What an adorable shop that has been taken under new ownership. A twist of shave ice that has delicious flavors. The service was amazing, it's incredibly clean inside, they have mini arcade games to keep the kids busy. I was just amazed with how incredible our dessert tasted and my husband ordered a Korean tea that blew our mind. The server said it's a perfect "when you feel under the weather" tea this is what you make in Korea. Love love that! Thank you for being so hospitable. I can already picture all the summer nights that how great it'll be to end your day here with a sweet treat. Come on by, show some love. Perfect little shop! read more

We are always looking for some local small businesses to support. Our ventures took us to UYU this time, which is right in our neighborhood. It's nice to see more Asian desserts popping up in South OC so we don't have to make the drive to at least Irvine to get something of the sorts. We came in and tried the following: Taiyaki: we got 3 and tried the custard, pepperoni, and the butter. I liked the butter once the most, because it was warm and salty, but still chewy with the mochi texture. I have not tried this at any other place before. Custard was decent but definitely not as food the one from Somi Somi and the pepperoni probably had a singular pepperoni in it with an ounce of cheese. Overall, probably would not get these again, since we have had some better elsewhere. Thai Tea: I was really hoping this would be good, but it just wasn't. It tasted a little burnt? Like the tea was just left on the stove for too long? Not sure how to explain it, but it just was not the thai tea I am used to. Mango Bingsoo: This was the highlight of the visit. I really enjoyed how they have smaller sizes. The bigger ones are usually overwhelming and we get flavor fatigue before we ever finish the bigger sized ones. The mango was fresh and the bingsoo had mochi on it which was a great addition. They did have some claw machines in there. As we were waiting for a group before us to try it out, we heard that it ate their $5 bill, so we did not even give it a try. The place is spacious and they did have a large area where bigger groups can come in and play games. Other than that, I would say this place is just average. read more

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Located in the same plaza at the Spring Hill suites. Parking was plentiful, they don't have a military discount. Came on a Friday afternoon, we were the only ones. Had one lady working the whole place, she was lovely. The place was clean, had music playing. Ube cheesecake didn't taste like Ube at all but it did taste like cheesecake. Shared size Bingsu with half mango and half strawberry was okay. The shaved ice part was very creamy and sweet and the fruit on top was tart. So overall it worked. Probably wouldn't come back. read more

UYU cafe - Ube Cheesecake - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Such a cute little spot for dessert. Came with the whole fam, which was perfect since this place is great for sharing! Bingsu is like a milky shaved ice with fruit and ice cream on top. They have other toppings as well but the fruit one was the perfect amount of light and sweet. The taiyakis and the bingsu were made fresh to order. Love that you could get different fillings in the taiyaki - red bean and Nutella were hits. They also have some teas and coffees and cheesecakes on the menu. Family also had fun with the claw machines while we waited for our desserts. Service was great and place was super clean - perfect for hanging out and enjoying some sweets! read more

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First timer! Found parking easily. Really cute cafe with good amount of seating. Great music. Friendly staff. Tried their bingsu and it was delicious! It wasn't overly sweet and was very refreshing. The shared bowl fed the 3 of us. read more

UYU cafe - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

We love to come here for dessert, they have the best snow ice, we've tried every flavor and all are delicious. The kids love the mango snow ice. We always get the big one to share. Then they also have freshly made taiyaki...nice and crispy on the outside and warm and delicious on the inside. Kids love the Nutella filling, while the adults preferred red bean. I also enjoy their hot ginger honey tea with some pine nuts. We always get excellent service and love the decor inside. The only suggestion is to have more seating read more

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I'm still pleased with the quality of the flavors I come back to try all the flavors. I had a good service whenever I come and the place is always calm and chill. read more

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This cafe was cute and cozy with a minimalistic look. Inside there is enough room for seating with was two large long tables and a few smaller ones. Parking was not an issue. Got the Matcha Bingsu and Strawberry Peach Tea. The drink was carbonated and very refreshing with a cute design/logo. The Bingsu was sweet and delicious. Would definitely want to come back and try the other desserts. Overall this is an adorable cafe to stay and have dessert and study/do work. The staff here was very attentive and provided great service. read more

