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Brussels Bistro - San Clemente, San Clemente, CA

Brussels Bistro - San Clemente

4.8
4.8
726 Reviews
$30 and under
Belgian
218 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
11:30 PM
Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Since 2004, Brussels Bistro has brought the best of Belgium's flavors to Southern California.
Brussels, Capital of Belgium, is also the Capital of Europe. Brussels Bistro restaurants, Chef Thomas Crijns (From the prestigious Namur Hotel School) and his teams offer a unique and authentic experience of the Belgian and French cuisine in the Heart of southern California. Come travel with us, enjoy and taste the Brussels Bistro Experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere in both Laguna Beach and San Clemente.

Come enjoy our Special Mussels & Belgian Fries, the Chef's Boeuf Bourguignon, our Famous Pork Shank, amongst other unique Belgian and French Selections.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Belgian, Bistro, French
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Thomas Crijns
  • Catering
    We would be pleased to cater your event. Please send us an email at info@brusselsbistro.com or call us at (949)376-7955 for Laguna Beach and (949)218-8489 for San Clemente<br /><br />Merci<br />
  • Private party facilities
    Brussels Bistro offers a warm and inviting place to host your private or semi- private events from 15 up to 70 guests. If you are looking to have a Corporate Event, Holiday Event, Rehearsal Event, Birthday Event or simply enjoy a special and authentic dinning experience, we are here for you. https://www.brusselsbistro.com/specialevents for details.
  • Neighborhood
    San Clemente
  • Parking details
    Private parking for our guests situated at the back of the restaurant. Get into the parking lot on Avenida Cabrillo.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Every Tuesday: All You Can Eat Moules-Frites!

    $39.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Every Tuesday, in addition to our menu, we have All You Can Eat Moules-Frites (Mussels, Belgian Fries, French Baguette) at both Laguna Beach & San Clemente. Not sure which Mussels to choose from? Have been wanting to try and compare multiple ones? This is the perfect time to do so! See you Tuesday!
    Every Tuesday: All You Can Eat Moules-Frites! Photo

What 726 people are saying

Brussels Bistro - San Clemente reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Brussels Bistro in San Clemente offers a warm, lively atmosphere with exceptional food and service. Guests rave about the "best espresso martini in town" and the "always amazing experience." The mussels and fries are highly recommended, and the staff goes "above and beyond" for special occasions. Consistently delightful dining!
726 Reviews
  1. Maryna VIP

    New York City50 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a wonderful experience here - great food, drinks and service.

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  2. Evangeline VIP

    Los Angeles47 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Celebrated my birthday with family and it was a truly memorable experience. Julian surprised me with a birthday chocolate mousse complete with sparkles! Most touching gesture from other diners was their joining in with my Happy Birthday song (and even greeted me on my way out)! We had to try their mussels! 9 of us adequately shared 2 lbs of the Chorizo and the Cream and Garlic. Will definitely come back to try the other flavors on one of the AYCE Tuesday! Our party gave the thumbs-up for the Boeuf Bourguignon, Trout Almondine, Hanger Steak, Roasted Salmon and Lamb Shank. Overall we were completely satisfied and kudos to the wonderful service and attention given by all the staff with special shoutout to Julian! Thank you!

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  3. Karl VIP

    Calgary4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent Easter lunch with family and friends. Great service and atmosphere 🍷
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded 6 days ago
    Merci Karl for celebrating Easter with us! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed a wonderful lunch with your family and friends. We look forward to welcoming you all back again soon! Cheers! The Brussels Bistro Team

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  4. Moshelle

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food always! Love celebrating birthdays here.

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  5. Philippe

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Des votre arrivée un fond musical belge vous fait voyager en Belgique avec du Stromae ou Angèle,… Une diversité de bières belges au fut ou en bouteille. Un menu avec les plats typiques de brasserie belge ! Le décor est sympa avec Manneken Pis pour vous accueillir ! Bref: little Belgium in California
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on April 11, 2025
    Merci Philippe! Quel plaisir de lire votre commentaire. Nous sommes ravis que l'ambiance musicale et notre sélection de bières belges vous aient fait voyager. Vos mots capturent parfaitement ce que nous essayons de recréer ici: un petit coin de Belgique en Californie. A très bientôt pour une nouvelle escapade gourmande chez nous!

