My wife is from the Philippines and she likes the food and atmosphere here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jan Lim
Out of all the Filipino spots in Lake Forest, this is my favorite one because the food is good, the place is clean and the people are really friendly. I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
vainwolf6969
Cool mechanical cat greets you at the door. Food is tasty & affordable. Just make sure that they tightly seal all of your to-go containers. Trust me, you don't want to spill lupia sauce in your car, yikes/lol!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kylee C.
I didn't realize such quick and easy to go Filipino food joint existed. Very similar to Panda Express but in Filipino version. Place is very clean and staffs were very friendly. I will revisit again to try different items.
Evangeline Meersman
The place is so clean, workers are very friendly and nice. The food is so delicious. Overall it is an EXCELLENT place to eat. I highly recommend this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jon Dator
Rude server!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Lisa E.
Sorry. I was not impressed. The food was not fresh, it looked like it was sitting all day. I went to Jerry's Grill in Cypress and tried Filipino food for the first time and had the best Filipino food ever. I was excited to try it again and was disappointed. Sad to say. I won't be back there. I'll definitely go to Jerry's Grill again though.
mm mm
You would never get tired of going
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Sisig
Tiffany L.
Ordered a tray of food as part of their catering and provided a time for pick up. It wasn't ready until an hour after the pick up time. I called the day of pick up to try to change my pick up time to earlier and they said they couldn't accommodate that.
The woman keep yelling and pushing me to order “What do you want repeatedly” with vague English‼️It was super awkward and uncomfortable!Even I told her what I want, I felt she was not understanding or impatient. There were only few customers in store and why you are doing this? And especially for people are new for this restaurant!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Myo Thandar Aung
Food are really yummy & very great service. Extremely friendly. It is my first time there & they allow me to have food tasting.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott M.
I am a big fan of buying from smaller places so I was excited to try this one out.The service is fantastic and everyone is really nice.The food is pretty good and I will probably be back to try more things.
Brandon J.
Concealed within the charming city of Lake Forest, California, Manila Food Mart is a delightful culinary haven that has garnered a local reputation for crafting the most sensational egg rolls you'll ever encounter. The moment you step inside this unassuming gem of an eatery, you are immediately embraced by the intoxicating aroma of sizzling, golden-brown perfection. Let's delve deeper into this culinary experience:Manila Food Mart's egg rolls are, without a doubt, the pièce de résistance of their menu. Each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture, with a crispy, flaky exterior that gives way to a savory symphony of ingredients within. The filling is generously packed with a harmonious blend of ingredients, including succulent meats and vibrant vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. These egg rolls are not just a dish; they're a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.But it's not just about the egg rolls. The menu at Manila Food Mart boasts a variety of Filipino and Asian-inspired dishes that cater to a range of palates. Whether you're craving the comfort of a hearty adobo or the mouthwatering allure of sinigang, the chefs here consistently deliver dishes that exude authenticity and taste.The service at Manila Food Mart is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you walk through the door, you're greeted with warm smiles and attentive staff who are more than happy to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations based on your preferences. The waitstaff here embody the true essence of hospitality, making you feel like a cherished guest rather than just another customer.The speed and efficiency of service are equally impressive. Your food arrives promptly, piping hot and exquisitely presented. The staff is well-versed in accommodating special dietary requests and allergies, ensuring that every patron leaves with a memorable dining experience.While Manila Food Mart may not be adorned with opulent decor, it exudes a cozy, homely charm that sets the stage for a relaxed dining experience. The intimate setting is perfect for a casual meal with friends and family, where the focus is primarily on the delicious food rather than extravagant surroundings. The quaint ambiance adds to the authenticity of the place, transporting you to the heart of the Philippines.In conclusion, Manila Food Mart in Lake Forest, CA, is a hidden culinary treasure that deserves to be discovered and savored. Their five-star egg rolls are reason enough to visit, but the impeccable service and cozy atmosphere elevate the dining experience to a level of satisfaction that's truly unmatched. If you're in search of exceptional Filipino cuisine, look no further than Manila Food Mart--it's a culinary journey that will linger in your memory long after your meal is over.
Monica D.
