Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County

Best Authentic Restaurants in Lake Forest

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighbourhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

47 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4702)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Irvine
Booked 141 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(1781)
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
4.6
Exceptional(1233)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Irvine
Booked 74 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(182)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 21 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
4.8
Exceptional(350)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 46 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
3.5
Very Good(1989)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 18 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 Piccolino Ristorante restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2095)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 32 times today
A Sicilian by way of Chicago, from a family of Sicilian chefs and restaurateurs. He made a name for himself, serving Orange County for 30 years. Piccolino serves some of the best Italian inspirations in Orange County. Piccolino retains its Sicilian philosophy and passion for food by combining traditional old-world flavors and contemporary infusions. When Salvatore Faso opened Piccolino Ristorante in 2007, his goal was simple: to combine his lifelong experiences in the finest Italian restaurants with the finest ingredients, authenticity, preparation, and his passion for the Canyon and its surrounding communities. Piccolino Ristorante serves regional Italian cuisine, including artisan-made pasta, fresh wild-caught fish, and the finest meats and poultry on the market daily. Vintage décor, white tablecloths, and candlelit tables provide a romantic dining experience."Chi mangia bene, Vive bene!""La buona cucina rende allegria!"Buon Appetito & Mille Grazie, ci si vede presto!
A photo of Mint restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(7)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 11 times today
Mint restaurant looks forward to welcoming you soon!
A photo of Capital Seafood - Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.0
Excellent(645)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Irvine
PLEASE CALL IN FOR LUNCH RESERVATIONSWelcome to Capital's newest restaurant concept. Located in the heart of Orange County inside Irvine Spectrum. With much success in its other location in the Diamond Jamboree center, Capital decided to launch another location in the O.C. Capital is most known for its award winning dim sum and fresh seafood selections. With over 100 dim sum selections to choose from daily and great fresh seafood offerings. Dim Sum favorites such as Sui Mai, Shrimp Har Gow and Baked B.B.Q. Buns are customer favorites to name a few. Live Seafood offerings from our 300 gallon tanks consist of Alaskan King Crab, Maine Lobsters, Dungeness Crab and Catch of the Day. This new concept offers a full bar with an outdoor patio dining experience. Reservations are suggested and offsite catering and private dining are available.
A photo of Hacienda on the Lake restaurant
4.5
Awesome(138)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 5 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.
‘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
  • 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
  • Peter
    Las Vegas •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food, service was outstanding, and loved the ambience for my birthday dinner. Great experience and definitely would go back!
    More info
    Habana- Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Irvine
    4.6
  • BrendaVIP
    Los Angeles •36 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Food is fabulous - best eggplant parmigiana I've had in ages - no breading that I can tell and totally cheesy with a wonderful marinara sauce. Capraccio di mango was very good and I appreciated the addition of shaved artichokes and generous shavings of parmesano reggiano. Service was weird - very quiet at the time, but kept having to flag the waiter down for items or refills. Our first trip there, service by a young lady was excellent, so wont let this stop me from coming back, but it was definitely less than warm, friendly or welcoming. I like the patio seating best!
    More info
    Oliver’s TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Irvine
    4.8
  • AmyVIP
    Los Angeles •419 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    My husband and I love this restaurant. We shared the fresh shrimp and pork spring rolls. The shrimp were a nice size. We also ordered the crispy tofu with eggplant and black rice, the chicken and shiitake dumplings, and the salmon. We didn’t realize how large the portions were! Everything was so delicious and cooked perfectly! Service by Adam was excellent. He was very personable and professional.
    More info
    Little Sister - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Irvine
    4.6
  • GENCAY
    Orange County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 21, 2024
    Overall, the food was really delicious and our server was really nice. The variety of food options was also pretty impressive. We really enjoyed our experience.
    More info
    Fennel Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
    4.7
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo