Lake Forest Locals Dish On Their Go-To Restaurants

LAKE FOREST, CA — When it comes to deciding where to go out to eat in Lake Forest, residents were quick to chime in but narrowing that choice down to one restaurant for the rest of your life? That got people talking.

Patch asked Lake Forest Facebook readers: "If you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, which one would it be?"

Results ran the gamut over the weekend. Over 250 of your neighbors answered the question with some local favorites:

Avila's Ranchito, known for its outstanding Mexican food and long tradition, was a natural to Robin Renee. Cassey Reynoso and Dave Melton seconded this choice. Located on Muirlands, Avila's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also is known as one of Orange County's "best pet-friendly restaurants." The owners, Sal Avila, with daughters Monica and Natalie, are involved in community events and local charities, according to their website. Some of the best items? Try the Grande Burritos and delicious margaritas. avilaselranchito.com

Urban Grill was also at the top of the list, according to reader Dawn Hoyt. Urban Grill has a great variety of California cuisine, with everything from brunch to sandwiches to steaks. The excellent wine list is also a bonus. www.urbangrillandwinebar.com

Peppino's Italian Family Restaurant is also a local favorite, according to Sandra Ramierez-Sandoval. With a wide variety and long history in Lake Forest, it also has that classic Italian restaurant feel. The menu has enough options that it would take you months to go through the varieties of pasta, pizzas, and specialty items. peppinosrestaurants.com

Dot Liou shared her choice of Mimi's Cafe for regular dining out options. Again, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options make this spot ideal, as do the delicious bakery items and muffins. Mimi's Bistro and Bakery offers an extensive menu full of French-inspired fare, and this location in Lake Forest is known for their excellent customer service. Find MimisLakeForest on Facebook.

Other readers opted for choices and variety through the chain and buffet-style restaurants. Olive Garden and Souplantation were both excellent go-tos for dining out, again and again.

The most logical rest of your life restaurant? According to Patch readers, that's Cheesecake Factory. The sheer depth and breadth of the menu is the reason, according to Vanessa Sandoval. The Irvine Spectrum is just close enough, many residents say. We will give you the leeway! www.CheesecakeFactory.com

The most heartfelt of all responses came from a handful of readers, such as Beth Spiegel, who love to eat at home. Lynn Pedro, agreed, saying she would prefer eating at "my mom's kitchen table" to any restaurant.