With miles of coastline and an emphasis on an active, outdoor lifestyle, finding nutritious food is vital in the sunny beach town of San Clemente.
From farmers’ markets stocked with just-picked produce to restaurants focused on fresh, sustainable cuisine, healthy options abound.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best places to eat well in San Clemente – whether grocery shopping or dining out.
You’ll discover how easy it is to make wholesome, delicious choices that fuel both your body and your enjoyment of this seaside community.
Everything from plant-based fare to seafood takes center stage, proving healthy food can also be mouthwateringly good.
Farmers Markets
The San Clemente Farmers Market offers fresh, seasonal produce from local farms. The market takes place every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Outlets at San Clemente.
You’ll find tents and stalls filled with vibrant fruits and veggies, artisanal breads, fresh-cut flowers, and more. It’s a great place to fill your kitchen with wholesome ingredients or grab a quick, healthy bite.
Some notable vendors at the farmers market include:
- Evans Farm – This family-run stand features organic vegetables like colorful carrots, robust potatoes, and leafy greens.
- Flour Craft Bakery – Specializing in naturally-leavened breads with a crispy crust and chewy crumb.
- Polito Family Farms – Carrying fresh citrus fruits and avocados from their farm in Temecula.
With the stress of daily life, making time for healthy habits can be a challenge. Farmers markets eliminate the guesswork of where food comes from so you can feel good about nourishing yourself and your family.
Visiting the farmers market is an easy way to add nutrition to your diet while supporting the local food community.
How often is the San Clemente Farmers Market open?
The San Clemente Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
What types of vendors and products can I find there?
You’ll find local farms and small-scale food producers selling fresh produce, breads baked goods, flowers, and more.
Expect to see colorful displays of fruits and vegetables, artisanal loaves of bread, and vibrant bouquets.
Why shop at farmers’ markets?
Farmers markets connect you directly to the source of your food. Shopping locally supports small farmers in your community, and the food sold is harvested at peak ripeness, preserving flavor and nutrients.
Healthy Restaurants
In addition to grocery shopping, dining out at restaurants with nutritious menu options also contributes to healthy living. Fortunately, San Clemente boasts a number of eateries focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients and dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free.
Here are some of the top healthy restaurants in San Clemente:
Vine San Clemente
This plant-based eatery takes vegetarian cuisine to new heights. Their seasonally-inspired dishes burst with colorful produce alongside whole grains like quinoa and millet.
Signatures like the rainbow dragon bowl with sweet potato noodles, beet hummus tartine (open-faced sandwich), and cashew cheese pizza prove going vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing depth of flavor.
What’s unique about Vine’s menu?
Vine offers an elevated take on vegetarian food, focusing on nutrient-dense ingredients like whole grains, legumes, and fresh produce to create satisfying plant-based dishes. Their globally inspired menu changes with the seasons.
What dietary preferences can you have at Vine?
From vegan to gluten-free, Vine’s menu includes clearly labeled options for a range of dietary needs and restrictions. Those with food allergies can also be accommodated.
The Cellar
For over 40 years, The Cellar has been a local favorite for fresh, healthy cuisine in San Clemente’s historic downtown.
Their recently revamped menu places emphasis on seafood sourced from sustainable fisheries, farm-to-table ingredients, and lighter options like build-your-own salad bowls. Save room for their sky-high carrot cake, too!
What meals does The Cellar offer?
The Cellar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
What’s the most popular menu item?
Their sustainable seafood tacos are a huge hit and frequently mentioned favorite by patrons. Grilled mahi mahi or shrimp is wrapped in corn tortillas and topped with cabbage slaw and spicy Creole mustard sauce.
Poke Bowl
This Hawaiian-inspired eatery centers meals around superfood sides and sustainably caught seafood with build-your-own poke bowls.
Diners choose a base like brown rice or zucchini noodles, then customize toppings ranging from yellowfin tuna to organic tofu.
With fresh flavors and nutrient-packed ingredients, it’s a lighter yet wholly satisfying meal. Their Sunrise Bowl with ginger-turmeric quinoa is a tried-and-true go-to.
