Best Californian Restaurants in Lake Forest

22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant

1. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(2717)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Irvine

Booked 55 times today

CUCINA enoteca in Irvine is a gem for those seeking authentic Californian cuisine with a modern twist. Nestled in the vibrant Irvine Spectrum, this restaurant is celebrated for its use of fresh, local, organic, and sustainable ingredients, ensuring each dish supports local producers and delivers exceptional quality. Patrons rave about the diverse menu, with one guest exclaiming, "The Italian chopped salad and Chicken Milanese were amazing!" The ambiance blends contemporary with rustic, offering a dining experience that is both inviting and stylish. Whether you're indulging in their renowned pastas or savoring the perfectly cooked octopus, CUCINA enoteca promises a delightful culinary journey that highlights the best of Californian flavors.

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

2. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

4.8

Exceptional(1581)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 16 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.

3. Pub Thirty-Two

4.6

Exceptional(421)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Located in the heart of Mission Viejo, California, Pub Thirty-Two has become a beacon for seafood lovers seeking quality and authenticity. The restaurant’s farm-to-fork philosophy ensures that every seafood dish, from their praised fish and chips to the exquisite seafood gumbo, is crafted from the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. Patrons consistently rave about the flavorful and well-prepared dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The fish & chips are amazing and the seafood gumbo had large portions, great taste" and another noting the "killer sauce" on their bacon-wrapped shrimp. Pub Thirty-Two's commitment to a seasonal menu not only enhances the dining experience but also supports local agriculture, making each meal a testament to sustainable culinary excellence. Whether it's a lively evening or a cozy dinner, the combination of great food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Pub Thirty-Two a must-visit for seafood aficionados.

4. 230 Forest Avenue

4.9

Exceptional(2825)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 29 times today

At the heart of Laguna Beach, 230 Forest Avenue stands out as a beacon of superb American cuisine. Executive Chef Marc Cohen crafts dishes that are both visually impressive and tantalizing to the taste buds, creating a unique dining experience that blends modern bistro vibes with a martini bar's energy. Patrons rave about the "flashy-to-the-eye" fusion appetizers and entrees, with the Prime Rib sandwich and Fish & Chips hailed as "as good as you'll find!" Frequent diners consistently praise the restaurant for its "always exceptional" food and service, noting menu favorites like the macadamia nut encrusted halibut with mango salsa. The combination of vibrant atmosphere, artistic presentation, and high-quality American dishes makes 230 Forest Avenue a must-visit culinary gem in Laguna Beach.

A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant

5. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

4.8

Exceptional(10395)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Newport Beach

Booked 65 times today

At the Beachcomber Cafe in Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, diners are not only treated to "world-class" oceanfront views but also to some of the finest seafood cuisine that has earned it a spot among the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable. Guests rave about the "scrumptious brioche lobster rolls" and the "Chilean bass dinner" which are just highlights of a menu teeming with fresh, flavorful options. Whether it's enjoying a breakfast with "beignets as an appetizer" or a "wonderful late afternoon dinner," the consistently good food combined with the unbeatable beachside setting ensures every meal is memorable. The Beachcomber Cafe is a true gem for seafood lovers seeking an authentic and delightful dining experience by the sea.

A photo of Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens restaurant

6. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

4.8

Exceptional(11352)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Corona del Mar

Booked 144 times today

Nestled in the enchanting Corona del Mar within Rogers Gardens, Farmhouse offers a quintessentially American dining experience that celebrates the farm-to-fork philosophy. With its locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, each dish crafted by Chef Rich Mead embodies authenticity and culinary innovation. Guests rave about the "falling apart delicious" Corned Beef and the freshness of the farm-to-table salads, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The outdoor setting enhances the dining experience, making every meal feel special and intimate. Farmhouse is not just recommended for its food; it's the ambiance, described as "magical" and "beautiful," that truly captivates. This gem in Newport Beach is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine American dining experience coupled with scenic beauty.

7. Las Brisas

4.3

Awesome(12096)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 84 times today

With world-class hospitality and a chef-curated menu, Las Brisas delivers classic Southern California cuisine and stunning ocean views Enjoy the panoramic view of Laguna Beach's coastline in our elegant dining rooms or relaxing outdoor patio, and you're bound to discover the magic of Las Brisas.

