From South San Diego and we googled breakfast spots... Checked a few and decided on Forest Cafe for having great pictures and grwat reviews.. This place didnt disapoint. waffle tasted great. Not overcooked. Strawberries and Blueberries tasted fresh. Carne Asada Quesadill had great flavors. Cilantro and sour cream tasted good. Meat was good just hoe i asked it for. Great flavor over all. Green salsa on the side was spicy. Just the perfect amount of kick on the salsa. Definitely recommend this place. And Definitely will be coming back... read more

Forest Cafe - Carne Asada Quesadilla..... Spectacularballs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Forest Cafe. It truly felt like a hidden gem. It is a small cozy spot and when we went after church there was hardly anyone there which made it even better. We originally found it through Yelp and saw people raving about the homemade food and it absolutely lived up to the reviews. I ordered the Denver omelet and it was excellent. The eggs were perfectly airy and creamy without being runny. The flavor was simple but spot on and the avocado paired really well with it. Nothing felt off or overdone. We also tried a few other dishes at the table. The chilaquiles were fantastic. The tortilla chips had a great crunch and were not soggy at all. Even though they looked heavily sauced in pictures the ratio was actually perfect. Enough salsa for flavor while still keeping the chips crispy. The salsa itself was very good and the egg on top was perfectly runny and yolky which was a big plus. The version with added cheese was also great. Service really stood out. One of our friends asked for no cheese on their chilaquiles and it accidentally came out with cheese. The staff handled it so kindly. They took it back immediately and as an apology one of the owners or cooks came out personally and brought us complimentary pancakes. That small gesture really showed how much they care. The owners were incredibly sweet and kept checking in asking if everything was good and sharing how much care and time they put into making everything homemade. You could genuinely feel that passion. Huge props to Forest Cafe. I would absolutely recommend it. A great little brunch and breakfast spot and definitely a place we will be coming back to. read more

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Had breakfast here for the first time today. We ordered very simply; two eggs, pancakes, French toast, orange juice and hot tea. When they charged my ATM Card, it came to a shocking 45.00. I noticed that the wall menu says one price, the counter menu says a higher price ( for the same item), but they charged me more than either of those and when I complained they charge extra if you use credit card. When I noted that I hadn't used a credit card, but my ATM card they said" its all the same" . I objected, but was charged same amount. When they heard me complaining to.my guest, they came over and gave me $2. So it came to 43.00 for two very small breakfasts in a fast food type place. I feel very ripped off and will absolutely never return. read more

Usually we enjoy a good breakfast here but what we got yesterday for Mother's Day was very disappointing! I ordered a Forest omelette, the avocado was brown, the vegetables weren't cut and the whole bottom of the tray had water under the omelette. You can see the napkin I used to soak up the water. I expected the omelette to be a lot better for the price. read more

Forest Cafe - Forest omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This spot is super cute! It's on the smaller side, but they do have outdoor seating. A little outdoor décor would totally level it up though, because right now you're basically sitting in front of the parking lot, but hey, the vibe is still chill. Speaking of parking, there's plenty! I also love that the entry is handicap-friendly, yes, there's a ramp! The inside is a bit tight but you can definitely make it work. The staff was super friendly and welcoming. I just had a fresh donut and coffee, and both were amazing! The donut was so soft and fresh I almost went back for a second one haha. The inside has a fun colorful Frida painting. I actually came here to meet up with a friend from the Rancho Santa Margarita Magazine. She's a little ways from home but totally recommended this spot, so of course I had to check it out. She got the avocado toast and loved it! Their menu is solid and the best part is they can adjust to your needs. If you have allergies, no problem, they make everything fresh so they can easily take out ingredients for you. Overall, I definitely recommend stopping by! With just a few little touches this place will be booming in no time, so go now and enjoy it before everyone else finds out! read more

