San Clemente, CA "Best of" Restaurants in Review 2009

San Clemente, CA, "The Spanish Village by The Sea," known for its surfing and "kick-back" attitude. I have lived here for nearly 18 months and just love it! Every day offers an opportunity to explore the beach, walk on the trails and really get my appetite worked up. Because we all love to eat, here are some hot finds in my town of San Clemente, CA, that might just go unnoticed if some "newbie" doesn't point them out.

I have personally visited these restaurants and offer a sincere appraisal. S.C offers many diverse culinary delights, I have heard of many, many more! I can only share what I have personally experienced and these stood out as fabulous!

Antoine's Café: What looks like a quaint bistro serving breakfast and lunch, offers a wonderful dinner menu Thurs - Sat. Great food and affordable prices. Thursday's is jazz night and ½ off any wine by bottle of glass.
218 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672, 949-492-1763

Café 207: Some of the best fillet mignon I've tasted. Wonderful wine list by the glass too! A very cool fishtank to enjoy makes this a nice spot for a first date!
207 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672, 949-369-6304

Carbonnara Trattoria: Wonderful Italian food great ambiance and terrific prices. Dine with the upbeat sound of live guitar (check for schedule) A wonderful spot for a romantic dinner.
111 Avenida Del Mar, Suite B, San Clemente, CA 92672, 949-366-1040

Gordon James: Great American food with a traditional dining room, patio service and bar. With their new happy hour offered during the week, and live music Friday and Saturday, you can't miss an opportunity to come in.
110 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA‎, 949-498-9100‎

La Siesta Mexican Authentic Fresh Mexican Food: A family owned restaurant for those who want to be transported in time where the true flavor of old Mexican food is zesty robust. The carnitas are out of this world! 920 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672, 949-498-3094.

Taka-O Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar: Excellent sushi and a fun atmosphere where I don't even mind eating in the dining room ( and I am a die hard "eat at the sushi bar" girl) Karaoke too in the upstairs bar.
425 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672, 949-498-7111

Village Mediterranean Rim: So many locals miss this cozy restaurant on Del Mar. Fabulous food and ambiance for a special evening out! The European style food, open kitchen and warm ambiance make you feel like you have been transported into a friends home in another country.
123 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672, 949-361-8970

Vine Wine County Cuisine: A terrific restaurant with a menu style right out of Napa. Fabulous wine list, as you would expect. I would have no problem taking my "Wine Country" friends and family here.
211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA, 92672, 949-361-2079.

White Horses: OK, so I have yet to dine here. (I am saving it for my birthday) I hear it is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
610 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672, 949-429-1800.