Best high end Mexican Gastronomy restaurant that I’ve been to in OC. The food quality, service, and atmosphere were superior. Gema offered a nice selection of Baja white wines and tequila selections. I thought what we had was amazing and complimented the food nicely.
First course we had the shrimp, second was ceviche, and main dish was the sea bass. Overall a great restaurant. A must try if you’re in San Clemente.
Dawn de Leoon
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February 24, 2024
Gema is a gem 💎. We had been wanted to go for awhile because heard amazing things and their reputation did not disappoint. The food was exquisite. We started off with Margaritas, one spicy and one cadillac (even though they weren’t on the menu). We feel we have to have a Margarita when evaluating a new Mexican restaurant. Outstanding, (and we are picky).
We the shared the smoked yellow tuna, black bean puree and ancho mayo tostados! Delicious.
My partner had the fillet steak with tamarindo adobo and scalloped potatoes, (he is still talking about it today). I had the Lubinzo Zarandeada - wild Branzino with peanut adobo & frijoles de la oya.
We are definitely going to return.
Doug Beckman
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July 15, 2022
Wow, phenomenal dinner. We’ve been meaning to try this place for months, and I’m so glad we did. It’s high end Mexican cuisine like you rarely see outside of Mexico, and is done kind of as a tasting menu. Outstanding drinks, service, food, and ambiance. I don’t think people in San Clemente really know about this place, but I’ll be spreading the word. I would recommend getting one of each course per couple.
Geoff Kaltenbach
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July 13, 2024
An amazing fine dining experience, Mexican style. Finally the real expression of Mexican food you find in Mexico City has come to the United States.
Maxwell Hills
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January 12, 2025
Tried this spot in 1/2025. Have to give it all the credit I can. Food and service were incredible. The dishes are great new takes on classics. The cocktails were unique and good.
Specifically the ceviche and branzino were out of this world. Birria short rib was great as well.
Hoping this review sparks business for them so they stick around… so selfishly I can keep eating here!
Best high end Mexican Gastronomy restaurant that I’ve been to in OC. The food quality, service, and atmosphere were superior. Gema offered a nice selection of Baja white wines and tequila selections. I thought what we had was amazing and complimented the food nicely. First course we had the shrimp, second was ceviche, and main dish was the sea bass. Overall a great restaurant. A must try if you’re in San Clemente.
Gema is a gem 💎. We had been wanted to go for awhile because heard amazing things and their reputation did not disappoint. The food was exquisite. We started off with Margaritas, one spicy and one cadillac (even though they weren’t on the menu). We feel we have to have a Margarita when evaluating a new Mexican restaurant. Outstanding, (and we are picky). We the shared the smoked yellow tuna, black bean puree and ancho mayo tostados! Delicious. My partner had the fillet steak with tamarindo adobo and scalloped potatoes, (he is still talking about it today). I had the Lubinzo Zarandeada - wild Branzino with peanut adobo & frijoles de la oya. We are definitely going to return.
Wow, phenomenal dinner. We’ve been meaning to try this place for months, and I’m so glad we did. It’s high end Mexican cuisine like you rarely see outside of Mexico, and is done kind of as a tasting menu. Outstanding drinks, service, food, and ambiance. I don’t think people in San Clemente really know about this place, but I’ll be spreading the word. I would recommend getting one of each course per couple.
An amazing fine dining experience, Mexican style. Finally the real expression of Mexican food you find in Mexico City has come to the United States.
Tried this spot in 1/2025. Have to give it all the credit I can. Food and service were incredible. The dishes are great new takes on classics. The cocktails were unique and good. Specifically the ceviche and branzino were out of this world. Birria short rib was great as well. Hoping this review sparks business for them so they stick around… so selfishly I can keep eating here!