taproom + Pizzeria is the kind of spot you might stroll right past without a second glance. And even if you do notice it, you’d never guess that inside you’ll find some of the best pizza in town. With everything from the signature Surfing Cowboy to a surprisingly delicious Meatball sub to a killer Ranch, the menu certainly covers a lot of ground, but we haven’t tried a single dish that we wouldn’t order again.
Plus, with such a wide variety, it’s an ideal spot for a casual group dinner when everyone wants something different.
Outrigger Tavern
$ | (949) 492-1935 | WEBSITE
You can find Outrigger Tavern in the heart of San Clemente’s bustling bar scene, but this surprisingly welcoming spot has a beautiful outdoor patio area ideal for actually feeling that pleasant breeze during dinner. They have a great selection of drinks and entertainment that usually includes a bunch of fun music and TV options that go great with any of the pizzas.
Our favorites include the “bomb pizza” – basically a loaded pie that sells out quickly – and the toasted turkey pesto sandwich with Kettle chips.
San Clemente Pizza Co
$ | (949) 361-2130 | WEBSITE
There’s a decent chance you haven’t heard of San Clemente Pizza Co, and that’s because most of the people ordering from there don’t want you to know about it. Why? Because this local spot serves tremendous New York-style pies with that perfect foldable, thin, and chewy crust in a space that never gets overwhelmed. Their buffalo ranch pizza is particularly good, and they handle large orders with short notice like it’s nothing. Just don’t tell anyone we sent you.
Round Table Pizza
$$ | (949) 496-7701 | WEBSITE
When it comes to grabbing pizza in San Clemente, it’s hard to go wrong. But for a reliable meal, you can almost always find us at Round Table Pizza. It’s less flashy than some of its trendier competitors, and that’s exactly why we love it. Their perfect crust and flavorful sauce make for some of our favorite pizza in town.
Romanos Pasta & Pizzeria
$ | (949) 498-4700 | WEBSITE
Despite its rather ambitious name, Romanos Pasta & Pizzeria is a comforting little Italian spot tucked away in San Clemente. All of their pizzas and pastas are way better than they should be, and the cozy space with its European feel and fresh flowers is a much-needed respite from another day of errands that you don’t feel like discussing with anyone.
Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta
$$ | (949) 498-2540 | WEBSITE
You probably don’t need us to tell you what Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta is at this point. This one offers genuine Italian dishes, and is no different from all the rest – great quality pizza and pasta for a not-outrageous price. It’s even more affordable for a family meal, and the outdoor seating with flowers is as pleasant as it gets.
Gibroni’s Pizza
$ | (877) 312-9975 | WEBSITE
Gibroni’s Pizza, a Detroit-style newcomer that’s quickly becoming San Clemente’s best-kept secret, serves up some really fantastic pizza. You can’t miss the Baba pizza – a deep-dish square of crispy pepperoni, lots of cheese, and that signature Detroit crust, paired perfectly with garlic Parmesan wings and a Faygo or Vernors. It’s the perfect family dinner solution, especially when the kids won’t stop asking for another trivia night.
Speaking of gathering spots, they’ve got a cozy, welcoming space, with friendly staff and cool bands or karaoke nights. It’s an ideal oasis from the everyday routine, making it a must-visit for both kids and adults looking for delicious pizza and great drinks in a family-friendly setting.
Pizza Port San Clemente
$ | (949) 940-0005 | WEBSITE
Pizza Port San Clemente has always been a reliable spot for a casual slice and a beer, but its San Clemente location is an absolute destination. The pizza is excellent—they’ve got build-your-own pies that let you know they’re fresh and lunch specials that remind you why the restaurant’s name is Pizza Port. And come dinnertime, you’ll find a lively atmosphere, an impressive beer selection, and family-friendly fun—most of which comes with an affordable price tag.
But it’s the space that makes this Pizza Port a true knock-out. There are enough arcade games and pinball machines to provide the illusion that you’re somewhere in a classic pizza arcade.
Italian Cravings
$ | (949) 492-2777 | WEBSITE
Italian Cravings sits just a short drive from the bustling Pacific Coast Highway, but their cozy dining room – with warm lighting and rustic wooden accents – feels like a genuine escape. The star of the show here is pizza – expertly baked, crisp crust and quality, straightforward toppings like ground beef and mushrooms. It’s the kind of pizza that has earned praise as one of the best in years, and it’ll take exactly one slice for you to understand why they’re so highly regarded.
Stick close to the pizzas, but if you want to add a starter to your meal, we suggest the capellini alla checca with its fresh ingredients in perfect balance.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (949) 498-9002 | WEBSITE
It’s hard for us to even say ‘San Clemente’ without picking up a pizza from Domino’s. In some ways, we prefer these somewhat non-traditional versions over the straightforward pepperoni or cheese iterations you’ll find at other chains. For starters, the crusts here are always hot and well-made, with a thin option reminiscent of Chicago tavern style. Cheese oozes out of the sides at even the gentlest touch.
And toppings aren’t typical—they’re generous and plentiful, with plenty of options for customization. We gravitate towards the thin crust, balanced out with loads of toppings and a side of ranch dressing. Domino’s is fast, it’s fresh, and if you set your mind to it, one pizza (and maybe some breadsticks or wings?) can stretch into two meals.
Stuft Pizza
$ | (949) 498-5822 | WEBSITE
On those nights when pizza is calling your name, but driving across town for a decent slice would require a time machine, Stuft Pizza is a fantastic option to know about. Everything here, from calzones to chicken wings, is made fresh daily and satisfies a pizza craving (though they sadly don’t skimp on the pineapple). The medium-thick crust has great sauce and is perfectly made, while the all meat pizza has generous portions and quality ingredients.
This is mostly a family and friends kind of place, but there’s a typical pizza place ambience with maroon booths and wooden dividers if you’re with a sports team during dinner or you simply can’t wait to get home to eat.
Pronto Cucina Italiana (Pronto Italian Deli)
$$$ | (949) 503-3049 | WEBSITE
Pronto Cucina Italiana is one of our favorite Italian spots in San Clemente – not only because of their exceptional food, but also for having a cozy space that’s great for a special occasion. The warm and inviting interior feels kind of like a trattoria, and with a thoughtful wine list featuring a tasting menu on Wednesdays, you won’t have any trouble finding a reason to celebrate. The short rib ravioli, with its rich sauce and tender filling, definitely needs to hit the table.