Best Lunch Restaurants in Lake Forest

102 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant

1. Habana- Irvine Spectrum

4.6

Exceptional(4702)

Price: Expensive

• Cuban • Irvine

Booked 130 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 CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant

2. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(2733)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 67 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 Javier's Irvine Spectrum restaurant

3. Javier's Irvine Spectrum

4.6

Exceptional(88)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Irvine

Booked 167 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 King's Fish House - Laguna Hills restaurant

4. King's Fish House - Laguna Hills

4.7

Exceptional(4884)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 78 times today

Established in 1997, King’s Fish House is Laguna Hills’ choice for seafood. Located near the Laguna Hills Mall, King’s Fish House features a large selection of fresh oysters, seasonal catches, sushi and live shellfish, including lobster and crab, on a menu that changes daily.We’ve been in restaurants a little while – three generations, to be precise. A long time ago, we embarked on a road trip in search of the ultimate seafood experience. We traveled down highways and byways, pulled up a seat, put on bibs and soaked up the seafood experience: the no-name dishes with unforgettable flavor, the fresh-caught oysters and clams piled high, the hand-lettered specials on ancient chalkboards and the savory simmer of every combination of spices imaginable.Welcome to the House that Seafood Built.Come gather with us, celebrate, relax and enjoy a seafood dining experience of high quality, comfort, service and value.

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

5. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

4.5

Awesome(3271)

Price: Moderate

• American • Irvine

Booked 33 times today

Order a glass of your favorite sauvignon blanc and share a plate of Town Dock calamari with friends or family at Paul Martin’s American Grill in the Irvine Spectrum Center. Or savor an indulgent hand-cut blackened ribeye masterfully prepared over the live fire of our mesquite grill. Paul Martin’s serves classic American cuisine elevated to a higher standard in our polished yet welcoming dining room that invites business luncheons, date nights, and camaraderie in equal measure.

A photo of Little Sister - Irvine restaurant

6. Little Sister - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(1233)

Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Irvine

Booked 74 times today

East-Meets-West dishes that inspire and evoke a feeling of being welcomed into Chef Vuong's home. Little Sister's menu showcases Chef Tin's take on one of the more interesting and rich collisions of food and culture that was borne out of the European colonization of Southeast Asia.Dishes blend and balance the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia with French techniques and Dutch and British colonial influences. The menu is continually and progressively evolving, reflecting inspiration and the seasons. Chef Tin curates the restaurant's wine and beverage program with a focus on intriguing labels, both domestically and from around the world.

7. Puesto Los Olivos

4.6

Exceptional(1781)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine

Booked 45 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 Fogo de Chao - Irvine Spectrum restaurant

8. Fogo de Chao - Irvine Spectrum

4.1

Excellent(2305)

Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Irvine

Booked 104 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 Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine restaurant

9. Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine

4.5

Awesome(2286)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Irvine

Booked 48 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 Urban Grill & Wine Bar restaurant

10. Urban Grill & Wine Bar

4.5

Awesome(718)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 4 times today

Urban Grill and Wine Bar is a unique upscale eatery offering gourmet comfort food and boutique wine served by friendly, Knowledgeable staff. The inside of the restaurant is casual yet refined, offering an atmosphere that is ideal for a business lunch or a meal before going out for the night. Urban Grill is a popular spot, and guests are always welcome to grab a seat at the bar while they are waiting and order one of the refreshing and creative cocktails.The menu offers aspects of delicious cuisine from around the globe. Appetizers include an Australian lamb chop, chicken or tofu lettuce wraps, an ahi tuna poke and an artisan cheese board, to name a few. The entrée menu keeps the delicious flavors rolling. Signature dishes at Urban Grill and Wine Bar include Alaskan king crab legs, Prime steaks and chops, Mediterranean-style chicken with olives and artichokes, fish and chips and a vegetable pasta primavera.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
beth
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I really like Kings. It’s a really nice place to celebrate a bday! The food is good and you are not rushed to finish and get out. The staff is all very pleasant and want you to have a gd experience. Some areas of the restaurant are noisy, so I like to go on the early side before it gets busy.
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King's Fish House - Laguna HillsPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
•
4.7
P
Peter
Las Vegas •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food, service was outstanding, and loved the ambience for my birthday dinner. Great experience and definitely would go back!
More info
Habana- Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Irvine
•
4.6
D
DeAnna
Hawaii •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The stuffed squash blossoms were unique and tasty. I shared my salad which was kale and spinach with goat cheese and persimmons which was all light but very favorable and not too sweet. The service was exceptional.
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CUCINA enoteca - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
•
4.6
G
Gladys
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Very easy to schedule our reservation. Unfortunately we were running about 20 minutes late so we called the restaurant and they were able to hold our reservation. We ended up sitting at the bar and our server, who was the bartender, was awesome. Had the prime rib special and it was cooked perfectly.
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Paul Martin's American Grill - IrvinePrice: Moderate• American• Irvine
•
4.5
V
Victor
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
enjoyed the enchiladas de camarón very delicious including the mexican rice on the side.
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Javier's Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Irvine
•
4.6

Best Lunch Restaurants in Lake Forest

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102 restaurants available nearby

1. Habana- Irvine Spectrum

2. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

3. Javier's Irvine Spectrum

4. King's Fish House - Laguna Hills

5. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

6. Little Sister - Irvine

7. Puesto Los Olivos

8. Fogo de Chao - Irvine Spectrum

9. Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine

10. Urban Grill & Wine Bar

See what locals rave about

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