In this coastal town, there’s seafood that tastes like a sunburned afternoon at the pier, and there are tasting menus that cost as much as a weekend surfboard rental. This list is for everything in between—the spots where the fish is fresh, the vibe is easy, and the bill won’t make you wince.
Nalu’s Hawaiian Fish Grill & Tutu’s Kitchen
$ | (949) 877-8577 | WEBSITE
Nalu’s Hawaiian Fish Grill & Tutu’s Kitchen offers a great experience, which is wonderful, because you’re getting authentic Hawaiian food without the plane ticket. The dishes here are fresh, flavorful, and packed with island vibes, and the plates are topped with things like pineapple salsa or spicy poke sauce. We usually go for one of their popular choices, like the grilled mahi with pineapple salsa, or the one with garlic shrimp noodles and poke bowl.
Keep in mind that Nalu’s has a relaxed atmosphere with fun Hawaiian decor throughout the day.
Riviera Restaurant
$$ | (949) 503-2222 | WEBSITE
Riviera Restaurant looks like it’s just another retro 70’s hotel dining room, but there’s a welcoming atmosphere inside. The quality of the risotto, salmon, and filet mignon is impressive—especially considering most of the dinner entrees cost under $25. Seating options are plentiful with comfortable booths, but you can always just take your breakfast burrito or burger to go.
Nick’s San Clemente
$$ | (949) 481-2200 | WEBSITE
This place in San Clemente with its bustling dining room and lively chatter looks like dozens of other coastal seafood spots, but that’s where the similarities end. Nick’s San Clemente is serving some of the best seafood in town—not just for a casual meal, but for any occasion. The focus here is on consistently excellent food, and for $32, you get a generous portion of crusted wild caught halibut along with attentive service and a pleasant atmosphere.
There are occasional delays when it’s busy, but the well-trained staff makes sure you still have a quality dining experience.
Seasurf Fish Co
$ | (949) 218-1994 | WEBSITE
To get to Seasurf Fish Co, you head to a casual spot in San Clemente, walk through the lively atmosphere, and find yourself at a counter where you’ll order some of the best seafood tacos in town. Yes, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll find excellent grilled fish options like sea bass and poke tacos at decent prices. Try the shrimp tacos that come with grilled cheese on the tortillas, or get the oyster that many describe as amazing.
The quality of the flavors is as good as many sit-down seafood spots.
Wahoo’s Fish Taco
$ | (949) 487-6995 | WEBSITE
For a convenient (yet surprisingly special) spot near the freeway that you can pretty much always get into, Wahoo’s Fish Taco has no business being as good as it is. Two fish tacos plus a spicy mango margarita will cost you roughly $18 here, and you can be confident that your meal will be both fresh and generous. The menu also has a bunch of chicken tacos and fuegos carnitas tacos as well as ceviche and salads.
Vine Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (949) 361-2079 | WEBSITE
Vine Restaurant & Bar specializes in seafood and attracting crowds of people who appreciate exceptional hospitality. The halibut and truffle pea ravioli are our favorites, and for $28 you can get a three-course meal that includes both of those. On a weeknight, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get a table in the cozy dining room (the lighting is a bit dim), but we wouldn’t recommend bringing more than three other people with you. Takeout is an option if it’s busy.
Fisherman’s Galley
$ | (949) 498-6390 | WEBSITE
Fisherman’s Galley has some of the best seafood in San Clemente, and their wonderful lunch spot with a pleasant patio is a great deal. But they also have delicious food and drinks as well as a $3 soft serve ice cream cone, which means you can get in and out with a quality meal for less money. If you aren’t in San Clemente, there’s a must-do activity while visiting the area.
Gema
$$$ | (714) 640-9371 | WEBSITE
This high-end Mexican gastronomy restaurant is located on a vibrant San Clemente street with window seating that offers views of the bustling sidewalk. And just like Baja’s finest coastal cuisine, Gema’s perfectly-executed seafood dishes will remind you that fresh, inventive flavors are extremely pleasing to your palate. You can get tasting menus with things like branzino and swordfish, or you can order what you want à la carte.
Inka Mama’s San Clemente
$$ | (949) 312-2423 | WEBSITE
Inka Mama’s San Clemente offers a delightful Peruvian dining experience with fresh and flavorful dishes in the heart of old town. The well-designed interior has a cozy, hidden feel with warm lighting and comfortable seating, and there are plenty of options in the $20 range, including standout dishes like the ribeye saltado and heavenly empanadas.
