Best American Restaurants in Lake Forest

60 restaurants available nearby

A photo of King's Fish House - Laguna Hills restaurant

1. King's Fish House - Laguna Hills

4.7

Exceptional(4884)

Price: Moderate

• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 74 times today

King's Fish House in Laguna Hills is a true gem for lovers of authentic American cuisine, particularly seafood fans. Renowned for its "fresh oysters and seasonal catches," this establishment has been delighting patrons since 1997 with a menu that changes daily to reflect the freshest offerings. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked and delicious" dishes, from the crispy fried shrimp to the flavorful sand dabs. The warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by an attentive staff, ensures every visit is a memorable experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, King's Fish House consistently delivers excellence in American seafood dining.

A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant

2. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook

4.8

Exceptional(2878)

Price: Moderate

• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 40 times today

Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. in Laguna Hills is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, offering a menu crafted with the highest quality seasonal ingredients. Diners rave about their seafood dishes, with one guest exclaiming the halibut was the "best he ever had," while another praised the blue crab baked oysters as "oh so good." The restaurant’s commitment to freshness and authenticity ensures that each seafood dish is prepared meticulously, bringing out flavors that are both vibrant and true to the sea. With an inviting ambiance and stellar service, Ironwood promises an extraordinary dining experience for seafood lovers.

A photo of Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine restaurant

3. Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine

4.5

Awesome(2286)

Price: Expensive

• American • Irvine

Booked 46 times today

Del Frisco's Grille in Irvine offers an exceptional American dining experience, perfectly blending modern elegance with classic bar and grill charm. Known for its "excellent food, drinks, dessert, and service," this vibrant spot serves a tempting menu featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, and innovative twists on American comfort cuisine. With rave reviews highlighting its "super attentive and helpful" staff and "impeccable food," Del Frisco's Grille stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic American flavors. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, guests consistently praise the restaurant's inviting atmosphere and "amazing dining experience."

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

4. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

4.5

Awesome(3271)

Price: Moderate

• American • Irvine

Booked 36 times today

Paul Martin's American Grill in Irvine is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, skillfully elevating classic American dishes to new heights. Nestled in the Irvine Spectrum Center, it offers a polished yet inviting ambiance perfect for any occasion. Diners rave about the "outstanding food and service," emphasizing the delectable hand-cut blackened ribeye, expertly prepared over a live mesquite grill. The menu boasts a variety of exceptional offerings from chicken parmesan to halibut, each dish crafted with precision and flair. With glowing reviews highlighting the "awesome service" and "delicious brunch options," Paul Martin's is a must-visit for those seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American fare.

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Laguna Hills restaurant

5. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Laguna Hills

4.3

Awesome(183)

Price: Moderate

• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 13 times today

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Laguna Hills is a barbecue lover's dream destination. Known for its mouthwatering pork ribs, guests rave about the "excellent food" that never fails to impress. The quality of their barbecue stands out, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance, combined with attentive service, makes each visit memorable. As one satisfied diner noted, "BJ’s never disappoints!" Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a barbecue feast, BJ's delivers with authenticity and flair. It's the perfect spot to savor top-notch barbecue while enjoying a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to return again and again.

A photo of Urban Grill & Wine Bar restaurant

6. Urban Grill & Wine Bar

4.5

Awesome(718)

Price: Moderate

• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 4 times today

Urban Grill & Wine Bar in Foothill Ranch is a must-visit for authentic American cuisine enthusiasts. This neighborhood gem has been celebrated for its "outstanding and fresh" dishes and "exceptional service," making it a favorite for both locals and newcomers. The menu boasts classic American staples like Prime steaks and Alaskan king crab legs, perfectly paired with a top-notch wine list that even connoisseurs rave about. Guests appreciate the warm, friendly atmosphere and the "super yummy cobblers" that end their meals on a sweet note. Whether for a casual night out or a special celebration, Urban Grill delivers an incomparable dining experience.

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

7. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

4.8

Exceptional(1598)

Price: Expensive

• American • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 32 times today

Opah Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo offers an exceptional American dining experience that truly stands out in the heart of Aliso Viejo. Renowned for its consistently great service and high-quality cuisine, this local gem impresses with its diverse menu and meticulous preparation, especially their seafood selections. Regulars rave about the "amazing hazelnut encrusted halibut" and the "delicious bacon-wrapped dates," showcasing authentic American flavors with a gourmet twist. The inviting atmosphere, enhanced by a cozy outdoor patio, makes Opah a favorite spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. With glowing reviews praising the "phenomenal service" and "excellent experience on all points," Opah is a must-visit for anyone seeking stellar American cuisine.

A photo of Dave & Buster's - Irvine restaurant

8. Dave & Buster's - Irvine

3.5

Very Good(134)

Price: Moderate

• American • Irvine

Booked 14 times today

Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

A photo of Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens restaurant

9. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

4.8

Exceptional(11529)

Price: Expensive

• American • Corona del Mar

Booked 230 times today

Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens in Corona del Mar offers an unparalleled Californian culinary experience that truly shines with its fresh, locally sourced, farm-to-fork cuisine. Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of a lush garden center, the restaurant provides a romantic and unique dining ambiance, capturing the essence of Californian flavor. Diners rave about the "absolutely delicious" food and the "fresh and flavorful" dishes, which are expertly crafted by Chef Rich Mead. The seasonal ingredients paired with exclusive wines and craft cocktails make every visit a memorable one. Whether for a special occasion or a casual lunch, Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens promises an authentic taste of California.

A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant

10. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

4.8

Exceptional(10485)

Price: Moderate

• American • Newport Beach

Booked 77 times today

Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, beautifully blending classic dishes with a breathtaking beachfront setting. Nestled in Newport Beach, this gem has been honored as one of OpenTable's "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 in the U.S., solidifying its status as a culinary standout. Diners rave about the "absolutely amazing" food and "incredible" service, often highlighting the Pesto Chicken Pasta and beignets as must-try items. With its unpretentious charm and spectacular views of the Pacific, Beachcomber offers a quintessentially American dining experience where every meal feels like a celebration. Perfect for special occasions or a casual beachside bite!

‘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

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
R
RalphVIP
Orange County •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As all times in the past we have enjoyed this restaurant immensely. The food, service and ambiance are outstanding. We regularly see the owner when dining and commend him for the many exemplary employees and their dedication.
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Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.CookPrice: Moderate• American• Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
•
4.8
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
W
Walter
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food was fantastic. Our server, Rodney, was the best of the best! I hope they keep him on when they transition to Mastro's.
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Del Frisco's Grille - IrvinePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Irvine
•
4.5
J
Janice
Orange County •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 1, 2025
Our server Jacob was just the best. He served 12 CA women with patience and grace. He's the best.
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BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Laguna HillsPrice: Moderate• American• Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
•
4.3

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Best American Restaurants in Lake Forest

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60 restaurants available nearby

1. King's Fish House - Laguna Hills

2. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook

3. Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine

4. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine

5. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Laguna Hills

6. Urban Grill & Wine Bar

7. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

8. Dave & Buster's - Irvine

9. Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

10. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

See what locals rave about

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