Moulin

197

2 years ago

This is a charming French restaurant, where you order from the counter. They offer a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options. I got the egg, cheese and bacon croissant and it was flakey, warm and very tasty! My friend was happy with a large bowl of onion soup. There are many coffees offered. I usually get a cappuccino but since we were there for lunch, I decided on wine. There are wine bottles in the cooler, but only a few offered by the glass. I bought a 1/2 bottle of Sancerre for $22, which I think is reasonable. Note the hours: they close at 3:00. There is a large outside patio, if you prefer. On weekends, the patio can get quite crowded during breakfast hours. The entrance to North Beach is a short block away. I highly recommend this place, and I'm lucky that it's a close walk for me! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Pascale C.

174

328

2 years ago

Cashier was making mistakes left and right with customers... customers were coming back about their drinks being wrong... I paid with cash and she wasn't going to give me the change because it was a couple cents... and when she gave me the change, it was the wrong change... If my total was $22.03 do you expect the customer to just pay 22$? read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jo S.

667

2421

15303

4 years ago

Wonderful French bakery and cafe in San Clemente. Moulin is located in a small, cute building, uphill, so if you seat outside, you get to enjoy beautiful views of the ocean! Great treat for my b-day weekend! It is very close to Metrolink stop (a minute walk at the most) and San Clemente Trail (where it starts) near North Beach. It has a small parking lot next to it. It has indoor seating and a very cute courtyard with tables where you can savor your breakfast or lunch. We stopped here and got some breakfast. 2 nice capuccino-s (you get a couple of squares of dark chocolate each from the house- and it is delicious) and danishes, one with appricots. The food is mouthwatering! The danishes were divine, the custard made to perfection! We could have gotten more food, since everything looked amazing, it was tempting but hopefully some other time. Food looks great in their windows, everyone's sandwiches around us looked mouth watering! Clean restrooms, nice customer service, water from the house, the decor couldn't be cuter and more charming! If you love French authentic food, this is the place in San Clemente. You can enjoy breakfast or lunch here while having the Pacific sprawling in front of you. Sounds tempting, right? read more

Moulin - inside - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - outside - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Helpful 8

Thanks 2

Love this 11

Oh no 1

Gerry F.

243

357

3 years ago

Still a frequent flyer here, several times a week. Sabine has this place running like a well oiled machine, and the food/service does not disappoint. These are French people running a French bakery. They have French ingredients in what they prepare as well as many items you can purchase from France. I recently purchased some jam, and it was noticeably different in taste. It was delicious! read more

Moulin - Great place for coffee, pastries, sandwiches and French food items. - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Jacques-Yves H.

11 months ago

Super accueil à Moulin Saint Clemente avec 'Antoine et toute son équipe un dimanche matin. Il y avait un monde fou. Des sourires, on est tous ravis d'être là, les familles, les enfants, dans la salle où au soleil à l'extérieur. On s'est régalé. Merci à Moulin San Clemente read more

Business owner information

Laurent V.

Merci et à bientôt;…

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

k h.

11 months ago

Frequently eat here, has always been favorite but today it was pretty bad. My quiche was served luke warm if even that and my friends was piping hot. The half chicken was very dry, could only eat the drumstick. The french onion soup left me super disappointed, all onions, barely any broth. There was such a small amount of cheese and bread on top was burnt black on edges. I've had it sooo many times before, 10x's better! Maybe an off day for them? Not sure if I will be back, much better places around town to spend $80.00 on lunch. read more

Business owner information

Laurent V.

Thanks for the feedback, very unusual for sure.…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Claudia D.

184

718

2 years ago

Cute spot to have coffee and pastries by the beach. We came on a Saturday morning and it was pretty busy but we found a spot to sit. Not the most delicious omelet I've ever had but it was a nice breakfast in a nice area by the beach :) read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lauren C.

203

409

3 years ago

I really like this place! Beautiful French cafe. Quick and easy service. Cappuccino tasted great. Vegan sando could have some added flavor to it. Will be back! read more

Moulin - Cappuccino - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - Vegan sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kris L.

8 months ago

What a delicious and delightful place to enjoy tasty treats with caring service! We LOVED their specialty pastry, and sipping wonderful mocha and coffee in a pleasant location. Made our day, thank you!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Louie A.

131

152

1920

2 years ago

Our favorite French foods for brunch. The staff is great and polite. Whenever when we are in town, this is the perfect spot for brunch with just steps away from the beach as well. read more

Moulin - Amazing place to have brunch!! - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - The spread: crepe, omellete, and le croque madame - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Mike M.

7 months ago

Excellent coffee and super fresh food. I like that they have an egg-white only option for the omelette. Their half chicken with salad and fries is so good, too! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Alistair W.

7 months ago

A beautiful quaint little French style Café with all the food and drink offerings of the real thing. I have never been to France, but I feel like I'm in France every time I come here. It has beautiful French decorations and lovely, colorful tables and chairs. It's a very nice environment and the food is absolutely delicious. My favorite part is sitting outside on the chairs next to the shrubbery and looking out people watching while sipping on my coffee. It's totally lovely. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Barbara A.

7 months ago

Antoine and Sami are two great guys at Moulin in San Clemente. They are very welcoming and cheery and make you feel at home. They work hard but you can see they enjoy their jobs. This is a place I come to often for delicious food and pastries. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Savannah H.

7 months ago

Wonderful experience today; Sami and Tony were so helpful! Had the Moulin Salad prepared fresh so the chicken was warm and it was delicious!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Heidi B.

8 months ago

We eat at Moulin every week as a special treat. My daughter loves the ham and cheese panini and the delicious desserts. If my willpower is strong, I stick to the salads. Otherwise the dessert and coffee is amazing!!Tony and Sammy always go out of their way to make us smile...we love this place! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Donna H.

