I tried the Trolley Stop panini today and it was so good I wanted to update my review and recommend it! I also love the smoked salmon panini and the breakfast burrito here, but will definitely be getting the Trolley Stop more often now that I've finally tried it. read more

Okay, not great - I absolutely agree with the 3 star overall review (which usually means the place has a couple of great things so stick to what they do good and leave the rest). For the good: This place is just across the street from the beach & pier so it was nice eating listening to the sound of the waves crashing onto the sand and the cool ocean air since it is an open restaurant. The other great thing about this place is their specialty coffee & lattes. Breakfast not so much. For coffee, I had the Lavender Caramel Latte ($5 for small $5.50 for large) which was Ghirardelli caramel, lavender syrup, double espresso & milk - and it was FANTASTIC! My girlfriend got the Brown Butter Latte (same prices) and that too was FANTASTIC!! We both got the SoCal Breakfast Burrito ($12) which is scrambled eggs, black beans, cheddar cheese, bacon and potatoes and ice assembled it is heated up in a panini press which kinda dried it out and made it crispy and dryer than I like. It was also too hot and stayed hot the entire time, which is an odd note but I don't like burning my mouth with every bite. It has the ingredients of the breakfast burritos I love but they were a bit lackluster and wee not very big. We both thought the taste was just meh. We would definitely come back for the coffee but not the food. read more

Caterina’s - SoCal Breakfast Burrito - Gelato Near Me - San Clemente, California

The food was good but I would not go back due to the rude experience I had with the owner. While I was waiting for my food to be prepared my boyfriend and a friend came over to ask a question and the second they enter the patio, she rudely snaps at them saying "YOU CANNOT SIT HERE CUSTOMERS ONLY". I asked the ladies working inside if it would be okay if my boyfriend and friend could sit down, since the place was completely empty and I was the only customer, and they responded "She won't allow it." I can't imagine how she treats those sweet workers if she treats strangers so harshly. It's unfortunate too because I wanted to go back but after this experience that will never happen. read more

Not a very pleasant experience for me I would say. I came in with my friend, as we very looking around and were excited by the chocolates, when the owner in a rude manner asked us if we needed something then we proceeded to hear her say to her employee, "if we were even gonna buy anything". Of course we did just to support a small business, but it was rather expensive for a small mediocre gelato. Would not come back. read more

I'm a frequent walker of the San Clemente beach trail and love to stop at Caterina's for a reward of their avocado toast, loaded w chunks of fresh avocado on multi-grain (my favorite) or sourdough. The artichoke flatbread is also yummy... and the pier view is awesome! read more

The food was overpriced and the steak burrito had maybe 5 pieces of tiny steak bites. The monkey bagel we ordered came out wrong as well. The service was decently fast and attentive. The tables were dirty. However they don't even have water for you, you have to buy it. read more

Overpriced food. Owners are horrible people and don't give staff proper payed breaks! Service from staff was alright. The atmosphere was horrible - cameras everywhere and quite dirty. Not worth the price! DONT GO! read more

Seems like a cool spot Close to the beach Open later than other nearby coffee shops Comfortable Couches outside I liked this: _hot chocolate read more

Caterina’s - Gelato Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Great spot for people watching in San Clemente. I got the breakfast tacos and they were good. They were only 2 but they were good size. Overall the menu was extensive so plenty of options to chose from. They also sell pastries, gelato and candies/chocolate. My family ordered lattes but they were inconsistent even though they were the same drink. Service was okay. I think it's a good spot for a quick bite and the location is great. The trolley stops right across the street. read more

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We thought we hit a gem. One that my mom with Celiac could eat nearly anything because next to the description of the item it said (gf). Don't be fooled. I worked in restaurant hospitality for nearly a decade. I designed menus and collateral. I know a thing or two about how to identify allergies. We offered the Surfer Breakfast Panini. In addition to assuming it was made with gluten free bread because of the "gf" we also assumed that because the description says turkey sausage that's what we would get but turns out they typically give it with pork sausage. We are used to asking for the item to be gluten free. No big deal but if your menu implies the item will be gf then it should be. Instead they told us we had to pay for another sandwich plus $4 up charge for gf bread. Our total bill for two people to have breakfast sandwiches (no hashbrowns or sides) was $96. We tip very well and had three coffees. read more

Caterina’s - Gelato Near Me - San Clemente, California

DONT ADD AVOCADO. It's 6 bucks extra and they don't tell you. Not listed on menu. Felt like a scam