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Good ambience, service was excellent! The gentleman that brought our food was very attentive. I asked him for spicy salsa I assume he thought I was going to be spiced out, but I actually enjoy habanero and he was so kind to bring me his spicy oil sauce chili and also came back and gave me another one! The gentleman did make an error on the type of sandwich my husband ordered the Turkey sandwich and they gave him the BLT which has pork / Ham. My husband was going to remove the pork and the gentleman said no, it's okay I will bring you back another one. Loved it! Just a small place with outdoor and indoor seating. Could be a little on the pricey side but yummy and delicious food. read more

Forest Cafe - Huevos Rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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We got breakfast here and it was quite tasty! Not at a bad price either. The waitress was so sweet and helpful. We got the crepes and the huevos Mexicanas read more

Unassuming place but the food is so fresh and good!!!! Shrimp enchiladas (5/5) are my favorite i've had anywhere. I randomly went here with a friend after school and have been bringing my family members here one by one to try their food. Workers are also super kind and food does take a while but you know they're making it hot and fresh so it's worth the wait! read more

Forest Cafe - Shrimp enchiladas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The food here is made very authentic and very tasty. The menu is very limited as well as the seating so get here early. Or you might end up eating in your car. read more

The menu is bountiful! So many delicious choices I had a hard time deciding which breakfast item was going to make me the happiest! So I took the servers recommendation and boy, I'm so glad I did ! We sat outside in the shade and enjoyed that our food came out soon after we ordered! The service was superb! Our waitress offered us a special salsa she had made herself since we told her we have a crazy appetite for SPICE! read more

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When you walk in, there is a counter of donuts and typical donut shop seating. Do not be fooled! There is some good breakfast eats happening here! Hubby got the chilaquiles which was a solid brunch. As for me, I went kinda donut shop breakfast style with a egg, bacon, and cheese croissant sans a donut. Meals were made to order. Beverages were orange juice for the hubby and decaf coffee for me. All good. The ladies at the counter are as polite and welcoming. When in the Lake Forest area, we'd definitely stop here again. 4 stars! read more

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This was my third time coming here. The third time was my son birthday this past Saturday 2/1/25. The ladies are always so welcoming and friendly. She definitely made my son birthday and his little sister day. Blessed this restaurant and the associates. Also, the food there is so good. Inside the restaurant seems very cozy, home feels like, comfortable. Everything about it just feels right! Not overwhelming! read more

Forest Cafe - Enjoying their donuts - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Come here if you like HAIR in your food! First and last time here ! Customer service is bland no smiles or nothing. read more

Forest Cafe - Hair - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Super good Mexican food. They were super nice and got me my food as quick as possible. I would highly recommend you give it a try.

The food was excellent and it all tasted so fresh. The donuts were also delicious. Very highly recommend if you want good Mexican food

Don't be deceived that it's a doughnut shop, because it is much more. First time here, and I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, and it was one of the best I have ever had. My daughter ordered a bacon breakfast burrito with fresh roasted potatoes. Their fresh squeezed orange juice was so refreshing. I will definitely make this a breakfast spot for me. Remember to do random acts of kindness as it will make everyone feel wonderful. Follow me for more awesome reviews Denise read more

Forest Cafe - Breakfast burrito with roasted potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Amazing service and great place to have breakfast lunch or brunch ! I picked up donuts for my daughter's team and the lady working there gifted me an extra box of donuts when she knew it is going for school kids!! What a Great heart and big bonus is the AMAZING Amount of delicious donuts that was in there. It has been my go to during the week days and also in the weekends. read more

Bacon, egg, and cheese croissant with the house made green salsa is fire! They press the croissant into the flat top and get it nice and crispy read more

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On a gloomy day like this, I needed, just an ounce of light, but to no surprise, was I brought no delight, at the taste, of the breakfast--overpriced. It is UNGODLY!!! Food was fine, but so overpriced and not worth it imo. Got my boys order wrong too and he was too shy guy to correct her (that's his fault) but idk how crepe sounds like French toast. read more

Was told this lil "Donut Cafe" had one of the best breakfast burritos by one friend. I go to work and my coworker tells me about how this place has the best chilaquiles he's had in a while! I had to come check it out so I ordered the chilaquiles and I added chicken! The portion and presentation was nice and the chilaquiles themselves, bomb!! The chicken was so good too glad I decided to add! Have since tried their huevos rancheros and I also give that two thumbs up!! New breakfast spot! read more