8 months ago

Food was very good staff are very friendly. It's always a good time when we go there.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Connor M.

127

1 year ago

This chicken pressed sandwich is awesome. Fast service. Beautifully placed right next to north beach, outside seating is the move. read more

Moulin - chicken sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rosemarie L.

7 months ago

What a gem! Every visit to San Clemente includes at least one or two trips to Moulin. The chocolate/almond croissant is simply spectacular! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Lynne C.

2 years ago

Very fun if you love bakeries. Beautiful pastries. Fresh and tasty. Especially the Almond Croissant and Pear Tart. The Pistachio bread with preserves in the middle. Super fun to go with others and share treats. Very sweet cashiers and helpful in knowing the items. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Aly L.

1 year ago

it took 30 minutes for a $10 burnt crepe to come out on a tuesday morning. wont be returning read more

Moulin - nutella crepe - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Gohar K.

Elite 26 All-Star

346

2263

11100

4 years ago

Everything, I mean everything is good here. One my most favorite bakeries/ cafes in Southern California. Every time I'm in an area where there is a Moulin I just stop by doesn't matter the time of the day. It was my first time at this location. It's a bit smaller than the rest but has the same delicious food. Great location Great service Great food Great dessert Great drinks Great atmosphere Great times with my family. A must stop when in San Clemente. You won't regret it. read more

See all

Business owner information

Laurent V.

Merci beaucoup for the visit and great review, we really appreciate…

Helpful 2

Thanks 1

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Stephanie E.

Elite 25

2 years ago

Moulin is tucked into a small corner by the beach with plenty of menu options. It is decorated to match the theme of the french style bakery and I loved every detail so much! I believe the employees also speak the language. The man who helped me explained a couple of menu items to me and was very helpful and patient. There is seating inside or you could sit out on their patio, only as it was a nice day out the patio was full. I had a crepe and a coffee, however the coffee was a bit too bitter for my liking. The crepe was delicious and just the right amount of sweet! I would come back to try a bigger part of their menu. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Maria G.

1 year ago

Food was delicious service was fast. They are very nice and welcoming. Will be back again !! read more

Moulin - Latte with mini chocolate croissant - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - Croissant omelette sandwich and croque madame with a salad balsamic vinaigrette sauce . Latte - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Carol A.

8 months ago

Service was on an incredible level this day. Wanted hot chocolate, but wanted it specialized. Not too much chocolate or too sweet & was asked all the right questions. Three young men, ready to help & deliver, & make my day!!! Thank you!!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maria T.

3 years ago

Finally back in Scottsdale and I must say that me and my friends already miss coming to Moulin and we are not okay. We went to Moulin for three straight days and bought and ate everything we could from this cafe and now we are spoiled! We loved everything about Moulin. Location by the beach, friendly staff, AMAZING service, DELICIOUS FOOD, fresh orange juice, snacks coming from Europe (me and my besteas almost bought all the Milka chocolates they had), and the ambience. It is everything I dreamt of in a cafe. The manager, Antoine. We absolutely LOVE HIM! This man works so hard and is very efficient and quick. I would love to meet the owner of this place to extend my gratitude in person. The price point is pretty reasonable if you're having a meal with fresh ingredients and so much flavor. If you are someone with plenty of food restrictions, this is not the place for you as the kitchen might be unable to make any changes on your meal. Fortunately, they can give you an option for alternative milk for your coffee. I wish I had taken a photo of everything we ate here to share with you all to give you an idea on what to expect. read more

Moulin - I used to have smarties back when I was a kid - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - All the pastry options - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - Another favorite from my childhood - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - Capuccino served with a little chocolate bar on the side - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Julie C.

184

192

262

4 years ago

Excellent, fresh French breakfast. I had the croissant breakfast sandwich and we also bought almond croissant (perfection) apple tart, madelines (they were huge but just ok). The owner (or manager?) and her daughter appear to be French and they and their staff and friendly and efficient. This place was of course quite busy with a line out the door on a Saturday morning. I will definitely return the next time I visit San Clemente read more

Moulin - Croissandwich - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - Exterior patio - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - Pastry case full of freshly baked, decadent goodness - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Business owner information

Laurent V.

Merci Mademoiselle Julie.

Helpful 2

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jen B.

Elite 25

170

3 years ago

Breakfast is excellent at this place. This is my 2nd time at this location. There's a walking trail near the beach. Service is great, and the staff are friendly. French decor posters to a Minimum. It's an excellent place for brunch after you walk the walking trail. read more

Moulin - Moulin Omelete and Mont Blanc - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - Veggie Quiche - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - Cappuccino and Mont Blanc - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Claudia L.

9 months ago

Wrong coffee drink made but barista insisted it was number then barista insisted we know our numbers and was a complete jerk as in not customer friendly ... then got the crepe delivered without what was asked at checkout order and server questioned my desire to have lemon on side . Again not customer friendly at all ... will not go there again even though it is a beautiful location the manager is pompous and it shows! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jesse B.

3 years ago

The crepe was delicious, but it's hard to make Nutella not amazing. I had the omelette and it was good. The side salad was a tiny bit acidic on the dressing side and needed a tiny sprinkling of salt. My girlfriend had the quiche and she thought it was fine, but it had way too many sun dried tomatoes and that was all she could taste. The pastries looked incredible and the coffee was good. All in all we enjoyed Moulin and won't hesitate to stop by when in the area again. read more

Moulin - Vegetarian quiche - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Moulin - Omelette with herbs and cheese - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Theresa D.

