Nick's San Clemente — Restaurant in San Clemente

Wow, what a MEAL!!! My fiance and I were in town for his 30th birthday. I saw Nicks pop-up many times when researching nice places to grab dinner, so I decided to give this place a try. We made reservations a few weeks in advance for 8:30 pm on Saturday the 14th. We showed up at 8:20 and we were sat down immediately. The restaurant looks average on the outside but has a sleek ambiance on the inside. I loved the high bench seating, the seats were sooo comfy. Our server was very friendly and attentive despite how crowded the restaurant was.

For starters, we ordered drinks. I got a jalapeno watermelon margarita and my fiance got a beer. My margarita was delicious, not too strong and just spicy enough. The watermelon flavor was subtle and refreshing. I don't know much about beer, but the man loved his beer so that's good enough for me. We also ordered two appetizers, the asparagus fries and the fried deviled eggs. The asparagus fries were delicious, they reminded me of zuchinni fries and the ranch they came with tasted very herbal and fresh( I wonder if they make their own ranch). The fried deviled eggs were also very good, the whipped yolk topping was slightly sweet, which was an excellent foil to the crunchy, savory, fried egg whites.

For our main entrees, my fiance ordered the Chilean sea bass, whipped mashed potatoes, and sauteed spinach. Everyone around us was ordering the ribs so he was unsure of what to order (everything sounded amazing) but he loved his entree and even went as far as to say it was the best fish dinner he's ever had! I tasted his fish, and it was so buttery and tender, it was very good. He's not a big vegetable person, but he really liked the spinach which surprised me. As for me, I ordered the steak salad (I forgot the actual name, bistro salad I think) and it was sooo AMAZING! My dinner consisted of a warm potato salad with lightly dressed greens and homemade croutons on top, with a ripe tomato, wedge of bleu cheese, and a small filet of steak on the side. I was surprised at how much I loved my dinner because honestly, warm potato salad sounds like a picnic gone wrong. I loved how I could combine different flavors that were on the plate and every combination tasted amazing. The steak was cooked perfectly, so tender!! The bleu cheese was so sharp, creamy, and had the most sumptuous bite.

Now here comes the kicker- DESSERT! We were pretty full from our meal but we just had to have dessert. We knew based on reviews and the servers recommendation that we just had to try the butter cake. I'm so glad we did because my fiance and I were fighting over the last bite despite being absolutely stuffed!!! We were debating ordering one to go for breakfast the next morning. The butter cake was soft and vanilla-y sweet with a crunchy, sugary topping. It also had fresh berries in a tangy, sweet berry sauce on the side. The scoop of cold vanilla ice cream on top was the perfect compliment to the warm cake, I don't think I've ever had a more well-rounded dessert before.

We loved every second of our experience and our only regret is that it didn't last longer. We will be coming back to Nicks again and again and...

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Nick's, and I must say, it was an absolute delight for the senses. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I was in for something truly extraordinary. Every aspect of my experience, from the ambiance to the cuisine and service, exceeded my expectations and left a lasting impression.

The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted warmly by the friendly and attentive staff. Their professionalism and genuine enthusiasm for their craft were evident throughout the evening. They guided me through the menu with expertise, making excellent recommendations and ensuring that my dietary preferences were accommodated.

Speaking of the menu, it was a true masterpiece. The culinary creations at Nick's showcase the chef's incredible talent and creativity. Each dish was a work of art, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. The flavors were harmonious and balanced, demonstrating a deep understanding of ingredients and a passion for culinary excellence. Whether it was the delicate seafood appetizers, the succulent main courses, or the decadent desserts, every bite was a revelation.

The attention to detail extended to the restaurant's elegant and inviting atmosphere. The tastefully designed interior exuded a sense of sophistication and refinement while still maintaining a welcoming ambiance. The lighting, the music, and the overall decor contributed to an unforgettable dining experience. The seating arrangement provided an intimate and comfortable setting, allowing for conversation without feeling overcrowded.

Furthermore, the beverage selection at Nick's was exceptional. The wine list showcased an extensive range of carefully curated selections, each chosen to complement the flavors of the dishes perfectly. The sommelier was knowledgeable and passionate, offering insightful recommendations that enhanced my dining experience even further.

Last but not least, the service was exemplary. The staff members were attentive, courteous, and professional, ensuring that every aspect of my visit was taken care of. They anticipated my needs and went above and beyond to make me feel welcomed and comfortable throughout the evening. The seamless coordination between the kitchen and the service team was evident in the flawless delivery of each course.

Overall, dining at Nick's was an extraordinary experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking an exceptional culinary adventure. It is a place where passion, talent, and creativity converge to create a truly remarkable dining experience. I am already looking forward to my next visit to Nick's and the opportunity to indulge in their culinary delights once again.

Bravo to the entire team at Nick's for their dedication to culinary excellence and for providing an unforgettable dining experience. You have set the bar high and established yourselves as one of the finest dining...

Update: 3/10/25 Recommendation - great food Even 7 yrs later. This is why it’s consistently rated as one of San Clemente’s favorite places to eat.

Value $170 with tip for four, no liquor asparagus fries - 4/5 baby back ribs - 4.5/5 - they really were fall off the bone. I used a fork and knife easily to eat them all. I loved their bbq sauce, and I’m an aficionado. Asked for more for the fries. Fries were 5/5. Kale salad, I mean it was a kale salad. I ate all of it but it was kale. Not my fav. chicken sandwich - 4/5 prime dip sandwich - 4/5 prime rib melt - 5/5

Atmosphere: LOUD MUSIC. Tight spaces, close tables, dimly lit. All expected. But DANG the music was too loud. The majority of the people eating were Boomers. I’m telling you, they don’t like that. If they can’t hear, they won’t be happy. Turn the music down.

Food was brought quickly. I’d say apx. 8 min wait. Went by fast. The starter, asparagus came out quickly. About 4 min.

Our server was fair, not great. Bummer. Example - We asked to have a bottle of water for the table, he declined saying they couldn’t do it. Policy??? When my wife and daughter’s glasses were empty he walked by 4x and didn’t fill them. Our table was right next to the server order entry location. All the servers surrounded it. I finally stopped another server and asked them to fill the glasses. Which he happily did. But ours, eh.

Butter cake - get it. We didn’t have it this time, but have in the past. My friend who’s an SC native said he once ate 3 of them, all by himself. That’s crazy cuz they’re not small. But they ARE good.

——- Original review - 2018 - I’ve had the prime rib dip and it was great. Today I had the fried chicken sandwich. I got it with the grilled broccoli, and both of them are really good. As a starter we had the shrimp taquitos - they were da bomb. You’ll be fighting for...