Forest Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Small little spot. We got the breakfast burrito which was good, the salsa made that dish. We also got the crepe with nutella but the crepe was served cold which was disappointing. However it was flavorful! The best was the waffle with berries - served hot! But the highlight was actually the fresh orange juice! Just delicious! We will be stopping in for that amazing OJ! read more

Was not too much a fan of the prices vs portion sizes. I spent $75 for 2 adults and 1 toddler. A fair price should have been somewhere around $35-40. read more

Delicious food, very friendly and helpful staff. We had the Huevos Rancheros which aid amazing. The crepes with fresh fruits and Nutella were great too! Their donuts are delish! read more

Went for the first time last week. My wife and I shared the breakfast burrito and the burger with a fried egg. Both were very good, especially the breakfast burrito. We also got some pastries to go. The Apple and Blueberry Fritters were excellent read more

We have been there twice and we loved it, I recommend it, the people who serve are super friendly and the food is delicious. read more

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Great people work here. Mom daughter some of the nicest people. Always with a smile. Donuts are ok but the food is solid. Wife had the enchiladas and loved them. I had a breakfast burrito and thought it was solid. Will be going back. read more

Excellent lighting and friendly staff. Small area for seating and a TV playing news pretty loud. The donuts throw you off a bit but it's really the food that we are here to try right? Coffee is fresh but is a dark bean and smells slightly burnt. Online it shows they open at 6am but they actually open at 5:30am and it says that on the door. The food is amazing and to be honest I would not stay here to eat again due to the loud TV but it seems like a great place to get food to go. read more

Forest Cafe - Donut shop for breakfast? - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Note: Very limited seating indoors. We enjoyed our meals today. The omelettes were said to have good flavor, and the French toast was enjoyable as well. read more

Great food, service and such a cute Cafe! They have renovated the inside and it's really nice. Plus they give Krispy Creme donuts a run for their money! We have been weekend regulars for about 2.5 years now and here we are, Thank you! read more

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Really good food. Probably one of the best juevos rancheros I've had in town. Small mom and pop vibes. Breakfast and brunch. read more

Forest Cafe is a small hole in the wall donut and breakfast spot. It is located in a strip mall, I probably would not have found it if not for its reviews on yelp. We stopped in for breakfast on a Saturday morning as we were trying to avoid a breakfast spot that might be super crowded with long waits, it was not crowded at any time during our visit, but several people came in and out quickly to pick up to go orders or donuts. We ordered four different types of breakfast meals and waited about 15-20 minutes for order. The chilaquiles and huevos rancheros were plated beautifully, you would not have thought that they would be presented the way they were by looking at the cafe from the outside. It looks like it is mainly a quick donut stop or order "to go," type of bakery. I had the breakfast burrito with ham which was sadly underwhelming, I should have opted for the chilaquiles, which as I have previously mentioned looked amazing. Everyone else enjoyed their meals, I would return to try a different dish if I am in the area in the future. Service was a little slow (not a problem as we were in no rush, but just a note for someone who might be looking for a quick bite,) maybe order ahead for pick up?? -1 star for cleanliness of the restroom. read more

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The Forest Cafe is better described as a small Mexican restaurant that also sells donuts and croissants. I caught it on a day that things are not at its best, considering its menu board is not working, and it has no paper menu either. Fortunately I already reviewed its menu on Yelp before setting foot inside. My choice today is chilaquiles, an item that is made differently at most Mexican restaurants I visited. I was encouraged when she asked me how I like my eggs. It was served in green sauce with slices of avocado. The portion is decent in and pretty tasty. The cafe is relatively small with only 3 tables inside and 2 outside, as it was a donut shop before. While I didn't get any donut today, I like the apple fritters I saw in the display case. I plan to stop here to pick up donuts and croissants when it's my turn to bring them to meetings. read more

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Delicious food and friendly servers. Portions are fresh and sizes are generous. The place is tiny so tables for a family of 5 was hard to get but we managed. Highly recommend the chilaquiles in green sauce with avocado!! read more