11 months ago

Really really cute and quaint corner location. Much more charming than the Newport or Laguna Beach locations. Food quality just isn't as good for some reason. The first time I went a couple years ago, I thought it was just an off day. My ham and cheese came out looking like it came from a vending machine and the bread tasted like it was yesterday's bread or par-baked bread that was never rebaked, soft and chewy. French onion soup came out lukewarm. Oddly that's what I recalled from the last visit also. Maybe they specialize in the made to order items as the omelette I saw looked really good. $30 for an order- at-the counter soup and sandwich, a bit overpriced for the quality. The tall gentleman working there was very friendly and helpful however and the reason for my 3rd star. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Back

Page 2 of 9

120 Avenida Pico
San Clemente, CA 92672
Directions
(949) 441-7040
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.moulin.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Moulin open?

Moulin opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Moulin close?

Moulin closes at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Moulin take Bitcoin?

No, Moulin does not take Bitcoin.

Does Moulin take credit cards?

Yes, Moulin takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Moulin have catering options?

Yes, Moulin does have catering options.

Does Moulin have a happy hour?

No, Moulin does not have a happy hour.

Does Moulin serve alcohol?

Yes, Moulin serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Moulin allow dogs?

Yes, Moulin allows dogs.

Does Moulin have TVs?

No, Moulin does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Moulin have bike parking?

Yes, Moulin has bike parking.

Does Moulin have outdoor seating?

Yes, Moulin has outdoor seating options.

Does Moulin have parking?

Yes, Moulin has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Moulin wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Moulin is wheelchair accessible.

Does Moulin have free WiFi?

Yes, Moulin has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

French Bakery, Cafe and Restaurant in San Clemente, CA. French Wine Store. French Pastry Store. French Market Store. French Bistro. 100% French by French Artisans.

History

Established in 2014.

Everything Paris. Croissants, Pain au Chocolat, Crepes, Waffles, Parisien Sandwiches, Omelette, Croque Monsieur/Madame, Oignon Soup, Eggs Benedict, Squeezed OJ, French soft drinks, French wines, French market... Laurent and servers from Paris ;)

Meet the Business Owner: Laurent V.

In the USA since 1984, it was important for me to bring it all back under one roof. Growing up in the streets of Montmartre in Paris, the cafes, the bistros, the corner market stores were so moving to me...I became passionate by them. I loved them, worked in them and grew a passion for the ambience, products, smells and culture correct places that Paris is so famous for. Moulin is Montmartre away from home :) for ma famille, mes amis and you. Let's break bread together here. A bientôt. Laurent.

Moulin Reviews in Other Languages

French
3 Reviews

Ask the Community - Moulin

How might this San Clemente Moulin location be unique in comparison to the other locations?

It's walking distance to the beach trail. Treat yourself to a coffee and walk along the ocean.

Do you take reservations?

I don't believe the cafe locations accept reservations, but the bouillon restaurant does! ;))

Hi there? Do you make Kouign-amann?

Moulin does make Kouign-amann to the best of my knowledge, as I've seen it many times at several locations!

Do you serve sandwiches in the morning?

The have tons of sandwich options

Will this location be open Easter morning?

Oui 7-3 , à bientôt;

Dogs allowed on patio?

Of course, we love dogs :)

View All 7 Questions

Chaupain Bakery

Everything about it is great. Salad for lunch was so good. Oh of course the pastries are delicious…read more One of my favorites is the chocolate chip scone! The employees are wonderful and always smiling, and give the best service. The place reminds me of Marseille France where all my cousins live. Very pleasant ambiance. And I'm blessed to just live around the corner

Chaupain can never go wrong in my book and will always be a go to spot for pastries and brunch…read more This was my second time at Chaupain but first time at the San Clemente location. This time around we got the shakshouka, chicken pesto sandwich, smoked salmon tartine, and the pistachio croissant. Everything was amazing, as expected. Their bread and pastries are top tier, you can really tell that they use high quality ingredients. Their croissants are honestly the best I've ever had. So flakey and crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

New space as of Jan 2026. They've doubled their footprint. Seating in the front and back.

Apple Tart

See all

View from the front door. As of Jan 2026, they have renovated and doubled their space! Wonderful! Very cute French bistro style.

Sugar Blossom Bake Shop

I participated in one of the cake decorating workshops in celebration of Earth Day and instantly…read morefell in looove with this cuuute bake shop in downtown San Clemente. I had to go back for the Cinco de Mayo drop-in piñata cupcake session. It's nicely decorated with a calming ambiance plus always clean. They've got the friendliest staff...always willing to help me when I have questions. When I ate the buttercream, it was amazingly delicious...sooo creamyyy and really fresssh with the right amount of swwweetness. I can tell it's homemade. Overall, my experience has been wonderful. I can't wait to try their café menu items. I highly recommend Sugar Blossom to the Yelp Community :-) FYI: They also have gluten free options.

This bake shop and café is the absolute cutest! I got the…read moregoat cheese avocado toast and I demolished it! The multigrain bread was chewy and not sweet at all, the avocado was pilled on and the addition of goats cheese, tomato, garlic confit and chili flakes just made it next level. The POG lemonade is a MUST. Feels like I'm flying between Big Island and Oahu on HI airlines

Fondant Detail three-tier wedding cake

Best Coconut Cake

See all

Sugar Blossom Bakeshops delicious Salted Caramel Cake in San Clemente

Le Saint Honore

This man drove all the way to Duarte to the City of Hope campus for the weekly farmers market. My…read moremom and I tried five delightful pieces, every one was excellent. The man helping had his hands full with customers but was so helpful and a joy to talk to. This bakery does not miss, highly recommend.

Stopped here for the first time today. I ordered a slice of quiche, a baguette, and the crumb cake…read morepastry to go. When I got home, and I opened a huge box that the slice of quiche was in, there was no side salad or slices of baguette as all their photos seem to indicate. French quiche is always served with a side of mixed greens, at least in my experience. It lacked that bit of refreshment by not having the greens with it. I called and asked why all the photos show it being served differently than I was given and I was told they stopped doing that a year ago. Very disappointed. In general, the taste was average.

