Restaurants in Lake Forest

Black-and-white photographs provide a stark contrast to Tasty Thai's bright fuchsia walls. The chefs strive to strike this same balance between bold flavors and delicate accents in their traditional Thai dishes. Accents of pineapple, lemongrass, and coconut milk appear in pan-fried noodles and fried rice. For many dishes, guests can choose from a host of proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, and tofu, then select a spice level, which, like lists of your favorite fingers, is on a scale of 1 to 10.

On a patio shade by large umbrellas, or inside amidst the whir of an espresso machine and walls littered with art, The Neighborhood Cup fosters that sought-after feeling of coffee-house leisure. Resident baristas craft coffee and espresso drinks, manipulating the bubbly foam of lattes into intricate patterns such as portraits of the Mona Lisa drinking a cappuccino. Patrons also find coffee-colored leather couches and chairs, as well as a menu of breakfast bites, sandwiches, and snacks. The Neighborhood Cup also hosts events, including open-mic nights and classic-car gatherings to see whose muscle car can knock back the most espresso shots.