Best Authentic Restaurants in Lake Forest

44 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant

1. Habana- Irvine Spectrum

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Cuban • Irvine

Booked 144 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.

2. Puesto Los Olivos

4.6

Exceptional(1763)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine

Booked 55 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

4.5

Awesome(1214)

Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Irvine

Booked 54 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

4.8

Exceptional(173)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 15 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(320)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 27 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(1970)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 44 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

4.8

Exceptional(2057)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 22 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 Hacienda on the Lake restaurant

9. Hacienda on the Lake

4.4

Awesome(136)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 7 times today

Hacienda on the Lake is a beloved spot in Mission Viejo that offers a truly authentic Mexican experience. The restaurant's ambiance, featuring spectacular lake views, has been praised in numerous reviews. One reviewer mentioned the 'real authentic Mexico feel'. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers, seafood, and grilled entrees. They also have a catering service, perfect for planning special occasions. Overall, Hacienda on the Lake is a perfect place for those looking for an authentic Mexican dining experience.

A photo of Delizie Ristorante & Bar restaurant

10. Delizie Ristorante & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(945)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 24 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.

‘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

R
Robertvip
San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
5.0
Dined today
I've been to Oliver's several times with my GF. Food and service is always excellent. However, it's very pricey especially for being in a shopping center sharing a parking lot with Albertsons. I do recommend it for the food and service.
More info
Oliver’s TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Irvine
•
4.8
D
Dawne
Orange County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Another great experience at Little Sister! Service was on point and the food was amazing. We will be back!
More info
Little Sister - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Irvine
•
4.5
T
Terivip
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •77 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food, service and atmosphere were all great! I love the special touch of receiving a glass of bubbly as you walk through the door!
More info
Habana- Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Irvine
•
4.5
D
Debravip
Orange County •61 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Jacob is always friendly and he works hard to make the experience great!
More info
Fennel Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
•
4.8
M
maureen
Orange County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 13, 2024
Fantastic, fun time at Puesto Los Olivos again. Food was delicious! We had the salsa bar (all the salsas were fantastic. The table's favorites ended up being the sweet, smoky pineapple and the smoky tomato), classic guacamole and various tacos for Taco Tuesday. I had the Verduras taco with no cheese because I'm vegan. I appreciate that they always accommodate that request. It is delicious! Other people at the table had the filet mignon, short rib and carnitas tacos. The favorite was the short rib taco. The ambiance is fantastic at this location. We sat out on their beautiful, festive patio, with hanging lights and heat lamps. This is always a favorite!
More info
Puesto Los OlivosPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Irvine
•
4.6

Best Authentic Restaurants in Lake Forest

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44 restaurants available nearby

1. Habana- Irvine Spectrum

2. Puesto Los Olivos

3. Little Sister - Irvine

4. Fennel Kitchen & Bar

5. Oliver’s Trattoria

6. Brio Italian Grille - Irvine - Spectrum Center

7. Piccolino Ristorante

8. Capital Seafood - Irvine Spectrum

9. Hacienda on the Lake

10. Delizie Ristorante & Bar

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