Welcome to The Village Mediterranean Rim restaurant, a delightful, intimate bistro that satisfies all the senses located at 123 Avenida Del Mar in the heart of San Clemente, CA. Since 1988, world traveler, head chef and owner, Nour Tillo has created a delicious menu with a Mediterranean flair. Tillo immediately gained attention and praise from food critics, local diners and food and wine lovers from around the world who dine at this charmingly eclectic restaurant where time slows down and the food tastes better than imagined.

At the Village Mediterranean Rim, there are a host of delightful dinner choices– many provide a new, joyful adventure for the senses. There are a number of dishes that are staples on the menu, such as in “First Impressions”, you will find the Mezza platter with grilled falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, mixed greens and toasted pita bread. Or your appetizer might be a rich Lamb Tagin for Two (a Moroccan stew) with vegetables, olives and walnuts in a mild curry sauce, served with couscous.

Among the “Entrees” that are available each day, you can select the mouth-watering Pistachio-crusted, New Zealand Rack of Lamb with oven roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, grilled vegetables and black currant-Merlot sauce. Or why not try the heavenly oven-roasted chermoula (Moroccan pesto) crusted Salmon Filet couscous with grilled vegetables and Chardonnay-saffron sauce. If you’ve been to Greece, there is often a longing to return, and the Vegetable Moussaka takes you there without the long flight. Enjoy the layers of eggplant, wild mushrooms, spinach, parmesan and oven-roasted tomato sauce.

SPECIALS CHANGE DAILY BASED ON WHAT’S FRESH
AND WHAT INSPIRES TILLO TO CREATE A NEW RECIPE

Reading the “Specials of the Evening” becomes a feast for the imagination. During the summer, you might start with succulent, Wild Boar Sausage, Oregon mushrooms, spinach, Asiago cheese ravioli with Pinot Grigio, mustard and lemon sauce. Then follow the appetizer with a Caprese Salad with heirloom tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese, roasted red bell pepper, basil and extra virgin olive oil, or perhaps clear your palette with the fresh taste of the Tuscan Melon, mango, plums, baby greens and Manchago cheese with a touch of Parma prosciutto.

For an Entrée Special, you could feast on Fillet Mignon with a Gorgonzola-pecan crust served with spot prawns, covered in a California cherry-Zinfandel reduction with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Or try something completely different: pan seared Fillet of Elk from Texas with Zinfandel and blackberry reduction, rutabagas puree and grilled vegetables. Or why not enjoy the Alaskan Halibut Fillet with a Chardonnay, kumquat, plums and blackberry reduction, Yukon Gold potatoes and grilled vegetables? And then, of course, there is exotic fish from Hawaii with an Asian influence: miso-cured Hawaiian Mongchong Fillet with a sake and ponzu sauce, wasabi mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. No matter what you choose, the prize of amazing scents and great tastes await you.

But wait! What about the freshly baked desserts that are waiting for you on the chef’s counter? Each is taste treat that is simply outstanding and definitely worth the splurge for the evening. You might want to try the dense, rich chocolate pistachio torte with a hint of warm spice, or why not savor the oven warm, fresh peach cobbler with a light flaky crust and a dab of vanilla ice cream that simply melts in your mouth? And there is more…much more.

For reservations or to book a special event/catering, call 949-361-8970. We look forward to your next visit to the Village Mediterranean Rim, 123 Del Mar, San Clemente, California 92672.