Best Cozy Restaurants in Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

South Orange County

Neighborhoods

Aliso Viejo / Laguna NiguelCorona del MarDana Point / Monarch BeachIrvineLaguna BeachLaguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

61 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant

1. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook

4.7

Exceptional(2924)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 43 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 Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera Ranch restaurant

2. Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera Ranch

4.6

Exceptional(273)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Winery • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 31 times today

Discover the epitome of outdoor and indoor dining excellence at Rancho Capistrano Winery in Ladera Ranch. Our expansive wrap-around heated deck offers breathtaking views of the picturesque Ladera Town Green park, creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience. Plus, enjoy the convenience of abundant free parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit every time. We offer over 35 of our own wines created from some of the finest vineyards in the west coast and a food menu that has won over 40 "Best of" awards.

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant

3. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.7

Exceptional(2765)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 43 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 Domenico's on the Lake restaurant

4. Domenico's on the Lake

4.8

Exceptional(1250)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 37 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.

A photo of Delizie Ristorante & Bar restaurant

5. Delizie Ristorante & Bar

4.9

Exceptional(967)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 16 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 Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant

6. Mangia Bene Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(692)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 16 times today

Mangia Bene Cucina is cozy because of its vibrant and friendly atmosphere. As one reviewer mentioned, it's a 'comfortable spot' with 'great service' and 'great Italian food.' It's also described as a 'neighborhood restaurant' where people enjoy going, which speaks to its warm and welcoming vibe. Another reviewer said it's 'nice to have a local neighborhood spot.'

A photo of O'Neill's Bar & Grill restaurant

7. O'Neill's Bar & Grill

4.8

Exceptional(1129)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 7 times today

O'Neill's - our 4,600 square foot bar and grill - is a very popular place after a round of golf. Enjoy great meals and cocktails while you also take in the breathtaking views of the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, Trabuco Creek, and the course.

8. Tastes of Greece

4.7

Exceptional(408)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Greek • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 6 times today

Tastes of Greece – Authentic Greek Cuisine in Laguna Niguel, CAIndulge in fresh, homestyle Greek dishes at Tastes of Greece, a family-owned gem in the heart of Laguna Niguel. Our menu features traditional favorites like moussaka, souvlaki, lamb gyros, spanakopita, and fresh seafood, crafted with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with charming indoor dining and relaxing outdoor seating, perfect for families, date nights, or gatherings. Pair your meal with a curated selection of fine Greek wines and end on a sweet note with our delicious baklava.Conveniently located in Crown Valley Plaza, we are dedicated to serving memorable meals with exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a casual lunch, or reserving a table for dinner, experience the finest Greek dining in Orange County. Reserve your table today and savor the flavors of Greece without leaving Laguna Niguel.

A photo of Javier's Crystal Cove restaurant

9. Javier's Crystal Cove

4.7

Exceptional(399)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Newport Beach

Booked 325 times today

Artistically designed with unique sculptures, Javier's Crystal Cove provides guests with ocean views in a cozy, contemporary atmosphere to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. It opened its doors in 2008 on Newport Beach and is conveniently close to the Crystal Cove Shopping Center. This restaurant offers guests an upscale dining experience with such entrees as the Maine lobster enchilada topped with Monterey jack cheese and grilled chicken breasts braised in chipotle sauce. Javier's Crystal Cove serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes, appetizers and delicious desserts. It has a full bar that features numerous tequilas, cocktails, beers and wine. Javier's Crystal Cove also offers outdoor dining. It accepts reservations over the phone and online.

A photo of Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens restaurant

10. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

4.8

Exceptional(11722)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Corona del Mar

Booked 191 times today

We are excited for your visit, and welcome you to experience our beautiful outdoor dining room in Newport Beach. That being said we are outdoors and encourage all guest to dress appropriate to the season. We have added a beautiful heated covered awning for the winter months. We offer blankets for sale that can be kept, or left behind and donated to a local charity we support. We will still be requesting a two hour dinning limit per visit.Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens offers the freshest, locally sourced , seasonal farm-to-fork cuisine paired with exclusive wines and craft cocktails and beers. Located on a seven acre home and garden center in the heart of beautiful Corona del Mar, Farmhouse provides a dining experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else and can be quite romantic. What sets us apart is the unparalleled beauty of Rogers Gardens combined perfectly with a unique cuisine created by Chef Rich Mead.

‘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
Kathleen
Orange County •20 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
First time dining here. Food was very good. The salmon could have used more flavor but was cooked perfectly. The fungi flatbread was perfect. I could have eaten several of them myself. The beet salad was very flavorful and a lovely blend of flavors.
More info
Rancho Capistrano Winery - Ladera RanchPrice: Moderate• Winery• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.6
T
Tracy
Orange County •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We always enjoy Ironwood. Their craft cocktails are interesting and delicious, and we love the duck wing appetizers. Our server was fun and attentive. It's a little pricy, but worth it, especially for special occasions.
More info
Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.CookPrice: Moderate• American• Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
•
4.7
S
Saray
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Frist time eating at Cucina. I loved it! Wonderful experience!
More info
CUCINA enoteca - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
•
4.7
D
DebraVIP
Orange County •211 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Delize delivers - you can count on their kitchen to make each meal as you wish it to be prepared. Our group included those who wanted all vegetables as sides (gasp, no pasta or potatoes!) and our waiter answered "of course, no problem". We've been coming here for years and the high standards of service and the quality of the food will keep us coming back again and again.
More info
Delizie Ristorante & BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.9
S
Suzanne
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 7, 2025
service was excellent. I had the Shrimp Scampi which was delicious. Overall very good!
More info
Domenico's on the LakePrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.8

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