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  6. victoria

    Los Angeles8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were notified by email of a new dish, risotto with asparagus and shrimp. We of course ordered their delicious Belgian fries, the divine brussels sprouts and the special risotto. It was fabulous.
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on April 11, 2025
    Thank you so much, Victoria! We're thrilled you enjoyed the new risotto and your favorite sides. Those fries and Brussels sprouts are always crowd-pleasers! We'll keep the delicious surprises coming. Hope to see you again soon!

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  7. Kathleen VIP

    Orange County11 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on March 30, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    It’s expensive. The food isn’t as good as the original restaurant in Laguna Beach. The green peppercorn sauce for the steak had no flavor- it tasted like they made it from a cheap mix. Won’t return.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. Annette

    Orange County2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food here is excellent! I took my sister here for a belated birthday lunch, and I commented to her that it’s “ALWAYS GOOD” and I love that. No matter how long it’s been, you can depend on the quality of food, and your favorites are what you grow to expect! She offered me a sample of beer, she knew what we were looking for, and we loved the chilled glasses the beers came in! Our server surprised my sister with a lovely chocolate mousse dessert! The “candle” was awesome, more like fireworks! And my sister loved the French March they played! Our server was great, the only thing I would suggest to the owner/manager is not to have servers hover over you when waiting for the electronic payment. I still like to look over my bill, and figure out the tip without hovering. Maybe just to step away for 2-3 minutes? She politely left when I asked her for a minute but then she didn’t come back for what seemed to be 10 minutes. I had ordered take out so didn’t want it sitting too long. Overall, great friendly service and fantastic food!!
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on April 4, 2025
    Merci Annette! We are thrilled you and your sister enjoyed the food, beer, and birthday surprise. We appreciate your feedback about the payment experience. It's helpful and we'll keep in mind to improve. Hope to see you again soon! The Brussels Bistro Team

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  9. Maureen

    Orange County6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always an amazing experience at Brussels Bistro! I have had an excellent experience every time I have come here. Best Espresso Martini in town! Service is always amazing from the gentleman who busses the table, to my server, and the manager always checks in. I try to order a different entrée every time I come, and I have not been disappointed ever. Last night I had the garlic shrimp appetizer, and the shrimp was perfectly cooked. Then I shared a Filet Mingon which was prepared exactly as it should be for medium. The red wine shallot sauce that came with it was so good that I dipped bread in it so it wouldn’t go to waste! I love to see people celebrating their birthdays there because they come out the big sparkler and give you a Polaroid photo of your party.
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on March 30, 2025
    Bonjour Maureen, Merci for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed your visit and loved our Espresso Martini and special birthday touches. We look forward to welcoming you bak soon! A bientot! The Brussels Bistro Team

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  10. Barbara VIP

    Los Angeles66 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We love Brussels. The food and service are consistently good.
    Brussels Bistro - San ClementeResponded on March 26, 2025
    Merci for your feedback and recommendation Barbara. A bientot!

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FAQs

Brussels Bistro - San Clemente offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 218-8489.

Brussels Bistro - San Clemente is rated 4.8 stars by 726 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. South Orange County
  5. San Clemente

Make a reservation


Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Brussels Bistro - San Clemente

218 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    San Clemente
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Belgian, Bistro, French
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Private parking for our guests situated at the back of the restaurant. Get into the parking lot on Avenida Cabrillo.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Thomas Crijns
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    We would be pleased to cater your event. Please send us an email at info@brusselsbistro.com or call us at (949)376-7955 for Laguna Beach and (949)218-8489 for San Clemente<br /><br />Merci<br />
  • Private party facilities
    Brussels Bistro offers a warm and inviting place to host your private or semi- private events from 15 up to 70 guests. If you are looking to have a Corporate Event, Holiday Event, Rehearsal Event, Birthday Event or simply enjoy a special and authentic dinning experience, we are here for you. https://www.brusselsbistro.com/specialevents for details.
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