Restaurants in Lake Forest
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Best Restaurants
“The staff here is excellent!!!! These guys are always running around doing their best to serve people. I FORGOT you okay it the front so bring cash for a tip. I felt I didnt5 leave as much as I sgould have, I'm sorry. Really awesome and welcoming. Haven't been here since I was a kid. Totally fun for the nostaliga love. The salad bar was awesome, glad to see it open again. Good prices for everything as well. Life you get tons of healthy options here! They still have the cheese toast! That was my treat with the salad. The food is good and simple. Perfect spot for picky eaters, I saw plenty of kids getting food and actually eating it.”
“A real family owned and operated gem. Vinny and his dad (the chef) are great. His side pasta w garlic and olive oil is amazing. I usually get the veal piccata and my wife the chicken marsala. Both are great. In general he makes the best sauces. The deserts are yummy too. Give them a try. You will be delighted.”
“Matt, Michelle, and sons have been winning over the hearts of many locals and travelers like my wife and I for ten years. The ambiance and beautifully designed facilities boasts a spacious interior and exterior accommodations for cozy couples to larger groups. An amazing and diverse menu with a great wine, beer, and craft cocktails selection can exceed even the most particular palate. Personal recommendations include the prime rib or tomahawk steak champagne brunch or the terrific eggs Benedict. The chicken and waffles also became a fan favorite. The burgers are scrumptious and the fish is phenomenal. The steaks and... okay, everything is worth a try. (Don't forget to try some of their own homemade salsa with the appropriate menu items. They have many other homemade products available so give them a try). Just when you thought it couldn't get better. Matt has an outdoor extension project in progress that will accommodate additional bar, dining and music venue. This is hands down my favorite restaurant in California. Hoping that it becomes yours too! Cheers”
“My dinner was excellent and the waitress’ service was outstanding”
“We were visiting from Scotland, having previously lived in NYC for many years, and were desperate for a nice Italian meal like we used to get when we lived in the States. We could not have been more impressed with the food and the service, and made sure we got a second visit in before we returned to Scotland - I just wish we could have gone back a third time… and fourth !!!! Highly recommend !!!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Good experience overall. The dim sum was good. The yellow curry was very flavorful although I would get a higher spice level next time. Service was fast.The egg rolls did not taste good. They also had corn in them which seemed odd. The BBQ pork fried rice was meh. Not terrible but kind of bland.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Coming from the Mexican food capital of the wold San Diego, it is hard to find spots that have the flavor one is used too. We seen the reviews and took a shot. Nice place, little small, but nice, clean, and good atmosphere, to be fair, we all ordered tacos. We had, carne asada, carnitas, pollo asada and birria. The pollo was a little dry but very food flavor and the carne asada was soft and good. Carnitas were very good, flavor and amount of meat in all the tacos were just right. Birria was also real good. The tortialls were corn, soft and good, they not thick and heavy. Salsa was good as well, same as most other taco shops. No Cali Burrtios or Carne Asada fries here, but no problem, good food, resonible price. Family restaurant, all the family works at Mr. G's, owner came out to greet us, as well as one other worker to see if we needed anything else. Great place.”
“I recently discovered this gem of a restaurant and I am happy I did. We tried the bento box and all the items were fresh, tasty and leaves you wanting more. It was so good we returned 2 weeks later and had it today. This time we tried a variety of sushi rolls and once again it was delicious. Great friendly staff and quick service to add. Excellent service and great food all around.”
“This joint is serving up real ingredients prepared like that Peruvian uncle I never had. I was impressed by the actual hand cut yucca vs some other joints precut yucca. That green sauce is obviously made in house and done right. The ceviche isn’t the prettiest I’ve eaten, but ranks high in the yum factor. Definitely a restaurant worth another visit.”
“A Unique Culinary Experience!
"I didn’t know what to expect from a German Döner, but wow—it exceeded all my expectations. The combination of tender meat, fresh salad, and warm bread is unbeatable. Plus, they offer vegetarian options that are just as tasty. A must-visit!"”
“The staff here is excellent!!!! These guys are always running around doing their best to serve people. I FORGOT you okay it the front so bring cash for a tip. I felt I didnt5 leave as much as I sgould have, I'm sorry. Really awesome and welcoming. Haven't been here since I was a kid. Totally fun for the nostaliga love. The salad bar was awesome, glad to see it open again. Good prices for everything as well. Life you get tons of healthy options here! They still have the cheese toast! That was my treat with the salad. The food is good and simple. Perfect spot for picky eaters, I saw plenty of kids getting food and actually eating it.”
“It has been few months since I've been introduce to the most to a relaxing atmosphere. Delicious fresh ingredients and best of all their relaxing lattes/capuchinos. I courage all to check them out and their excellent friendly customer service and clean establishment.
”
“This place has one of the best pastrami sandwiches in Orange county, they've been around forever and their prices are still reasonable. The typical pastrami sandwich can easily be for two people, it's extremely big and very very filling so just be careful if you end up ordering two thinking you will finish them because it is way too big”
“A real family owned and operated gem. Vinny and his dad (the chef) are great. His side pasta w garlic and olive oil is amazing. I usually get the veal piccata and my wife the chicken marsala. Both are great. In general he makes the best sauces. The deserts are yummy too. Give them a try. You will be delighted.”
“My favorite sushi restaurant, without a doubt, offers an experience worth every penny. I always go for the buffet, as the variety and quality of the ingredients shine through in every bite—something I don’t always find elsewhere. The sushi has just the right amount of ingredients, making it perfect in taste and texture.
I love the family-friendly atmosphere, and you can tell they pay attention to every detail to ensure a great customer experience. Plus, the cleanliness is impeccable, which makes me feel confident every time I go back. These kinds of family-owned restaurants deserve all our support; they’re a gem in the community.”
“Every time I come to So Cal I have to have a meal at Avila's El Ranchito. The enchilada suiza is amazing and the wait staff always take such good care of me.”
Outdoor Dining
“I highly recommend In n Out Burger. I love their burgers, fries and Root Beer when I go. But why can't I get a burger well-done late night? With the patties nice and thin, I should never bite into a burger that's red or pink inside. I even tell them to burn it a little bit. But that doesn't change a thing. I'm not going to stop eating here. I'll just aim for earlier when not at a peak rush with a long line. Wish me luck!”
“Matt, Michelle, and sons have been winning over the hearts of many locals and travelers like my wife and I for ten years. The ambiance and beautifully designed facilities boasts a spacious interior and exterior accommodations for cozy couples to larger groups. An amazing and diverse menu with a great wine, beer, and craft cocktails selection can exceed even the most particular palate. Personal recommendations include the prime rib or tomahawk steak champagne brunch or the terrific eggs Benedict. The chicken and waffles also became a fan favorite. The burgers are scrumptious and the fish is phenomenal. The steaks and... okay, everything is worth a try. (Don't forget to try some of their own homemade salsa with the appropriate menu items. They have many other homemade products available so give them a try). Just when you thought it couldn't get better. Matt has an outdoor extension project in progress that will accommodate additional bar, dining and music venue. This is hands down my favorite restaurant in California. Hoping that it becomes yours too! Cheers”
“Came here randomly to get a to go sandwich while on a wildfire detail from out of state and the patrons and the staff and owner were extremely kind. Got the recommended Cuban sandwich and it's one of the Top 5 sandwiches I've ever had.
Had a band playing and my only regret about the whole experience is that I couldn't stay and enjoy the incredible atmosphere. Made me feel at home from Tennessee. Class establishment. 5 🌟s.”
“This is my first time at Simply PHO. I love Pho Thai but I haven’t found one that has good quality beef. The broth and noodles were delicious but the quality of the meat was not to my liking. The meat was tough and had fat. The ambiance was humble. I might come back and try their veggie pho.
There’s plenty of parking.”
“Umma’s K-BBQ is a fast casual Korean and Hawaiian influenced restaurant located at the corner of Trabuco Road and Bake Parkway in Lake Forest. The plaza is anchored by a McDonalds and Starbucks and there is plenty of parking available except during peak hours. Their menu is fairly extensive and even though you can dine in the outdoor courtyard, takeout is the way to go.
With a combination plate, you can enjoy 2 proteins with choice of base and 4 side orders. I opted for the kalbi and spicy chicken and they did not disappoint. I also tried the spicy pork but it was unfortunately on the dryer side. White rice was my base and I chose cabbage salad, spicy cucumber and a double order of chapjae glass noodles as my side dishes. I also sampled my wife’s kimchi and mac salad which were just as tasty as the other sides. The best parts of our experience were the generous portion sizes and the exceptional service provided by the young man behind the counter. We’ll def be back!”
“Plan being to go today and read the recent 3 reviews but have been in their buffet multiple times. My daughter love their shahi paneer and palak paneer with Bhindi and I like their butter chicken to go. That is all happened very frequently up until last 2 weeks. I will share another note after I am done today with my and 2 of my friends and family!!”
