Cafe Rae

Amazing food and service! This needs to be on your "do not miss" list for San Clemente. The…read moreBerries & Cream Crepe was so delicious! I have been to Paris many times, this was spot on! The day before I had the Chicken Crepe for lunch. I selected the roasted potatoes for my side! Crisp and flavorful, and the roasted chicken was phenomenal. We had the same young man wait on us both times. Very attentive and genuinely friendly. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

I seriously cannot say enough about this bistro! First, the ambience is beyond gorgeous, me, and my…read moredaughters sat outside on the patio and was able to look out at the ocean view. Secondly, the service was the most amazing service, I had my whole entire week in San Clemente. All the ladies who helped us were so kind and friendly! This service made me come back 3 times in total, to enjoy the food and views. My last day in town, I spoke with the wait staff and let them know what a great job they are doing; They were friendly and so grateful. The food was delicious and so delightful. The chicken sandwich had roasted chicken with bacon and a delicious aïoli. That was honestly such a good mix. The brioche bread they put the chicken on was fluffy and flavorful. My daughters got a Nutella crêpe and berries and cream crêpe. Both were delicious and a good portion size. Their sourdough toast with jam was a favorite of ours, we got it every single time we went. I cannot wait to come back and try maybe one of their delicious salads or maybe Hardy breakfast! Definitely a top-tier restaurant. I must try!

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Cafe Mimosa

3.9(1k reviews)

0.7 mi

Came here for Friday lunch. Absolutely delicious. We were…read moreseated immediately upon entering and greeted warmly. Both servers were nice and seem to have great chats with the customers. We sat in the outside area with shade. Wasn't too busy as we missed the brunch rush. I will definitely recommend this place again. It is reasonably priced with great food options. I wish the chorizo scramble had a bit more seasoning on it, but overall great. Eager to come back and try something new on the menu.

One of our favorite places in San Clemente! Went in last week for the first time since moving back…read moreand just reminded myself how much I love this place!! Obviously mimosa and egg Benedict's always!! The pork belly one is the best if you want to try something different

Dining interior

Eggs Benedict with Salmon Brunch

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French vanilla latte

GiGi's by The Pier

4.0(945 reviews)

Great brunch spot with a view…read more There is a decent full menu and bar, service is very friendly and the food is above average

Great location!!! Just steps from the beach, great views. Greeted by our host/server. We were…read moreable to choose our table and I chose one with a view of the pier and ocean. The food was good. A few surprises My sister ordered the Cali eggs Benedict the potatoes wee supposed to be smashed, they were halved. The avocado slices looked old due to the dark tone on them, not the normal green. My chilaquiles had black beans, not mentioned in the menu description; great surprise. There was supposed to be sour cream on my chilaquiles and there wasn't any. It would have cut some of the sourness of the chile verde sauce. I chose poached eggs in stead of fried ones. My eggs were over cooked and cold. I am pretty sure they were precooked. I would give them another try, maybe for lunch.

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Something delicious

West Toast Cafe

4.4(150 reviews)

1.2 mi

All positive - wow, arepas !! perfect summery, light vegetarian sandwich. Service was good, fresh…read morefood does take a little while and it can come out at different times. Loved the wellness shot with turmeric, pepper, ginger. Three straight days we went for breakfast. The setting is gorgeous with vines woven into the canopy over the shared picnic tables. We loved it

freshly made and very delicious. 2 kids size açaí bowls and 2 vegetarian arepas came to $54…read more nice to have this cafe on the beach. approximately 54 steps (i'm a counter). no pics because i was getting food for my friend and i while she was having an endoscopy and everything timed perfectly. the staff is so very friendly and cheerful! definitely have a meal here when you're in SC at T street!

