Best Southwest American Restaurants in Lake Forest

74 restaurants available nearby

A photo of King's Fish House - Laguna Hills restaurant

1. King's Fish House - Laguna Hills

4.7

Exceptional(4860)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 92 times today

King's Fish House in Laguna Hills, established in 1997, has become a beacon for seafood lovers seeking authenticity and quality. Located conveniently near the Laguna Hills Mall, it offers a vibrant selection of fresh oysters, seasonal catches, and live shellfish that keep the menu exciting and dynamic. Patrons rave about the "EXCELLENT jumbo shrimp and oysters" and the memorable "macadamia nut halibut," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to freshness and flavor. Reviews frequently commend King's for its "outstanding" service and atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for both special occasions and casual dining. Whether it's the welcoming staff or the meticulously prepared seafood, King's Fish House is celebrated for delivering a consistently delightful dining experience, underscored by glowing testimonials like, "Always delicious" and "the best seafood experience."

A photo of Javier's Irvine Spectrum restaurant

2. Javier's Irvine Spectrum

4.6

Exceptional(71)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Irvine

Booked 191 times today

Javier's Irvine Spectrum serves original Mexican cuisine. Opened in 2004 and located close to the 405 and 5 freeways, the restaurant offers numerous entrees and combo meals. Javier's Irvine Spectrum selects and serves only the freshest ingredients, including sustainable and in-season seafood, natural chicken and center-cut #1 prime Angus beef. Every dish is prepared fresh to order, and guests may sit in the spacious main dining room, on the intimate patio, at the bar or in a private dining area.The dining room is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 11:00 p.m. Javier's Irvine Spectrum's full bar is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Reservations are accepted.

3. Puesto Los Olivos

4.6

Exceptional(1776)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Irvine

Booked 50 times today

Puesto Los Olivos in Irvine stands out as a beacon of Mexican culinary excellence, celebrated for its innovative take on traditional flavors. Owned by a Mexican American family, the restaurant prides itself on creating memories around tacos. It features Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos that have earned national acclaim, as highlighted by prestigious media outlets like National Geographic and LA Times. Patrons rave about the authentic and distinct offerings, with one exclaiming, "The food never disappoints! The tacos are great and so are the cocktails." The use of non-GMO, organic maíz azul tortillas and a menu crafted by Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales ensures every dish is a masterpiece, truly encapsulating the spirit of Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Laguna Hills restaurant

4. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Laguna Hills

4.4

Awesome(181)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 27 times today

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant

5. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook

4.8

Exceptional(2870)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 41 times today

At Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook in Laguna Hills, the Steakhouse cuisine is a testament to culinary excellence, drawing rave reviews for its high-quality, well-crafted dishes. Diners consistently praise the "perfectly cooked" bone-in ribeye and celebrate the restaurant for its authentic Steakhouse offerings that stand out in the neighborhood. The use of seasonal, scratch-made ingredients enhances each dish, providing a fresh and flavorful experience. Guests are treated with exceptional hospitality, making every dining experience special, as highlighted by one diner who enjoyed a "fantastic meal" complemented by attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. Ironwood's commitment to quality and consistency makes it a top choice for both locals and visitors looking for an outstanding Steakhouse experience in Laguna Hills.

A photo of Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine restaurant

6. Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine

4.4

Awesome(2276)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Irvine

Booked 50 times today

Del Frisco's Grille is a modern and stylish spin on the classic bar and grill, drawing inspiration from bold flavors and market-fresh ingredients. Our menu is a tempting mix of prime steaks, fresh seafood and twists on American comfort cuisine.

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

7. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

4.5

Awesome(3262)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Irvine

Booked 42 times today

Paul Martin's American Grill in Irvine is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful experience with its expertly prepared dishes and inviting atmosphere. Patrons rave about the "excellent food," particularly the "hand-cut blackened ribeye" and the "brick chicken and butter cake," which showcase the restaurant's commitment to elevating classic American dishes. The mesquite grill adds a distinctive touch that enhances the flavors, making each meal memorable. Customers consistently highlight the attentive service and the polished dining room, ideal for everything from business luncheons to special family celebrations. With glowing reviews emphasizing both the quality of the meals and the warmth of the service, Paul Martin's stands out as a premier dining destination for those seeking authentic and sophisticated American fare.

