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Best Authentic Restaurants in Lake Forest

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51 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4765)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Irvine
Booked 135 times today
Habana- Irvine Spectrum is authentic because it offers a genuine Cuban experience with its cuisine and cocktail program. Reviews rave about its 'authentic and very delicious food', 'great Cuban vibe' and 'immersive atmosphere as if you're in Cuba'. It's been a favorite culinary destination for 20 years, further testifying to its authenticity.
A photo of Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1798)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 47 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, MSN, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, and LA Times.
A photo of Little Sister - Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1247)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Irvine
Booked 55 times today
Little Sister in Irvine is authentic Vietnamese, with dishes that blend the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia with French techniques and Dutch and British colonial influences. The menu is continually evolving, reflecting inspiration and the seasons. As one reviewer said, 'edgy Vietnamese food while maintaining authenticity' and another praised it as 'authentic Vietnamese cuisine' with 'exceptionally fresh and tasty dishes.' The restaurant also features an excellent wine and beverage program, curated by Chef Tin.
A photo of Fennel Kitchen & Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(193)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 23 times today
Fennel Kitchen and Bar is a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant that offers an authentic, healthy, and vibrant dining experience by seamlessly blending the flavors of the sun-kissed Mediterranean shores with exotic Middle Eastern cuisine. Our thoughtfully crafted menu meets diverse dietary preferences, including traditional kabobs bursting with flavor, to simple, authentic vegetarian dishes. We believe beauty lies in the details and we strive to ensure that every aspect of your dining experience is memorable.
A photo of Oliver’s Trattoria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(382)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 42 times today
Opening December 10th, 2023! Chef Erik De Marchi is excited to bring his cuisine from Emilia-Romagna to Irvine with Oliver's Trattoria. Featuring homemade pasta and pizza and a full bar. Enjoy our outdoor patios, catering, and private event spaces. We can't wait to serve you at our second location Oliver's Trattoria.
A photo of Brio Italian Grille - Irvine - Spectrum Center restaurant
3.6
Very Good(2011)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 37 times today
Brio Spectrum is a premier Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant in Irvine, CA serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine, luxury wines & cocktails-our specialties include premium quality steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pasta and flatbreads. If you're looking for the best holiday party venue or restaurant for Thanksgiving, Brio offers easy reservations and catering services to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Brio Spectrum is the place to eat in Irvine, CA for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!
A photo of Villa Roma Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(178)
Price: Moderate
• Argentinian • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 1 time today
Valentine Reservations - Prefixed menu with choices ===============================Anniversary Special Sunday 2/2 thru Thursday 2/6 ************************************************** Villa Roma is a unique restaurant combining Argentine and Italian flavorsLive ambiance music Thursday, Friday & Saturday !
A photo of Morena's Mexican Cuisine - Lake Forest restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(2)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Lake Forest
Morena’s Mexican Cuisine is owned and operated by the Rosales family. They opened their first location in Rancho Mission Viejo in 2019. Since then have plans to open several more locations in Orange County and the Inland Empire.We offer our customers authentic Mexican food made with the freshest ingredients. We never use pre-made sauces, mixes, or frozen ingredients in our food.All of our cocktails are made with fresh ingredients like freshly muddled blackberries, organic agave and fresh lime juice.Lunch Specials: Our lunch menu also features tacos, burritos, huevos rancheros, chile relleno and more. All dishes are $12.99 from 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
A photo of Hacienda on the Lake restaurant
4.5
Awesome(145)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 6 times today
Hacienda on the Lake is a beloved spot in Mission Viejo that offers a truly authentic Mexican experience. The restaurant's ambiance, featuring spectacular lake views, has been praised in numerous reviews. One reviewer mentioned the 'real authentic Mexico feel'. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers, seafood, and grilled entrees. They also have a catering service, perfect for planning special occasions. Overall, Hacienda on the Lake is a perfect place for those looking for an authentic Mexican dining experience.
A photo of Mint restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(15)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 7 times today
Mint restaurant looks forward to welcoming you soon!
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • MichaelVIP
    Orange County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Really enjoyed our Saturday brunch today. Got there at 11am opening time. Service and food were excellent. I had the Shakshuka and a cinnamon vanilla latte, both very good. My wife had the everything scramble and a pistachio latte and she enjoyed those. We’ll be back!
    More info
    Fennel Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
    4.7
  • StephanieVIP
    Orange County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Came for Valentine’s Day and was half expecting the possibility of subpar service as is usually the case with many restaurants on Valentine’s Day. But my worries about service were quickly put to rest, as we had a wonderful time dining at little sister. The service was great! I wish I could remember our waiters name cuz he was on top of everything. Orders were taken promptly, but not pushy by any means. They were attentive with drinks, water glasses and clearing of plates. Food was tasty and delivered hot in a timely fashion. I enjoyed the complimentary cold cucumber bites and chocolate at the start and end of our meal respectively. We ordered the pork/shrimp spring rolls, papaya salad, shaky shaky beef, carmelized prawns and garlic noodles. I enjoyed all the dishes, except for maybe the beef. I didn’t love the sauce, as it was reminiscent of a thick soy sauce with not much else going on flavor wise. But my husband enjoyed it, so different strokes for different folks. In any case, next time I want to try the lemongrass beef instead. Anyways, overall I enjoyed my dining experience there, as did my husband. It is a bit on the pricier side for Vietnamese/southeast Asian food. But I guess you’re also paying for the quality of the ambience and service, which may not be as nice at a more authentic hole in the wall type of place.
    More info
    Little Sister - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Irvine
    4.5
  • Jack
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our first time at Oliver's. The food was delicious. I had the gilled salmon with black garlic, roasted brussels sprouts, string beans, and fingerling potatoes. The deserts were excellent; the cheesecake was certainly better than anything you would find at the Cheesecake Factory.
    More info
    Oliver’s TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Irvine
    4.7
  • Dana
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    My husband and I have been coming here for 4 years and each time we’ve come it has ALWAYS been romantic whether it was during the spring, summer, fall, or winter. The ambiance is amazing and the phenomenal servers will go out of their way to make it a romantic night for any couple coming in. The food and drinks are fantastic and worth the price in my opinion. My husband loves their exclusive & unique rum choices! Our valentines day experience will be an experience we’ll never forget, it was beautiful!
    More info
    Habana- Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Irvine
    4.5
  • Joanna
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My husband and I celebrated our 2nd year wedding anniversary on Taco Tuesday and had a wonderful dinner and the waitress was kind enough to bring us a slice of Tres Leches cake to share it made the celebration that more special!
    More info
    Puesto Los OlivosPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Irvine
    4.6
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