Food menu

1/2 Breakfast burrito

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Breakfast bagel & Tropical smoothie

Bear Coast Coffee

4.1(767 reviews)

Always a must stop. I mean how could you not? Right on the pier, delicious coffee, cozy kids…read morecorner, great vibes.

cute coffee shop by the pier…read more got the lavender latte and their seasonal pumpkin latte. both pretty good! it was a little bit on the pricier side and it took a bit for both drinks to come out. but great spot to hit up before you hit the pier for sure! very strategic location.

Orange cardamom

Outside. Located across from San Clemente pier.

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Iced vanilla latte

Chaupain Bakery

4.6(447 reviews)

0.7 mi

I went to Chaupain with my pregnant wife and, in a gesture of solidarity, also began eating for…read moretwo. We went gloriously overboard: the open-faced salmon lox sandwich, strawberry evalope, chocolate Elfroy , and mille-feuille. The salmon sandwich was fresh and flavorful, though the cream could have been ever so slightly thicker and the ciabatta bread slightly more toasted. The strawberry evalope and chocolate Elroy were terrific: delicately crisp croissants, butter beautifully balanced, and fillings/toppings sweet but thankfully restrained from becoming sugar bombs. But the mille-feuille was utterly incredible and the reason to write this review. It was like the perfect vanilla ice-cream cone flavor transformed into 1000 crispy, buttery, flaky layers, with a restrained custard that let every texture and flavor shine. I'm not even a vanilla fan and it was pure joy. A transcendent pastry experience--and worth every calorie we pretended not to count. Five stars. As the owner of a Mom and Pop cabinetry store, I have to congratulate Sami and Sarah, you guys are crushing it!!

Everything about it is great. Salad for lunch was so good. Oh of course the pastries are delicious…read more One of my favorites is the chocolate chip scone! The employees are wonderful and always smiling, and give the best service. The place reminds me of Marseille France where all my cousins live. Very pleasant ambiance. And I'm blessed to just live around the corner

Banana Walnut Bread

Apple Tart

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View from the front door. As of Jan 2026, they have renovated and doubled their space! Wonderful! Very cute French bistro style.

The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar

3.8(2.8k reviews)

Hubby and I had a great first time experience at the Fisherman's Restaurant. We had a sourdough…read morebread filled with delicious clam chowder. Also had a barbeque chicken dinner that was also great. Sitting next to the pier and watching the boats and people walking was very calming. Also, our waitress Izzy was so nice to us, great service. Looking forward to returning in the near future.

Took the train from Santa Ana to San Clemente and stopped here for lunch. Unfortunately,…read moreFisherman's was just OK for me. I started with a Minchilada, which unfortunately didn't have much flavor. The rim was coated in more of a Cajun-style/ old bay seasoning rather than the traditional Southern California Tajín and lime. For my meal, I ordered the poke bowl. The tuna was decent, and I actually liked the sauce that came on the side to pour over it. However, the rice was a big miss, it was very stiff, cold, and tasted like it had been sitting for a while. The bowl also could have used a few more wonton chips. The location itself is cute and makes for a nice place to sit and have a meal, especially if you're coming into San Clemente by train. I just wouldn't come here with particularly high expectations for the food. The service was good and brought everything out in timely manner.

You are having best View of Pacific! The seafood here never went wrong. The bucket of clams or mussels is must have

California omelette

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Seafood cocktail

Antoine's Cafe

4.3(749 reviews)

0.8 mi

Come down to san clemente annually and I can't believe this was my first time trying Antoine's…read moreCafe. Homemade balsamic and garlic butter! The service and food was amazing, and you can tell they care about food and people. If in the area definitely stop by.

You can never go wrong with Antoine's Café! I had the breakfast tacos, my sister ordered the…read moreCalifornia Benedict with added goat cheese, and my son had the chicken tacos. Everything was delicious! Their homemade salsa is absolutely amazing and one of my favorite things about eating here. The service is always fantastic, everyone is friendly, and the food is consistently good. Antoine's is one of those places that never disappoints. Always a great experience!

Everything you could want for your coffee!

