12 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Clemente

Check out our list of the best Mexican restaurants in San Clemente. Explore a variety of Mexican flavors, from a Fish Tacos to California Burrito, and enjoy great Mexican cuisine in the city.

South of Nick's San Clemente | Mexican Kitchen + Bar Mexican • $$
110 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

El Jefe Burrito with Ranchero Beef
Stacked Chicken Enchiladas
Maine Lobster Enchiladas
Guacamole for the Table
Enchiladas Divorciadas
Filet Mignon Ranchero
Seafood Chile Relleno
Chicken Tortilla Soup
El Gringo Taco Salad
Tijuana Street Corn

“We celebrated my daughters 20th birthday. The service was amazing. Karcher our waiter was amazing, he was so attentive, explained the menu to us and had some amazing suggestions as well. Everything we ordered from appetizers to the desserts were amazing. Karcher was so thoughtful that upon us mentioning it was my daughters birthday he went above and beyond and brought her dessert with a birthday candle. Thank you so much.. She enjoyed it very much and we all did as well. From the Avina Family thank you South of Nick's - San Clemente for the amazing time. We will definitely return. 4/14/2024 Menu: Taquitos Caseros were tasty, Filet & Grilled Romaine was amazing, chicken flautas were yummy. Chipotle Dusted Sea Bass was my husbands favorite. El Vaquero was also a favorite. the drinks were yummy from the Strawberry lemonade, cokes, to the corona and the red wine to my favorite the cucumber margarita. :) The setting and the atmosphere was amazing.“

4.5 Superb419 Reviews
sol agave - san clemente Mexican • $$
111 Avenida Del Mar suite 1B, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Butter Cake with Chocolate Mousse and Vanilla Ice Cream
Taquiza Carne Asada Carnitas Chicken & Shrimp Tacos
Seafood Enchiladas with Shrimp and Dungeness Crab
Cazuela de Pastor Al Trompo
Enchiladas de Mariscos
Our Famous Carnitas
Fajitas de la Casa
Carnitas Soft Taco
Guacamole Sampler
Chips and Salsa

“The food is really good, loved the salsa and our entrees but very pricey and a limited menu. I'd like to see more entrees and average price was $24 and up. Drinks are fantastic but again pricey. Go for happy hour!! Great service every time we go.“

4.6 Superb110 Reviews
Chelas Mexican Kitchen Mexican • $
1011 Avenida Pico, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

BYO La Calle Street Tacos
Chelas Steak Burrito
Carne Asada Burrito
Chicken Quesadilla
One Pint Guacamole
Chicken Enchiladas
El Macho Nachos
Chile Verde Wet
Tacos Al Pastor
Asada Fries

“Such a pleasant surprise! Sometimes fast food Mexican is not so Bueno! The chips were light, crisp and so fresh. The guacamole was seasoned to perfection. My husband loved the beans. We came on Taco Tuesday based on someone's recommendation and it totally satisfied!“

4.6 Superb108 Reviews
Surfin' Chicken Grill Chicken • $
71 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Lunch Special Chicken Plate
Carne Asada Burrito
Carne Asada Nachos
Half Chicken Plate
Red Snapper Plate
Surfin Chicken
Baby Back Ribs
Whole Chicken
Tortillas
Fish

“The food was very good and healthy. I had the two piece chicken (actually cooked on a flame grill) lunch with 4 tortillas, lettuce/salad, beans, and a smooth guac (which I really liked). Tomatillo salsa was very good. Nothing was loaded with salt which is a big deal to me. We’ll be coming back.“

4.6 Superb59 Reviews
Sancho's Tacos Mexican • $
1101 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Flounder Pounder
Shrimp Tacos
Carnitas Taco
Chips & Salsa
Quesadilla
Fish Tacos
Burritos
Tri Tip
Steak
Sauce

“Great taco spot! The OG taco is probably the best taco I've ever had. I won't even make steak tacos at home anymore because it doesn't make sense to, and I make crazy good steak tacos. Their's are just so much better. Tuesday is basically half off for basically the same daily taco. Maybe on Tuesday they are slightly lighter, or perhaps it's just so many that need to be made so quickly that they just seem like it. This is typical for any taco place on a Tuesday, but most other places are noticeably more meager and not the same quality on their TT's. Tuesdays at Sanchos are definitely the same quality taste and are quite a bargain, even if they perhaps are slightly lighter. Chubbie sauce is insane and they sell bottles of it.“

