Best Californian Restaurants in Lake Forest

23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant

1. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(2733)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Irvine

Booked 67 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Irvine Spectrum, CUCINA enoteca offers a delightful fusion of Californian and Italian cuisine, celebrating the freshest local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. The dynamic duo of Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento crafts a menu that brings Italian classics to life with a modern Californian twist. Guests rave about the "amazing service" and "delicious food," with standout dishes like the squid ink pasta and roasted chicken. The restaurant's inviting ambiance, blending contemporary and rustic elements, creates an unforgettable dining experience that is both comforting and innovative, making it a "must-visit" culinary gem.

A photo of OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo restaurant

2. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

4.8

Exceptional(1597)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 33 times today

Opah Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo offers an exceptional American dining experience that truly stands out in the heart of Aliso Viejo. Renowned for its consistently great service and high-quality cuisine, this local gem impresses with its diverse menu and meticulous preparation, especially their seafood selections. Regulars rave about the "amazing hazelnut encrusted halibut" and the "delicious bacon-wrapped dates," showcasing authentic American flavors with a gourmet twist. The inviting atmosphere, enhanced by a cozy outdoor patio, makes Opah a favorite spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. With glowing reviews praising the "phenomenal service" and "excellent experience on all points," Opah is a must-visit for anyone seeking stellar American cuisine.

3. Pub Thirty-Two

4.5

Awesome(423)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 7 times today

Pub Thirty-Two in Mission Viejo is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts seeking high-quality, authentic dishes. The restaurant's farm-to-fork philosophy ensures that each dish is crafted with the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients, delivering a taste that is both fresh and sustainable. Diners rave about the seafood offerings, describing them as "beautifully cooked and presented," with standout dishes like the "sweet and fresh lobster Wellington" and the "best shellfish dishes." The commitment to quality is evident in every bite, making it a beloved local gem where culinary creativity meets impeccable service. Whether you're indulging in a classic or trying something new, Pub Thirty-Two promises a memorable dining experience.

4. 230 Forest Avenue

4.9

Exceptional(2853)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 33 times today

Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, 230 Forest Avenue is a beacon of exceptional American cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and culinary artistry. Executive Chef Marc Cohen, renowned as one of The OC's top chefs, crafts dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious, making each meal a feast for the eyes and the palate. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "top-notch service," with favorites like the "perfectly cooked halibut" and "fluffy, flakey sea bass." This iconic restaurant, with its modern bistro vibe and art gallery charm, promises an unforgettable dining experience that's quintessentially American and undeniably Laguna.

A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant

5. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

4.8

Exceptional(10485)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Newport Beach

Booked 77 times today

Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, beautifully blending classic dishes with a breathtaking beachfront setting. Nestled in Newport Beach, this gem has been honored as one of OpenTable's "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 in the U.S., solidifying its status as a culinary standout. Diners rave about the "absolutely amazing" food and "incredible" service, often highlighting the Pesto Chicken Pasta and beignets as must-try items. With its unpretentious charm and spectacular views of the Pacific, Beachcomber offers a quintessentially American dining experience where every meal feels like a celebration. Perfect for special occasions or a casual beachside bite!

A photo of Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens restaurant

6. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

4.8

Exceptional(11528)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Corona del Mar

Booked 243 times today

Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens in Corona del Mar offers an unparalleled Californian culinary experience that truly shines with its fresh, locally sourced, farm-to-fork cuisine. Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of a lush garden center, the restaurant provides a romantic and unique dining ambiance, capturing the essence of Californian flavor. Diners rave about the "absolutely delicious" food and the "fresh and flavorful" dishes, which are expertly crafted by Chef Rich Mead. The seasonal ingredients paired with exclusive wines and craft cocktails make every visit a memorable one. Whether for a special occasion or a casual lunch, Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens promises an authentic taste of California.

7. Las Brisas

4.2

Awesome(12158)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 133 times today

With world-class hospitality and a chef-curated menu, Las Brisas delivers classic Southern California cuisine and stunning ocean views Enjoy the panoramic view of Laguna Beach's coastline in our elegant dining rooms or relaxing outdoor patio, and you're bound to discover the magic of Las Brisas.

A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant

8. Larsen at Hotel Laguna

4.5

Awesome(1532)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 52 times today

Larsen at Hotel Laguna is a seafood lover's paradise nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, where the ocean's bounty meets culinary artistry. With its prime beachfront location, this restaurant offers not just a meal but an experience. Diners rave about the "wonderful lobster roll" and the perfectly cooked "halibut-based fish and chips." The swordfish sandwich is another standout, praised for its "delicious and generous" portion. The freshness and local sourcing of ingredients ensure each dish captures the essence of the sea. Whether seated inside or on the patio with "amazing ocean views," Larsen promises an unforgettable seafood dining experience.

A photo of Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano restaurant

9. Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano

4.8

Exceptional(424)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 40 times today

Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano offers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience that impeccably captures the essence of the region’s culinary delights. Combining modern Californian cooking with vibrant flavors from the Levant, Mayfield crafts dishes that are not only flavorful but designed for sharing, ensuring an enjoyable communal meal. Guests rave about the “amazing Mediterranean fare,” particularly the homemade bread and dips that are “so delicious.” The restaurant's menu consistently delivers with creativity and freshness, transforming simple ingredients like carrots into memorable dishes. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Mayfield is a must-visit for those seeking genuine Mediterranean flavors.

10. Harvest

4.7

Exceptional(2437)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 43 times today

Harvest in Laguna Beach is a shining example of exceptional Contemporary American cuisine, where farm-to-table freshness meets culinary artistry. Executive Chef Kyle St. John crafts each dish with ingredients harvested from the restaurant's own half-acre Harvest Farm, making every bite a testament to quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "incredibly fresh options" and "beautiful presentation" of the dishes, highlighting the chef's ability to infuse traditional American flavors with a contemporary twist. The stunning views of Aliso Canyon and the friendly, attentive service further elevate the dining experience, making Harvest a must-visit for anyone seeking remarkable Contemporary American fare.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
DeAnna
Hawaii •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The stuffed squash blossoms were unique and tasty. I shared my salad which was kale and spinach with goat cheese and persimmons which was all light but very favorable and not too sweet. The service was exceptional.
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CUCINA enoteca - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
•
4.6
K
KathleenVIP
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Love sitting on the beach! It was wonderful and our server was exceptional! My only complaint is the scrambled eggs seemed to be uncooked in places and very discolored— not how I remembered them from prior visits.
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Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal CovePrice: Moderate• Californian• Newport Beach
•
4.8
J
Jack
Orange County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We’ve been going here 25+ years. 230 Forest never disappoints. Might be the most consistent restaurant in OC. While not a ton of entree menu items, there is always something for all. The food, preparation and service is amazing!
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230 Forest AvenuePrice: Moderate• Californian• Laguna Beach
•
4.9
M
MaryVIP
Orange County •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Delicious food and drinks, as always. Excellent service from Jennifer.
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Pub Thirty-TwoPrice: Moderate• Californian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.5
N
Nayla
Orange County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
The food is consistently good. We tried the tuna tartare for appetizer, and it was not good. We will not order that again, but overall great food great service and great place to go for a bite.
More info
OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso ViejoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
•
4.8

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Lake Forest

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Best Californian Restaurants in Lake Forest

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

2. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

3. Pub Thirty-Two

4. 230 Forest Avenue

5. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

6. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

7. Las Brisas

8. Larsen at Hotel Laguna

9. Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano

10. Harvest

See what locals rave about

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