Coffee to go, stirrers, lids, etc. 8/2/26

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Fresh orange juice

The Cellar

4.5(908 reviews)

0.7 mi

Truly one of the best restaurants meets coffee shops in all of Orange County. Every single employee…read moreis friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Cole is our guy! It feels like a local spot with endless options to enjoy. Their baristas (Lucy is the best) can make everything but also don't shy away from suggesting something new. I've recently fallen in love with an iced flat white with vanilla for a little summer sweet treat. Their drip coffee is divine too! Talk about range... we frequent for brunch/lunch/date night too. Their wine list is truly endless. You can sit inside at the bar, at a gorgeous table with air conditioning, under their adorable pink-striped umbrellas on the patio, or in an extended patio off the sidewalk with plenty of seating. You will be treated with exceptional service regardless of seating. Their brunch menu is delicious. Their chive biscuit breakfast sandwich is incredible, as is their breakfast burrito, chilaquiles AND biscuits and gravy. To be fair, we visit most regularly for a cheese board and meat with a glass of wine. Recently enjoyed the ceviche and smash burger with side-winder fries which was hand crafted and filling. Even our young boys enjoyed every bite. On Sunday's (1st and 3rd of the month) they have live music which is wonderful. Last thing, the cellar cookie is incredible. It's hard to just drop in for a coffee and not leave with one when available. You will never regret a visit to The Cellar! One of the best places in San Clemente.

Best TRUFFLE POPCORN to exist. Steep price but big portion and so delicious. I would go back for…read morethis. I do however present some bias as a truffle lover. CHARCUTERIE BOARD was beautiful just wish it had a bit more cheese and there was separation between ingredients. Sitting on the couch for a glass of wine is very VIBEY for a date or even a girls night out.

Quaint and clean place

Draft Cabernet Sauvignon and Espresso Martini

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Charcuterie & house olives

Zebra House Coffee

Took my friend Austin here for a relaxed afternoon coffee date. We both ordered coffees with milk…read moreand shared a comfortable booth. We had a wonderful time talking and enjoying our drinks together.

We really needed a caffeine fix! I had bookmarked Zebra to try and we headed to it after the park…read more I was getting sleepy on the drive! Friendly greeting when I entered. The young woman told me to be careful because she just mopped. Looked over the menu, and decided on the Mexican latte. Jonesy just wanted a regular latte. I also bought some beans which she happily ground for me. She brought them out to the patio, which is a good size. The interior is spacious too! Both coffees hit the spot! One of the best things about this location is the parking! They have a small lot in front. They also have a drive-thru window. This is really a great place to come to! They also offer pup cups! Cako Approves!

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Upgraded lunch menu with a full line up of salads and sanwiches!

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Upgraded lunch menu with a full line up of salads and sanwiches!

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28 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Matthew B.

7 years ago

I am a veteran and I've eaten at this family owned breakfast place plenty of times. The service is timely, the employees work hard, the music and atmosphere is great, and the food is served in MASSIVE portions with delicious flavors you can't seem to find anywhere else. I had the Ribs and Eggs today and WOW! Is all I have to say. I noticed while writing my own review that a lot of wildly inaccurate comments have been made about the owners and employees of this restaurant and their attitude towards service members. For the months I've been eating there and they have given me a discount, without my asking, because I am a veteran. They also I noticed have signs all over the restaurant with their military and first responder discounts. I don't know the experiences of the other reviewers, but as a frequenting veteran I've personally always had an awesome time every time I've been there and Disrespectful towards military is not something I could describe this place as. We go every weekend and rarely ever miss it. Thank you cafe Rae! read more

Rhea C.

1 year ago

Perfect Little Breakfast Spot This low-key café totally hit the spot. It's nothing fancy--just great food, good coffee, and a cozy, no-rush vibe. The breakfast scrambles were loaded with fresh veggies and perfectly cooked eggs--hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The French toast was golden, fluffy, and just sweet enough, with a light dusting of powdered sugar that didn't overpower. And the potatoes? Hands down some of the best breakfast potatoes I've had--crispy on the edges, soft inside, seasoned just right. Friendly service, chill atmosphere, and consistently solid food. Great place to start the day without the hype read more

A G.