The Mushroom Quiche Set with greens, French bread, and olive oil. Perfect for sharing!

Pistachio croissant

See all

Rockwell's Bakery, Cafe & Bar

Plenty of parking. Good for groups…read more Ok for kids. Indoor and patio seating. Menu has something for everyone. Prices are fair. Staff Is friendly, Must try spot.

Ham and Cheese croissant- 4 stars Banana Nut muffin- 3 stars…read moreOatmeal raisin cookie- 4 stars Cheese Danish- 3 stars We ordered at the counter They were out of cinnamon rolls by 11 which doesn't make sense.

The chocolate curls are gorgeous!

See all

Chilln out front

FKN Bread

I'll be honest, I was waiting in line for BBQ across the street and my wife got some Baklava…read moreCroissant with Pistachio from this spot for us. Maybe it was the heat or just wanting to eat something but it was amazing! The texture of the pastry was really unique and the pistachio inside was delicious. I really enjoyed eating it and was impressed by the quality and flavor.

I came here mainly because of the name. It sure sounds like they meant to say something else…read more Specialty here is sourdough bread. Actually, at least 90 of its items are sourdough based, even sweet pastries and cookies. Grabbed a regular sourdough, jalapeno cheddar sourdough, and a sourdough peanut butter dark chocolate cookie with sea salt. Sourdough breads were substantial and solid. The cookie was excellent. I really didn't get any sourdough taste in the cookie. Service was friendly and helpful. It's a tiny spot, mainly meant for just grab & go items. It's located across the street from The Mission.

Baklava Croissant with Pistachio Paste

Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Loaf. Spicy and fresh with globs of cheese found throughout the bread.

See all

Jalapeño & cheddar bread

Chip Cookies

(52 reviews)

2.9 mi

Sigh. When you have a craving for cookies and esp want an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie and the box…read morearrives from DoorDash and they didn't include the cookie you ordered... The chocolate chip classic is good but average. The sugar cookie had a dollop of icing but not even a circle. The photo on the website shows the icing should be a circle and spread out evenly over the cookie. This was definitely not the right amount of icing, it was not even 1/3 icing and pretty sure it should have been way more. It looked like my toddler put on the icing but in a stingy way. I wanted the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie but I didn't get it. How a cookie store can screw up an order that is electronic and literally has a ticket that reads oatmeal is a shame. Very very disappointing. The other two cookies I did receive were not worth mentioning they were not good.

We have stopped here for cookies many times and always love them! They have 4 main flavors and then…read more4 specialties. Our favorite is the Oreo! It's incredible. If you're looking for yummy dessert, definitely stop by Chip!

Inside the CHIP Cookies store...amazing!

Inside Store

See all

O.G. Chocolate CHIP Cookies! Amazing!

It's All About The Cake

Locally owned & operated

Certified professionals

this is the best restaurant I've ever been to. I did work there but was super impressed with…read moreeverything they do. The staff is amazin, wish I was back there

We tried this place for a custom cake about 6 years ago. While the look was amazing, I didn't think…read morethe flavor was great. This time for my birthday, I thought we'd try a standard flavor cake since they should be making it on the regular. We got the lemon delight. It was super sweet. I couldn't eat any of the frosting and the frosting filling next to the lemon was very sweet. They also messed up my name. I remember my husband spelling out my name like the military nato style too but what was written on the order form was wrong. And then on the cake was wrong and didn't even match the order form. I know my name is difficult but I guess the decorator wasn't there so it was a difficult fix. They apologized and gave us candles. On a side note and not affecting this rating: We ate at the cafe side once and it was good. But we sat outside and had a bad experience unrelated to the cafe. Someone with their huge hairy dog was just outside the cafe and rubbing their long hair dog getting it into the air and the wind was blowing it all over our food and drinks and also in the nearby tables. Definitely killed the appetite. This is not affecting the rating. Rating is based solely on the cakes.

Custom Fondant Cupcakes. Call Now we book up fast ! 949.240.7100

One of our all time favorite rosette cakes from last year at The Villa in San Juan Capistrano. Such a beautiful venue for a stunning cake!

See all

On location at Wedgewood Aliso Viejo.

Rose Cafe & Donuts

If I told you how fantastically tasty my bacon, egg & cheese sandwich on a French roll was, you'd…read morebe heading over there right now. Rose Cafe & Donuts has probably got the best breakfast sandwiches in San Clemente, although, I have to admit, this was really the first time I had ever "checked out" San Clemente longer than a pit stop for gas. As my mom and I were "passing through" taking this l-o-n-g-e-r rest stop from driving on the 5 (we were on our way to San Diego), we decided to get something more substantial to eat. Anyway, you have to go here. Rose Cafe's food seemed quite popular, considering there was a constant stream of customers ordering, and everyone noticeably ordered something different. I really liked the outdoor tables and chairs, located right outside the eatery. It definitely allowed us to enjoy the cool ocean breeze, even though you can't see the water. All in all, Rose Cafe rocks. We were glad to have found this cute place, tucked into a shopping center, no less. Overall, the food was awesome, and the location was super-convenient.

The steak omelette was grossly overcooked and the meat was waterey and bland. Too many good…read morerestaurants in the area to try this one again. The croissant was heavily processed.

Lox Bagel

See all

Front

Saffron Bakery

Saffron Bakery was amazing! The service was fantastic, the owner was incredibly welcoming, and…read moreeverything we tried was fresh, crispy, and delicious. The Nutella pastry was the standout--perfectly flaky and actually filled with Nutella throughout, not just in the center. The danishes had that perfect light, crispy crunch and were incredibly flaky. Even the chocolate chip cookie with walnuts was delicious, and I'm typically not a walnut fan! They also have Turkish coffee and Persian tea, which makes this place even more special. You can tell there's a lot of care put into both the pastries and the customer experience. Everything tasted fresh and high quality. Highly recommend Saffron Bakery--we'll definitely be back!

