Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Lake Forest

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine restaurant

1. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Irvine

Booked 25 times today

Paul Martin's American Grill in Irvine is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, skillfully elevating classic American dishes to new heights. Nestled in the Irvine Spectrum Center, it offers a polished yet inviting ambiance perfect for any occasion. Diners rave about the "outstanding food and service," emphasizing the delectable hand-cut blackened ribeye, expertly prepared over a live mesquite grill. The menu boasts a variety of exceptional offerings from chicken parmesan to halibut, each dish crafted with precision and flair. With glowing reviews highlighting the "awesome service" and "delicious brunch options," Paul Martin's is a must-visit for those seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American fare.

A photo of The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach restaurant

2. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach

4.7

Exceptional(2068)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Laguna Beach

Booked 19 times today

Located in the picturesque Montage Laguna Beach, The Loft offers an exceptional American dining experience with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Celebrated for its creative take on American cuisine, the restaurant brilliantly combines California regional influences with classic American flavors. Guests rave about the "coffee crusted New York strip," describing it as "perfection" and a "unique and tantalizing experience." The service at The Loft is consistently praised as "stellar," with attentive staff making every visit memorable. Whether it's a special celebration or a casual outing, The Loft promises an unforgettable dining adventure that captures the essence of authentic American cuisine.

A photo of The Drake in Laguna restaurant

3. The Drake in Laguna

4.8

Exceptional(1483)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Laguna Beach

Booked 32 times today

The Drake in Laguna Beach is a seafood lover's paradise, celebrated for its “phenomenal” seafood dishes that consistently impress diners. This charming restaurant offers an exquisite blend of New American cuisine with a keen emphasis on fresh, flavorful seafood. Diners rave about the “outstanding” salmon and halibut, often described as “perfectly cooked” and “deliciously presented.” The Drake's commitment to quality is evident in every bite, with seasonal offerings that highlight the ocean's bounty. Alongside the delectable cuisine, the ambiance is enhanced by live jazz performances, creating a vibrant, memorable dining experience that is truly “special” and not to be missed.

A photo of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin restaurant

4. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin

4.4

Awesome(2649)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Tustin

Booked 14 times today

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin is a steak lover's paradise, renowned for its exquisite steak dishes that are "cooked to perfection" and bursting with flavor. Nestled in a sophisticated setting, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is both upscale and inviting. Diners rave about the rib eye and filet mignon, commending their exceptional taste and perfectly executed preparation. Known for its attentive service and an impressive wine selection from its vast cellar, The Winery ensures a memorable culinary journey. It’s no wonder patrons travel from afar just to savor the authentic steak experience here.

5. Pelican Grill

4.7

Exceptional(3274)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Newport Beach

Booked 36 times today

Pelican Grill, nestled in the serene Newport Coast, offers an unparalleled Californian culinary experience that is both authentic and innovative. This dining gem is celebrated for its commitment to using the freshest local and hyper-local ingredients, sourced from local vendors like Oak Grove Farms. Guests rave about the restaurant's vibrant flavors and impeccable service, with one review highlighting it as "a perfect night out with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere." Whether you're indulging in their wood-fired pizza or savoring caviar, every dish embodies the essence of Californian cuisine. Paired with stunning views and an extensive wine list, Pelican Grill is truly a must-visit.

A photo of Warehouse 72 - Irvine restaurant

6. Warehouse 72 - Irvine

4.5

Awesome(53)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Irvine

Booked 23 times today

Warehouse 72 in Irvine masterfully elevates Contemporary American cuisine, offering diners a “delicious and fantastic” experience with every dish. Nestled within the Hyatt Regency Irvine, this new gem captivates guests with its modern yet inviting atmosphere, complemented by an “amazing” service team. Reviews rave about the “creamy” Truffle Angel Hair pasta and the standout Peruvian Jidori chicken, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to flavor and presentation. The innovative use of a massive 3D digital art installation adds a unique touch, making dining here an “immersive experience.” Perfect for those seeking an exceptional taste of Modern American fare in Southern California.

A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant

7. Larsen at Hotel Laguna

4.5

Awesome(1532)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Laguna Beach

Booked 25 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 Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant

8. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

4.7

Exceptional(724)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Irvine

Booked 49 times today

Nestled in the vibrant city of Irvine, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is a standout in the realm of Gastro Pub cuisine, offering a delightful fusion of upscale dining with the warmth of casual comfort. Known for its "great food and incredible service," Bosscat boasts an impressive whiskey room, housing a vast selection to satisfy any aficionado. This lively establishment is appreciated for its "terrific ambiance" and unique American comfort food, featuring seasonal flavors and creative cocktails. The praised rustic industrial aesthetic adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for gatherings, whether for a "fun, boozy brunch" or a memorable evening out.

A photo of Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge restaurant

9. Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(742)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 9 times today

Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge is a delightful gem nestled in Mission Viejo, offering an authentic American dining experience that seamlessly blends East Coast classics with a West Coast flair. Guests rave about the "amazing delicious food and cocktails," with highlights like the short ribs and lobster tacos. The restaurant's commitment to using "local, quality ingredients" shines through in every dish, ensuring a fresh and flavorful meal. With a cozy ambiance reminiscent of a modern speakeasy and "outstanding service," it’s no wonder diners return for both quiet evenings and lively gatherings. Perfect for date nights or family outings, Scarlet truly stands out as a neighborhood favorite.

10. Harvest

4.7

Exceptional(2437)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Laguna Beach

Booked 32 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

S
Scott
Orange County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Classy place with great service and food quality. Pricey but you get what you pay for. Don't go there if you can't afford it but treat yourself to something special if you can.
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The Drake in LagunaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Laguna Beach
•
4.8
G
Gladys
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Very easy to schedule our reservation. Unfortunately we were running about 20 minutes late so we called the restaurant and they were able to hold our reservation. We ended up sitting at the bar and our server, who was the bartender, was awesome. Had the prime rib special and it was cooked perfectly.
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Paul Martin's American Grill - IrvinePrice: Moderate• American• Irvine
•
4.5
C
ClairVIP
Las Vegas •95 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
A great experience available all day for your breakfast, lunch or dinner needs. Great food and service in a wonderful atmosphere within the Mission Inn, Riverside. Always a stop when visiting the Mission Inn for a night or two.
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Mission Inn RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Riverside
•
4
M
MaryAnnVIP
Los Angeles •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our waitress was in the bar area and she was genuinely amazing. The food was great. We haven’t been to this restaurant in awhile. We missed it.
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A Restaurant - Original Location on Newport BlvdPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Newport Beach
•
4.8
M
mike d.VIP
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We enjoyed Saturday Brunch for my wife's 50th birthday. The food and service was excellent and we appreciate the "pastries of gratitude" to make the celebaration even better.
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The Loft at Montage Laguna BeachPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Laguna Beach
•
4.7

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Lake Forest

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18 restaurants available nearby

1. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

2. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach

3. The Drake in Laguna

4. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin

5. Pelican Grill

6. Warehouse 72 - Irvine

7. Larsen at Hotel Laguna

8. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

9. Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge

10. Harvest

See what locals rave about

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