It was the prime location and quaint tiled exterior which led us to choose Catherinas. The menu was very basic, nothing extraordinary. Ordered an egg , bacon, and cheese muffin sandwich as I wasn't able to order a steak breakfast burrito because they ran out of steak. The egg muffin was just fair. Went next door to bear coast for coffee. read more

Caterina’s - Muffin - Gelato Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Bad customer service!!! Despite the beautiful location, the manager/owner Josie is flat out rude!! The gelato is good, but not worth the price especially when the service is so terrible. I refuse to go back and spend money somewhere that treats others so poorly! Don't you want customers to come back?!? read more

Will never return. We brought our visiting Australian family here for breakfast and had an appalling experience. While my father was at the counter placing a sit-down breakfast order for himself and our whole family, my husband briefly stepped next door to Bear Café for coffee (they're quite literally two steps away). An older woman--clearly the owner or someone in charge, overheard this and refused us a table, speaking rudely and dismissively to my father in the process. The level of hostility was shocking and completely uncalled for. I would understand for non paying patrons, but we were literally in the process of ordering food from Caterina's. Turning away paying customers because they have coffee from a neighboring café is absurd, especially for a cafe/breakfast and lunch spot. Needless to say, we cancelled our order promptly and went to the pizza place at the end of the row. I recommend everyone to do the same. We come from Australian beach café culture, where hospitality actually means something, and I have never witnessed behavior this unwelcoming. You didn't just lose our business, we will warn everyone we know to avoid your business. No food or view is worth it when the hospitality is rude and unwelcoming. Learn to treat your customers better. read more

I try to eat clean ingredients. When I asked the owner if the sourdough bread was made with "enriched flour" (which is horrible for you BTW, he said, "sourdough is sourdough." Sir, some of your customers actually care about what they put in their body, and it would serve very well to know the ingredients in the food you buy. I'll go to Maison in Dana Point where the owner is well aware of what ingredient constitutes inflammatory hell in food and doesn't use seed oils. ^since I can't respond to what the owner posted I'll respond here, first of all, I didn't know high schoolers had tattoos. Second of all, I was right there when she turned and asked you and you responded with the rude comment instead of the answer I was looking for, so your argument isn't even valid. Kick rocks dude. read more

This was the worst experience I've had a restaurant in a long time. Lady behind the counter was beyond rude and even began yelling at her fellow employees while I was there. Not only were they out of the item I attempted to order, they also messed up the order I pivoted to. Breakfast burrito is $15 and they just heat up in a microwave. Cold brew is also $9, criminal. Could not recommend avoiding a place more. read more

This store is located at the base of the pier bowl. A lot of out of town people go in as it serves gelato. The owner and I think her son work the store. The both of them are the most unfriendly servers I've ever encountered. I was born and raised in San Clemente and I also work in a popular retail store in town, if I ever treated customers in the same manner as these two I wouldn't have my job!!!! If you don't like what you do, then get a new job. Or at least smile!!!!! read more

I love the selections, so many items looked delicious. My coffee was average and the warmed cinnamon roll was very good! I would definitely order the cinnamon roll again. However, I wasn't a fan of the service. We felt rushed when ordering. And when asking a question about one of the menu items, I was met with a rude response. Seating is limited, but the area is cute with a nice view of the beach. Easy access. But service is such a huge component, it's three stars for me. read more

Caterina’s - Cinnamon Roll - Gelato Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Excellent gelato and service! Great way to end a day at San Clemente right after sunset. read more

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Never again. I've heard the stories about how awful the owners are and have witnessed it myself. Despite that, I gave this place another chance. I'll be fair: the food and coffee are good, and the location is prime. I also understand not allowing non-customers to take up space. However, the owners take this policy to an extreme that is rude, petty, and hostile. They don't allow customers to bring anything with them, even when spending a lot of money. The owners are openly unappreciative and seem to genuinely hate their customers. I once witnessed them shame a young mother for bringing her disabled son's medical diet, even though the rest of her large family ordered full meals and drinks. I've been personally confronted multiple times. Once, I met friends there, everyone ordered food and drinks (including me), but I was yelled at because I had a Bear Coast coffee with me. Another time, we ordered about $100 worth of food and drinks while sitting with our kids. My older daughter stopped by briefly after surfing, but had a slice of pizza in a to-go box, and they came running out to yell at her to get rid of her pizza even though she wasn't sitting with our party and had just briefly stopped to say hi as she was walking by. I had been a regular at that point, but that was the final straw and I stopped going on principle. Fast forward a couple years later to yesterday, I went back because I was hungry after a morning walk. I ordered avocado toast, a fried egg, and a black iced tea and asked ice water. I was told they aren't allowed to give ice water and I would need to buy a bottle of water. I explained I preferred ice water and asked if I could at least have a cup of ice, I was again told no and that I would have to buy a plastic bottle of water to get ice. Even while spending $25-30 plus tip, and even though I was ordering a paid tea drink-they wouldn't budge. I almost paid but stopped myself- I just couldn't bring myself to give this business a dime after that. Before leaving, I told them how ridiculous the owners' behavior is and that I felt sorry they had to work for people who treat customers and employees so poorly. My daughter's friend also had briefly worked there and shared how badly the owners treat staff, so I told these two girls I felt sorry for them and I hope they find better. The audacity is astounding. I truly don't know how people this ungrateful stay in business. I'm considering posting in San Clemente Life to make our community aware of this behavior- especially since this is common knowledge and already talked about among locals and so many people will be able to relate! Sadly, they cater to tourists due to location and give our town a bad name with their entitled greedy attitudes. I've never wanted to cancel a business before, but these owners honestly deserve it. I'd like to mention that after this, we walked over to the French cafe next door, where the owner was incredibly kind and welcoming, brought us ice waters right away without asking, took our food orders, and after we ate offered to give me an iced tea to go since I had ordered one there! So nice and because of her warm hospitality I will continue to go frequent her business and I gave her a 40% tip. Catarinas should take a page from that book! read more

No wonder this place has 3 stars. I don't typically go out of my way to write reviews when places are ok, but after experiencing the older lady at this restaurant to be so rude to me and her staff, I needed to say something. We had already spent $50 dollars at the restaurant and my kids wanted one cup of water. I asked one of the employees and he nicely gave me a water cup. The lady proceeded to come from behind him and say. Did she pay for that? We don't give water or cups out for free. She then proceeded to tell me that legally she didn't need to provide free water even though I was eating in and spent money there. Snatching cups out of peoples hands and no apology? How do you expect to stay open and when tourists are the main people who are supporting you. All the locals clearly go next door. If you look at the other reviews, there's a theme to their customer service and penny pitching quality. read more

Worst experience ever! Me and my family came to enjoy Mother's Day coffee and pastries. First of all what seemed to be the owner or manager had more attitude than a teenage girl. Secondly, The coffee tasted like cheap instant coffee that was sitting out for a day, the pastries were stale and dry and didn't seem fresh. The only complaint I have is the other workers, there where 2 girls working and they where respectful and way easier to work with then the old man (manager or owner) if you want a good caffe bring your service to the spot to the left of Caterina's (bear coast coffee) I had a much better experience there. read more

Very friendly service. Great seating area. Super clean with great view. Lots of food and drink options. We got the turkey jalapeño panini and two iced lattes. The sandwich was great but the coffees were just ok. read more

Caterina’s - Turkey Turkey & Jalapeño Panini Cafe Mocha iced Brown butter toffee iced - Gelato Near Me - San Clemente, California

The pink umbrellas and colorful tile drew us in. I like the variety of pastries, gelato and breakfast. We both settled on the avocado toast. It was great sitting outside and enjoying the sun, wind and view! read more

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insane homemade ice cream!!!!! location could not be more stunning. A+ across the board for everything except for the price. I understand rent might be high in this location in addition to their quality ingredients, but $20 for a small cup of ice cream is outrageous. We discovered the hack is getting the ice cream cones that are only $12 and seem to come with more ice cream than can even fit in those little cups lol so much that our second time back I asked for a cone half the size of the first and still paid the same $12 and it was perfect lol. Overall incredible just be aware of the prices! read more

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I've come to this restaurant for many years and have never been treated with such rude service. The person that placed our order said we can only have one cup of ice after paying for Snapple and Cafe Cream brûlée. read more

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I need to start checking yelp before eating at restaurants. We just wanted a simple breakfast and to enjoy the ocean view. I did like the fact that the menu was labeled with gluten free options. They did have a nice amount of gf options. We ordered the breakfast tacos and eggs and avocado bowl. Cost was $27.62. You have to order at the counter and they bring the food out to you. The portions were small and served on paper plates and cups. Average cost was $13.41. My "bowl" was probably one avocado and 2 eggs scrambled if that. The tacos were small and had little in it except avocados. The cost was high for the amount of food we received. We did enjoy the view but they do have free public picnic tables a little further down. The tables were clean though. read more

