Moulin

I loved my cafe au lait with oat milk! Beautiful variety of sweet and savory foods, perfect for a picnic. The seasonal tart was sweet and fresh. Loved hearing the staff speak to each other in French, they were all very nice and eager to help.

Jack Pouchet

Excellent all the way around, parking excluded but that’s the beach area for you. I stopped here the other day on a bicycle tide. Enjoyed it so much that I came back with my wife for lunch. Brilliant idea! Highly recommend for a great change of pace and atmosphere. Bring your walking shoes as the beach area calls

Louis Bester

I ordered their croissant sandwich and a cup of coffee, and both were outstanding. The croissant was incredibly flaky and buttery, perfectly complementing the savory fillings that made each bite memorable. The coffee was rich, smooth, and the perfect pick-me-up to round out the meal. The cafe itself exudes a charming, European vibe with an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The friendly and attentive staff added to the overall experience, ensuring that every detail was spot-on. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot for breakfast or a relaxing coffee break, Moulin is definitely a must-visit in San Clemente.

Allie Schreiber

If you’re anywhere near San Clemente, you have to stop at Moulin. It’s like stepping into a little slice of Paris—cozy, charming, and full of incredible food. The pastries are unreal: buttery, flaky croissants, rich pain au chocolat, and desserts that look like literal artwork. Think glossy fruit tarts, elegant mousse domes, and delicate layers that are almost too pretty to eat… almost. They’re as delicious as they are beautiful. The sandwiches are just as amazing—fresh, packed with flavor, and served on the kind of crusty baguette that makes your whole lunch feel special. The staff is super friendly and helpful, and the upbeat, happy vibe just makes you want to stay a while (especially if you grab a table out on the patio). Between the food, the energy, and those jaw-dropping desserts, Moulin is hands-down one of my favorite spots. Go for one thing, leave with a whole box.

CJ Smith

We moved to San Clemente in 1956, and this is one of my favorite places to visit. Their coffee and croissants are some of the best I’ve ever experienced. The location is perfect for a French Café with ocean views from the patio and inside by the windows. The staff are always polite and very courteous. Highly recommend for breakfast and lunch since they close early around 3pm.

Kevin Bolland

Beachfront French pastries and fresh sandwiches! Amazing and delicious quality ingredients. Great light and open atmosphere with nice patio seating and display cases. I wanted to eat it all! Dog friendly patio and right next to a bike way, the casual atmosphere was chill and comfortable for anyone. Great brunch spot right next to the beach.

Anthony

This place is amazing, I had the best salmon sandwich here! Also had great croissant 🥐 the staff was very nice. When I’m back in the area this will be my first stop. They have so many great sandwich options, this is a must when in the area!

Rick Dorsey

This is an authentic French cafe on the corner, in San Clemente. We walked in for a cup of coffee, then stayed for breakfast, and got some wonderful items to go. The pastries were outstanding. We picked up a selection of Tarts and eclairs along with a baguette and some fig jam for our charcuterie later that afternoon. A welcoming staff, wonderful atmosphere, and delicious food.

Tanya Rivera

Favorite local eatery for breakfast. Feels like you're sitting at a café in France. Ocean view, great selection of baked pastries and breads. The most beautiful Cafe au Lait too! Friendly staff.

Jen Y.

I love all the moulins and this one is no exception. It's at a lovely spot near the beach but the street is a bit busy because there's not a lot of seating or parking for the number of people. I love that there is something reasonably nutritious for the kids (roast chicken) and of course they love the treats.

Nicholas Jenson

A very charming cafe. My pain au chocolat was delicious as was the massive breakfast croissant. This croissant could easily feed two, as I could not finish it. The outdoor patio would be a fantastic place to split a bottle of wine with a friend and catch up. This location was well staffed too, which made the experience even better. I was just visiting SC but if I lived close, I would frequent this establishment often.

Hosh

A refreshing spot with inside and outdoor sitting overlooking parts of the ocean. The food was fresh, pastries were; well you can look at those mouthwatering pictures and the service was 5⭐ It is an order first and sit down restaurant where your delicious food is brought to you using a number. If you are looking for a relaxing morning afternoon or evening informal French spot to go to, here is your opportunity!

Kim Lê-Simpson

I loved my cafe au lait with oat milk! Beautiful variety of sweet and savory foods, perfect for a picnic. The seasonal tart was sweet and fresh. Loved hearing the staff speak to each other in French, they were all very nice and eager to help.

Christian Martel

Our second visit here, We come all the way from the Inland Empire. We love all the pastries and fresh made orange juice. I make a mimosa with the Champagne. It's hard to not want to buy all the treats imported from Europe. And the crepe is so fluffy compared to any other place. Had to remind the staff to give us our baked goods and there was an over charge yet another staff member helped us resolve the issue. Have to come back to try the quiche and more mimosas🥂🍊

I ordered their croissant sandwich and a cup of coffee, and both were outstanding. The croissant was incredibly flaky and buttery, perfectly complementing the savory fillings that made each bite memorable. The coffee was rich, smooth, and the perfect pick-me-up to round out the meal. The cafe itself exudes a charming, European vibe with an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The friendly and attentive staff added to the overall experience, ensuring that every detail was spot-on. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot for breakfast or a relaxing coffee break, Moulin is definitely a must-visit in San Clemente.