I'd describe Manila Food Mart as being like that one Tita* that you don't get to see as often as you'd like.... but when you do finally get together, it's just like the last time, maybe even a bit better!!It's your typical turo-turo / sari sari kinda store [the best conceptual translation I can think of is, hot takeout table / corner store for all food things Filipino] that's greatly benefited from a center-wide remodel effort. A six table dining area is flanked by the hot food, multiple shelves and tables of Filipino brand groceries, and of course the front cashier counter.A combo starting at $11.99ish gets you plenty of rice (steamed or fried, but they do run out of fried occasionally) with your choice of two entrees. Some choices have an additional charge, but they'll let you know if you've gone that route unknowingly. I made it look like I was ordering for two, but.... let's be honest, this trip + tip = just over $41 and all for me me ME!Saw eggs on the hot buffet and decided to order a silog breakfast ($maybe 8.99? -- I wouldn't know since I wasn't given one). Was told there was no garlic fried rice, which apparently meant no more silog. So I chose breakfast meats (tocino and longganisa) for one combo, and lunch entrees (lechon kawali and laing) for the other, topped with 2 cans of Royal Tru-Orange (remember, this was under the guise of feeding two lol).Tocino: amaaazing, perfect sweet/salty with just the right fat-pork ratio. 5/5!Longanisa: eh. Suuuuper oily, tough texture, lacking flavor. 2.5/5.Lechon kawali: crunchy, awesome fat-pork-crispy skin ratio, not enough sauce given (this is pretty common in Filipino restaurants though; thank goodness for our home emergency Mang Tomas sauce bottle). 4/5.Laing: omg. OMGGGG. All I can say is IYKYK.6/5!!!!Homie hooked me up with two small to go bowls of sinigang soup, which was also really yummy on its own (4.5/5 for taste, 10/5 for the low low price of on the house). I have to say that the service is just about as Filipino as you can get, which means by American standards it's somewhat lackluster but by Pinoy standards it's efficiently pleasant.... especially if you speak the languages haha. Definitely worth checking out and seriously deserving of its current 4.2 rating!! Pinoy Pride!*Note: "Tita" technically means 'auntie,' but it really means any older lady you love as family :)
My wife is from the Philippines and she likes the food and atmosphere here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Out of all the Filipino spots in Lake Forest, this is my favorite one because the food is good, the place is clean and the people are really friendly. I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cool mechanical cat greets you at the door. Food is tasty & affordable. Just make sure that they tightly seal all of your to-go containers. Trust me, you don't want to spill lupia sauce in your car, yikes/lol!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I didn't realize such quick and easy to go Filipino food joint existed. Very similar to Panda Express but in Filipino version. Place is very clean and staffs were very friendly. I will revisit again to try different items.
The place is so clean, workers are very friendly and nice. The food is so delicious. Overall it is an EXCELLENT place to eat. I highly recommend this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rude server!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Sorry. I was not impressed. The food was not fresh, it looked like it was sitting all day. I went to Jerry's Grill in Cypress and tried Filipino food for the first time and had the best Filipino food ever. I was excited to try it again and was disappointed. Sad to say. I won't be back there. I'll definitely go to Jerry's Grill again though.
You would never get tired of going
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Sisig
Ordered a tray of food as part of their catering and provided a time for pick up. It wasn't ready until an hour after the pick up time. I called the day of pick up to try to change my pick up time to earlier and they said they couldn't accommodate that.
Great place to get some authentic Filipino food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Sisig
Restaurantji Recommends
The woman keep yelling and pushing me to order “What do you want repeatedly” with vague English‼️It was super awkward and uncomfortable!Even I told her what I want, I felt she was not understanding or impatient. There were only few customers in store and why you are doing this? And especially for people are new for this restaurant!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Food are really yummy & very great service. Extremely friendly. It is my first time there & they allow me to have food tasting.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am a big fan of buying from smaller places so I was excited to try this one out.The service is fantastic and everyone is really nice.The food is pretty good and I will probably be back to try more things.