A photo of Hacienda on the Lake restaurant

8. Hacienda on the Lake

4.5

Awesome(138)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 6 times today

Experience the vibrant spirit of traditional Mexican cuisine at Hacienda on the Lake, nestled in the picturesque settings of Mission Viejo. Praised for its authentic flavors, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that delights with classics such as enchiladas, fajitas, and freshly made guacamole. Patrons rave about the "amazing views and great food," highlighting dishes like the "Las Brisas, a perfect combination of chicken enchilada and chile relleno." The ambiance, enhanced by stunning lake views, makes every meal special, ensuring a memorable dining experience. As one satisfied diner put it, "The food, ambience, and service are fabulous!" making Hacienda on the Lake a must-visit for lovers of genuine Mexican fare.

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

9. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

4.8

Exceptional(1596)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 24 times today

Opah Restaurant & Bar in Town Center Aliso Viejo is renowned for serving the finest fresh fish in Orange County, making it a seafood lover's paradise. The expertly curated menu by celebrated Chef Marc A. Cohen features dishes that are both visually stunning and mouthwateringly delicious. Enthusiastic diners rave about their experiences, with one patron exclaiming, "The seafood soup was insanely good!" and another sharing, "The seared Ahi was so good and a very generous portion." Both locals and newcomers are consistently impressed, often highlighting the exceptional service and the quality of dishes like the Cioppino and Day Boat scallops. The ambiance, coupled with a diverse menu and signature martinis, ensures a delightful dining experience for all.

A photo of Urban Grill & Wine Bar restaurant

10. Urban Grill & Wine Bar

4.5

Awesome(716)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 13 times today

Urban Grill and Wine Bar in Foothill Ranch is a true haven for lovers of genuine American cuisine, capturing the essence of gourmet comfort food in every dish. Known for its "delicious flavors" and "top-notch experience," as one glowing review put it, this restaurant sets the standard for American dining with its refined yet cozy atmosphere. Its menu features American classics with a twist, including Prime steaks, artisan cheese boards, and a scrumptious Cobbler that guests rave about. The attentive service and inviting ambiance add to the allure, making it a perfect spot for any occasion—from a casual dinner to a special celebration. As patrons often note, Urban Grill is a "neighborhood gem" that offers an authentic taste of American cuisine at its best.

‘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

K
Kelvin
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was absolutely amazing. The service was impeccable, from the greeter when we first walked in, to our waiter who was god sent. The food was delicious, the drinks were awesome. I loved this place. I will definitely be back and soon, already looking forward to my next visit.
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Cha Cha's Latin KitchenPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Brea / La Habra
•
4.7
D
Denise
San Diego •140 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner experience for the whole family!!! This is our tradition....
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Guadalajara Mexican GrillPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Temecula
•
4.8
P
Priya
Orange County •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
It was our first time, and we enjoyed our experience. We tried the nachos, which were great, loaded with cheese and toppings, as well as a 3-item combo (2 cheese enchiladas and 1 potato taco). The enchiladas and rice were great; the potato filling in the taco and the beans were slightly under seasoned. Service was prompt and attentive (we went on a Saturday, at 5:30). Ambience is nice and we would return again.
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Blind Coyote CantinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Yorba Linda
•
4.4
L
Lillian
Los Angeles •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
I made reservations for a family Christmas brunch. We were immediately greeted and sat by the hostess. Drinks were great. food was good and the place was fairly quiet so we were able to enjoy good conversation and our time together. Service was excellent. Will go back again.
More info
Palenque Kitchen - RiversidePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Riverside
•
4.4

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Lake Forest

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Lake Forest

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74 restaurants available nearby

1. King's Fish House - Laguna Hills

2. Javier's Irvine Spectrum

3. Puesto Los Olivos

4. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Laguna Hills

5. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook

6. Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine

7. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

8. Hacienda on the Lake

9. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

10. Urban Grill & Wine Bar

See what locals rave about

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