“our daughter just hosted a birthday party for our son-in-law's 50th birthday. Morena's and Phillipe did an amazing job”
Online Reservation Available
“I had charros grill cater a graduation party for 20 people this weekend. The cooks were super prompt, professional and very friendly! Tacos were big, meat was delicious and cooked fresh at my event. Salsas were amazing, rice and beans were authentic. Prices were great. I am very happy I found them! Scheduling was straightforward and communication was great leading up to the event. Gustavo and Lucio were the cooks and I scheduled with Ms. Reyna, all wonderful!”
“I have been looking for some bomb Mexican food by my place since I moved to Lake Forest at the end of 2023. I drove past this spot more than 50 times because it would be just too convenient. If I fell out of my second story window I might land there with a good bounce. Last Friday I placed an order online and I picked it up on time and hot 15 minutes later, with plastic utensils napkins and way too many salsas without having to ask. Taquitos and a burrito. Best Mexican food I have had in a very long time. One of the salsa's put a dent in me. I have not been able to sit down for a week! I can't wait to go back. Seriously I will be back.
Thank you Tacos Ensenada.
Parking: That plaza gets real busy on a Friday afternoon. But with a little patience you can find a spot in 5 minutes or less.”
“Do you have that restaurant you go back to years later the core memory flavors are still present when you visit again?
This is the restaurant for me!
I've been going here for years due to my family living in the area. It is tradition to either go to the restaurant or get take out.
The hot mustard and sweet and sour sauces on the tables were always a highlight.
I do wish they had more vegan alternatives but they do a pretty decent job.
Highly recommend! Support local!”
“I've eaten at a few Amecis over the decades, but the pizza I picked up from this location, was far and away the best one I've ever had from them. As a matter of fact, we were looking for a new pizza place and the family all loved the pizzas I picked up, so I think we've found our new pizza place!”
“My wife & I had dinner here. I had the small pizza & she had the eggplant parmesan. Both was very good. The bread was amazing. I love the decor & atmosphere...Italian vibe. Great customer service and the prices were very reasonable. I would definitely recommend this family owned place since 1976. ??”
“This is a great new place. The owner is very nice. You can reserve tables. They have live music playing on Fridays and Saturdays and videos on the screen in between. I had a great flatbread. I will be returning to check this place out again.”
Takeout Restaurants
“We were visiting from Scotland, having previously lived in NYC for many years, and were desperate for a nice Italian meal like we used to get when we lived in the States. We could not have been more impressed with the food and the service, and made sure we got a second visit in before we returned to Scotland - I just wish we could have gone back a third time… and fourth !!!! Highly recommend !!!”
“I eat here often the food is healthy and tastes great and the service is fast and friendly”
“I’m so happy to find this place. They have variety of foods available until after midnight! I ordered the chicken kebob and it was delicious, fresh and healthy. Everything was clean and great people working there. I will definitely go back and I would recommend this place to anyone.”
“Good experience overall. The dim sum was good. The yellow curry was very flavorful although I would get a higher spice level next time. Service was fast.The egg rolls did not taste good. They also had corn in them which seemed odd. The BBQ pork fried rice was meh. Not terrible but kind of bland.”
“Loved my experience here. Our group of three came in just after noon, peak lunchtime. The woman at the counter thoughtfully offered ice for my bottled drink, and took our orders efficiently and kindly. Our food was ready quickly, and was fantastic (the bacon cheeseburger was especially delicious).
I can’t speak to the drive thru experience, but dining in was an all around pleasant experience. The place was clean and comfortable, there were a fair number of people there, and it certainly exceeded my expectations.”
“We ordered pho soup with raw steak & meatball, and grilled pork vermicelli!
- Pho was hot and fresh. Soup base was ok, but it seems to be chicken broth more than beef broth. Still good to me
- they gave a plate of bean sprout/herbs with plastic wrap on top, small portion. I asked for one more and they were happy to give me more
- I like the vermicelli more as the grilled pork was tasty! It came with egg rolls as well
Place was spacious, not very crowded. Service was average, everything was smooth & right timing.”
“tienen buena comidas un ambiente limpio y agradable se los recomiendo”
“Great outdoor Funktions, chillin with some fresh air. 🍺 the staff is always great, food is amazing. Friday nights live dj nicknik and dj mark.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“We are from the UK and visited Curry Pizza House. Such great service! We were quite picky about how we wanted the pizza and Driden helped us and made sure it was exactly how we wanted it, even came out to show us the pizza before they put it in the oven. Really welcoming, you got customers for life ?. The pizzas look amazing, some interesting unique ones to try. Looking forward to taking it home to try. Thank you.”
