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Best Date Night Restaurants in Lake Forest

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100 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4765)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Irvine
Booked 129 times today
Originally opened in 1995, Habana has become an Orange County staple, offering the coastal community a Cuban-Inspired experience through its authentic cuisine and cocktail program. Spanning 20 years as a favorite culinary destination, Habana lends itself perfectly for date night, celebrations and simple moments that have created memories for many.
A photo of Javier's Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(128)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Irvine
Booked 120 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.
A photo of Piccolino Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2129)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 15 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 Fogo de Chao - Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.0
Excellent(2353)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Irvine
Booked 142 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.
A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2754)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 77 times today
CUCINA enoteca is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum! Owner Tracy Borkum's flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento bring their artistry to the table as guests enjoy an open kitchen. The menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Along with a diverse selection of wines by the glass, guests may visit the restaurant's retail area to select from over 200 bottles for dinner (corkage fee of $10 applies) or purchase wine to go. The energetic space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the comfort of an old rustic farmhouse.
A photo of Little Sister - Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1247)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Irvine
Booked 55 times today
Little Sister in Irvine is a great date night spot. Reviewers rave about the 'great ambiance' and 'delicious food.' One reviewer even went on a 'late date dinner' here, indicating it's a perfect spot for evening dining. The menu blends Southeast Asian spices with French techniques, creating a unique and interesting culinary experience.
A photo of Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1798)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 46 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
4.7
Exceptional(2910)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 23 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 Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2290)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Irvine
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 Domenico's on the Lake restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1233)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 24 times today
Orange County's newest upscale dining experience is now open on Lake Mission Viejo! Well known for our iconic location in Long Beach, Domenico’s was one of the first restaurants to serve pizza in California and is famous for our legendary pizzas and amazing Italian and American inspired dishes. Domenico's on the Lake is an upscale take on our original location featuring new steak and seafood entrees, while still featuring the original recipes that have made us an institution in Southern California.NOTE: OUR LAKESIDE PATIO HAS LIMITED SEATING AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED BECAUSE THE DEMAND OFTEN EXCEEDS AVAILABILITY. PATIO SEATING REQUESTS ARE SUBJECT TO A WAIT.
‘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
  • StephanieVIP
    Orange County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Came for Valentine’s Day and was half expecting the possibility of subpar service as is usually the case with many restaurants on Valentine’s Day. But my worries about service were quickly put to rest, as we had a wonderful time dining at little sister. The service was great! I wish I could remember our waiters name cuz he was on top of everything. Orders were taken promptly, but not pushy by any means. They were attentive with drinks, water glasses and clearing of plates. Food was tasty and delivered hot in a timely fashion. I enjoyed the complimentary cold cucumber bites and chocolate at the start and end of our meal respectively. We ordered the pork/shrimp spring rolls, papaya salad, shaky shaky beef, carmelized prawns and garlic noodles. I enjoyed all the dishes, except for maybe the beef. I didn’t love the sauce, as it was reminiscent of a thick soy sauce with not much else going on flavor wise. But my husband enjoyed it, so different strokes for different folks. In any case, next time I want to try the lemongrass beef instead. Anyways, overall I enjoyed my dining experience there, as did my husband. It is a bit on the pricier side for Vietnamese/southeast Asian food. But I guess you’re also paying for the quality of the ambience and service, which may not be as nice at a more authentic hole in the wall type of place.
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    Little Sister - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Irvine
    4.5
  • Dana
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    My husband and I have been coming here for 4 years and each time we’ve come it has ALWAYS been romantic whether it was during the spring, summer, fall, or winter. The ambiance is amazing and the phenomenal servers will go out of their way to make it a romantic night for any couple coming in. The food and drinks are fantastic and worth the price in my opinion. My husband loves their exclusive & unique rum choices! Our valentines day experience will be an experience we’ll never forget, it was beautiful!
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    Habana- Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Irvine
    4.5
  • Case
    New York City •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We have eaten here several times for holidays and just an evening out. The food and service has always been very good. The prices are a little high and the noise level is a little high when the restaurant is crowded.
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    Piccolino RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.8
  • Joanna
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My husband and I celebrated our 2nd year wedding anniversary on Taco Tuesday and had a wonderful dinner and the waitress was kind enough to bring us a slice of Tres Leches cake to share it made the celebration that more special!
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    Puesto Los OlivosPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Irvine
    4.6
  • Shanelle
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Javier's is always a great choice for upscale Mexican food. This date night was on a Monday evening so it was less crowded and more relaxed. I honestly remebered the guacamole to be so much better, but it was still good. Drinks were a bit pricey. Service was A+.
    More info
    Javier's Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Irvine
    4.6
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