Excellent all the way around, parking excluded but that’s the beach area for you. I stopped here the other day on a bicycle tide. Enjoyed it so much that I came back with my wife for lunch. Brilliant idea! Highly recommend for a great change of pace and atmosphere. Bring your walking shoes as the beach area calls

Tony & Sammy at Mulin in San Clemente is an absolute gem. The coffee is excellent (even the decaf has a robust European coffee flavor), and the food is truly authentic French—clearly made with care and high-quality ingredients. The croissants and pastries are phenomenal, easily some of the best around. My favorite is the omelette with potatoes and their proprietary homemade ham. I add cheese and it is perfection. The service is outstanding as well. The staff is cheerful, attentive, and genuinely helpful, which makes the experience even better. With both indoor and outdoor seating and a charming French atmosphere that truly mimics a café in France, it feels like a little European escape right in San Clemente. Highly recommend for coffee, breakfast, or a relaxed café experience. Everything on the menu is excellent. When I am in town this is my go to breakfast place. I am there as soon as they open. After I am done with breakfast I take a short stroll to the beach right across the street to listen to the early morning waves break and I’ve got my therapy for the day.

+6

Moulin in San Clemente is this adorable French bistro that's totally transporting. The vibe's cozy and it feels like a mini getaway. We sat outside and it was perfect, beautiful sunny day and the outdoor seating is gorgeous. I went for the omelette special with mushrooms and French ham and it hit the spot, eggs were perfect and the flavors were great. My wife loved the Croque Monsieur sandwich. Customer service was outstanding, the staff were super friendly and on point. Oh, and the fresh squeezed orange juice was amazing! They've also got this cute little market thing going on which was a nice touch. If you're in San Clemente, Moulin is a solid pick for a chill French meal. We'll be back.

The two gentlemen working the times I have visited are a dynamic duo! I believe their names are Tony & Sam. They are extremely welcoming, friendly, hard working, and passionate about their jobs! They make the place feel alive and are so upbeat and positive! I love how much fun they are having while working! The best food, coffee, pastries, and mimosas in San Clemente! Thank you!

I enjoyed everything about my visit here. Their attention to detail was outstanding and the food was great. There are 5 or 6 parking spaces adjacent to the cafe, and free street parking to the east (just check the street signs for the two days per month that are excluded).

Moulin is one of our favorite places to stop for breakfast or lunch. Their pastries are irresistible so be careful. Their crepes and omelets are great too. They have indoor and outdoor dining.

Danny Johnson

I got a sandwich. It was pretty good. The staff was friendly. The atmosphere was awesome. I sat out side and was close to the ocean and had a nice breaze

D Stephan

The two gentlemen working the times I have visited are a dynamic duo! I believe their names are Tony & Sam. They are extremely welcoming, friendly, hard working, and passionate about their jobs! They make the place feel alive and are so upbeat and positive! I love how much fun they are having while working! The best food, coffee, pastries, and mimosas in San Clemente! Thank you!

Lisa Brosseau

Moulin is one of our favorite places to stop for breakfast or lunch. Their pastries are irresistible so be careful. Their crepes and omelets are great too. They have indoor and outdoor dining.

Brian Gibson

Three of us ordered, 1 half chicken, other 2 pesto chicken salad. The kitchen didn't get the salad order, so after 20 minutes I asked our waiter about it and then there was a scramble to find out what happened. The salads came out and were very good ( chicken was also) , and they comped the salads because of the delay. I would eat there again, because I don't think slipups like that happen often 👍

This place overtime has gone tremendously downhill. Every time I order any type of sandwich here the baguette is normally very hard to bite into. The service is always really good, but the quality of the food has just not impressed me as of late. Baked items are probably your best choice for breakfast, but I would stay away from any of the items you see on display at least any of the sandwich and pastry items.

Spencer C

This place overtime has gone tremendously downhill. Every time I order any type of sandwich here the baguette is normally very hard to bite into. The service is always really good, but the quality of the food has just not impressed me as of late. Baked items are probably your best choice for breakfast, but I would stay away from any of the items you see on display at least any of the sandwich and pastry items.

Rude staff. Toilets a mess. I asked for a lecroissanwich and was told they were out of croissants. I asked if they could put it on a different bread or pastry only to get “nahh” as a response. Then I asked what else could be made with ham and egg and he replied nothing and just stared at me. I paid for parking but left without food or drink. Shame because all the other locations are great. I even chatted with the owner in Newport and he’s a fantastic guy.

Shane Schaffer

Rude staff. Toilets a mess. I asked for a lecroissanwich and was told they were out of croissants. I asked if they could put it on a different bread or pastry only to get “nahh” as a response. Then I asked what else could be made with ham and egg and he replied nothing and just stared at me. I paid for parking but left without food or drink. Shame because all the other locations are great. I even chatted with the owner in Newport and he’s a fantastic guy.

Vadim Pak

The guy at the counter was rushing us because we simply were asking about what the items were made out of since the menu did not describe anything. There were flyes everywhere inside and dogs all around the place. The pastries were mid at best and the bread was just like any store brand bakery bread. Avoid this spot and find something mom and pops owned that cares about what they do