I've seen this place every time I stop at Starbucks to get my coffee and always thought, "You know…read morewhat, let's try it today." WOW. Absolutely wow! For a second, I felt like we had been transported to Europe. The pastries here are incredible, and the service was magnificent. We had such a nice gentleman helping us, and he recommended the guava Danish. I'm SO glad he did. It was amazing! We also tried the jalapeño croissant and the banana crème Danish, and everything was delicious. Needless to say, we'll definitely be coming back!

See all

Ellie's Table

I just recently discovered the old San Juan Capistrano area, and it is so incredibly charming!…read moreEllie's Table absolutely enhanced my experience and added to the whole vibe. It is the cutest little cafe tucked inside a beautiful historic building. They have a great assortment of pastries, breakfast, and lunch items to choose from. I decided to try the Turkey Focaccia, and it was fantastic! The focaccia bread itself was super soft, and it came with a MOUND of perfectly thin shavings of turkey. I also got the chicken salad on the side, and I loved that they included huge grapes in it! It added the perfect little crunch and sweetness. This place is a total gem. If you're exploring the area, you absolutely have to stop by for a bite.

I can't believe I'd never been here. The place is super cute and the staff is so helpful…read more I tried the Prosciutto AM sandwich. A toasted ciabatta braid sandwich with a broken yolk sunny side egg, fried prosciutto, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, a whipped gout cheese spread, and pesto. The sandwich was delicious but it could've had way less alfalfa sprouts. I can't wait to go back and try more breakfasts items and pastries.

Turkey Sandwich on multigrain bread

Good display

See all

Chilaquiles

The Bagel Shack

We got recommendations from two different people that this was the best local spot for breakfast -…read moreand it was great! We tried about 6 different bagel between all of us and they were all great! They have a very good selection of fresh home made bagels. They have good toppings. They had a full breakfast menu also, but we just did delicious Bagels.

Bagel craving tamed thanks to the Bagel Shack. They have a huge variety of fresh bagels to choose…read morefrom and I got the everything and cinnamon crunch. You can self serve using the provided gloves and bags, then pay at the register. The cream cheese is also a must, I just got the plain whipped. I absolutely loved the texture of the bagels and the warm doughy smell was so comforting. I had no shame in piling the cream cheese 4 inches thick and absolutely devouring the entire bagel. Mmmmm so so good I want to come back already.

Front counter

Lowers Bagel Sandwich

See all

Partial Menu

Drift Distillery

Go to the bar or sit down with your family at this spot. They have a great happy hour and even…read morebetter service. Luke and Fernando at the bar are super attentive and happy to accommodate dietary needs. The seared ahi, quesadilla w brisket and spare ribs are the best bbq around. Nice quiet atmosphere earlier in the night and lively environment at night w live music on the weekends. We go often and return w more friends!

Please, don't make the same mistake I did. I walked past Drift Distillery almost every morning for…read moretwo years, paying very little attention, because I no longer drink alcohol. I assumed that their focus was on whisky, and certainly not on food. But then, one day, I passed by in the evening, when Drift was actually open. I saw a lot of people inside, so I thought I would check it out. The moment I walked inside and smelled that wonderful smoky flavor, I had a feeling my assumption was very wrong. I checked out the menu, which had me at brisket, and I committed to eating there as soon as possible. As soon as possible was the next day. I tried the brisket, which was fantastic! It was moist and tender without being fatty. And, it had a great smoky flavor. I went back to Drift four times that week, including twice in one day. Everything I have tried has been great - the pulled pork, beef rib (absolutely amazing) and turkey. I haven't tried the chicken or pork ribs yet, but I plan to very soon. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that the bbq baked beans are among, if not the best, I have ever eaten. Service at Drift has always been really friendly. The environment is casual and fun (at times a little too noisy for me, but I'm pretty old and have a little trouble hearing conversation in noisy environments). I'm so glad I looked past my initial perception of Drift and gave it a try. It has become one of my favorite restaurants in San Clemente.

Folds of Honor Whiskey; a portion of the profit goes to military and first responders that have been disabled.

Bacon Chicken Sandwich

See all

Bar area

Antoine's Cafe

Best breakfast and service in the industry. The services is top notch make you feel like family…read more When busy im happy to wait 5 hours if I had to. 10 stars from me We love you Antoine family see you next week and every week

I've already reviewed Antoine's in the past but I have to give another review for another item that…read moreis a total knock out on the menu. Today, we got the Lox Bagel and the Avocado bagel and they were both so good. The lox was very fresh and so was the avocado. Don't be fooled and think that you are getting something light and small because both of them are massive, I had to take half home. They both had amazing flavor, and the coffee is always good and strong. Our waitress was friendly, efficient, and made for a nice experience. We sat outside on the patio and whether you sit in or out you will be pleased. If you haven't checked this place out, you need to! Always a winner

Everything you could want for your coffee!

Coffee to go, stirrers, lids, etc. 8/2/26

See all

Fresh orange juice

The Cellar

Truly one of the best restaurants meets coffee shops in all of Orange County. Every single employee…read moreis friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Cole is our guy! It feels like a local spot with endless options to enjoy. Their baristas (Lucy is the best) can make everything but also don't shy away from suggesting something new. I've recently fallen in love with an iced flat white with vanilla for a little summer sweet treat. Their drip coffee is divine too! Talk about range... we frequent for brunch/lunch/date night too. Their wine list is truly endless. You can sit inside at the bar, at a gorgeous table with air conditioning, under their adorable pink-striped umbrellas on the patio, or in an extended patio off the sidewalk with plenty of seating. You will be treated with exceptional service regardless of seating. Their brunch menu is delicious. Their chive biscuit breakfast sandwich is incredible, as is their breakfast burrito, chilaquiles AND biscuits and gravy. To be fair, we visit most regularly for a cheese board and meat with a glass of wine. Recently enjoyed the ceviche and smash burger with side-winder fries which was hand crafted and filling. Even our young boys enjoyed every bite. On Sunday's (1st and 3rd of the month) they have live music which is wonderful. Last thing, the cellar cookie is incredible. It's hard to just drop in for a coffee and not leave with one when available. You will never regret a visit to The Cellar! One of the best places in San Clemente.

