OC's Best - The Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar in San Clemente, CA

As you drive down Pacific Coast Highway and begin to absorb the spectacular ocean view, all senses are caressed and stimulated by the sights and sounds which surround your very essence. If you make this coastal California journey in a sexy, drop down convertible the experience is greatly magnified and enhanced. The Earthy, nautical scent of fresh ocean air with that tinge of salt compels you to feel invigorated and closer to the natural treasures which we sometimes take for granted. The crisp sea breeze randomly tosses your hair and gently kisses your face. The scenery is typical California in every way, from the gorgeous ocean view to the unique architecture which is an exotic upscale and conforming blend of Latin American with a touch of Mediterranean flair. Palm trees line the ocean front roadways and small upscale boutique style stores dot the landscape. Southern California truly is a one of a kind experience home to roughly 900 miles of sun drenched beaches, a cozy climate place warmed to near perfection where you can find just about any scenery or entertainment to suit your taste and desires. As you continue to cruise Pacific Coast Highway, off in the distance, a long wooden walkway leading out to the ocean begins to come into focus. It's the San Clemente pier. Located in South Orange County midway between Los Angeles and San Diego is where you'll find this distinct dining landmark, a cozy place to walk closely with a significant other or friend, a gathering place to discuss the days events, and home to one of the best seaside dining establishments in Southern California, The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar. If you're a seafood lover or seafood & pasta lover your ocean front paradise awaits.

LOCATION

• Situated in the heart of the city where the Pacific Ocean meets the sand at the San Clemente Pier -

• 611 Avenida Victoria
  San Clemente, Ca. 92672

AMBIENCE

For the beach or ocean worshiper, in my opinion, this is one of the very best venues So Cal has to offer. Located right on the sand in the heart of San Clemente, this jewel stands proudly as the epitome of dining Southern California style. As you drive or walk up to the restaurant, the coastal beach atmosphere is ever so impressive however, the exterior of Fisherman's is rather modest looking, nothing too fancy just a nice quaint laid back and relaxing feel about it. As you enter, you immediately inhale the scent of fresh seafood combined with a hint of everything else they prepare, and from the very moment you walk in the front door, the genesis of a unique dining experience begins. You have two distinct choices, you can either dine outside where the pier extends to facilitate the restaurant, or, if the sea breeze adds a mild cool chill to the air, even though all exterior tables are equipped with a heater to buff the cold, you may prefer to stay indoors, the choice is yours. Outside on the deck you will find several tables with individual umbrellas to shade you from the bright sunshine and natural elements. The restaurant is split into two distinct sections, one on either side of the pier, the Restaurant is to the left as you approach the main entrance, and the Oyster Bar to the right. So depending on your appetite, large or small, either direction will lead you to some exquisite cuisine. If you dine outside, it's an implicit west coast guarantee the distinct Southern California landscape and charm will certainly engulf you and instigate a totally fulfilling experience. Gazing out at the crystal clear blue Pacific Ocean, then glancing upward to take in the luxury condo view complete with perfectly manicured landscapes containing indigenous palms and various other plants to accentuate, provides an enthralling ambiance. Either way, indoor or out, the picturesque visual experience may change, but the food remains the same, excellent.

MENU

As previously touched upon, if you're a seafood lover you may find this eatery paradise on earth. Just about every type of shellfish that can be found on the menu at eateries in the New England area, can be found right here. Dinner entrees feature delectable's such as Dungeness, Snow, and King Crab along with other non-seafood choices. ( Like all restaurants which offer select ocean fare, seafood dishes at the Fisherman's are subject to availability so calling ahead of time to confirm specific menu items is recommended ). If you're not a seafood lover you can also find a burger with fries or the sandwich & soup of your choice or even a fresh healthy tossed green salad, the menu is diverse and contains at least one dish which should appeal to all preferences and ages. There is no shortage of appetizers either, from the traditional Chicken Strips & Hot Wings to Bay Shrimp Cocktail & Oysters Rockefeller and just about everything in between. A good selection of salads as well, from Seafood to Spinach & BBQ Chicken to Oriental Chicken, there are several to chose from. Lunch entrees are few but diverse, ranging from Halibut & Chips to a Grilled Vegetable Sandwich for the health conscious. A very extensive wine & champagne list is available at your request and a sizable selection of deserts and after dinner caps such as Cafe Latte & Cappuccino can be mixed to perfection upon your order. The cuisine is excellent, however, the Fisherman's may be categorized as pricey for the budget conscious, but when you take into consideration the breathtaking aesthetic beauty and unique dining experience, the additional cost as compared with a typical, mundanely plain chain restaurant is soon forgotten and deemed well worth the additional expense.

The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar REVIEW / OPINION

All things considered and without hesitation, I would have to rate The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar at the very top of my list as one of So Cal's very best places to dine if of course seafood is a preference. It's certainly a prime dining experience with premium ambiance. If your an ocean or beach lover it doesn't really get much better than this. The fare is excellent for the price and you can tell instinctively that the seafood and other ingredients had been recently harvested and will be fresh to the taste, not sitting around in the kitchen for an extended period of time before touching the pan. The interior, although not lined with fancy or elegant décor, is perfectly suited for the style of food served and the period picture of a weather worn fisherman cloaked in traditional garb on the menu cover should provide the first indication of what the restaurant is all about, what it serves, and the awaiting overall atmosphere. It's quintessential 'So Cal Beach Motif' to the max, where you envision and expect a certain degree of built in California flair like sun bathing, surfing, volleyball, and sitting in the soft sand in a romantic posture as you watch the weary sun slowly disappear unto the distant sea. Even though the food reflects a posh night out, It's definitely not suit and tie night when dining at The Fisherman's. Access is fair, although at times the only place to park your car is on a narrow street which parallels the Restaurant. A combination of free parking and paid parking slots via meters are located in designated spaces along the outer perimeters which enhances the physical lot conveniently situated adjacent to the restaurant. So, in conclusion, if your desire is for tasty seafood cuisine designed for the entire family at a reasonable price while relaxing in a prime venue overlooking Southern California's spectacular Pacific Ocean as an extra added bonus, The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar in San Clemente is definitely worth a visit.