4 Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants In Lake Forest

4 restaurants available nearby

1. Puesto Los Olivos

4.6

Exceptional(1773)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Irvine

Booked 51 times today

Puesto Los Olivos in Irvine stands out as a beacon of Mexican culinary excellence, celebrated for its innovative take on traditional flavors. Owned by a Mexican American family, the restaurant prides itself on creating memories around tacos. It features Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos that have earned national acclaim, as highlighted by prestigious media outlets like National Geographic and LA Times. Patrons rave about the authentic and distinct offerings, with one exclaiming, "The food never disappoints! The tacos are great and so are the cocktails." The use of non-GMO, organic maíz azul tortillas and a menu crafted by Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales ensures every dish is a masterpiece, truly encapsulating the spirit of Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.

A photo of Hacienda on the Lake restaurant

2. Hacienda on the Lake

4.5

Awesome(138)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 7 times today

Experience the vibrant spirit of traditional Mexican cuisine at Hacienda on the Lake, nestled in the picturesque settings of Mission Viejo. Praised for its authentic flavors, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that delights with classics such as enchiladas, fajitas, and freshly made guacamole. Patrons rave about the "amazing views and great food," highlighting dishes like the "Las Brisas, a perfect combination of chicken enchilada and chile relleno." The ambiance, enhanced by stunning lake views, makes every meal special, ensuring a memorable dining experience. As one satisfied diner put it, "The food, ambience, and service are fabulous!" making Hacienda on the Lake a must-visit for lovers of genuine Mexican fare.

3. Puesto Park Place

4.5

Awesome(1092)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary mexican • Irvine

Booked 40 times today

Puesto Park Place in Irvine stands out as a premier Cocktail Bar, drawing accolades for its innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors and its stylish, upbeat ambiance. Patrons rave about the handcrafted margaritas, with one reviewer exclaiming, "The Cadillac margarita was so tasty!" Another noted, "The 4 Copas Cadillac Margarita was exceptional." Puesto's cocktail menu is designed to complement their exquisite food offerings, enhancing the overall dining experience. Guests consistently praise the variety and creativity of the drinks, with a special shoutout to the "refreshing and flavorful" beverages that make every visit memorable. Whether it's a casual outing or a special occasion, Puesto Park Place delivers a cocktail experience that's both authentic and unforgettable.

4. Xacalli Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(257)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary mexican • Silverado

Booked 1 time today

Nestled in the historical mining town of Silverado Canyon, Xacalli Kitchen is a beacon of modern Mexican cuisine where Executive Chef Vincent Espinoza crafts visually stunning and palate-enticing dishes using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. This chef-driven gem is celebrated for its "amazing farm-to-table" offerings and "beautiful presentation" that faithfully adhere to the authenticity of regional Mexican flavors. Reviewers rave about the "best ever tacos" and the "flavorful ceviche," proclaiming Xacalli as a "true dining experience" that's "worth the drive." Its rustic yet friendly ambiance complements the innovative menu, making Xacalli Kitchen a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional Mexican culinary adventure.

‘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.

Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in Lake Forest

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4 restaurants available nearby

1. Puesto Los Olivos

2. Hacienda on the Lake

3. Puesto Park Place

4. Xacalli Kitchen

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