16 years ago

Outstanding breakfast spot. Can't go wrong with the omelets. My husband had the pot roast or brisket omelet and it was divine. I ordered the Choc. Chip pancakes and we shared. The pancakes were also very good. The only reason I didn't give a 5th star is because the waitress was kinda grumpy. Not with us but with whoever was in the kitchen, she did not hold back and it was a little uncomfortable because everyone could hear. read more

Lisa Jane C.

12 years ago

Let me start of by saying that this place has really amazing breakfast menu. Pancakes are so soft, fluffy and yummy. French toast and omelet are awesome. Another great thing here is the bottomless coffee. No need to ask them to refill your cup because they will ask you everytime. read more

K M.

8 years ago

This place is really cool and the food is great. Portions are ample and the kitchen staff really puts effort into making the food top notch. We love coming here for the food and the people. Cool, fun, color vibe, perfect, Uniquely but typically San Clemente. read more

Corey M.

276

8 years ago

Too notch service from friendly staff and the food is great! Large menu with lots of options and all made well and served with a smile and a friendly conversation. We come here whenever we visit the in-laws! read more

Angela R.

10 years ago

Love the atmosphere & the staff but the food is the star! Their specials of the day are always awesome! Sometimes have to wait for a table as the place is small but worth the wait. Enjoy!! read more

Kevin M.

119

10 years ago

Great, cute little restaurant. Fun and friendly staff. Good food and good prices. Located in San Clemente, easy parking every time I have ever been there. read more

Tommy M.

13 years ago

All of the ingredients are fresh and I recommend the huevos rancheros! This is the best breakfast spot in San Clemente hands down.

Saron G.

5 years ago

Food was really yummy and well seasoned. All the staff were really nice too. The restaurant itself had cute colors that we enjoyed

Rae C.

1 year ago

My kids went there. Said it was superb! They loved it! Would go again. Maybe next time I'll get to go, as well.

Michelle L.

8 years ago

Stopped in for a little bite to eat and we were so pleasantly surprised. Everything we had was delicious!

Michael C.

7 years ago

We love to eat here on our way to Disneyland. The food is amazing ! And the staff is always great

Marc L.

8 years ago

Tasty food and seasoned well. Quaint atmosphere. We had breakfast and were not disappointed.

Kevin T.

15 years ago

The have the best food! I also love the atmosphere... very hip. Service is very friendly.

Lauren M.

15 years ago

The service was awful, I had Jen as a server, and this girl has major attitude problems.

Laura T.

188

10 years ago

Great food, great service! Very happy place to start our day! We will go back for sure!

Quentin B.

13 years ago

Warning warning do not get Swiss cheese if you get an omelet but pancakes are delicious

Foster F.

13 years ago

I love me a great stack of pancakes! I found em here! thanks for the friendly service

Natalie F.

4 years ago

I wanted to add this photo of the interior to the review I wrote on 9/5/22.

Cafe Rae - breakfast_brunch - Updated October 2026

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Sunrise Cafe

3.8

(332 reviews)

I can see why so many people like coming here the seating is wonderful. The service is incredible…read more I have to say the waitress and the waiter working they didn't skip a beat. My coffee cup was never empty and I have to tell you my food was here in less than 10 minutes from the time that I walked inside and sat down really can't ask for much more than that. I got lucky I came in when it wasn't so busy if it were more busy, maybe the way it would be a little bit longer, but I assure you that food gets to your table. You won't regret a single bit of it. I ordered the meat lovers with hash browns. I with little extra butter and I had to have myself a good old-fashioned milkshake. I ordered the chocolate one and let me tell you I loved every bit of it..