Rare Society
$$$$ | (949) 669-7273 | WEBSITE
This San Clemente steakhouse has been drawing crowds since it opened, and it seems like they’ve perfected the formula from day one. The second-floor dining room offers sunset views that feel like they’ve been painted just for special occasions, and the Vegas-meets-New York vibe with muted lighting and dark walls creates an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and inviting.
There’s often a wait for those coveted window seats, so reserve ahead for indoor or outdoor seating, settle into the midcentury-style furnishings, and enjoy the sunset.
Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar San Clemente
$$ | (949) 498-6390 | WEBSITE
In a coastal town packed with upscale seafood spots, Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar San Clemente stands out as a relaxed place where you can arrive in flip-flops and enjoy great ocean views. Their regular menu has a straightforward selection of seafood classics (the Mexican omelette and Fisherman’s IPA come highly recommended), but they always provide cozy heaters on the patio during chilly evenings.
If you want to keep things simple, go for the early dinner special available weekdays from 4pm to 6pm at wallet-friendly prices.
Brussels Bistro
$$ | (949) 218-8489 | WEBSITE
Brussels Bistro in San Clemente serves excellent Belgian classics, from the popular fries to hearty dishes like Beef Bourguignon and Lamb Shank. It’s lovely to dine in as well, with candlelit tables that create an intimate European feel and a cozy bar area where experienced staff pour refreshing Belgian beers and artisan brews into proper glassware. Stop by for one of their generous portions to share, or bring a friend for a date night dinner, and order one starter more than you actually need.
Fratello’s Italian Kitchen + Bar
$$ | (949) 661-5200 | WEBSITE
A favorite among San Clemente’s weeknight Italian enthusiasts, Fratello’s often has a wait—so make a reservation in advance. The cozy atmosphere works for a date or family outing, and they have a long-enough menu of gluten-free options in case you’re with someone who just needs something comforting. Expect a variety of quality pasta, and generous portions that start at a very reasonable $18.
Wow poki San Clemente
$ | (949) 940-5900 | WEBSITE
When you want a top-tier poke bowl in a casual setting, head straight to WowPoki San Clemente. The room has cozy decor and a few small tables, and it’s quiet enough for a relaxed meal. This spot does everything well, from the variety of fresh fish options like salmon, hamachi, albacore, and tuna to the generous toppings that come at no extra cost. They also serve shrimp and scallops, as well as vegetarian choices and fun Asian snacks.
The large bowls come with five scoops of fish, and while the scoops may be small, the freshness and ideal texture more than make up for it. The seaweed salad tastes fresh, not like rotten seawater, and the free scoop of avocado is a nice touch. The service is friendly, the place is very clean, and it’s perfect for a quick, affordable, and delicious meal.
Surfin’ Chicken Grill
$ | (949) 498-6603 | WEBSITE
You grab a seat at one of the simple tables at this spot in San Clemente, and this place isn’t trying to be ‘fancy,’ which we find kind of refreshing. The focus at Surfin’ Chicken Grill is on quality chicken, good sauces, and fresh seafood. Unlike some other seafood spots, you order individual items here rather than commit to a full multi-course meal. You can also get everything on the menu as a burrito—but the whole chicken is really the move here.
Eat it fresh, so the grilled flavor doesn’t fade.
Fig@313
$$$ | (949) 218-4406 | WEBSITE
Fig@313 is the seafood destination for all residents of San Clemente. What do those residents come for? The Olive Fig Tapenade and Fig Wagyu Burger. The flourless chocolate cake is incredible, too. And, while the patio is stunning, the atmosphere is warm yet elegant, and it works perfectly for a date night or even a special dinner if you’re celebrating nearby. This place also has consistently high-quality, beautifully presented, and reasonably priced food.
South of Nick’s San Clemente | Mexican Kitchen + Bar
$$ | (949) 481-4545 | WEBSITE
Aside from the vibrant Mexican artwork and some colorful papel picado hanging from the ceiling, South of Nick’s feels like any lively neighborhood spot. What makes a difference at this popular restaurant in San Clemente is the kitchen, which prepares standout dishes like shrimp taquitos and perfectly cooked Seafood Enchiladas with a sweet green sauce. For a place with tile floors and bustling dinner crowds, the food is delicious.
It gets busy during peak hours, and you’ll see a lot of people celebrating special occasions or enjoying generous, under-$30 main dishes like the pork carnitas and Cabo shrimp.