Nick's San Clemente

Nick's San Clemente

213 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

+1 949-481-2200

American restaurant, Restaurant, Seafood restaurant, Steak house, Wine bar
(1776)
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About This Place

Nick's San Clemente is a standout destination for lovers of refined American cuisine with a coastal twist, perfectly nestled in the heart of San Clemente at 213 Avenida Del Mar. This restaurant masterfully blends the comforts of a steakhouse with the fresh, vibrant flavors of seafood, creating an enticing menu that appeals to both meat enthusiasts and pescetarians alike.

Step inside and you’ll immediately sense a warm, inviting atmosphere infused with an effortless sophistication. Whether you're here for a casual dinner or a special celebration—as many have experienced, including a memorable wedding reception—Nick's offers an ambiance where guests feel both at home and indulged.

The culinary offerings are genuinely crave-worthy. Start with the Bacon Deviled Eggs or the Crispy Asparagus Fries, both of which deliver layers of texture and flavor that tease the palate. The San Francisco Cioppino is a heartwarming bowl brimming with jumbo Mexican shrimp, salmon, sea bass, Carlsbad mussels, and littleneck clams, simmered in a rich and fragrant fisherman’s broth—a true oceanic symphony.

Meat lovers will rave about the Original Ribeye Melt, celebrated by regulars as one of the best sandwiches around, and the petite filet mignon served with luscious steak butter atop garlic toast is pure indulgence. For those seeking something lighter but no less compelling, the Pan Seared Scottish Salmon, draped in a caper mustard beurre blanc and served with sautéed spinach and whipped potatoes, delivers a perfect balance of savory depth and freshness.

Dessert is a highlight not to be missed—Nick’s signature Warm Butter Cake with its caramelized sugar crust, paired with vanilla ice cream and a bright berry compote, offers a sensory finale that lingers on with a sweet, buttery warmth.

What truly sets Nick's apart is the thoughtful attention to every detail—from a well-curated wine bar that complements the culinary offerings to a welcoming staff who make you feel like part of the family. Guests often praise the speedy service and the inclusive menu options, including a creative non-alcoholic cocktail list, ensuring everyone can find something delightful to sip.

This is a place where great food, genuine hospitality, and an ambient setting converge to create unforgettable dining moments. Whether you’re a longtime San Clemente local or just rolling through town, Nick’s promises satisfying meals, memorable atmosphere, and the kind of friendly vibe that invites you back again and again.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Fireplace Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour food Healthy options Late-night food Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Groups Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Joshua Domingos
    4 week ago

    A must have when rolling thru San Clemente!! Great food, Awesome people, Amazing Atmosphere They even have a "non-alcoholic" menu with fancy drinks We made unforgettable memories and didn't break the Bank #Nicks.is_TheBizNack!!!

  • Billie Pattschull
    1 month ago

    Awesome place, small but mighty!! My son and daughter-in-love just had their wedding reception at Nicks, and we had a fantastic experience. Food was amazing and the staff were as well. Thank you Nicks!Nick's! Oh and the petit filet mingons were perfect!!

  • Philip Alipio
    1 month ago

    Solidly good San Clemente institution, serving elevated American cuisine and comfort food. Strong menu for pescetarians -- highly recommend the smooth-as-butter and flavourful Chilean Sea Bass {pic attached}. Noise level can be high so expect to converse at a louder volume. Reservations recommended.

  • Ethan Hoopes
    1 month ago

    Nick’s is the the place to be. I enjoyed the service we were offered, the promptness in bringing out drinks, appetizers, main courses and filling up waters. I got the Ribeye melt and it was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had hands down. They serve Hank’s Root Beer for those who are root beer snobs and as far as appetizers goes, the spinach and artichoke dip along with the Deviled Eggs were both great options. We got both! Others in my party got the Fried Chicken which was absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection. Others got the Calimari as a starter as well as the Prime Rib sandwhich. The butter cake is a must and they even brought out a small chocolate cake for my birthday without us asking, it was so nice of them! Will be coming here again!!

  • Lauren H.
    1 month ago

    This place is solid and you can't go wrong. Great food, service, and vibe. Do yourself a favor and get the spicy tuna on crispy rice app - STANDOUT. We wanted to keep ordering plates of it. Also to note their bistro salad was so unique, fresh, and delicious. When I heard it came with my ribs I felt meh since I eat salad every day, but I preferred it over the fries (which were also done to perfection, seasoned to perfection) but I was getting too full. My ribs were fall off the bone delish, and my husband's cioppino was superb-every piece of fish was fresh -broth not too salty -and so easy to soak up in that bread. This place is all around an A+ and we loved it. We will definitely be back!

  • marjon farz
    2 month ago

    My mom has been raving about this place since her friend took her a few weeks ago. We went yesterday for late lunch around 3:00 p.m., it was an awkward time so the restaurant was fairly empty and we were able to sit right away. My mom ordered the Thai chicken salad and I ordered the crispy chicken sandwich. I tried some of my mom's Thai chicken salad and I will agree with the hype, the flavor combination is pretty amazing and tasted very traditional and authentic. It's a little spicy with the red pepper which gives it a perfect kick! My sandwich was good as well, it was cut into three big pieces. Overall the portion sizes are fairly big! I was really surprised and very happy with it. It's a very chic and nice restaurant on the Main Street in San clemente. Less than a mile from the ocean so great spot for post Beach activities. Just make sure you dress appropriately, they won't let you in if you're just wearing beach swimsuits.

  • Cindy L
    2 month ago

    Nick’s Ross was fabulous. I really enjoyed looking at my table that was cut from Stone. Also, the hostess on March 11 was so sweet and kind. I had one of their box special, which gave me a little taste of a very small fillet, a delicious little salad and a cup of corn chowder. Everyone there was so nice. I was looking at some of their specialty bottles of liquor and the bartender struck up a conversation and I wanted to say hey to him as well. My experience today was wonderful and I hope to go back. The only down part of the restaurant is that they still use canola oil, hopefully we can start eating more healthier and get rid of the canola and the toxic seed oils. I WOULD RECOMMEND

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