Finally made it to The Cellar in San Clemente for a date night, and we were excited to try it!…read more We wanted to sit on the patio and noticed there was an empty table, but there weren't any chairs. One of the employees was so kind and went to look for two chairs for us so we could sit there. We really appreciated that extra effort and kindness! My husband ordered a glass of Austin Hope Cabernet and really enjoyed it. I ordered the burger with fries, and both were really good. The fries were especially fun because they were a different shape than your typical fries. My husband also ordered the ravioli, which unfortunately ended up being a disappointment. The menu said it was filled with whipped ricotta, but when it came out, it was actually filled with goat cheese, which he really doesn't like. He let our server know, and they were kind enough not to charge us for it. He ordered the Caesar salad with chicken instead, and really enjoyed it, he said he'd definitely go back for the salad! He was still bummed about the ravioli, though, since he loves ricotta-filled ravioli. And we finished the night with the skillet cookie and ice cream, which was absolutely delicious! Overall, we had a good date night and appreciated how kind and accommodating the staff was. We'd definitely come back to try more of the menu.

Draft Cabernet Sauvignon and Espresso Martini

Charcuterie & house olives

See all

Rose Cafe & Donuts

The steak omelette was grossly overcooked and the meat was waterey and bland. Too many good…read morerestaurants in the area to try this one again. The croissant was heavily processed.

Lox Bagel

See all

Front

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

14 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Allie S.

Elite 25

1 year ago

As a mom of four, finding a spot that offers a mini-escape to Paris without the need for a passport is a rare delight. Moulin in San Clemente provides just that--a charming French café experience right in our backyard. Desserts as Edible Art: Approaching the gleaming glass display, I'm greeted by pastries that are almost too beautiful to eat. The almond croissant is a personal favorite--flaky, buttery, and generously filled with almond goodness. It's no wonder locals rave about its exceptional quality. Parisian Ambiance: The café's décor exudes a rustic yet modern charm, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites relaxation. Whether I'm enjoying a quiet moment alone or sharing a treat with my children, the setting feels like a brief trip to a Parisian street corner. Family-Friendly Touches: Despite its sophisticated offerings, Moulin maintains a welcoming environment for families. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making it a comfortable spot to introduce my little ones to the joys of French cuisine. Final Thoughts: Moulin transforms a simple coffee run into a cultural experience, blending delectable desserts with an ambiance that transports you straight to France. It's become a cherished spot for our family, offering a sweet escape amidst our busy lives. read more

Linda T.

5 years ago

Moulin: the charming French atmosphere prompts memories of France and brings gooey shivers down my spine. Moulin--by far--is the perfect place to dine. The attention to detail is clear to see, delicious pastries can be paired with afternoon tea. Staff: kind, helpful, and friendly, my love for moulin will last unendly. Culture and family, all sewn into one, all are welcomed who walk under the sun. Ubiquitous treats, handcrafted to the acme of culinary potential, Moulin is a cafe which is clearly quintessential. Hand in hand, this cafe will stand, marrying those who are in search of community and those who have brief time left on this land. San Clemente's finest, filled with heart, this cafe is really a work of fine art. Those with the least have the most to lose-- but those employed at Moulin make it easy to choose. Moulin is apt to induce another visit, the reasoning behind it is boldly implicit. A trek to Moulin, leaves you feeling joyful and refreshed, absolved from asperous diurnal stress. The only task after leaving is to lean back, relax, and digest. read more

C H.

4 years ago

This place has let me down almost every time I've tried it. From a long hair in a ham and cheese croissant, to forgetting to include the pastries in my to-go lunch order, to today's low quality of food. All these things happen at every restaurant, sure, but when there is a big issue at nearly every visit, those odds are not acceptable. The tuna Niçoise salad looks nothing like the photo, which I understand is the norm at most places, but the quality of the ingredients today was simply not good. The tuna appears to be dumped straight from a can; very wet causing the texture of the whole salad to be unappetizing. The cucumbers are soggy and most of the butter leaf is less than desirable. Sadly, no potatoes were to be found, which is one of the main parts of a Niçoise salad. My daughter enjoys the chicken pesto sandwich a lot, and their beet salad dressing is very tasty, but I suggest avoiding the Niçoise. read more

Mimi L.

3 years ago

Moulin in San Clemente is a hidden gem that'll make your taste buds dance! I recently had an amazing breakfast with a flaky, buttery chocolate croissant that was a true masterpiece. The jambon fromage baguette sandwich was a flavor-packed revelation, and each bite left me craving more. Aria, our server, added a personal touch to the experience. The cappuccino was a work of art, with velvety foam and robust espresso - a true rival to any high-end coffee shop. The cozy French vibe at Moulin makes it a charming spot, transporting you to a quaint Parisian café. The staff, including Arya, is friendly and attentive, enhancing the delightful experience. Moulin has become my go-to spot for a satisfying and indulgent breakfast. If you're in San Clemente and love French pastries and coffee, don't miss this culinary haven. Moulin, you've gained a fan for life! read more

Freddy L.