A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant

8. Larsen at Hotel Laguna

4.5

Awesome(1513)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 29 times today

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach, Larsen at Hotel Laguna epitomizes the best of Contemporary American cuisine. Diners rave about the "exceptional service, breathtaking views, and delectable dishes," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. The restaurant's culinary prowess shines with dishes like the praised halibut fish and chips and creatively boozy craft cocktails. Each plate showcases fresh, local ingredients, capturing the essence of modern West Coast flavors. Patrons consistently highlight the "great value" and "top-notch food," with one noting it's "pricey but worth it occasionally," underscoring Larsen's commitment to quality and excellence in every aspect of dining. Whether enjoying a romantic sunset dinner or a lively brunch, Larsen at Hotel Laguna delivers a memorable experience that beautifully marries gourmet food with an idyllic setting.

A photo of Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano restaurant

9. Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano

4.7

Exceptional(408)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 19 times today

At Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano, the essence of Californian cuisine is celebrated with an innovative twist, integrating flavors from the Levant that elevate each dish. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with one customer exclaiming, "The food is so good every time. My partner and I are both Middle Eastern and love the flavor profiles and cuisine here!" This culinary gem artfully combines fresh, local ingredients typical of California with exotic spices and recipes from afar, creating a shared dining experience that's both delightful and unique. The glowing reviews underscore the exceptional service and atmosphere, making Mayfield a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience in California.

10. Harvest

4.7

Exceptional(2410)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 28 times today

Nestled in the picturesque backdrop of Aliso Canyon in Laguna Beach, Harvest epitomizes the essence of Farm-to-table cuisine with a unique Californian twist. Esteemed Executive Chef Kyle St. John crafts seasonal menus that highlight the freshest ingredients directly from the restaurant's own Harvest Farm, ensuring each dish bursts with local flavors and fresh simplicity. Diners consistently rave about the "amazing food and service in a beautiful setting," and praise the "wonderful staff." The restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality shines through in their "out of this world" short ribs and the highly recommended cinnamon bread and pasta. With its stunning views and innovative dishes, Harvest offers an authentic farm-to-table experience that is both memorable and deeply satisfying.

‘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

A
Alice
Orange County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We are all pleasantly surprised that the Beachcomber wasn’t just beach food.. The cocktails were yummly and the food was delicious. We had the ahi nachos, lobster rolls & artichoke as appetizers. Main dishes included cioppino, short rib, ahi over zucchini spaghetti and shrimp linguine. The best was their dessert.. The brownie that had a huge toasted marshmallow on top.. So good and the beignets we also tasty. Potions for all foods were healthy. We will return during the day to enjoy the scenery.. Hearing the waves were just as great and relaxing.
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Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal CovePrice: Moderate• Californian• Newport Beach
•
4.8
L
Liannevip
New York City •102 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Two Thirty Forest is always terrific! The food, the service, the ambience all of it! We’ve been going there for over 20 years! We’ve never been disappointed
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230 Forest AvenuePrice: Moderate• Californian• Laguna Beach
•
4.9
T
Theresa
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
It’s been a while since I’ve been here and I was pleasantly surprised they now have house-made pasta, prepared perfectly Al dente too. Squid ink pasta and short rib pasta are the go-to’s. Prior experience with their bolognese made me not want to come back because it’s really hard to mess up bolognese. I think you just have to know what to order. Italian chopped salad also another great one to try.
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CUCINA enoteca - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
•
4.6
J
Josephvip
Central Kentucky •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Local hangout. Great food. Small staff. Scotch Egg was perfect.
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Pub Thirty-TwoPrice: Moderate• Californian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.6
L
LaBarbara
Las Vegas •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food was amazing! I had Vanessa as my waitress, and she was attentive, professional, and ensure that our evening was enjoyable. It was our first time eating at the restaurant, but will not be our last. Thank you so much and please give props to Vanessa for being a great waitress.
More info
OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso ViejoPrice: Expensive• Californian• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
•
4.8

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Best Californian Restaurants in Lake Forest

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22 restaurants available nearby

1. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

2. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

3. Pub Thirty-Two

4. 230 Forest Avenue

5. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

6. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

7. Las Brisas

8. Larsen at Hotel Laguna

9. Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano

10. Harvest

See what locals rave about

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