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Cafe Matinee

23532 El Toro Rd Ste 15, Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 588-7511
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Ranked #8 of 117 restaurants in Lake Forest
Most recent review
- 18 Apr 2013
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9 reviews from our community

100% Recommend
    7
    2
    0
    0
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Lake Forest, California
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

Not only is the food amazing, the couple who own and run it are super nice! I have tried a few different things and not once have I been disappointed!

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Bellingham
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 December 2012 via mobile

We had lunch and the food was tasty, very filling and the staff exeptionally frindly. I will definetelly go back.

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Laguna Woods, CA
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
47 restaurant reviews
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 June 2012

We've been to this restaurant a number of times and like to bring friends. It features Lebanese cuisine and appears to be family owned. The food is always served promptly. Very good Middle Eastern appetizers - hummus, babaganoosh, fallafels and the lamb kabobs are a MUST! Generous portions so that ordering one skewer is enough as it sits on a... More

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Detroit, Michigan
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
92 helpful votes 92 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2011

Visited this restaurant 3 times. The food was wonderful and very fresh. Ordered the hummus, grape leaves, baba ganoush appetizer platter. Plenty for the 4 of us. Then the fresh salads that come with the dinners. Yum! Lamb shish ka bob was tender and cooked to order. Falafel was my favorite of all. Family owned with the owner serving and... More

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Orange, California
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 October 2010

If you want the best, this place offers just that and then some. Whenever I am in the area, I always stop by Cafe Matinee. What I usually get is the vegetarian appetizer plate and the chicken and rice dish. Not once have I walked out of there dissapointed and hungry.

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Newport Beach, California
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 October 2010

I am telling you guys to get to this restaurant fast. the food is so good and there are items that I've never even had before. The husband and wife duo make you feel that you are eating at their home. The dessert ( i forget the name), is just awesome and the falafal is the best...totally crisp, no oil... More

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Laguna Beach, California
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 August 2010

I discovered this gem of mediterranean cuisine about 5 years ago and have come back regularly. I have never had a disappointing dish here, everything is served fresh and bursting with flavor. I am a meat lover and they do well by that (marinated and juicy) but I often go vegetarian here. Hummus, tahini and eggplant dip are all they... More

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Corona Del mar
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 June 2009

A pair of the most lovely husband and wife owners have created a lil escape in the heart of a strip mall that you would swear borders the shores of the Mediterranean. The menu features hands down some of the freshest and flavorful cuisine I’ve ever had–from the chicken, filet skewers and delicious kafta to the Hummus that is HANDS... More

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Westminster, CA
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 October 2008

Cafe Matinee is as good as my mother-in-law's home cooked Lebanese cooking. Everything on their menu is delicious and fresh. I only wish I lived closer to Cafe Matinee because I would go there to eat their Fatoush Salad daily! All the vegetables are fresh, crisp and most yummy. I've had the opportunity to check out their kitchen and it... More

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