Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in San Clemente

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodAfternoon TeaOrganicVegetarian / Vegan

Regions

South Orange County

Neighborhoods

Dana Point / Monarch BeachMission Viejo / Rancho Santa MargaritaSan Juan Capistrano

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant

1. The Tea House on Los Rios

4.8

Exceptional(2843)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 60 times today

Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County's premier high tea experience. Known for our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us for an unforgettable experience on Historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. Take the train and making a day of it!

2. Coastal Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(5045)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 84 times today

Christina and Mike Grant, the owners of Coastal Kitchen, have created an experience that will delight and satisfy the most discerning guest. Fueled by their passion for food and a love of hospitality, the Grants have established Coastal Kitchen as the go-to spot in Dana Point. The menu is clean and fresh consisting of fish and steaks cut in house, great salads, freshly ground burgers and more. Coastal Kitchen has a full bar, patio with fire pits, and fresh coastal design. Our mission is to deliver a quality dining experience in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a consistency that will bring guests back again and again. We look forward to serving you.

3. Ciao Pasta

4.8

Exceptional(1288)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 13 times today

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!

A photo of Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera Ranch restaurant

4. Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera Ranch

4.6

Exceptional(273)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Winery • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 17 times today

Discover the epitome of outdoor and indoor dining excellence at Rancho Capistrano Winery in Ladera Ranch. Our expansive wrap-around heated deck offers breathtaking views of the picturesque Ladera Town Green park, creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience. Plus, enjoy the convenience of abundant free parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit every time. We offer over 35 of our own wines created from some of the finest vineyards in the west coast and a food menu that has won over 40 "Best of" awards.

5. Rosewood Social

4.8

Exceptional(192)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southeast Asian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 17 times today

Located on the rooftop of the historic Franciscan Plaza in San Juan Capistrano, Rosewood Social combines the unique flavors of the traditional American steakhouse with soulful Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy delicious food with a signature cocktail or a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking Mission San Juan at sunset. Join us for a relaxing and truly memorable dining and drinking experience!

A photo of Wind & Sea Restaurant restaurant

6. Wind & Sea Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1875)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 16 times today

The Wind & Sea Restaurant is located on the water in the Dana Point Harbor. With water on three sides, every table has a spectacular view. We serve fresh fish selections daily as well as Lobster tail, shrimp, steaks, and vegetarian dishes.Monday through Friday (not available Holidays and Special occasions) we have Hawaiian Happy Hour from 4:00 to 7:00 featuring our world famous Mai Tai's as well as draft beer, wine and food specials. Big screen TV's, keep the lounge exciting at all times. The waterfront open-air patio serves the full menu and is heated at night, perfect for an order of nachos and a margarita or a full dinner under the stars. Private banquet facilities accommodate 20 to 75.

A photo of Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano restaurant

7. Rancho Capistrano Winery - San Juan Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(362)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 20 times today

Voted 2024 San Juan Capistrano Business of the Year!Winner of multiple Best of San Juan Awards including best restaurant, best dinner, best lunch, best ambiance, best wine and many more. Rancho Capistrano Winery has become the must go destination for locals and visitors alike. In addition to producing over 40 different wines from the finest grape growing regions in the West, we are known for our award-winning signature dishes that blend perfectly with our wines. Our grapes are sourced from different premier wine regions, including Paso Robles, Lodi, Northern California and Washington. Rancho Capistrano Winery has proudly grown to be the largest winery in Orange County,

A photo of Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant restaurant

8. Harpoon Henry's Seafood Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1508)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 14 times today

OPEN FOR DINING INDOORS AND ON OUR WATERFRONT OUTDOOR PATIO Join us dockside for dining with sweeping Harbor views; for a weekend breakfast, or lunch/dinner daily... in the evenings we have patio heaters to keep you warm!Harpoon Henrys Seafood Restaurant is proud to offer a spectacular waterfront view, fresh seafood, and the latest in California Beach Cuisine. We offer our guests harbor views from our dining room and our outdoor waterfront patio. For 46 years, we have provided the best in service, ambiance, and cuisine. We have been winners of awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association”, a finalist for Dining Excellence from both the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the County of Orange, and our wine list has been awarded a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence.”

A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant

9. Jack's Restaurant/Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1104)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 12 times today

Jack's Restaurant and Bar is an Italian restaurant located in Dana Point, California. The restaurant features a casual, family-friendly dining atmosphere and a full bar.Jack's Restaurant and Bar serves dinner seven days a week starting at 4pm. Jack's Restaurant and Bar offers a variety of Italian & Seafood Specialties, Free-Range Chicken, Roman Style Pizza, Vegan & Gluten-Free Menus, and Desserts. Private Dining Room available for groups up to 40. Catering Menus also available.

A photo of Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano restaurant

10. Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano

4.7

Exceptional(747)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 5 times today

Sundried Tomato specializes in New American cuisine and we are committed to offering the freshest quality ingredients on every plate. Due to our intimate setting we kindly ask that for parties of 7 or more you contact us at the restaurant directly. Let Sundried Tomato Host your event! Celebrate with us for your next baby shower, birthday, rehearsal dinner or any other special occasion. We look forward to serving you soon.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kathleen
Orange County •20 reviews
4.0
Dined today
First time dining here. Food was very good. The salmon could have used more flavor but was cooked perfectly. The fungi flatbread was perfect. I could have eaten several of them myself. The beet salad was very flavorful and a lovely blend of flavors.
More info
Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera RanchPrice: Moderate• Winery• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.6
M
MADELYNN
Los Angeles •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Charming place. Waitstaff and hostesses very friendly and helpful. Would definitely return
More info
The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
M
Marietta
London •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Once again, a terrific evening of great food, service & ambiance where everything — from cocktails and apps to dinner and dessert — was done to perfection.
More info
Coastal KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
•
4.8
M
MichelleVIP
Orange County •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
They have a new prefix for lunch that’s $35. I thought that was an excellent price. I ordered the prime rib sandwich, which was $28 by itself. The prefix gave you an option for a salad then a choice of one meal of which prime rib sandwich was one of them and then a choice of donuts for dessert
More info
Great Maple - Fashion IslandPrice: Moderate• American• Newport Beach
•
4.4
L
Leslie
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Best Italian place in San Juan Capistrano-love supporting a family business.
More info
Ciao PastaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8

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