What type of protein does Poke Bowl offer?
In addition to fish like yellowfin tuna and salmon, you can build poke bowls featuring shrimp, chicken, organic tofu, and other plant-based proteins.
What makes the poke good for you?
Poke bowls pack servings of veggies, healthy grains, lean protein, and good fats like avocado for a well-balanced meal supporting overall wellness. Using high-quality seafood and produce also maximizes nutritional value.
San Clemente’s growing food scene offers nutritious eats to please every preference – you just need to know where to look! Seek out these restaurants focused on serving fresh and responsibly sourced cuisine.
Grocery Shopping
Preparing meals at home provides even more control over health factors. Stocking your kitchen with staples that form the foundation for nutritious recipes simplifies putting good-for-you dishes on the table.
Fortunately, San Clemente has quality grocers and markets carrying healthy ingredients. Here are some top destinations for wholesome grocery runs:
Where are some recommended grocery stores in San Clemente to buy healthy foods?
- Trader Joe’s – Carries affordable organic and high-quality prepared items like pre-marinated wild salmon.
- Sprouts Farmers Market – Specializes in natural and organic products spanning produce, grains, dairy, meats, and wines. It is known for its extensive bulk section, too.
- Grocery Outlet – Keep an eye out for discounted prices on organic packaged items, from cereal to condiments. Their inventory rotates, so offers change.
What to Buy?
When filling your cart, aim for raw ingredients to prepare recipes emphasizing plants. Some specific items worth adding include:
Fruits and Vegetables – Seek out fresh, seasonally available produce. The combinations are endless – try berries and spinach in smoothies or avocado and tomato toast.
Whole Grains – Keep the fiber and nutrients intact, opting for minimally processed carbs like farro, brown rice, oats, and quinoa. They make excellent salad toppers and wholesome sides.
Plant-based Proteins – Incorporate nutrition-packed beans, lentils, tempeh (fermented soybean cake), and tofu into meals. They satisfy and come with fiber, which most meats lack.
Healthy Fats – Not all fats are bad! Include monounsaturated-rich olive oil and avocados, which support the heart and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Nuts and seeds like chia, flax, and walnuts also supply beneficial fats and protein.
Herbs, Spices, & Vinegar – Jazz up dishes and dressings with immune-helping components like fresh ginger and turmeric. Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice add tang and brightness, too.
Making the most of San Clemente’s healthy food offerings relies on smart grocery shopping and dining decisions. Let this guide point you towards nutritious and delicious options!
How can I eat healthy on a budget when shopping for groceries?
Eating well doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Valuable tips for affordable, healthy grocery shopping include:
- Plan weekly meals around sale items and seasonal produce
- Purchase store brand and generic labels
- Check pricing per unit, like cost per ounce – larger sizes often offer better value
- Stick to the perimeter of the store where whole foods like produce, eggs, and meat reside
- Buy grains, nuts, and dried goods from bulk bins, which allow custom amounts
Following a few strategic shopping habits keeps budgets in check without sacrificing nutrition.
What are 5 healthy, budget-friendly items I should I add to my grocery list?
- Eggs – Packed with protein, an exceptionally versatile ingredient
- Bananas – Nutrient-dense fruit also works well in baking
- Frozen vegetables – Quick-cooking and wallet-friendly
- Canned beans – Shelf-stable source of plant-based protein and fiber
- Old-fashioned oats – Make a nutritious and affordable breakfast base
Summary
The sunny shores of San Clemente offer more than just pretty scenery. Abundant healthy food options exist across farmer’s markets, restaurants, and grocers. It simply involves knowing where to access nutritious ingredients and quality eateries.
Prioritize fresh finds from local farms and produce aisles. Build meals showcasing plants, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Dining out? Seek spots focused on responsible sourcing, like seasonal and organic fare.
Taking advantage of San Clemente’s best healthy offerings allows you to feel good about eating well – a foundational pillar of the beachside lifestyle. With this guide, you’ll be beach body-ready in no time without sacrificing flavor or busting your budget!