“First time to come here and the place is very clean and organize. I met Evelyn and she is so nice to welcome new customer. I like the food ( first try BBQ and dinuguan), it’s delicious and their Halo-halo my favorite is super tasty, love it. Looking forward to taste all the food and delicacies they serve.”
“I walked in, and I was greeted by the manager and staff. The dining area was very clean and kept I ordered my food and it was promptly made just as I ordered The food was delicious and the manager even came out to check how our food tasting. Overall, it was the best experience I’ve ever had at any Tommy’s !!! Thank you Lake forest Tommy’s”
“I hope the manager takes the time to read my review. We visited TruSushi today, and the food was excellent and truly one of the best sushi spots in OC. However, the service from the young lady working there was overwhelming. While I appreciate her effort to serve us, she was at our table every couple of minutes, which became intrusive. It disrupted our ability to have a conversation and enjoy a peaceful meal. Some diners value a bit of space while they eat. I really hope this issue is addressed because, honestly, her overly attentive service is the main reason I’d hesitate to return.”
“I stopped by Arby’s this evening to pick up some food. I walked into the location and was very impressed as the store is super clean. The very kind lady working there named Patricia took my order and asked all the right questions. She was busy working the drive up window and making drinks and bagging orders in a very efficient manner. While my order was being prepared, I went to use their restroom and discovered the cleanest restroom in a restaurant I think I’ve seen in 20 years !! While I waited for my order, I noticed a gentleman who was mopping the floor behind the counter, and I could tell from my years in the restaurant business that he wasn’t cutting corners or doing a half job, but was very diligent .My order was ready after a moment, and I left the store. We have eaten our food and everything was great: the Jamocha shakes, the mozzarella sticks, the sliders and the bourbon brisket, which is out of this world. Kudos to management at this location for requiring obviously high standards in the restaurant. And to the staff that takes the time to do such a great job, Thank you!”
“It was our first time in this restaurant. We've never had tacos before, so we ordered a lot of different types. I don't know what they should be, but I liked almost all of them. The service was quick, while we were filling our glasses with cola, and a minute later they gave us the finished order. The most delicious with pieces of fried beef. Yes, cola lovers, you buy a glass and fill as much as you want”
“First time trying this buffet since we were from out of town, The food was plentiful and freshly hot, sushi was good but missed a little something can't put my finger on. Service removing dishes needs attending to, but overall, we had a great dinner experience.”
“Best lunch bento box. Miso soup was very tasty. Spicy tuna roll was delicious!”
“Great spot to pick up a healthy smoothie. Many premade styles, as well as custom choices to get your functional smoothie fix. Choices of vegan or whey protein was nice, too. Prices are on par with other smoothie/juice stores. Staff was very accommodating, friendly, and nice.”
Cheap Eats
“Fantastic sandwiches and exceptional customer service! This little deli is tucked into a nondescript shopping center in Lake Forest. They make super fresh, delicious sandwiches, breakfast burritos--and really yummy fresh juices. Try the carrot, celery, and apple juice! Maybe the secret ingredient here is love--the owners are so kind and go above and beyond--every single time--to make you feel welcome and happy with your meal. Thank you so much for being in our community!!”
“The service staff is so nice! If there is a mistake with the order (eg forgot to add extra boba), they immediately fix it. Good location as there are not too many boba places in the vicinity.
Kid-friendliness: It is a well traveled location within a plaza. Safe and clean.”
“This is the unicorn my Obaachan searched for! I only regret finding it late. Delicious authentic Japanese food made with the best ingredients by native Japanese who care. Tomoko-san, the co-owner, made sure I was aware of the City of Lake Forest Shop and Dine Card to get 50% off at this restaurant and many other LF businesses. I had the Hamachi and Salmon Donburi. The serving size and quality was perfect. I've already been back with friends and look forward to many more meals here!”
“Love this place there food is so clean and tasty. Best chicken spot I have been to. I have been to almost all of them from Dave’s to hotties to Breds. But this one by far is the tastiest and most juicy. If you like your chicken juicy and crispy this is the place to try. Try them out asap if you havnt yet.”
“Inka Grill provides an authentic Peruvian dining experience that truly stands out in Orange County. The flavors and dishes transport you straight to Peru, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Peruvian cuisine. The ambiance, service, and food quality are exceptional, offering a delightful escape to South America right in California. Highly recommended!”