UYU cafe - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Needed to get my bingsu fixed and was pleasantly surprised there was a local bingsu place. Looks like this is a fairly new place. Spacious and even have a couple of board games so you can play with your friends. Had the mango and oreo bingsu and both were yummy, but definitely liked the mango better. There was also Taiyaki made to order with various flavor choices was also delicious! Simple bingsu which I liked, read more

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Right next to o Starbucks, very clean inside . Looks like a nice place to hang out and grab a snack. Disneyland get to try the bingsu or taiyaki. We got the strawberryade and th brown sugar milk tea . There is no boba. read more

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This review is based upon the location and the eagerness of having a wonderful well-known café experience, from what I understand is going to have a wonderful vibe, community interest. Additionally, this is going to be right next to the Starbucks in the same shopping center. That will be interesting. read more

UYU cafe - Opening Soon ! - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Stumbled upon this cute little place as the Taiyaki song caught my eye for a perfect afternoon snack. It hit the spot and super delicious. Crispy in the outside and warm fluffy on the inside side w the right amount of filling. All 3 were excellent: red bean custard and salted butter! The shave ice and drinks all look amazing and can't wait to come back and try those menu items. Service was also great: helpful, Friendly and welcoming. read more

UYU cafe - Red bean Taiyaki- sorry not the best photo... but it was good that I ate all 3 and the to go never made it home! - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Bingsoo in South County! HURRAY! The family and I stopped here on a Friday night for some dessert and it did not disappoint. It is located right next to the Starbucks. We tried the strawberry bingsoo and 3 different taiyaki (think fish-shaped stuffed mochi waffles) flavors: nutella, biscoff, and custard. The bingsoo was flavorful and delicious. The added mochi and ice cream really elevated it and set it apart from other places in Irvine. The taiyaki was made to order, fresh, chewy and just all around yummy. The establishment is clean and has plenty of shared seating. It also has small claw machines that the kids will want to spend money on, so know before you go! We will definitely be back to support this locally owned small business and so glad I don't have to travel all the way to Irvine when craving some bingsoo. read more

Charming small business with yummy treats! It wasn't very busy when we went on a Saturday afternoon. Only one person was running the shop and making all the food. Everything looks to be made to order and it's tasty and fresh. They have some claw machines with Sonny Angels and other goodies. I think they could benefit with more employees to make the place feel more alive. Definitely has a lot of potential for more business read more

Loved this place! The bingsu was delicious and the atmosphere was super nice and relaxing. Definitely a spot I'd return to

Random cafe stop while looking to burn an hour. Takoyakis are good. Good choice of sweet vs savory. Liked the pepperoni and cheese option. Salt and butter also good but much milder. Oreo a good sweet option. The matcha latte was a little on the sweet side. Vietnamese coffee was good. The Korean tea selection is a bit unique. read more

This place is highly recommended for taiyaki and bingsu, especially if you're in the Lake Forest area since other spots, like Irvine, are a bit far. I tried their red bean taiyaki, and it was honestly the best I've had. read more

PLEASEEEEE COME HERE. I've been NEEDING a better shaved ice option (sorry Sno2Go), please check out this place so I can make this a staple in my diet. Service and ambiance are great, but I will be returning for the Strawberry Bingsu. It was too yummy to take a picture beforehand (I'm not sorry). read more

UYU cafe - Strawberry Bingsu (80% consumed) - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Super cute and clean place! The display bingsu were very cute and helpful, but also made it hard to decide which one to get since they all looked delicious! I got a Mango Share Bingsu, and I was really happy! So many mango pieces, and it was the perfect size to share with two people. There was only one person working at the time, and they were quite sweet! Next time I come by I'll probably try the strawberry! read more

UYU cafe - Mango Share Bingsu - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Such a cute spot! I got the strawberry mango bingsoo and it was delicious. It was the perfect amount of sweet & the fruits were super fresh. If you're looking for a good bingsoo spot in south OC you won't regret trying this spot out! The nutella taiyaki was also super good- crispy, soft, and freshly made. I've tried lots of bingsoo spots out all around OC, but this place is top tier. They're also not stingy with the amount they give you. I shared the big size with 3 other people & it was the perfect amount. The owner was also super sweet, friendly, and truly cares about customers. read more