I've had the pleasure of eating at Sunrise Cafe every Wednesday morning for the last two years with…read morea group of men who belong to a charitable organization. I have not had an unsatisfactory breakfast ever, with endless cups of coffee great conversations and especially the tasty food never disappoints. Our Waitress Marta is absolutely wonderful, she's knows exactly if you're having regular,decaffeinated, hot tea, or water! She knows how everyone likes their breakfast and knows everyone's name. We are all creatures of habit, we all like to sit in the same seats, I like to mix it up a little bit by sitting in a different seat, it takes about a minute when the (owner of that seat ) comes in and gives you the look, ok,ok I'll move back to my seat. Every one of the employees are outstanding at what they do, from keeping your drinks filled to welcoming you as you come in. Even the cooks give you shout out! This is San Clemente's Little Gem and it starts with Marta, her energy, personality, and professionalism provides us with 5 Star Service Every Wednesday! A big thank you from all of us to all of you at SUNRISE CAFE. Don R.

The Picnic Cafe

4.2

(71 reviews)

Such a cute concept and tbh this is my dream idea. Charcuterie, sandwich, coffee and pastries plus…read moreflowers in one place with cute umbrellas and decor. Drink was phenomenal - black raspberry chocolate latte had bold espresso, not overly sweet, branding on point and a seasonal offering. So many delish options I will be back. Adorable decor and

I really wanted to love Picnic Cafe, but unfortunately I was very disappointed. I spent over $30 on…read morea boxed lunch and a matcha, and the experience just didn't live up to the price. The matcha was mostly milk with very little matcha flavor. The boxed lunch came with a small charcuterie selection, but the crackers were placed underneath the items, making them all soggy. The sandwich was a burrata sandwich, but there was barely any burrata cheese on it, which was disappointing. I initially gave them some grace because they had just opened, but I went back again hoping it was just opening-day issues and unfortunately had the same experience. I even reached out directly to share my feedback and never received a response. I really wanted to support them, but for the price and overall experience, I was left disappointed.

Cafe at the Mission

4.0

(76 reviews)

It's pretty nice decoration wise. The chips and guacamole had a plentiful portion for the price…read more I would dodge the breakfast food on every level. My short rib thing was doused in maybe a pound of sour cream, potatoes weren't warm and they were firm, short rib was not warm or tender. Avoid. Also, the avocado toast the next day. Radishes? Asparagus? Arugula? And a cold poached egg? Just give me the basics. The prices are not astronomical but the food is not enjoyable, at all. People are nice and food comes quick.

The ladies here are so helpful. It's our second time eating…read morebreakfast here this week. Today we had avocado toast, a cappuccino and a latte and the American breakfast. The ambience is modern café, cool.

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe

3.5

(333 reviews)

Place very clean. They didn't have decade coffee had Orange Juice which was great. Having the corn…read morebeef, eggs, hashbrowns, and sourdough toast. Parking decent. Breakfast was enjoyable. Thank you

I can't believe we spend $60 here. I never leave reviews and I just cannot hold back this time…read more The floor is so sticky, my shoes could fall off of my feet. The tables chairs are also dirty with food stuck on them. No high chair, fine, whatever. The waitress literally told us it had mold on it and she throw it out. Why didn't I leave after that? I don't know. Ordered a side of avocado and it came out brown and black. All of our food is disgusting, for people that say the food is good, they probably never even been to a restaurant. And don't get me started with price!!!!! I wanna punch myself for spending $60 here for the food we got. Now I feel super icky.

Nikki's Cafe

4.0

(47 reviews)

Such cute little spot before or after the beach. Breakfast Bacon burrito on point. They also sell…read moredonuts. The mom & pop cafe you need to visit.

Unassuming little spot but look at this freaking torta man! Still thinking about it a day later…read more Staff were super friendly to and out-of-towner like myself who was just rolling through.

