Fig@313 — Restaurant in San Clemente

If there’s one place in San Clemente that defines what it means to dine well, it’s Fig 313. My wife, my mother-in-law, and I have made several trips here, and each time we leave, we are reminded why this hidden gem is a staple in our lives. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—a symphony of flavors that never fails to impress.

On our most recent visit, Fig 313 once again rolled out the red carpet for us. I had the pleasure of indulging in the pork shank—lovingly set aside for me by Andrew, who knew we were coming. And when I say set aside, I mean it was nothing short of a culinary treasure. The meat was fall-apart tender, with a depth of flavor that only comes from a chef who respects the craft. Every bite was an event. My wife chose the surf and turf, featuring perfectly seared shrimp and a steak that was melt-in-your-mouth divine. And as if the universe was aligned that night, my mother-in-law savored a filet mignon that was cooked to absolute perfection, tender with just the right hint of char.

The brilliance of the evening didn’t stop there. We began with an appetizer that, frankly, set the bar sky-high—the braised pork belly. It was an absolute standout: rich, savory, and perfectly balanced, with just enough crisp on the edges to contrast the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. If there’s a dish that could represent Fig 313’s ethos, it’s this one—simple yet meticulously crafted.

And the cocktails—oh, the cocktails! If you think drinks are an afterthought here, think again. Fig 313 treats its cocktail menu like an extension of its culinary philosophy. I had the Flaming Pear, a spectacle in itself and a masterclass in balance—fruity but sophisticated, with just the right touch of flair. My wife had another creation, the name of which escapes me, but the level of her enthusiasm told me all I needed to know—it was, in her words, “outstanding.”

It’s not just the food and drinks that make Fig 313 special—it’s the entire experience. The service is impeccable without being overbearing. Andrew and the team make you feel like part of the family, remembering your preferences, anticipating your needs, and ensuring that each visit feels like a homecoming.

Whether it’s your first time or your fifth (like us), Fig 313 never misses a beat. The atmosphere is intimate yet lively, perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for a restaurant where every detail—from the menu to the service—is executed with precision and passion, Fig 313 is where you need to be. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of food, hospitality, and the...

We had a pleasant experience at Fig 313, thanks to its cozy atmosphere. Parking is limited to street parking or the church lot behind the restaurant.

Service was a bit slow. Although we always make reservations and are seated quickly, for some reason, both times we visited, we had to wait quite a while before a server attended to us. This time, we had plans after dinner, so we had to ask for service before we were finally offered water and able to place our order. However, once the food arrived, the server checked on us regularly, which we appreciated. Overall, we would rate the service 3.5/5.

The food is quite good, and we particularly enjoyed the Brussels Sprouts, bone marrow, and toasted octopus. The salad was decent, but the salmon and pasta pomodoro were rather average.

On a Friday night, the restaurant wasn’t too crowded, allowing us to choose an outdoor seat by the fire pit, which was a nice touch. If the service speed improves, it would make the dining experience...

Disappointing. My friend has been many times before and has said it's great and this was a one-off experience. Service was good, not great. Shouldn't have had to ask to send back the mussels after explaining that they were tiny and flavorless (despite good sauce and garlic bread). In my opinion, these mussels should not have been on the menu at all that night, they were so poor in quality. Secondly, the octopus came over-cooked and flavorless. The amount of octopus in the dish was tiny, as well. Also, a glass of wine was served that had turned. The salmon was excellent, the saving grace of the meal. The complimentary sorbet dessert w candle for my friends birthday was a nice touch. The atmosphere is beautiful (we sat outside). Can't say I'd recommend it, but my friend would say to give it another try. I have heard the pasta w squid ink and seafood is good, although we didn't have it bc it contains milk, which is surprising in a...