“Always delicious and reliable! I ordered 2 turkey roasted packs for an office lunch. Everyone loved it. And everyone loved making turkey sandwiches the next day too. Everyone including I were happy!!!”
“I recommend the AYCE. All You Can Eat for a great price. The Sushi was very fresh and flavorful, the service very good and the Price was very reasonable. I would try the Jalapeño Poppers if you like a bite of spice and uniqueness! The Melon Soda was really good. Enjoy!!!”
“This place is a gem!
My friend and I shared a Fried Oyster / Egg, Minced Meat with Rice, Oyster with Thin Noodle, and Meat Ball (I forgot to take pictures of the latter two).
The portion and price were fair. Service was friendly and efficient. Ambiance was cute and quiet.
Everything I ordered tasted pretty authentic - can't wait to try more when I return!”
Latest Reviews
“The staff here is excellent!!!! These guys are always running around doing their best to serve people. I FORGOT you okay it the front so bring cash for a tip. I felt I didnt5 leave as much as I sgould have, I'm sorry. Really awesome and welcoming. Haven't been here since I was a kid. Totally fun for the nostaliga love. The salad bar was awesome, glad to see it open again. Good prices for everything as well. Life you get tons of healthy options here! They still have the cheese toast! That was my treat with the salad. The food is good and simple. Perfect spot for picky eaters, I saw plenty of kids getting food and actually eating it.”
“Plan being to go today and read the recent 3 reviews but have been in their buffet multiple times. My daughter love their shahi paneer and palak paneer with Bhindi and I like their butter chicken to go. That is all happened very frequently up until last 2 weeks. I will share another note after I am done today with my and 2 of my friends and family!!”
“Love this place there food is so clean and tasty. Best chicken spot I have been to. I have been to almost all of them from Dave’s to hotties to Breds. But this one by far is the tastiest and most juicy. If you like your chicken juicy and crispy this is the place to try. Try them out asap if you havnt yet.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“So good. I know of no other place near here with Cantonese BBQ, especially duck. I primarily only get the duck but I have had the honey walnut shrimp and the green beans and have never been disappointed.
I use to have to drive to Irvine to get some duck but now that Sam Woo has closed this I the only place. I would argue it is better than Sam Woo was when they were still in business.
So happy this place opened so close to me.”
“This place has one of the best pastrami sandwiches in Orange county, they've been around forever and their prices are still reasonable. The typical pastrami sandwich can easily be for two people, it's extremely big and very very filling so just be careful if you end up ordering two thinking you will finish them because it is way too big”
“We are from the UK and visited Curry Pizza House. Such great service! We were quite picky about how we wanted the pizza and Driden helped us and made sure it was exactly how we wanted it, even came out to show us the pizza before they put it in the oven. Really welcoming, you got customers for life ?. The pizzas look amazing, some interesting unique ones to try. Looking forward to taking it home to try. Thank you.”
“I eat here often the food is healthy and tastes great and the service is fast and friendly”
“It has been few months since I've been introduce to the most to a relaxing atmosphere. Delicious fresh ingredients and best of all their relaxing lattes/capuchinos. I courage all to check them out and their excellent friendly customer service and clean establishment.
”
“This is my first time at Simply PHO. I love Pho Thai but I haven’t found one that has good quality beef. The broth and noodles were delicious but the quality of the meat was not to my liking. The meat was tough and had fat. The ambiance was humble. I might come back and try their veggie pho.
There’s plenty of parking.”
“Coming from the Mexican food capital of the wold San Diego, it is hard to find spots that have the flavor one is used too. We seen the reviews and took a shot. Nice place, little small, but nice, clean, and good atmosphere, to be fair, we all ordered tacos. We had, carne asada, carnitas, pollo asada and birria. The pollo was a little dry but very food flavor and the carne asada was soft and good. Carnitas were very good, flavor and amount of meat in all the tacos were just right. Birria was also real good. The tortialls were corn, soft and good, they not thick and heavy. Salsa was good as well, same as most other taco shops. No Cali Burrtios or Carne Asada fries here, but no problem, good food, resonible price. Family restaurant, all the family works at Mr. G's, owner came out to greet us, as well as one other worker to see if we needed anything else. Great place.”
“I recently discovered this gem of a restaurant and I am happy I did. We tried the bento box and all the items were fresh, tasty and leaves you wanting more. It was so good we returned 2 weeks later and had it today. This time we tried a variety of sushi rolls and once again it was delicious. Great friendly staff and quick service to add. Excellent service and great food all around.”