4.3 Superb85 Reviews
Active Culture Cafe • $
111 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Wholesome Grain Bowl
Grassroots Burger
Breakfast Burrito
Wholesome Bowl
Potatoe Tacos
Veggie Burger
Big Salad

“Love this place! Super casual and friendly service. I always get the SC rice bowl it's sweet with green apples, fig, proscuitto and fresh basil. Huge serving and is definitely a two-meal kinda order. I start craving it at least once a month. The yogurt is definitely on the pricey side but so so good. Definitely a go-to spot for girl's lunches and moms with kids-gets busy in the summer.“

4.4 Superb63 Reviews

7
Gema

Gema Mexican • $$$
110 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Salted Carmel Ice Cream
Hibiscus Ice Cream
Tomahawk Steak
Chile Relleno
Birria De Res
Charred Corn
Halibut Taco
Wagyu Steak
Caqui Salad
Garlic Rice

“This place is AMAZING! Everything on the menu was gluten free, farm fresh, and imaginative. Definitely try a grasshopper when you're there! (and I don't mean the drink.) The staff was super friendly and unpretentious: I felt like I was back in the Midwest. Will definitely be returning for special occasions (because I can't resist dropping all that coin).“

4.1 Good167 Reviews
Asada Cantina + Kitchen Mexican • $$
225 W Avenida Vista Hermosa Suite G, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Taco Plate w Corn Tortillas
Signature Carne Asada Med Rare
Agave Honey Chicken Sandwich
Cilantro Lime Steak Salad
Seasonal Tres Leches Cake
Blackened Halibut Tacos
Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Chips N Salsa Toco
Asada Molcajete
Fresh Lemonade

“My recent visit to Asada in San Clemente was nothing short of exceptional, marking yet another instance of this establishment's commitment to excellence across the board. The food, as always, was incredible, offering a perfect blend of flavors that left everyone at our table thoroughly satisfied. Our experience was further elevated by our server, Alexis, whose attentiveness and friendly demeanor made our evening even more enjoyable. She masterfully balanced engaging conversation with respecting our privacy, ensuring our needs were met without ever feeling intrusive. We took advantage of the happy hour taco special, which proved to be an excellent choice for sharing. Following that, I indulged in the pozole soup, which was both hearty and delicious, while my child was delighted with their bean and cheese burrito. A special mention must go to the Diablo salsa - a must-try for those who appreciate a spicy kick to their meal. Asada continues to impress with its impeccable service, inviting ambience, and, most importantly, its culinary offerings. Whether you're a regular or planning your first visit, this restaurant in San Clemente is guaranteed to provide an unforgettable dining experience.“

4.1 Good139 Reviews
Wahoo's Fish Taco Mexican • $
641 Camino De Los Mares A100, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Maui Onion Rings
Crispy Fish Taco
Fountain Drink
Black Beans
Shrimp Bowl
Burrito

“My wife and I come back to visit a few times a year and this is a must stop. Our favorite guy is always working hard behind the counter. We LOVE the spicy mango margaritas and the ceviche. The fact that they have a dressing bar with cilantro vinaigrette, pico de gallo, jalapeños, salsas, etc. CANT GO WRONG!!“

4.4 Superb47 Reviews
El Jefe Cafe Mexican • $
106 E Escalones, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Fish

“One great family owned business. Got the chance to meet and talk to the family. Welcomed us Ohio Buckeye with a smile. Nothing fancy, doesn't need to be, very clean and great service. Fun place to take your family. Give it a try if you are in the area.“

3.9 Good35 Reviews
Baja Fresh Mexican • $
979 Avenida Pico Unit A, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Baja Burrito
Carnitas
Fajitas

“Happy employees with great customer service skills and courtesy. Manger and visiting manger super personable and helpful. Definitely make you feel welcome and important when visiting their establishment! Food is reasonably quick to get when you're really hungry and deliciously fresh tasting. Great service at this location!“

3.8 Good24 Reviews
Adolfo's Mexican Food Fast Food • $
700 S El Camino Real #92672, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

California Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Super Nachos
Carnitas

“Super clean place! Tasty! Only issue was my order was not what was described. I ordered the ca steak burrito....only cheese, steak and potatoes. No sour cream (per desc) and no added pico de Gallo or beans and lettuce (per add ons via door dash app). It was good, but not as good compared to what I ordered. And it was to go, so....My husband's order pollo asada combination was superb. I'll go back, but probably order in person for my to go order. Definitely worth a try.“

3.7 Good39 Reviews
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