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    M Cafe & Grill

    4.3 (569 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Order M Cafe & Grill Takeout or Delivery

    M Cafe & Grill Photos

    Business Info

    M CAFE & GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - M Cafe & Grill

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    Mint Tea
    Howie C.

    What an interesting place. I can here to grab some dinner on a Saturday and got there just after 8 pm. I was greeted and seated quickly and the server was great at answering my menu questions. Mint tea - This is a hot mint tea and come with black tea, fresh mint leaves, and a crystal sugar stick that you can stir into it. I was able to get a tea refill (without a second sugar stick), no issues. Mixed Koubideh Combo - This plate came with one of each koubideh... A beef and a chicken. The chicken skewer was orange and had more seasoning or had been marinated longer than the beef. Both were cooked until there was some browning and char while still maintain juiciness inside. It comes on a huge metal plate which was almost the size of a shield. It's adorned with a lemon wedge, butter packet and a grilled tomato. There is a ton of rice. I wasn't even able to finish half of the rice. Mid meal, at 9 pm, the lights got sexy and a DJ started playing along with a DJ light show. He was spinning pop hits, a little hip-hop and Middle Eastern pop, which got two table of ladies up and dancing. There's a small dance area in the front but all of the dinner tables stay in the same formation. So I'm chomping and there are 30 year old and 60 year old women getting their dance on. Service here is great and the music provided an interesting twist to the night. I do wish the beef koubideh had a little more oomph to it. Other than that, over all it was a pleasurable dining experience in South County!

    Arturo M.

    I really wanted to like this place, but the experience was honestly disappointing from the moment we arrived. We showed up around 1 PM, which should be prime lunch time, and the place was completely empty. Not just quiet, I mean literally no one there, which immediately felt off. Even finding the entrance was confusing, especially if it's your first time. The exterior didn't help either. It looked sun-damaged and like it hadn't been maintained in a while, which set the tone before we even walked in. Once inside, things didn't improve. A guy greeted us briefly and ran to the back, and then another staff member asked if we wanted to sit inside or outside. The first thing we noticed was how stuffy it felt. No airflow, no ventilation, and when I asked if the AC was on, he said no. At that point, it just didn't feel comfortable staying. My friend and I looked at each other like, are we really about to eat here? That feeling alone says a lot. They do have an outdoor seating setup with what looks like Persian-style lounge seating, which could actually be really nice, but even that area didn't look clean or maintained. It had potential, but it just didn't feel inviting. We ended up leaving, and shortly after, another couple walked in and chose to sit outside, probably for the same reason we didn't want to stay inside. Honestly, this place feels like it could have a good vibe if it were busy and properly maintained, but right now it just feels neglected. Between the confusing entrance, lack of upkeep, and uncomfortable indoor environment, it was an easy decision to walk out.

    Ash Reshteh
    Rosie H.

    It's located in a strip mall with plenty of parking. I think I've been to most of the restaurants in this area. It's located on the corner end of the strip mall. There weren't any people inside eating but there seemed to be quite a few people picking up their orders. We were immediately seated and the man taking our order was very nice. We went ahead and ordered ash reshteh, Greek salad, and chicken boneless kabob with hot tea. The foods were fantastic. They give generous portions and everything tasted so fresh. The chicken was moist which I was happy about because some of the other places I've gone to recently, the chicken has been so dry. I would definitely come back to dine here again, I really want to try their pizzas, eggplant dish, fesenjoon, lubio polo, zereshk polo, saffron ice cream... umm basically everything, LOL! Plus, I saw on their website menu that they have catered Thanksgiving meals available? I really want to try that out for 2026 if it's still a thing.

    Julia H.

    Delicious food and great service! You definitely get your moneys worth with how big the portions are.

    Ghormeh Sabzi
    Boris M.

    We came on a Saturday evening and the restaurant was buzzing. Luckily, we got seated right away. Parking is easy in the plaza and on that Saturday night they first had a very charming belly dancer and later a DJ who entertained the audience with live singing over backing audio and video tracks. Excellent entertainment and generally a great vibe, as people were celebrating birthdays, on dates, and dancing to the music. We ordered the Ghormeh Sabzi as a main and Mast O Mousir as an appetizer. Portion sizes are very generous and prices are very competitive. Food was good and we would definitely like to come back to try more of their dishes.

    Koobideh & chicken kebab
    Lida M.

    Wow! This place has the best Persian Pizza ever!! It was our first time to try it and we loved it! Can't wait to go back! Their Kabab dishes and their stews are all super delicious! The service was also great. The pizza was the biggest surprise!! Everybody should try it! They truly make the best food!!

    Beef Koobideh, Side Salad and Basmati Rice (with sour cherries by request)
    Ashley V.

