Phone: +19495861477
Address: 23532 El Toro Rd #11, Lake Forest, CA 92630, United States
City: Lake Forest
Menu Dishes: 35
Reviews: 2094
Website: https://lacocinadericardo.com/
"We have been to this restaurant numerous times over the last five years but probably at least six months since our last. The place was less than half full and we seated ourselves as indicated by the sign in the front. The ambiance is good as other times as I recall. One of the waiters came by promptly to see what we wanted to drink. She brought us some fresh chips and salsa which was good as always. However, I never recall the chips to be so flaky that they break when I tried to spoon salsa into it. They tasted good but the salsa was a little less spicy than I remember. I asked for an order of guacamole which took quite a bit of time to be served. However, it seemed to have been freshly made with a lot less salt and spicy as I was expecting in the past. I am okay with less salt but a little spice would have been nice either in the salsa or the guacamole. So, that was a bit disappointing. We had to wait for a while to order the entrees as the waiter (switched from the waitress) did not show up what seemed to be a long time. The waiter did not take away the plates we used for the appetizers and I had to prompt them twice to do it. We ordered shrimp fajitas, a beef and a chicken enchilada and a combination plate of chicken enchilada and taco. The shrimp fajitas tasted fine but the waiter took a long pause before brining out the tortillas that went with it. The beef and chicken enchiladas were nice, warm and tasted well. However, the beef and chicken inside the enchiladas tasted way more dry than it should’ve been. The combination plate was nice and warm as well but the tortilla in it seemed to fall apart as picked it up. We finished up ordering a flan that we shared. This turned out to be totally disappointing as it tasted way watered down. It was not what it should have tasted like. Overall, my impression was that they must have changed the cook as the food was much inferior in quality as I remembered from my past trips. Starting from the appetizer to the entrees to the desert, all was a bit under par. The biggest disappointment, however, was the service; I don’t know what the issue was but the waiter was not doing the job. He made us unnecessarily wait at every step including when I was paying. I resorted to going to the front to pay! I recall that I like this restaurant a lot but they really went down in food quality and service. Is that because there is new staff or owner; who knows. I may visit them again in four to six months again to check if things have improved. Stay tuned!"
Full menu - 35 options
All prices are estimates on menu.
Soups
Tortilla Soup
A savory blend of roasted tomatoes, peppers, and onions in a flavorful broth topped with crispy tortilla strips and avocado.
Entrées
Choriqueso
Melted cheese blended with zesty Mexican sausage, served with warm tortillas.
Burritos
Veggie Burrito
A hearty burrito filled with fresh vegetables, beans, and spices, wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Side Orders
Tamal menu
A traditional dish made from corn dough, filled with meat or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks, and steamed until tender.
Asados
Natural Shakes
More
Gordita
A thick corn tortilla filled with savory fillings such as meat, cheese, and beans.
Shrimp Dishes
Meat
Milanesa
Breaded and fried beef cutlet, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Beef Specialties
Red Chile
Spicy red chile sauce smothered over tender meat, accompanied by beans and rice for a rich, fiery experience.
A La Carte
Traditional Plate
Tostadas
Special Items
Kids Meals
Arriba Mexico Specialties
A La Carta
Entrante
For Seafood Lovers
House Specialty
Fish Ceviche
Fresh fish marinated in citrus, mixed with onions, cilantro, and peppers, offering a zesty and refreshing taste.
Pizza
Mexican Pizza
Crunchy tortilla topped with seasoned beef, zesty sauce, melted cheese, and vibrant veggies.
Los Tacotes
Fish Dishes
Fried Mojarra
Crispy whole fried fish served with a side of rice, salad, and lime wedges.
Lunches
Breakfast & Brunch
From The Pot
Platillos Especiales
Meat Dishes
Chicken In Mole
Tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory, and slightly spicy chocolate-based mole sauce.
Lyss
Like being in old Mexico. Great bar and Taco Tuesday crowd.
Address
Reviews
Emily
The food is consistently excellent, and the staff is extremely friendly.
Jaison
I gotta say this food is superb. That man ricardo knows his mexican cooking. Straight
Nuvia
Good family atmosphere... Good food, Good service, Good prices. The green enchiladas were very delicious... I recommend them View menu
Mark
Inconsistent in food... Sometimes it's really good... Other times could be less than expected.. same with service food has always tasted Good just very inconsistent on Service and Quantity..
Randall
Outstanding home style food! Highly recommend! Owners are very friendly and always recognize thier customers. Delicious with a substantial menu! Loved their chorizo con huevos as well as the tamale Rosa!
D
Fabulous food. We did door dash for the menudo and it was so good. That evening I went in for a quick margarita and chimichanga! SO GOOD! Mario was my server at the bar! He was quick, pleasant, and made a perfect strawberry margarita! Highly recommended View menu
Chuck
Just about every dish on the menu is fantastic. Authentic mexican cuisine at its best. Mario's margaritas are the best in the OC. Uodate 5/15/20 Mario opened for takeout. That made my week. So happy he opened again for takeout. Everyone needs to go support Ricardos and other local businesses that are trying to survive. Best margaritas in Orange County.
Dr
This restaurant is truly disappointing. The service is awful! If you don’t come in with a group of at least 8 to 12 people, you’ll barely get any attention. My wife was choking, and it took five minutes to get a glass of water. I had to get up twice just to ask for it! Then, it took another 20 minutes for them to bring my check. I really should have just walked out. Everyone should consider leaving because the staff is clearly overwhelmed and understaffed.
S
We have been to this restaurant numerous times over the last five years but probably at least six months since our last. The place was less than half full and we seated ourselves as indicated by the sign in the front. The ambiance is good as other times as I recall. One of the waiters came by promptly to see what we wanted to drink. She brought us some fresh chips and salsa which was good as always. However, I never recall the chips to be so flaky that they break when I tried to spoon salsa into it. They tasted good but the salsa was a little less spicy than I remember. I asked for an order of guacamole which took quite a bit of time to be served. However, it seemed to have been freshly made... View menu
Lake Forest
Lake Forest, U.S., blends nature and suburban living; known for parks and trails. Typical eats include American comfort food, Mexican cuisine, and fresh, seasonal dishes.
Categories
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Kids Delight the little ones with our kids' menu, featuring a variety of tasty and nutritious options. From classic favorites like chicken tenders and cheesy pasta to fresh fruits and vegetables, every meal is crafted to please tiny taste buds.
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Soup Warm and comforting soups to nourish your soul. Choose from a variety of flavorful broths and hearty ingredients, perfect for a simple appetizer or a satisfying meal on a chilly day. View menu
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Mexican Authentic Mexican flavors await you with sizzling fajitas, savory tacos, zesty enchiladas, and fresh guacamole, all crafted with rich, traditional spices and served with vibrant sides. Enjoy a fiesta on your plate!
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Seafood Dive into the freshest catches of the sea with our seafood selection, featuring exquisite dishes prepared with high-quality fish and shellfish. Savor the flavors of the ocean in every bite!
Amenities
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Amex
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Takeout
- menu
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Discover
- menu
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Delivery
