Best Restaurants for Foodies in Lake Forest

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Puesto Los Olivos

4.6

Exceptional(1781)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine

Booked 45 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 Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant

2. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook

4.8

Exceptional(2878)

Price: Moderate

• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 41 times today

Welcome to Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. located in Laguna Hills. Our menu features seasonal ingredients of the highest quality and are prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include exceptional meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections. We have over 25 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers, and a full bar featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails.

A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant

3. Mangia Bene Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(675)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 10 times today

Mangia Bene Cucina in Laguna Niguel, CA, is a foodie hotspot serving up original and delicious Italian dishes. With over 25 years of experience, they deliver what they call 'The Fresh Italian Food Experience'. Reviewers love their great food and service, with one saying 'food is always good' and another praising the 'flavorful and perfectly cooked and fresh' dishes. The place is often busy, indicating a strong reputation among locals and visitors.

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

4. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

4.8

Exceptional(1597)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 32 times today

At Opah Restaurant & Bar, we serve the finest fresh fish in Orange County. Carefully hand selected each day to deliver the best quality available. Come in and enjoy the menu created by Marc A. Cohen, One of the Best Chef's in Orange County. The menu is exquisite, featuring edible works of art, that look so good the could be on a magazine cover. Dont forget to try one of our signature Award Winning Martinis. If you wondering how we came up with the name Opah. It comes from the Hawaiian word for Moonfish, which was once viewed as Good Luck by fisherman, & often given away as a gesture of Good Will.

A photo of Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens restaurant

5. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

4.8

Exceptional(11528)

Price: Expensive

• American • Corona del Mar

Booked 243 times today

We are excited for your visit, and welcome you to experience our beautiful outdoor dining room in Newport Beach. That being said we are outdoors and encourage all guest to dress appropriate to the season. We have added a beautiful heated covered awning for the winter months. We offer blankets for sale that can be kept, or left behind and donated to a local charity we support. We will still be requesting a two hour dinning limit per visit.Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens offers the freshest, locally sourced , seasonal farm-to-fork cuisine paired with exclusive wines and craft cocktails and beers. Located on a seven acre home and garden center in the heart of beautiful Corona del Mar, Farmhouse provides a dining experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else and can be quite romantic. What sets us apart is the unparalleled beauty of Rogers Gardens combined perfectly with a unique cuisine created by Chef Rich Mead.

A photo of The Drake in Laguna restaurant

6. The Drake in Laguna

4.8

Exceptional(1484)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach

Booked 28 times today

We offer seating in 3 spaces,, including our Bar/Lounge, Dining Room/Chef’s Counter or Intimate fire-wall enclosed Patio. Due to space considerations, please contact us directly for larger tables of 6 or more guests.Live entertainment is performed nightly on the main stage in our Dining Room. Tables are by reservation only, for dinner. Hours of Music; Su/M/Tu, 5:30-9:30pm Wed/Thu 6-10pm Fr/Sa 6:30-10:30pm. All Tables in Main Room or Patio, Th/Fr/Sa, are subject to a $10 per person Live music charge, on top of dinner tab. Our dynamic musical line-up of Jazz, R&B, Soul & Contemporary artists, provides an interactive yet intimate experience, in an elegant yet relaxed setting.The Drake features New American cuisine prepared by Award Winning Chef team Paul & Nick Gstrein. Seasonal offerings encompass an ever-evolving menu of unique small plates, steaks, chops, fresh seafood & desserts. Our curated Wine & Spirits selections serve to enhance the dining experience.Meet us at The Drake!

A photo of Javier's Crystal Cove restaurant

7. Javier's Crystal Cove

4.7

Exceptional(231)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Newport Beach

Booked 351 times today

Artistically designed with unique sculptures, Javier's Crystal Cove provides guests with ocean views in a cozy, contemporary atmosphere to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. It opened its doors in 2008 on Newport Beach and is conveniently close to the Crystal Cove Shopping Center. This restaurant offers guests an upscale dining experience with such entrees as the Maine lobster enchilada topped with Monterey jack cheese and grilled chicken breasts braised in chipotle sauce. Javier's Crystal Cove serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes, appetizers and delicious desserts. It has a full bar that features numerous tequilas, cocktails, beers and wine. Javier's Crystal Cove also offers outdoor dining. It accepts reservations over the phone and online.

