Vine Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in San Clemente

Amazing food service, menu at at Vine Restaurant & Bar in San Clemente

Nestled in the heart of San Clemente, Vine Restaurant & Bar truly lives up to its reputation as a gem for wine country cuisine. From the moment we stepped in, the casual fine dining atmosphere—with its rustic wine bar, open kitchen, and hints of the on-site garden—set the perfect tone for a memorable night out. We were seated promptly, and the evening unfolded into one of those rare meals where every course exceeded expectations.

To kick things off, we ordered a couple of cocktails from their inventive menu: the Love Potion Number 9 and the Featuted Martini. Both were amazing—vibrant, perfectly balanced, and with flavors that danced on the palate. The Love Potion Number 9 had a fruity allure with just the right herbal twist, while the Future Martini brought a bold, futuristic edge with its crisp botanicals and smooth finish. They were the ideal aperitifs to whet our appetite.

We started with the heirloom tomato salad as an appetizer, and it was nothing short of incredible. The tomatoes were bursting with summer-fresh flavor, perfectly complemented by a light vinaigrette and just the right touch of herbs—simple, vibrant, and utterly refreshing. It set a high bar, and the kitchen didn't disappoint.

For the main event, we indulged in the featured halibut steak, a thick-cut beauty that arrived buttery and flawlessly seared. Each bite was amazing—tender, flaky, and packed with that clean ocean essence, elevated by a subtle seasoning that let the fish shine. It was delicious in the most melt-in-your-mouth way, easily one of the best seafood dishes we've had in ages. Portions were generous without being overwhelming, and the accompanying sides (though we didn't specify) felt thoughtfully paired to enhance the star of the plate.

We capped off the meal with the crème brûlée for dessert, and it was unbelievable—creamy custard beneath a shatteringly perfect caramelized top, with hints of vanilla that lingered beautifully. It's the kind of classic done so right that you savor every spoonful.

What truly elevated the experience, though, was the service. The staff was amazing—attentive without hovering, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. A special shoutout to manager Gabe, who stopped by our table several times to check in and ensure we were having an awesome time. His personal touch made us feel like valued regulars, not just diners, and it's clear why so many rave about the team's consistency here.

Vine isn't just a restaurant; it's a full sensory escape with worldly flavors and an impressive wine list to boot. If you're in San Clemente, make a reservation—this spot deserves a spot on your must-try list. We'll be back soon for more of that halibut magic (and those cocktails). Five...

SENSATIONAL SERVICE ! After hearing from staff across the street at Parlor how good this place was...I made a dinner reservation for 6pm on Thursday. PARKING ! Finding a street parking spot on El Camino Real is hard at any time let alone in the evening. HOT TIP ! A local restaurant manager told us...the Presbyterian Church up the street is great for parking. AND WE DID ! It was a short downhill walk to Vine. A sweet hostess named Justice welcomed us warmly and showed us to a table in the intimate dining room....not near the bar as I requested in my reservation. Our server Heather looked after us like royalty for the duration of our dinner visit. FIRST UP ! We enjoyed a couple of fabulous appetizers.....House Made Pumpkin Ravioli ( fresh truffle goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts ) and Cast Iron Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Kurobuta Pork Belly ( pear mostarda, candied walnuts, citrus-garlic honey ). CRAFT BEER ! Not the most pleasing craft beer selection I've seen but in the end I decided on an Anderson Valley Brewing Hop Ottin' West Coast Style IPA....it tasted good enough. ENTREES ! There were 2 burgers on the menu and I decided on the Mexicali Burger ( american kobe beef, queso fresco, avocado, chile de arbol aioli, sweet onion slaw, roasted spicy serrano chile, hand cut herb fries )...Heather kindly asked my preference....medium rare thank you. BUT THEN ! My wife fell in love with the Chorizo Braised Lobster Starter (saffron pearl couscous, garlic confit, charred cherry tomato broth ). In the meantime Gabe the very attentive partner / manager dropped by to check on us....we had a friendly chat. FAST SERVICE ! Before we knew it our incredible looking dinner dishes hit the table. OOH LA LA ! My wife went nuts over her amazing Chorizo Braised Lobster.....even shared some juicy lobster with me. WOW ! My Mexicali Burger had the biggest beef patty I'ver ever seen and it was cooked perfectly to my preference...medium rare. The huge pile of hand cut Herb Fries were a challenge to get through ....very herby and I would have preferred crunchier. THE BIG FINISH ! They have a pretty decent dessert menu here but the big standout is the DARK CHOCOLATE BELGIAN CHEESECAKE. Trust me this super decadent dessert will send your tastebuds to nirvana. Heather asked if we felt like cappuccinos so we said yes to a couple of decafs. We enjoyed our evening...

A shining gem of San Clemente's food scene, Vine is the definitive California restaurant. From the moment you step into the restaurant, the stage is set for an unforgettable dining experience.

True to its name, the bistro offers a superb selection of wines from the Golden State and around the world. Enjoy a perfect craft cocktail while pursuing the menu. Vine offers a delightful mix of classic American dishes and contemporary cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced meats and produce. The chefs take pride in preparing each dish to perfection, using only the highest quality ingredients and techniques. Restaurateur and Master Sommelier Russ Bendel has assembled a dream team to staff the kitchen and dining room. With Cali style and flair, service is relaxed, friendly, and always on point.

Vine is a restaurant with a heart. I was recently a guest at a memorial celebration of life hosted by the restaurant. The elegantly relaxed atmosphere and delicious food created the perfect setting for warm and intimate conversations. The staff made every guest feel welcomed and cared for.

For this special event, passed hors-d'œuvres and a buffet-style presentation offered guests a beautiful sampling of the restaurant’s beloved dishes. Vine’s signature duck wings were a delectable example of what makes the restaurant so special. Meyer lemon and honey glaze balanced sweet and tangy notes to complement the rich, savory flavors of the duck—exemplifying the creative cuisine that you'll find at this amazing dining destination.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or looking for a memorable night out, Vine is the perfect choice. With its outstanding food, inviting ambiance, and attentive service, it's no wonder why this restaurant is a favorite by locals and...