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Cute little beachside Café. I would come here for a coffee and pastry, perhaps. Been here twice and, ironically, ordered the same thing both times. It was a French dip. The roll was fine but both the meat and cheese lacked flavor. Perhaps, the meat had no taste because the beef was so lean The au just pulled it together but not enough to make me want to order it again. Breakfast looks promising that might be worth a return visit. It felt like the woman who took our order was doing us a favor and that always rankles me. When I asked for a small cup of water for my dog, she said they had no cups but had a big water bowl for dogs. That they did but I'd rather my dog not drink out of a communal bowl. When my sandwich came, the au jus came in a nice little cup, which was big enough for water for a small dog. Grrr. We might come back for coffees and pastries, which looked fabulous. read more

I'm torn on this review.. giving it 3.5 stars. The shop is cute, we showed up on a weekday and the employees were nice. They let us sample, and were patient with us and our kids. Of course the kids wanted cones. I asked for a single scoop in the cone, but they said "we only have one size for cones." Ok... so I get two cones for my kids. It ends up being massive double scoops for a whopping total of $24!! I was stunned. That's the same cost as a good pint of ice cream! It was good quality but nothing soooooo amazing? It melted so fast too. I was disappointed about the hidden cost, but I know their rent is probably expensive and the gelato was good. read more

Horrible iced coffee - it tasted like dirty water. I went back in to let them know and ask for something else to fix it and she just started ringing me up expecting me to pay again. Most places would generally replace it for you but instead here they wanna charge you again for an overpriced drink. The woman was older and extremely rude. Would not recommend. read more

Such a good vibe! I loved their s'mores latte so much, that I went four different days to grab a cup. The service staff was extremely kind and always helped with a smile. I loved the ambience in this restaurant/bistro. They also had different sweet treats like gelato, Pastries and chocolates. I noticed usually in the late afternoon they were pretty busy. It's always a good sign when I see a bit of a line! I genuinely enjoyed this place! Can't wait to return. read more

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Went to Catrina's with my Mother in law and Wife and as we found a table we were looking at menu when the owner approached us and told us we had to leave for bringing a outside water bottle.As I looked around I seen others with a coke bottle and other tables with outside beverages. Since I'm African American and my wife is Latin American we took it personal.But we chose to leave because the lady was very mean.We went to Frenchies Next door and the Lady was amazing. We hear Caterina has a horrible reputation for being this way. read more

Nice location, but pretty $$$ for some sandwiches after tip $45 for 2 with a bag of chips. The portions were big enough though! The wait staff is kind enough to take your paper plates to the trash when you are finished. Plenty of options, I'm sure you'll find something you like. read more

Caterina’s - Turkey Avo panini (chips purchased separately) - Gelato Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Would give zero if possible. The old woman owner is a power tripping b word and wouldn't let my 2 year old daughter sit on her patio with snacks we brought from home so we could order something from her store. Needless to say we didn't order anything and sat 5 feet away on the public tables not under her awning. Do not support, many other local options in San Clemente. read more

Love Caterina's!!! The gelato is always fantastic. Also have great sandwiches here. A must visit when you're in San Clemente.

The food here is good and they have some fun coffee flavors however they are so strict and will not let you bring a coffee from next-door to enjoy while you consume one of their burritos or baked goods and are often rude about their patio even when I only had to sit down for a moment to organize my bag when the patio was completely empty. The young kids that work here are excellent and it seems to be the owners or managers that are sticklers and very unwelcoming. Such a bummer as that is outside of normal San Clemente culture and what we would expect from a local company. read more

They will upcharge you for milk alternative and give you regular milk and a lot of attitude if you question them. Out 50 dollars after treating my child for the day. Go elsewhere save yourself time. Not allergy friendly read more

My wife and I were in San Clemente Pier area for an hour. She ordered an $8 grapefruit juice and within 30 minutes of sitting at a table, the owner asked us to leave. There were maybe 4-6 other customers at the property, and nobody else had ordered food. There were at least 12 open tables. The management is extremely disrespectful. Expensive, rude, poor management. Go next door. read more

Terrible service, extremely rude staff and overpriced items. Food is bland. Paid $8 for a small bottle of grapefruit juice and was asked to leave the outside sitting area because I'm not eating - even though there were other seats available and other people with empty coffee cups and no food. If I could give a 0, I would. Terrible. read more

This spot was perfect for a snack or breakfast on the beach. I picked up a couple gelatos while we fished on the pier and it was the perfect snack to cool us off. The small size was more than enough and at just under $7 it really hit the spot. read more