I ordered the breakfast sandwich with Swiss cheese over sourdough bread. Price on the menu show $6.95. Not sure how their math works but I was charged $10.64. Maybe I was charged extra for the sourdough bread. Not sure. It took them on a not busy time over 20 minutes to make me to go order. And then to add insult to injury, they put a different cheese, not Swiss. Not sure if it was American, which I don't consider real cheese. Needless to say, sandwich was so so at best. And I will not be coming back. read more

Their chilaquiles verdes are so delicious and crunchy. The perfect amount of spice. My husband got the pancakes and a side of house potatoes(which was tiny). I will definitely be a regular here ‍ read more

Forest Cafe - Chilaquiles verdes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Amazing service and high quality food always. The beautiful and sweet Deisy helps me with full attention and respect. The ambiance is top of the line and everything is always clean and shiny. Thank you for all you do. I will be back tomorrow and always!! read more

Forest Cafe - Deisy working hard like always! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

HAD TO CHANGE MY RATING FROM 5 s *WENT TODAY (4th of July) and had a whole different experience. To be fair, they were busy, BUT there was something expired in my daughter's nachos. The meat in my burrito tasted old, and the salsa had that zingy taste when it's starting to go bad. Very disappointed. I think the food isn't being rotated, which is a bummer because the lady that owns it (also cashier) is super sweet & I can tell takes pride in the food. She wasn't there today. The gentleman that was running the food out didn't bring us silverware, so I walked back in with him to get it and a salsa... He left me standing inside while he continued to bring out several ppls food.... I had high hopes for this place. Hopefully it's just a fluke. But I don't know if I'll be back Literally left a bad taste in my mouth. read more

First time checking this place today and it did not disappoint. Friendly staff and delicious food. The kids got donuts. Hubby and I ordered the chilaquiles and breakfast burrito. Probably one of the best chilaquiles I've ever had. Lots of flavor with a little bit of heat. We will definitely be back! read more

We stopped in for donuts and coffee. Both were OK, not anything special and selection was limited. Service was great. May be better for food than for a quick stop for donuts and coffee. read more

4.5 Stars. I'm so impressed by this little cafe! I've eaten food from here three times now and each experience has been better than the previous one. The first time I wanted to order a breakfast sandwich to go (ham, egg, and cheese on a croissant) but they were out of croissants for the day so I went with a croissant with ham and cheese already baked in it. It was very tasty but also a bit heavy for me. The second time a friend of mine brought a bag of donuts from Forest Cafe over for breakfast. I was shocked by how tasty the donuts were! There were both raised and cake donuts with a variety of toppings. Clearly freshly made with the most delicious texture (somehow simultaneously fluffy and chewy?!). I was *very* pleasantly surprised. This morning my boyfriend and I went to try their actual breakfasts. He got a sausage breakfast burrito (which came with a spicy/flavorful homemade salsa and breakfast potatoes) and I got the huevos rancheros. He loved his burrito (in his words it was his 2nd favorite breakfast burrito he's ever had in Orange County), and I thoroughly enjoyed my huevos rancheros. It was so flavorful and everything was perfectly cooked. (It's hard to find a well cooked over medium egg and these were literally perfect.) The salsa verde, chorizo, refried black beans, crispy tortillas, eggs, sour cream, avocado - everything was super flavorful and the texture was fantastic. Every bite was a perfect bite. We also got a bear claw donut to share (delicious) and coffee (freshly brewed diner coffee, which I'm personally a big fan of). Service was prompt and friendly. It's a little pricey for a counter service establishment but honestly I think it's super worth it - portions were large and everything was freshly made and delicious. Although it's a relatively small restaurant, there were tables both inside and outside and we enjoyed sitting outside. The only drawback was the plastic utensils, which weren't the best at cutting through the crispy tortillas of my huevos rancheros. Overall I had a fantastic experience and I'm so impressed by the quality and flavor of all of Forest Cafe's offerings that I've had so far. I'm really looking forward to going back and trying more donuts and breakfast items! read more

Forest Cafe - Huevos rancheros and a sausage breakfast burrito - both delicious! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California