5 years ago

I used to work in this restaurant, the restaurant is amazing and the food delicious but unfortunately the Manager Sabine treats the employees like trash, Super badly , Many workers leave there crying . I was so happy with the job but I quit because she treat me like I am nothing , She does a lot of illegal labor things. I talked to Brinn at Newport Beach I did a complaint and she told me they will be do something about it but they doesn't do anything to fix the problem. read more

Lou A.

3 years ago

Moulin in San Clemente is like a special trip to France. Their croissants are super yummy, and the bread is just like in Paris. They have lots of different sweet treats, all in a place that feels like a cozy French shop. The people who work there are friendly and make sure you have a great time. It's a fun place to visit. read more

Mark T.

3 years ago

The owner said "the real deal" I tried it is the real deal Real French food Real French deserts / coffee / alcohol / merchandise They have Ruinart champagne french beer Boudreaux wines The way the escargot is prepared better than any place in Paris If you want real French experience go there read more

Ermanno D.

2 years ago

I have always been treated so nicely everyone I go to enjoy my caffe and desert at moulin everyone is always pleasant in particular Aria and Oscar that are always so pleasant and happy to see me. Val runs this cafe so professional and amazing. Best vibes ever! read more

James M.

342

3 years ago

This place rocks! The location, vibe and total experience is splendid. Fresh French cafe on the California coast. The food is fantastic and the coffee is hot! This location gets 5 stars from me. I would come check it out ASAP read more

Insaf D.

8 months ago

j'ai découvert cette boulangerie française, je suis de paris et je peux vous dire que c'est la meilleur boulangerie française de Californi, le personnel est super gentil sami et Tony read more

Dane G.

8 months ago

Moulin is one of my top picks in San Clemente. Quality food, great location, wonderful atmosphere (I feel like I am on vacation every visit), and fantastic team members! read more

Cooper's C.

5 years ago

Food here is great, I have not been to such a good place for a while. Service and food seems great. Drinks there are great to!

Tracy N.

271

4 years ago

Im sad the place that used to be there is gone disappointing to see a chain take over an independent cafe.

Val M.

2 years ago

Why changing the croissants they don't taste as good the old ones Otherwise all good as always read more

Moulin - bakeries - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Moulin also viewed

Moulin

4.2

(191 reviews)

Not impressed. Expensive- two breakfast croissants, and two…read moredeserts for almost $50. The croissants were okay but honestly could've made something like that or better at my house. The deserts were also okay. Nothing was memorable. The staff was okay. Not super friendly or inviting. Overall, the experience was just a little underwhelming.

Overpriced mid food to be frank. They have a lovely location and inside they have a cute display of…read moreFrench goodies and pastries, but not worth trying unless you are a sucker for bland French food. I ordered a strawberry jam crepe for $10 and it was alright. The texture of the crepe was there, but hardly any flavor. Service is quick and friendly, but I feel the dishes could be better for what you're paying.

Bonjour Café & Bistro

3.9

(889 reviews)

My sister and I were out last weekend and decided to stop for a late brunch- we decided to finally…read moretry this amazingly adorable little French restaurant that has been in our local area for over 28 plus years , how many little restaurants can say that ? There is a reason , The ambience The service The food The decorations- dishes , tea cups , orange juice glasses all match their decor makes you feel like you took a trip to France ( down to their tooth picks in the sandwiches ) We ordered the little basket of mini warm baked goods -they were tiny and delicious $4.99 for four . You could buy a dozen . We split the Chicken Breast Les Champs sandwich on their baguettes which was absolutely DELICIOUS!! We both had a plate each with out one dill pickle spear I tell you it was the best flavored not too thick and not too thin chicken breast - it must have had 3 pieces total with tomato and we had mini chopped red onion on the side but on the sandwich would have been amazing . I would have taken my other half home if I ordered a whole to myself . I can still taste that sweet flavor and we both cannot wait to go back . Service was excellent so thank you to everyone as we were very happy and we told them that and wrote it on our receipt . If you haven't tried this adorable little place yet , btw they do allow dogs on the patio as they have dog water bowls there as well if dogs are behaved and kept on the ground as they should be and not on the chairs or tables ( I have seen this before ). There are lots of tables inside , but to eat outside even during the hot temps they keep it cool was awesome!!

The food was heavenly. Love the La Bouchée Aux Asperges. The puff pastry was buttery and light. The…read morehollandaise sauce was silky and lemony. Reminded us of the cafe we ate at in Paris. Service was welcoming and speedy.

The Picnic Cafe

4.1

(66 reviews)

Such a cute concept and tbh this is my dream idea. Charcuterie, sandwich, coffee and pastries plus…read moreflowers in one place with cute umbrellas and decor. Drink was phenomenal - black raspberry chocolate latte had bold espresso, not overly sweet, branding on point and a seasonal offering. So many delish options I will be back. Adorable decor and

I really wanted to love Picnic Cafe, but unfortunately I was very disappointed. I spent over $30 on…read morea boxed lunch and a matcha, and the experience just didn't live up to the price. The matcha was mostly milk with very little matcha flavor. The boxed lunch came with a small charcuterie selection, but the crackers were placed underneath the items, making them all soggy. The sandwich was a burrata sandwich, but there was barely any burrata cheese on it, which was disappointing. I initially gave them some grace because they had just opened, but I went back again hoping it was just opening-day issues and unfortunately had the same experience. I even reached out directly to share my feedback and never received a response. I really wanted to support them, but for the price and overall experience, I was left disappointed.

Cafe Rae

(520 reviews)

I would drive back to San Clemente just to eat here again. I am obsessed with this place! The…read moreserver was super sweet and they had a bunch of gf options which was amazing! Everything was SO GOOD and the orange juice was freshly squeezed. I love these decorations and the vibes of the cafe! Cannot wait to come back

If you're looking for a great breakfast spot in San Clemente that has a lot of seating and parking…read morethen this is the spot for you. The food is delicious. The service is wonderful.