    What a hidden gem- quite literally tucked into a little unassuming plaza. I was in the area for a doctor appointment and wanted to try something I couldn't get in my area. I knew from the pictures this place was more suited for events since they have a stage and bar in the dining area but- the lunch specials are a steal here! Their beef koobidah is $13.75 and it comes with rice. For an extra $2 you get a side salad too. I asked for sour cherries on my rice and they kindly obliged. The salad was fresh, the beef was tender and well seasoned, and the rice was nice and fluffy with the perfect tartness from the cherries! My favorite part of the meal was actually the mint tea that they served- with fresh mint, rock sugar and lemon. Portion sizes are large! I was able to still have some leftovers for the next day. Lastly, service is excellent here. Delina was my server and was exceptional. She was so friendly, made recommendations, and was kind enough to answer any questions. We had great conversation. I will definitely have this place as my new lunch spot in the future and look forward to trying more authentic dishes like the Persian pizza next time! If you are in the area, definitely check it out!

    Tahdig With Stew

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    18 days ago

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    16 days ago

    Everything was amazing and authentic! The service was even better. I recommend this spot to everyone.

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    1 month ago

    Great service, quick cooks, and friendly service even for a group of 10. Thank you very much!

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    2 months ago

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    18 days ago

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    8 months ago

    Business owner information

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    Martin K.

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    5 months ago

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    14 hours ago

    It was amazing! Everything was great, the staff were great especially Danial. The food was excellent too!

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    23 days ago

    Great Persian Food (Koobideh was really tender), larger portion lasted 2 meals, and great service.

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    17 days ago

    Absolutely loved the food and service - especially the pizzas! So yummy, also they have a nice ambiance for small and big gatherings!

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    11 months ago

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    Martin K.

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    2 days ago

    The food is amazing, attention to detail makes you feel like home. Beautiful place to stay and eat

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    3 months ago

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    24 days ago

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    Martin K.

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    1 month ago

    The pizza is amazing! I had the halal. Definitely coming back to try the other ones. The service was great as well.

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    3 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Great food usually get the chicken kubideh lunch special. Good service and environment is nice.

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    1 month ago

    Best Persian food around the neighborhood. The management is also very friendly. Really good ambiance

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    8 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    18 days ago

    This place was open late and had great food, worth a visit. Encourage anyone to come. Service was great.

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    24 days ago

    Food and service was excellent. Loved the experience!! The lunch special deals are excellent.

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    Page 1 of 15

    Ask the Community - M Cafe & Grill

    Is everything halal on the menu?

    Do they have gluten free options?

    Yes. Just tell your server to omit the pita bread. The rest of the plates are proteins, like lamb, chicken, and beef, accompanied by things like hummus, leafy greens, rice, and other items that are naturally gluten free. Just choose the items that… 

    Hi,I would like to come and try your food with my family,I would like to know about that is your meat air chicken is Halal? Please let me know so I can make plan.…

    I only reviewed one meal at this restaurant. I am not the chef, nor owner You need to contact them.

    Is there a catering menu? Hoping to order dishes for a party for size of 50 people and wondering what the options are.

    Hello yes we do We have the package for 50person 550.00$ + tax Beef koobideh, chicken tender,… 

    Do the have lunch buffet?

    No sorry we don’t have

    Do you guy serve iftar? If so, how much does eftar cost?

    Yes we serve Iftar consisting of bread, dates, cheese, walnut, almond, halva and hot tea. Eftar is free of charge, but you need to pay for dinner if you choose an entrée from our menu.

    Is this the cafe that used to be across from Jordan Market?

    Hello no we are M cafe and grill 22611 lake Forest dr lake Forest c2 92630

    Is this place halal friendly?

    No it is not

    View All 9 Questions

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    Kabab Express

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    (480 reviews)
    1.3 mi
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    Food is good, service was okay, speed was disappointingly slow…read more I get that these places make their food to order so I expected a wait, but they have the word "express" in their business name so I had a false expectation. Needless to say I sat there waiting for my two to-go orders for what felt like an eternity. A lot of people flowed in after me and they were all just waiting, it was weird since it was empty when I walked in and then seeing 6 tables of people with no food. I thought I ordered the cheaper lunch special of chicken koobideh and beef koobideh, but he punched in the full portion instead. I didn't really mind as it just became extra food for dinner. But I feel like if someone is going in at the beginning of lunch time, they would be looking to order lunch menu stuff? I guess I can't expect people to do what I my logic would do. The two koobidehs is pretty much the same thing I order at any of these places because I prefer ground meat that's tender and juicy and this place did not disappoint. They were cooked to perfections with just a little crisp on the meats. Not much else to say since I only had a basic meal....meals

    We had it to go, so I can't speak much about the dine-in experience, but I will say the service…read morewasn't the friendliest. We ordered the combo beef and chicken plate, the beef gyro plate, and two falafel on the side. The falafel didn't look impressive, but they were surprisingly excellent--moist, flavorful, and honestly better than Sababa's. I'll definitely order six next time. The gyro plate was solid, not overly greasy or heavy, and the seasoning was just right. I wasn't a fan of the hummus, which had a bitter aftertaste, but my partner liked the tanginess, so that may come down to personal preference. On the combo plate, the chicken stood out: juicy and tender. The beef seemed to be a leaner cut and was a bit dry. I'd probably skip this particular beef kebab next time and try a different one. The saffron rice and grilled tomato were a nice complement. The plate also came with jumbo naan, served warm and smelling amazing, definitely a highlight.

