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Best Italian Restaurants in San Clemente

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63 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant
1. Buona Forchetta San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(460)
$$$$
• Italian • San Clemente
Booked 21 times today
Experience a piece of the Buona Forchetta San Diego heritage through authentic Italian recipes that have been handed down through generations. Today, there are five locations around San Diego, with our sixth in San Clemente (plus a recent seventh in Newport Beach). Buona Forchetta’s Italian wood-fired pizzas—with the perfectly soft-yet-crispy crusts—continue to garner awards including San Diego Magazine Best Pizza 2023 Critic’s Choice, Gambero Rosso Best Pizzeria, Gayot Best Italian Restaurant San Diego, OpenTable Diner’s Choice and more. Our handmade pasta dishes bursting with rich flavors, fresh seafood specialities and decadent desserts will all leave you craving more. All Buona Forchetta locations also offer gluten-free Italian options and rotating specials.
A photo of 501 Restaurant and Bar restaurant
2. 501 Restaurant and Bar
4.2
Awesome(21)
$$$$
• Italian • San Clemente
Nestled in the heart of San Clemente, 501 Restaurant and Bar is where locals come to savor the best of our coastal cuisine throughout the day. From indulgent breakfast classics to innovative lunch creations and elegant dinner dishes, each plate is thoughtfully crafted by Chef Aron and his team.Start your culinary journey with our renowned crab cakes or crispy fried brussels sprouts, perfect for sharing as you immerse yourself in the laid-back ambiance of San Clemente. Indulge in our tender boneless short ribs or our signature Scampi Bagatta, a delightful twist on a classic favorite, or opt for our fresh and flavorful Fish Tacos, a true taste of the coast. Our Shore Smash Burger is a must-try, perfectly paired with stunning views and the relaxed vibes of San Clemente living.We take pride in hosting and catering your special events, bringing the flavors of San Clemente to your celebrations, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or intimate gathering with frien
A photo of Truly Pizza - Dana Point restaurant
3. Truly Pizza - Dana Point
4.8
Exceptional(1177)
$$$$
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 232 times today
Nestled in the heart of Dana Point's Lantern District, Truly Pizza redefines Contemporary Italian cuisine with its artisanal approach to pizza-making. This neighborhood gem offers a "warm and lovely patio" dining experience, enhanced by the "best pizza in Orange County," as raved by diners. The quality of ingredients is evident in every bite, from the thin, crispy crust to the outstanding cheese and sauce. Guests are treated to a vibrant atmosphere complemented by a rooftop wine experience. The service is consistently praised as "friendly and efficient," ensuring each visit feels like a special occasion. Truly Pizza is a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional Contemporary Italian dining.
A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
4. Luciana's Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(3633)
$$$$
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 32 times today
Located in a historical home in the resort town of Dana Point, California, Luciana's Ristorante has been serving the Orange County community for over 40 years. The decor is reminiscent of a cozy European-style inn, establishing it as one of Orange County's most romantic restaurants. Awarded the Southern California Restaurant Writers gold medal since 1996, three stars from the California Restaurant Writers, Zagat's Survey "America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants 2008" and an Award of Excellence for its wine list, Luciana's has been setting the standard for classic as well as innovative Italian cuisine. Whether visiting our cozy restaurant or our Bed and Breakfast and Cooking School in Tuscany, Italy, you are sure to experience the best and freshest combination of the old and new worlds.
A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant
5. Jack's Restaurant/Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1225)
$$$$
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 16 times today
Jack's Restaurant/Bar in Dana Point is a gem for seafood lovers, offering a delightful variety of fresh and flavorful dishes. Renowned for its authentic Italian and seafood specialties, diners rave about the exquisite preparation and taste. One guest highlighted the "halibut which melted in our mouths," while another recommended the "sea bass" as a must-try. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with impeccable service, ensures a memorable dining experience. As one review puts it, Jack's is "consistently great in every aspect," making it a top choice for those seeking high-quality seafood in a cozy, family-friendly environment.
A photo of Ciao Pasta restaurant
6. Ciao Pasta
4.7
Exceptional(1434)
$$$$
• Italian • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 19 times today
Ciao Pasta, nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, offers a vegetarian and vegan experience that is both authentic and delightful. Celebrated for its rich flavors and commitment to quality, the restaurant's menu is a testament to the vibrant traditions of Southern Italy. Guests rave about the "amazing food" that is consistently "delicious and fresh," making Ciao Pasta a standout destination for plant-based dining. The restaurant's cozy, inviting atmosphere is perfect for enjoying their extensive array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all crafted with the finest ingredients. For those seeking a true taste of Italy, Ciao Pasta is a must-visit!
A photo of Casanova Ristorante restaurant
7. Casanova Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(88)
$$$$
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 2 times today
Casanova Ristorante, nestled in the heart of Dana Point's Monarch Beach, is a standout destination for seafood enthusiasts, offering a true taste of Venetian and North Italian culinary artistry. Known for its "outstanding" pesto pasta with scallops and "best vongole around," the restaurant consistently delivers top-tier, authentic seafood dishes that transport diners straight to the Italian coast. The ambiance complements the exquisite cuisine, with a classic trattoria feel that invites relaxation and enjoyment. Whether savoring calamari or indulging in shrimp arrabbiata, guests are treated to a memorable dining experience, making Casanova Ristorante a must-visit for seafood lovers.
A photo of Luxe Restaurant and Bar restaurant
8. Luxe Restaurant and Bar
4.8
Exceptional(737)
$$$$
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 3 times today
Luxe Restaurant & Bar in Dana Point is a hidden gem renowned for its exceptional Italian cuisine. The menu boasts a delightful array of classic Italian dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring every bite is a culinary delight. Guests rave about the "outstanding meatballs" and the delectable house-made lobster ravioli, which a diner described as "absolutely amazing." The ambiance is enhanced by live music, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. With its attentive service and authentic flavors, Luxe offers a dining experience that effortlessly transports you to the heart of Italy, making it a must-visit for Italian food enthusiasts.
A photo of Stella's restaurant
9. Stella's
4.5
Awesome(1372)
$$$$
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 7 times today
Stella's in Dana Point is a culinary treasure for seafood enthusiasts, offering a taste of the Mediterranean with an Italian twist. Diners rave about the "unbelievable" seafood dishes, like the Lobster Ravioli and Cioppino, which are praised for their perfect balance of flavors. The fresh, high-quality ingredients ensure each bite is a delightful experience reminiscent of dining by the Mediterranean Sea. Guests appreciate the attentive service and inviting atmosphere, with live saxophone music adding to the charm. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual night out, Stella's promises a seafood experience that will leave you craving more.
A photo of Piatti - Laguna Beach restaurant
10. Piatti - Laguna Beach
4.4
Awesome(254)
$$$$
• Italian • Laguna Beach
Booked 36 times today
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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