Meghan was amazing at making my drink and taking care of me throughout my meal. The entire crew was fantastic, making sure I always had chips and salsa and promptly clearing the table.
I really appreciate when servers keep the table clean by removing dirty dishes and trash throughout the meal.
During my visit, I met several regular customers who spoke very highly of the restaurant, especially the staff. The servers greeted many of them by name and were incredibly friendly and respectful. That alone says a lot about a business, and I was truly impressed.
I highly recommend this location. I can’t speak for the other locations, but this one was excellent.
Oh, and I almost forgot—the food was delicious!!
Rene Silva
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January 27, 2026
During a recent trip to San Clemente, I discovered this fantastic local gem. The restaurant strikes the perfect balance of a fun, welcoming atmosphere and top-tier service. The staff ensured our experience was seamless, and the food was exceptional. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.
Bruce Page
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April 01, 2026
We went to sit down outside and I the attention of the bar tender that we were sitting outside and he nodded and gave a thumbs up. We waited for a bit and no one came out. I hot up ans went to another entrance and let them know we were outside. They came out with menus and chips/salsa. Then we waited for our server, 10-15 mins later, my friend had to get up and go remind them that we were still here and ready to order. The server came out to barely greet us and took our order. We didn't see him again til the bill came and he was still very cold and almost silent. No thank you, have a good day/night. This was my first time there. Not impressed. Also, I would have left an email before I wrote this review but the option wasn't available.
Lisa Watts
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March 27, 2026
We've been to Avila's many times. Don't have one close to home but try to go when we're out and about. It was midweek and not very busy so seated right away. I ordered Tequila Shrimp, husband got Grilled Feista platter with Chicken. Both meals were good (not outstanding). Shrimp hard to eat because shells had to be removed. Rice bland but better when I poured salsa on. Chicken on other meal was overcooked. Would have liked additional salsa and some more napkins (since the shrimp was messy to eat) but waiter never returned. We only had water, no other drinks, so that apparently was the "reason" for not having waiter returning. We find that happens frequently.
Neola Mace
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February 21, 2026
Great food and lovely decor. We got the table right next to the fire. But today is February and it was a cold day (relatively speaking) and windy. After my request someone closed ONE of the front doors, but one remained open plus the side door kept getting propped open. We were miserably cold, which made it impossible to enjoy the excellent food. We were told that the door had to be propped open because the servers had to go back and forth outside carrying plates. Yes, I've seen this phenomenon before - like at every single restaurant with an outside patio. Somehow it was managed without facilitating the cold wind blowing on customers. We were told to move if we didn't like it. Every seat was either near the front open door or side open door so that was not a helpful suggestion. So they did not care that their customers were uncomfortable. Very disappointed because as I said, the food was fantastic. Will not return.
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204 Avenida Del Mar A, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA
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Meghan was amazing at making my drink and taking care of me throughout my meal. The entire crew was fantastic, making sure I always had chips and salsa and promptly clearing the table. I really appreciate when servers keep the table clean by removing dirty dishes and trash throughout the meal. During my visit, I met several regular customers who spoke very highly of the restaurant, especially the staff. The servers greeted many of them by name and were incredibly friendly and respectful. That alone says a lot about a business, and I was truly impressed. I highly recommend this location. I can’t speak for the other locations, but this one was excellent. Oh, and I almost forgot—the food was delicious!!
During a recent trip to San Clemente, I discovered this fantastic local gem. The restaurant strikes the perfect balance of a fun, welcoming atmosphere and top-tier service. The staff ensured our experience was seamless, and the food was exceptional. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.
We went to sit down outside and I the attention of the bar tender that we were sitting outside and he nodded and gave a thumbs up. We waited for a bit and no one came out. I hot up ans went to another entrance and let them know we were outside. They came out with menus and chips/salsa. Then we waited for our server, 10-15 mins later, my friend had to get up and go remind them that we were still here and ready to order. The server came out to barely greet us and took our order. We didn't see him again til the bill came and he was still very cold and almost silent. No thank you, have a good day/night. This was my first time there. Not impressed. Also, I would have left an email before I wrote this review but the option wasn't available.
We've been to Avila's many times. Don't have one close to home but try to go when we're out and about. It was midweek and not very busy so seated right away. I ordered Tequila Shrimp, husband got Grilled Feista platter with Chicken. Both meals were good (not outstanding). Shrimp hard to eat because shells had to be removed. Rice bland but better when I poured salsa on. Chicken on other meal was overcooked. Would have liked additional salsa and some more napkins (since the shrimp was messy to eat) but waiter never returned. We only had water, no other drinks, so that apparently was the "reason" for not having waiter returning. We find that happens frequently.
Great food and lovely decor. We got the table right next to the fire. But today is February and it was a cold day (relatively speaking) and windy. After my request someone closed ONE of the front doors, but one remained open plus the side door kept getting propped open. We were miserably cold, which made it impossible to enjoy the excellent food. We were told that the door had to be propped open because the servers had to go back and forth outside carrying plates. Yes, I've seen this phenomenon before - like at every single restaurant with an outside patio. Somehow it was managed without facilitating the cold wind blowing on customers. We were told to move if we didn't like it. Every seat was either near the front open door or side open door so that was not a helpful suggestion. So they did not care that their customers were uncomfortable. Very disappointed because as I said, the food was fantastic. Will not return.