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amazing place 10/10 my new go to sweet treat spot . The workers are amazing and so sweet will come back again. If you come here get the taiyaki!! read more

UYU cafe - vietnamese coffee - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Loved the half mango half strawberry bingsoo. the owner was super nice!! the inside is updated and very spacious read more

UYU cafe - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Binga Boonga has rebranded itself as Uyu Cafe with the same ownership but with a more minimalist vibe and menu. Gone are their self-serve ramen station, boba milk tea, smoothies, and taiyaki. Fortunately they still have the bingsu. I got myself the mango matcha tonic. IIRC (If I recall correctly), one of the owners said they use Maeda-en ceremonial matcha. 1/22/26: I'm really confused about what's going on with them. The Uyu Cafe sign banner that hung over the Binga Boonga sign was taken down and the door was locked. read more

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Service was very friendly and this place seems like a lovely small local business! They were very attentive and kind. The bingsu comes in two sizes, small and shareable. I definitely recommend this place as a cute date spot:) read more

Extraordinarily clean and bright dessert-focused restaurant with gorgeous cakes and mountains of sweet bingsu. I came in on an cloudy overcast day after having dropped off my car for scheduled maintenance around the corner. I originally wanted something hearty after a long day at work, but decided to walk around the plaza after noticing that my go-to spot was closed for construction. Since it was cold, I decided to look for coffee and stumbled on UYU Cafe, due largely in part to the cute logo on the banner. As I entered, my eyes were drawn to the display of cakes that were on the shelf near the register. I settled on a cup of pour over and a slice of grapefruit cake (something unheard of on my end) The cashier was welcoming and she had no issue answering questions I had regarding the food. After ordering, I made my way to a table and made note of how exceedingly clean and bright the restaurant was. A great sign as I'm sure you know. There were small crane machines for people to play while you waited for your order. I watched some diners in an adjacent table take turns at what appeared to be a large snowcone with fresh fruit and syrup on top. (I know now that it's a pretty popular Korean dessert.) My order did not take much time at all and I have to say that the grapefruit cake was actually really good. Very lightly sweet and plenty of citrus flavor due to the pieces of grapefruit placed within. Coffee could be a little stronger, but I'm a fiend for coffee so maybe that's just on me. Overall a pleasant experience on a cloudy day. They appear to be fairly new so some recipes may be adjusted as time goes on, but worth your time if you're in the neighborhood! I neglected to take photos because I ate it too fast. ‍ read more

Really nice drinks with an very nice ambiance and sweet and kind workers :) would come again!!

So happy that there is a delicious shaved snow place in Lake Forest! It's bright and clean with plenty of seating. My family loves to come here for dessert after eating in the plaza. Friendly staff, great service! read more

UYU cafe - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Delicious bingsoo! Place is clean and charming, a good place to study or relax with friends. Fast service too

The most delicious bingsoo - we love the strawberry/mango mix. The Taiyaki was also so good. Sunny, the owner, is so friendly and always remembers us and my son. read more

The atmosphere here is so chill, clean, and laid back! Really cute and fun decorations with claw machines too. The ladies who work here are really nice and welcoming as well. We had the strawberry and oreo bingsu and they were super yummy and are presented so beautifully! We would love to see the boba options come back on the menu if possible! Overall a really great place and we can't wait to come back!! read more

great bingsoo, the owner is so sweet we walked in and she was so welcoming and kind. i believe they just opened, affordable and amazing vibes come support this small business! read more

UYU cafe - she recommended us to get a split flavor to save money so sweet - Cafes Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The place is cute, beautiful, peaceful and clean, and the customer service was great. It has a very small business and family vibe that makes you feel welcomed! And the food was delicious. My friend and I ordered a discord matcha and mango bingsu, and we got a slice of cheesecake for free. I would definitely recommend and will be making this a regular study spot! read more

owner was the nicest/sweetest person i've ever met. very attentive and explained the different types of cakes they had. definitely plan on going back and trying out more! satisfied with the options that were available read more