Rockwell's Bakery, Cafe & Bar

3.6

(334 reviews)

The cutest delicious most amazing place. So fun! Loved loved loved the service and the food. Thank…read moreyou Gabby and staff.

Today we came in for lunch. Waited for quite a while to get service but once we did the waiter…read moreRubin was (EXCELLENT) On the other hand we watched a waitress (Tammy) go outside pet a dog from a previous customer come back into the restaurant and proceed to go back behind the bar make a drink and then handed a couple utensils with napkins. She had NOT WASHED HER hands before doing the above. This was disgusting and a health violation. If she does this what must the other staff do. This is the reason I would never go back!

Frenchies Cafe

3.5

(13 reviews)

Wonderful French crepe cafe…read more The Mushroom and Spinach crepe, add bacon, was excellent. They essentially make a French folded omelette and then wrap a crepe around it and top it off with Bechamel sauce (kind of like Alfredo for those who don't know). Even though the menu doesn't mention the sauce, it comes with it. The Nutella Banana crepe was amazing with a generous amount of Nutella inside. Instead of having the chocolate drizzle on top, I wonder if they can do Nutella drizzle on top, in addition to the Nutella that's inside already. I highly recommend paying for the extra berries on top to keep it interesting. The side of nicely seasoned breakfast potatoes rounded out the meal. Be sure to ask for a side of ketchup! Outdoor seating with great service and successful ambience right at the oceanfront in the most happening part of town, right by the San Clemente Pier.

This was our first trip to San Clemente in June. Not really knowing where to go, we headed down…read moreDel Mar looking for somewhere to eat. We ended up down at the pier and what a great area! We couldn't bring Cako on the pier, so we looked at what was available. I did see Bear Coast coffee which I wanted to stop into. Walking down the street, there were these cool blue umbrellas that sort of reminded me of the French Riviera that you see in the movies...LOL! The menu was simple so we decided to stop, plus we needed outdoor seating for Cako. The young woman who was working was friendly and upbeat! Told us to grab whichever table we wanted. Even brought out water for Cako. I ordered the Frenchies sandwich, ham, salami, prosciutto, provolone and pesto! Very good! Scooter had the Jambon and fromage, which he said was perfect! Both sandwiches came with these seasoned crispy potatoes. The menu was small. But I'm sure they'll offer more. Would've tried the crepes but that will have to wait until next time, Again, the service was great! The young woman came out and checked on us and refilled our iced teas. Great afternoon to enjoy lunch and watch people. Cako Approves!

Campesino Café

4.1

(51 reviews)

I went in search of a quick lunch spot on the way back home from Carlsbad and was so lucky to come…read moreacross Campesino Cafe! Campesino Cafe is located at the Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, an organic farm with local goods and a shop. It's a beautiful area with live chickens and little fun corners to explore and visit such as an ice cream stand that I didn't get to try out. There's plenty of parking too and the cafe itself wasn't too hard to find. It's past the main shop and past the ice cream stand. When I got to the cafe, I was greeted by a really friendly cashier who helped me navigate the menu which was full of organic food such as sandwiches, crudo, and some brunch items as well. I asked the cashier for his favorite item and I was guided to the beans and grain bowl surprisingly - being told it would be both filling and tasty. I took him up on his offer. After grabbing a table number, there were numerous tables available in an outdoor patio with some shade covering along with big water glasses to use. The food came out after about 5-7 minutes. The bowl was really solid. I loved the vinaigrette they used which was sour and savory. And the beans and grains were perfectly cooked. You can add protein onto the dish, but I thought it worked on its own. I do think if you are pretty hungry, the bowl by itself won't completely fill you up so might be worth getting an appetizer. Would come back!

Service is fast and very friendly . There's no table service... order from the counter & food will…read morebe brought to the table. It's a backyard vibe, outdoor farm-to-table café... very casual but comfy: We enjoyed our brunch . . Btw, Bigger menu on the weekend & more staff too. .

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4.2

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