Discovering San Clemente's Miramar Food Hall: A Culinary Gem on the Coast

Despite the morning haze, San Clemente's North Beach came alive on June 18th as residents and visitors flocked to the highly anticipated Miramar Food Hall. The wait may have been a long six years, but the anticipation was palpable. Located in a prime spot on El Camino Real, Miramar aims to become the go-to destination for foodies, families, and those looking for a casual dining experience.

The 15,000-square-foot space boasts an L-shaped layout, allowing visitors to explore the various eateries, each offering a unique twist on traditional favorites. From Italian-style sandwiches to Korean-fusion tacos and lobster rolls, there's something for everyone. We spoke with Anthony Sloma, owner of Sidelines, a newcomer to San Clemente, about his Philadelphia-inspired cheesesteak and the excitement surrounding Miramar's opening day.

"Our most popular item is our Philly cheesesteak, and we're working on incorporating Cheez Whiz into the recipe," Sloma shared, acknowledging the purists. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Sloma is confident in his team's ability to adapt to the community's tastes.

Meanwhile, Catalina Morales, owner of El Puerto Street Tacos, expressed her enthusiasm for the Miramar location, citing its prime position and the growing demand for high-quality, authentic street food. "People have been waiting for Miramar for six years, and I think it's going to be really popular," Morales declared.

The San Clemente crowd seemed to share Morales' optimism, with many visitors eager to explore the various offerings and experience the hall's lively atmosphere. For those seeking a more laid-back vibe, Miramar's sprawling patio provides ample space to relax and enjoy a craft beer or a glass of wine. Lee Kindell, owner of Moto Pizza, which brings a unique fusion of Asian and European flavors to the table, described his vision for the brand: "I took what I love of New York pizzas, of Detroit pizza, of Roman-style pizza and I put them all together, with a dash of Filipino flair."

Miramar Food Hall is part of a growing trend of upscale food halls in Orange County, including Rodeo River Street in San Juan Capistrano and Mercado González in Costa Mesa. As the area continues to evolve, Miramar stands poised to become a hub for culinary innovation and community engagement.

With its diverse lineup of eateries, spacious patio, and lively atmosphere, Miramar Food Hall is set to become a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of San Clemente's culinary scene. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Miramar is sure to captivate your senses and leave you eager for more.

We asked Malissa Beaty of Capo Beach, who came after seeing an Instagram ad and raved about the garlic butter lobster roll from Lobster Lab Seafood, about her first impression of Miramar. "It really seems that families need a place to go where there is something for everyone — the space for the kids, the dogs, the adults, food, alcohol, and music," she observed. "So I can see this filling that need."

As for her favorite bite, Beaty didn't hesitate: "For sure the lobster roll, I got the butter, the garlic butter style. And it was so good."