Sue and I want you to know, and appreciate, that San Clemente has come into its own in just the last few years. Now more then ever before there are several wonderful locally owned and operated restaurants to enjoy, all within a mile or less of our inn. We enjoy them all, but thought we’d recommend a few of our favorites to you. Not only are the owners our personal friends, but we thought its worth mentioning the top six are also very big supporters of our local community. For Sue and I, this is an important consideration. We support those who support our community. And hey…the food is darn good too! Let us know what your hungry for, and we’ll send you out to dine in town with one of our many friends.
Rick & Sue

Carbonara’s Trattoria
An excellent blend of both Northern and Southern Italian Cuisine, the daily specials are delicious, hearty and affordable. On Del Mar in downtown San Clemente, they're open for lunch and dinner with dining room and full bar. Carbonaras' prides themselves with an incredible wine selection. Ask for Tony and tell him Rick & Sue sent you! Tony and I both opened restaurants together in 1990 and have been friends since. I sold Rick’s Tropicana Bar & Grill in 2005 that once occupied the first floor of our building. Tony & Mary both have wonderful, reasonable menus, great wines and it’s a fantastic place for some wonderful Italian. I always end up ordering the fresh fish special. Sue likes the lasagna. You MUST finish your evening with their world famous Love Cup and a nice Port!

Gordon James Grill, located in the renovated original Ole Hanson Real Estate Office, offers American Contemporary with fresh seafood, prime Angus Beef, and an array of fresh pastas, bountiful sandwiches and crisp salads. Gordon can be found on the floor most busy nights. His wife Penny and he operate one top notch restaurant & bar. You may notice the original 1928 San Clemente Track Maps and San Clemente Railroad sign on his walls in the bar area. Sue and I loaned then to Gordon so everyone can enjoy them. I love the lamb chops, and they have the best Cioppino I know of. Sue says the tossed cob is her favorite salad of all time.

Iva Lee’s Creole Cuisine, pairs live blues and jazz with a wide variety of classic Southern dishes from New Orleans to round out a captivating atmosphere. Eric I think lives behind the bar greeting everyone with a big welcome! You can find Lisa most nights hosting. We think their #1 for their live entertainment! We recommend them to everyone no matter where they dine for after dinner entertainment. Eric has a great wine selection and makes my favorite steak. I love the blue cheese filet minion; I eat it with a spoon! Sue likes their famous pork chops and we both like the jambalaya.

Sonny’s Pizzeria authentic Italian food served with southern California flair. Julie now runs the restaurant for Sonny. He is still spotted every now and then in the kitchen keeping it real. Sonny’s has to be number one in the city just judging by the popularity of the place. They often have waits, but its well worth it. Julie always gives me a hard time because I always order the same thing, chicken parmesan… my favorite. Sue likes the sausage and peppers, and their anti pasta salad. Beware of the salad dressing, its garlic flavor is killer good, but it’s not a first date kissing dressing.

Step onto the San Clemente Pier to enjoy a meal of fresh seafood and award-winning chowder at the always-hopping Fisherman's Restaurant and Oyster Bar. General Manager Bob runs the busiest restaurant in town, how can he miss? The seafood selection is fresh almost daily. They don’t take reservations, but get there in plenty of time and enjoy the bar side on the north. The wait is worth it. They have the best happy hour specials.

Avila’s El Ranchito Mama Avila opens her kitchen with authentic recipes. Victor’s bartenders make the best margaritas in town! We like this spot for the great Mexican style food, plenty, hot, good, and consistent. This is where you can get your grunge on. Don’t miss the carnitas!

Café 204 Now we’re talking intimate, wonderful, attentive, and fantastically prepared dishes by Chef Darin. Owner Pete runs around and fills in helping out his employees where he can, but he runs a mean bar too. They have great wines and offer romance. I die for the fresh seared ahi, and Sue gets the fresh fish special.

Happa J’s Oahhh Brudda…Dis place da kine! If you got da mackin ting for some plenty ono grinds, Dis gonna get em’ go pow! Dem bruddas goin make sura dat when go ovah dare, dey goin brok da mouth, ya? Justin has authentic Hawaiian grinds here! We couldn’t tell you what we love the best. Everything is island style and simply outstanding, from the fish to the sticky rice, they even have local island style beers! Tell em we say, “Aloha Brah!”

Casual, continental fare set in an eclectic, art-infused environment can be found at BeachFire Bar and Grill, offering live music most nights. Dave holds up to the casual beach bar style. The weekend entertainment is geared to the hardy. It’s loud, packed, and happening!

Up the hill on historic Avenida Del Mar, you’ll find a selection of some of the finest dining establishments in Orange County.

more - eat well, be happy

Cafe Calypso for breakfast, lunch or a simple alfresco coffee klatch… an inspired menu, crafted by the chef-owner, offers fresh, healthful salads, wraps, soups and sandwiches and a sweet variety of decadent baked goodies. Catch up with friends over a great cup of joe, beer or glass of wine.

Café Mimosa fresh, organic, innovative cuisine, served al fresco

Cassano’s Pizzeria great pizza joint with ocean views, a few doors down at 626 Avenida Victoria

Irons in the Fire one of the best golf course restaurants, ever

La Galette Creperie Brenton-style crepe, the best coffee in town, oceanfront

Nicks….Great food and atmosphere!

OltreMare Authentic Italian cooking!

Pacific Taste Chinese fresh, tasty, great lunch specials

Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria deep-dish pizzas, zesty pastas, family-friendly

Enjoy an intimate dinner for two on the El Camino Real (the original California State Highway 1) at The Vine, featuring wine country-inspired cuisine, a rustic wine bar and an open kitchen.
San Clemente Sunday Farmer’s Market

Artisanal cheeses and breads, fresh, organically- and locally-grown vegetables, flowers and more California abundance may be found every Sunday morning along Avenida Del Mar at this California Federation of Certified Farmers' Markets marketplace.

Before heading to the beach for the afternoon, consider a stop Billy’s Meats, Seafood and Deli, a local’s favorite for 17 years. House-made salads, fresh baked goods.