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Best Authentic Restaurants in Lake Forest

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48 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant
1. Habana- Irvine Spectrum
4.5
Awesome(4665)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Irvine
Booked 95 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
2. Puesto Los Olivos
4.6
Exceptional(1775)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 34 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
3. Little Sister - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(1225)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Irvine
Booked 48 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. Fennel Kitchen & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(181)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 9 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
5. Oliver’s Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(337)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 36 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
6. Brio Italian Grille - Irvine - Spectrum Center
3.6
Very Good(1976)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 50 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
7. Piccolino Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(2071)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 25 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 Capital Seafood - Irvine Spectrum restaurant
8. Capital Seafood - Irvine Spectrum
4.0
Excellent(646)
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 Delizie Ristorante & Bar restaurant
9. Delizie Ristorante & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(950)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 13 times today
Chef Santiago is at the helm of this South County Favorite. Delizie offers daily specials including homemade pastas, imported Italian delicatessens, and the freshest fish and meats available daily as well as an extensive listing of wines from California and Italy. Delizie also features a full bar and banquet room, available for private parties.
A photo of Mint restaurant
10. Mint
5.0
Exceptional(5)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 5 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
  • Erika
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had an absolutely fantastic experience at Habana! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere great and inviting, with a perfect balance of fun energy and sophistication. The food was exceptional—every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. What truly made our visit unforgettable, though, was our server, Beto. They were incredibly attentive without being overbearing and made us feel so welcomed. His friendly demeanor and attention to detail made my husband's birthday celebration seamless and enjoyable. I can’t recommend Habana enough, and I’ll definitely be back. Thank you to the entire team for such a wonderful experience!
    More info
    Habana- Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Irvine
    •
    4.5
  • GENCAY
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    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
  • kathie
    Orange County •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great experience. So glad they added enchiladas to their amazing taco menu. The mole enchilada was delicious.
    More info
    Puesto Los OlivosPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Irvine
    •
    4.6
  • AmyVIP
    Los Angeles •417 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    3 of us went for lunch. We shared the speck pizza and it was delicious! The crust was crisp and chewy - so good. My friend had the lasagna. It was a huge portion and was so good. My husband had the salmon. He loved it! It came with veggies and potatoes. I was not that hungry so ordered the soup of the day which was lentil soup. It was a nice portion and was also very tasty. Service by Victor was excellent. He was very efficient and had a great sense of humor. Great restaurant !
    More info
    Oliver’s TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Irvine
    •
    4.8
  • DanielleVIP
    Orange County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    Huge portions you get your moneys worth and very tasty too! Great service!
    More info
    Little Sister - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Irvine
    •
    4.6

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