Sylvester’s Chop House in North Beach is housed in the beautiful 1932 historic building featuring a gorgeous circular bar and a welcoming patio directly facing the ocean. Chance Owen had previously opened this spot with Landers Restaurant, but has revamped and transformed the place in a matter of weeks with the help of his General Manager, Daniel Thompson. The revised space is now a ‘casually sophisticated’ Italian and French style restaurant. The black and white motif generates a feeling of a bygone era with a modern twist; think Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack meets the 21st Century. The menu includes, Pane starters, Herbed Focaccia, Bruschetta Al Pesto, six Antipasto choices, Caesar and Wedge salads, four pizzas, five pasta dishes, prime ribeye, New York and filet steaks, branzino and a short rib lasagna, plus three desserts. The fabulous drink offerings, include, Cherry Negroni, Smoked Almond Old Fashioned, Paloma Italiana and a Champagne Mojito, plus several beer and wine selections. One Sunday night this writer was treated to the bruschetta al pesto, beef carpaccio, Caesar salad and a glass of Prescription Chardonnay - all delicious and satisfying.

 Gibroni’s Pizza

Those craving pizza, live music, DJ and Karaoke nights, will find them at Gibroni’s Pizza. This lively, packed restaurant occupies the former Iva Lee’s location and the locals say that the pizza is fabulous, the atmosphere fun and the entertainment lively. Tony and Lindsey Gioutsos, Detroit natives, have brought Detroit Style Pizza to Southern Orange county. This style of pizza is prepared in a special blue steel pan from the automotive industry, creating a square pizza with a crispy ‘caramelized cheese’ crust. The menu has several varieties of pizza, cheese sticks, wings, two pasta dishes, three salads and a butter noodles dish for the younger set. Monday evenings feature Motor City Monday, two dollars off pizza and pints. 

 Buona Forchetta

 Matteo Caneto opened his sixth Buona Forchetta restaurant on the corner of El Camino Real and Avenida Santiago in the southwest section of town in late spring to large crowds of customers waiting in line to get in the new spot. Caneto, his chefs and servers are originally from different regions of Italy lending an eclectic flair to the menu with a wide range of antipasti, insalates, calzoni, pizzas and baked specialties. Patrons can also choose to make their own pasta dish by choosing their preferred pasta shape, sauce and optional toppings. All pastas are handcrafted and fresh. There are several vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options to suit everyone’s dietary requirements. Caneto, whose other restaurants are in San Diego County, with one more Orange County location opening soon in Newport Beach, chose the San Clemente location because he wanted to create a friendly neighborhood vibe like the cafes in the towns and villages in Italy. A place where neighbors and friends could gather regularly, hanging out eating good food, drinking wine, laughing loudly and telling heart-warming stories, The location in Southwest San Clemente was the perfect spot for the ambiance he was seeking … and just like in Italy, the finish to a meal, gelato, is available right next door at Lucky Dog Gelato. Caneto is very committed to becoming part of the heart and soul of the community by giving back to school groups and nonprofits. 

 Krazy Kooters

Krazy Kooters Burgers & Beers opened to an overflowing crowd of family and friends in late May. The enthusiastic crowd, who were familiar with owner, Donnie Lancaster of Sancho’s Tacos, was excited for the new place opening in the former JD’s location centrally located on El Camino Real. Unfortunately, a kitchen fire broke out the second night, and restaurant goers had to be evacuated. Luckily, nobody was seriously hurt and happily, the place rose from the ashes, re-opening in mid-July and once again welcoming a lively crowd. The interior décor is an incredible feast for the eyes with much of the design created and curated by Donnie’s good buddy and artist, Kool Hand Luke. Luke took old pieces of art, creating a room full of curious pieces, such as a skull shipped from a 1950 - ‘60s miniature golf course on the east coast and fashioned that into the KOOT skull. There are gigantic mechanical figurines throughout the large bar and dining area. An old craps table covered in glass offers seating for a big group. The menu is divided by “Let’s Get Started,” (fries, pickles and other appetizers), “You Think You’re Special” (hamburgers, tacos, chicken sandwich, steak and fries), “Easy Does It” (pan seared salmon, ahi tuna sandwich with roasted beet hummus), “Gardengoods,” (salads) and “Yungsters,” (chicken fingers, mac and cheese, jr. smash patty and grilled cheese) “Brunchin,” (egg entrees, waffles, biscuits and gravy),  “Late Night Munchies,” “The Bounty List” (specialty cocktails), “After Dinner Favorites” (Fresh Apple Cobbler and Fresh Berry Cobbler.), and of course, a beer and wine list, aka the “Watering Trough.” In addition to the long bar and indoor seating area there is a big patio space with lots of comfortable seating options. 

 Kiaan’s Fine Indian

A quick drive up the hill to the Talega area will bring you to a delightful Indian restaurant, Kiaan’s Fine Indian Cuisine, owned by Amrit Kafle; originally from Nepal, arriving in Southern California in 2016. He worked for several years at Royal Khyber restaurant in South Coast Plaza, before purchasing the Indian restaurant in Talega in October 2023. Dishes there are made with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets. The dining room is arranged in an elegant manner with large round tables, draped with white tablecloths and black napkins. Menu selections offer a full array of amazing tantalizing flavors. A sampling feast starting with a snack platter of paneer pakora, onion bhaji and samosa, followed by two tandoori specialties, lamb chops and chicken tikka were this writer’s offerings. Other samplings included vegetarian entrees, Chana Masala, (chickpeas cooked in onion and tomato with mild spices), Dal Makhani, (black lentils cooked slowly, finished with butter and mild spices), Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Roganjosh entrees. The extensive menu also has three rice specialties, seafood entrees, goat curry, soups, and Indian breads. Everything is prepared fresh and in small batches. The delicious, savory offerings do not leave you wanting. 

All these restaurants offer lots of variety for every palate, including, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan menu items. Most offer online ordering, takeout and catering. Check out their websites and follow their Instagram accounts for updated information on menus, hours and events.