Cafe at the Mission

4.0

(76 reviews)

The ladies here are so helpful. It's our second time eating…read morebreakfast here this week. Today we had avocado toast, a cappuccino and a latte and the American breakfast. The ambience is modern café, cool.

It's pretty nice decoration wise. The chips and guacamole had a plentiful portion for the price…read more I would dodge the breakfast food on every level. My short rib thing was doused in maybe a pound of sour cream, potatoes weren't warm and they were firm, short rib was not warm or tender. Avoid. Also, the avocado toast the next day. Radishes? Asparagus? Arugula? And a cold poached egg? Just give me the basics. The prices are not astronomical but the food is not enjoyable, at all. People are nice and food comes quick.

Bluestone Lane San Clemente Café

(172 reviews)

Second time even better than the first take out ! Hazel our waitress was so helpful guiding me with…read morematch wanted a little caffeine but not much and perfect enjoyed my breaky with poached egg and chicken perfectly done and my aunts smashed with a poached egg . Delish brunch before a nice show at the playhouse ! Well done keep up the great work so enjoyed it especially sitting leisurely outside ! .

FYI they are NOT open at 7am Tuesday. We and other patrons…read morewaited outside yesterday morning at 7:50am but they were closed. Coffees were just OK and our croissant was cold,would have been nice if they warmed it(to be fair I could have asked!)

Frenchies Cafe

3.8

(12 reviews)

Wonderful French crepe cafe…read more The Mushroom and Spinach crepe, add bacon, was excellent. They essentially make a French folded omelette and then wrap a crepe around it and top it off with Bechamel sauce (kind of like Alfredo for those who don't know). Even though the menu doesn't mention the sauce, it comes with it. The Nutella Banana crepe was amazing with a generous amount of Nutella inside. Instead of having the chocolate drizzle on top, I wonder if they can do Nutella drizzle on top, in addition to the Nutella that's inside already. I highly recommend paying for the extra berries on top to keep it interesting. The side of nicely seasoned breakfast potatoes rounded out the meal. Be sure to ask for a side of ketchup! Outdoor seating with great service and successful ambience right at the oceanfront in the most happening part of town, right by the San Clemente Pier.

This was our first trip to San Clemente in June. Not really knowing where to go, we headed down…read moreDel Mar looking for somewhere to eat. We ended up down at the pier and what a great area! We couldn't bring Cako on the pier, so we looked at what was available. I did see Bear Coast coffee which I wanted to stop into. Walking down the street, there were these cool blue umbrellas that sort of reminded me of the French Riviera that you see in the movies...LOL! The menu was simple so we decided to stop, plus we needed outdoor seating for Cako. The young woman who was working was friendly and upbeat! Told us to grab whichever table we wanted. Even brought out water for Cako. I ordered the Frenchies sandwich, ham, salami, prosciutto, provolone and pesto! Very good! Scooter had the Jambon and fromage, which he said was perfect! Both sandwiches came with these seasoned crispy potatoes. The menu was small. But I'm sure they'll offer more. Would've tried the crepes but that will have to wait until next time, Again, the service was great! The young woman came out and checked on us and refilled our iced teas. Great afternoon to enjoy lunch and watch people. Cako Approves!

Beach Hut Deli

4.0

(307 reviews)

Great place near the beach. The only reason it's not 5 stars…read moreis parking is terrible. We were greeted with a smile and service was quick. They have indoor and outdoor seating. A variety of cold and hot sandwiches as for drinks you can do soft drink or get yourself a cold draft they had cider and beers available. As for food, we ordered the Surfin Bird. It came with fresh avocado, bacon, cream cheese, and turkey with plenty to share.

My family and I recently had a wonderful experience at Beach Hut Deli in Dana Point. From start to…read morefinish, everything was easy and enjoyable. The online ordering process was seamless, and the convenient parking made pickup quick and stress-free. Everything was wrapped perfectly and stayed fresh for our trip to Trestles Beach. We thoroughly enjoyed all of our sandwiches: * The Surfin' Bird was delicious with the perfect combination of avocado, bacon, and cream cheese. * Loved the Hobie with salami, pastrami, and provolone. * The Beach Bikini was my personal favorite, the turkey, cranberry sauce, and sunflower seeds were such a fantastic pairing. * The La Jolla was a perfect vegetarian option. Ordering the dressings on the side was a great decision since we ate a little later, and everything still tasted incredibly fresh. It was also such a pleasure seeing you, Evan. Thank you for being so welcoming and polite. We are always happy to support such a wonderful local business. I hope to see you again soon while you're out walking your dog! Let's all continue supporting our local businesses during the Harbor revitalization.

Fermentation Farm

(122 reviews)

I hope Fermentation Farm takes over the world - one coastal city at a time…read more If there's anyone I want to see succeed it's Fermentation Farm. I've been a long time fan of their Costa Mesa location and was excited to see their presence expand to San Juan Capistrano. This biz specializes in food that's great for your gut health. They offer a number of fermented grocery-style goods onsite, kombucha on tap (a dream come true), and a full (expanded) menu of delicious entrees. I recently visited with a coworker and tried their banh mi for the first time with a mango kombucha. Their kombuchas will always be an easy 'yes' for me. The banh mi was delicious, fresh, and light. The perfect meal to keep me going before a big event. Be sure to add this one to your list - you won't be disappointed!

Amazing. Organic. Grass fed. Clean ingredients. Amazing…read moresandwiches, salads, breakfast items. Kombucha. Favorites: Beef dip Tacos Tuna sandwich with garlic kraut Beef bone broth Beet and goat cheese salad Burritos Blueberry Sourdough pancakes Chocolate cake Bison chil morning breakfast with eggs

3:16 Bakery Shop

4.0

(318 reviews)