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    Kabab Express
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    DonerG Turkish & Mediterranean Grill - Lake Forest

    DonerG Turkish & Mediterranean Grill - Lake Forest

    4.2
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.6 mi
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    Donner G combo with 4 meats! Simple and delish. Sauce and on…read moreside to enjoy the various flavors. Staff very kind and polite. Belly is full and plate big enough to share for 2.

    We had a great experience at Doner G in Lake Forest! The food was fresh, flavorful, and exactly…read morewhat we were craving. We ordered the DonerG Grill plate, The iskender kabob plate, the feta cheese rolls and some baklava. 100% of their meat is Halal certified too and they have the certificate to verify it which adds an extra layer of trust and transparency. This is a great spot for someone like me who is a type 2 diabetic on a GLP-1 because the protein index is high on all of their entrees making it easy for me to meet my daily needs. Plus their meals are customizable so you can order a bowl instead of a wrap or pita, making it easier to control carbohydrates and portion sizes. What really made our visit stand out, though, was the customer service. A huge shout-out to Angel and his uncle Saadi, who went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. Angel was friendly, accommodating, and genuinely cared about helping us. He definitely understood the assignment when it comes to great customer service! It's always refreshing to be greeted by someone with such a positive attitude and strong work ethic. We'll definitely be back. Not just for the delicious food, but because employees like Angel make all the difference. Highly recommend!

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    Pita perfection! Come join us at DönerG for delicious Mediterranean food!
    Pita perfection! Come join us at DönerG for delicious Mediterranean food!
    So many delicious options for lunch & dinner at DönerG Turkish and Mediterranean Grill!
    So many delicious options for lunch & dinner at DönerG Turkish and Mediterranean Grill!
    Unique dishes like our  Fladenbrot with our tender Beef Döner Kebab at DönerG Turkish and Mediterranean Grill!

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    Unique dishes like our Fladenbrot with our tender Beef Döner Kebab at DönerG Turkish and Mediterranean Grill!
    Hatam Restaurant

    Hatam Restaurant

    3.7
    (923 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Shout out to our server Pouya for making last night memorable. Having out of town guests can be…read morefun, and when they specifically requested Persian Food we called and decided on Hatam. Persians are very picky and judgy when it comes to their cuisine. Everyone is a chef and of it doesn't bring back the nostalgia of your childhood at grandmas it doesnt pass the test. I judge a place based on their koobieh. Lets be honest, if your koobieh sucks, Houston we have a problem! Tonight, I decided to order the lamb shank with baghali polo, along with a family style appetizer consisting of mast-o-khiar, hummas, kashkeh-bademjoon, salad shirazi, and a side of mausto-mousir. My cousin ordered Tahdig for the table with different toppings. Everyone at the table ordered Soltanis, Chicken Barg and other options. Lets talk about ambiance: when you enter you are greeted by ornate art, calm atmosphere and fresh flowers. Love the lighting, its soft and inviting. Pouya our server was kind and friendly. He single handedly helped manover a "game of thrones" type style between my cousin and myself trying to sneak in our credit-cards before the meal even started so it would be taken care of ahead of time. The persian bill paying struggle is real. IYKYK. Lets just say, this girl won that one against my guy cousin with the parents watching dinner and show. Hehhee. The highlight for me was the bread ,butter,onions served first. I was hungry and the bread was made in house and fresh. It was warm, soft and paired well with the onions, and butter. I ordered more throughout the meal to eat with the mausto-mousir ( shallot and yogurt dip). Hands down out of the appetizer, the tahdigh ( crispy rice), khashk bademjoon ( eggplant dip), cucumber dip, shallot with yogurt dip were the stars of the night. The beef shank with Baghali polo was top on my list. The dill/lima beans rice paired well with the lamb shank. It was tender, tasty ( didnt have a gamey taste, or smell) and that says something for a girl born here. Kids like me born here, usually dont touch lamb because of the gamey, smell . So eating it at Hatam was a great experience for me. I would order this again. Our family had a great night out in a chill environment, devoid of any triggers for me that may have caused some health issues and it was a needed break. The ADA parking and easy access is also appreciated. Overall, I would recommend Hatam. I found out from my mom, that Hatam has also been the "go to" caterer for her parties so, that says something about quality of food and meeting expectations my mom has in place.10/10 Please note doing 1/2 salad and 1/2 rice will be $3.00 extra.

    My favorite restaurant !! This is genuinely one of the best persian restaurants that you can get in…read moreorange county, and I have been to a lot of them haha. Hatam offers the best dishes that you truly could not go wrong with any of them. Their koobideh is so incredibly juicy and flavorful, it is a staple during every visit. Their tahdig is crisp to perfection and the stew that comes with it is so flavorful that i think about it at least twice a week. The service is PHENOMENAL, just recently that waitress that was helping us inside was so kind and attentive that we were taken aback at how much care she put into her work. Beautiful restaurant in every way, they have earned a lifelong customer in me !

    Photos
    Hatam Restaurant
    Mast-o-kiar
    Mast-o-kiar
    Menu

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    Menu

    M Cafe & Grill - persian - Updated August 2026

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