A photo of Bloom Restaurant + Bar restaurant

8. Bloom Restaurant + Bar

4.8

Exceptional(831)

Price: Moderate

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 38 times today

Orange County-based restaurateur Russ Bendel and partners are bringing a sister restaurant to his thriving wine country concepts to the San Juan Capistrano dining scene.Bloom is an all-encompassing dining experience, featuring craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and craft beer selections. Located directly across from the Mission of San Juan on the corner of Old Mission Road and Camino Capistrano. Check out our website for more information: www.BloomSanJuanCapistrano.comDon't forget to follow us on instagram to stay up to date about Bloom: BloomRestaurantAndBar

A photo of Tavern at the Mission restaurant

9. Tavern at the Mission

4.7

Exceptional(553)

Price: Expensive

• American • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 33 times today

Renowned Orange County restaurateur David Wilhelm, along with longtime partner Gregg Solomon, purchased this iconic location in the heart of charming downtown San Juan Capistrano overlooking the Jewel of the California missions. The menu features many of his signature classic comfort foods such as his Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, French 75's Onion Soup, and Whiskey Shrimp Dijon, featured at his Tavern House Kitchen+Bar in Newport Beach. Chef Wilhelm is a longtime South County resident, well known for the many concepts he has created over the years including Kachina, Sorrento Grille, French 75, Savannah Chophouse and Jimmy's Famous American Tavern. Tavern at the Mission has a large, tree covered, pet friendly patio with beautiful mission views. The interiors have been beautifully renovated with a chandelier lit dining room and a warm central fireplace. Our' Tumbleweed Bar' is designed as an homage to San Juan Capistrano's Equestrian and Vaqueros history.

A photo of Starfish Laguna Beach restaurant

10. Starfish Laguna Beach

4.8

Exceptional(2217)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Asian • Laguna Beach

Booked 46 times today

Thank you for thinking of Starfish Laguna! Indoor & Patio Dining are available! Reservations are strongly encouraged, and available via phone at 949.715.9200.Lunch: Daily from 11a - 3pOpium Hour: Everyday 3p - 6p (dine-in only)Dinner: Daily from 3p - 9pWe offer our full menu for takeout and delivery, with delivery offered in partnership with Doordash or through our website. To place a pickup order, please call 949.715.8205. We look forward to seeing 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

R
RalphVIP
Orange County •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As all times in the past we have enjoyed this restaurant immensely. The food, service and ambiance are outstanding. We regularly see the owner when dining and commend him for the many exemplary employees and their dedication.
More info
Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.CookPrice: Moderate• American• Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
•
4.8
M
Maria
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Booking was easy. The Chicken alpastor, shrimp, mushrooms and crab tacos were all amazing! Cadillac Margaritas by far one of the best! Service was great!
More info
Puesto Los OlivosPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Irvine
•
4.6
J
JamesVIP
Orange County •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The Pizza Is an always appetizer as well as the pate board. We enjoy these 2 items very much. Today we had the Butternut squash soup that was extremely delicious, and we had the Granny apple Gorgonzola salad with Chicken.
More info
Farmhouse at Rogers GardensPrice: Expensive• American• Corona del Mar
•
4.8
A
AndreaVIP
Orange County •109 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great time and great food!!! Love this place, anyone who has never been here before always compliments me on my wonderful dinner choices.
More info
Mangia Bene CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
•
4.7
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

Best Restaurants for Foodies in Lake Forest

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Accessibility

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Puesto Los Olivos

2. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook

3. Mangia Bene Cucina

4. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

5. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

6. The Drake in Laguna

7. Javier's Crystal Cove

8. Bloom Restaurant + Bar

9. Tavern at the Mission

10. Starfish Laguna Beach

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable