Emmerson Cattich | Opinion Editor
November 22, 2024
Whether down South on El Camino or up North on Estrella, Guichos Eatery is a staple of San Clemente. Twenty-three years ago, Luis Alvarez opened Guichos South, and ten years later, Guichos North. You’ll often find him hanging around both locations, ready to converse and build meaningful relationships with his customers. That appreciation for customer service sets Guichos apart and allows them to be a mainstay of our town. Repeat customers don’t just come for the exceptional food, but also the excellent service.
However, the food is also amazing. Their menu consists of salads, sandwiches, soups, pastas, and delicious garlic bread. SCHS junior and Guichos employee, Marie Root, said her favorite dish is “everything on the menu.” While they can do no wrong, the dishes they do the best are the Farfalle Pasta, Chop Salad, Chicken Sandwich, and Chicken Soup according to customers.
On my most recent visit, I chose the Chop Salad. It consists of chopped chicken breast, mozzarella cheese cubes, fresh Roma tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, dried eggplant, garbanzo beans, balsamic dressing, and a slice of garlic bread on the side. It was a 10/10.
Alvarez prides himself on providing the freshest and most authentic Italian food possible. Despite rapidly rising prices, Guichos still uses genuine Italian Dececco noodles and fresh parmesan cheese imported from Italy. While he could easily make more money by using cheaper ingredients, it wouldn’t be worth it if Guichos compromised its quality.
This is a quality you can not only taste, but you can smell as well. As you walk into either Guichos location, you are not only greeted by friendly staff but also the aroma of high-quality Italian food; a scent that provokes many to come in only because they smelled it from down the street.
Additionally, Guichos is known for its willingness to cater events, providing a range of party tray sizes and accommodating any allergy or intolerance requests; they even accept last-minute orders. In the month of December alone, Guichos usually makes roughly two hundred tray orders between the two locations.
The wait times tend to be pretty long as everything is made ready to order and very popular, so if you want the best takeout in San Clemente, it is recommended to call ahead!
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