Concealed within the charming city of Lake Forest, California, Manila Food Mart is a delightful culinary haven that has garnered a local reputation for crafting the most sensational egg rolls you'll ever encounter. The moment you step inside this unassuming gem of an eatery, you are immediately embraced by the intoxicating aroma of sizzling, golden-brown perfection. Let's delve deeper into this culinary experience:Manila Food Mart's egg rolls are, without a doubt, the pièce de résistance of their menu. Each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture, with a crispy, flaky exterior that gives way to a savory symphony of ingredients within. The filling is generously packed with a harmonious blend of ingredients, including succulent meats and vibrant vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. These egg rolls are not just a dish; they're a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.But it's not just about the egg rolls. The menu at Manila Food Mart boasts a variety of Filipino and Asian-inspired dishes that cater to a range of palates. Whether you're craving the comfort of a hearty adobo or the mouthwatering allure of sinigang, the chefs here consistently deliver dishes that exude authenticity and taste.The service at Manila Food Mart is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you walk through the door, you're greeted with warm smiles and attentive staff who are more than happy to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations based on your preferences. The waitstaff here embody the true essence of hospitality, making you feel like a cherished guest rather than just another customer.The speed and efficiency of service are equally impressive. Your food arrives promptly, piping hot and exquisitely presented. The staff is well-versed in accommodating special dietary requests and allergies, ensuring that every patron leaves with a memorable dining experience.While Manila Food Mart may not be adorned with opulent decor, it exudes a cozy, homely charm that sets the stage for a relaxed dining experience. The intimate setting is perfect for a casual meal with friends and family, where the focus is primarily on the delicious food rather than extravagant surroundings. The quaint ambiance adds to the authenticity of the place, transporting you to the heart of the Philippines.In conclusion, Manila Food Mart in Lake Forest, CA, is a hidden culinary treasure that deserves to be discovered and savored. Their five-star egg rolls are reason enough to visit, but the impeccable service and cozy atmosphere elevate the dining experience to a level of satisfaction that's truly unmatched. If you're in search of exceptional Filipino cuisine, look no further than Manila Food Mart--it's a culinary journey that will linger in your memory long after your meal is over.
I'd describe Manila Food Mart as being like that one Tita* that you don't get to see as often as you'd like.... but when you do finally get together, it's just like the last time, maybe even a bit better!!It's your typical turo-turo / sari sari kinda store [the best conceptual translation I can think of is, hot takeout table / corner store for all food things Filipino] that's greatly benefited from a center-wide remodel effort. A six table dining area is flanked by the hot food, multiple shelves and tables of Filipino brand groceries, and of course the front cashier counter.A combo starting at $11.99ish gets you plenty of rice (steamed or fried, but they do run out of fried occasionally) with your choice of two entrees. Some choices have an additional charge, but they'll let you know if you've gone that route unknowingly. I made it look like I was ordering for two, but.... let's be honest, this trip + tip = just over $41 and all for me me ME!Saw eggs on the hot buffet and decided to order a silog breakfast ($maybe 8.99? -- I wouldn't know since I wasn't given one). Was told there was no garlic fried rice, which apparently meant no more silog. So I chose breakfast meats (tocino and longganisa) for one combo, and lunch entrees (lechon kawali and laing) for the other, topped with 2 cans of Royal Tru-Orange (remember, this was under the guise of feeding two lol).Tocino: amaaazing, perfect sweet/salty with just the right fat-pork ratio. 5/5!Longanisa: eh. Suuuuper oily, tough texture, lacking flavor. 2.5/5.Lechon kawali: crunchy, awesome fat-pork-crispy skin ratio, not enough sauce given (this is pretty common in Filipino restaurants though; thank goodness for our home emergency Mang Tomas sauce bottle). 4/5.Laing: omg. OMGGGG. All I can say is IYKYK.6/5!!!!Homie hooked me up with two small to go bowls of sinigang soup, which was also really yummy on its own (4.5/5 for taste, 10/5 for the low low price of on the house). I have to say that the service is just about as Filipino as you can get, which means by American standards it's somewhat lackluster but by Pinoy standards it's efficiently pleasant.... especially if you speak the languages haha. Definitely worth checking out and seriously deserving of its current 4.2 rating!! Pinoy Pride!*Note: "Tita" technically means 'auntie,' but it really means any older lady you love as family :)