We signed up for Jolanda's food delivery. We get lunch and dinner delivered three days a week. I have tried other services, and have cancelled them all. Jolanda's food is cooked, delivered, we dine. Every meal is excellent. Not frozen - freshly cooked. read more

Dropped by on a Sunday around noon. There were plenty of available parking spaces. The restaurant was not too busy. We were greeted and seated immediately. The dining room and tables were clean. Lots of birds and pictures decorating the dining area. I ate here 4 to 5 years ago and the decor looks the same as I recall it. Redecorating would be a good idea. I had scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes bacon and toast. Everything tasted fine. I am not a huge fan of the potatoes. A little ketchup helped. Prices are on par with most other restaurants. Yes, there is that 4% surcharge to pay with a credit card that other reviewers mentioned. The staff that I encountered here were friendly and very attentive. The service was outstanding. An okay place for lunch or breakfast. read more

The service is friendly. The food is good. Love the paintings on the wall and the decorations. Feels like a family restaurant. Have dined there several times a year for the past five years. read more

Perhaps the best croissants in South Orange County County. Large size, flaky, fresh and delicious. Breakfasts are superb. I wish they were open for more hours in each day. read more

Jolanda's food is exceptional with a European flavor. Her croissants are to die for. Her prices are very reasonable. The staff are very friendly. It's open from 8 till 2. read more

I'm always impressed with the quality and attention to detail when enjoying Jolanda's various menu items. I exceptionally enjoy the Denver omelette and the delicious blueberry pancakes. The croissants are great as well. read more

Yolanda's reminds me of a breakfast place my husband and I frequented when we were newly married. It has a cozy and quaint atmosphere- it's like being in my grandma's dining room where the delicious smells emit from the kitchen. The food is delicious and the portion sizes are plentiful. Their breakfast croissants are a must to order. Also the staff is kind welcoming and so attentive. read more

Ample parking, clean, family-owned feel. Love it! As someone who is allergic to egg yolks, I appreciate being able to order egg whites! Food comes out fast and hot and the service is excellent! I've only tried breakfast here four times (served all day), but need to come back for lunch. It's so good that we never try anything different. Come support this local spot! Note: 4% added to credit card purchases and $1.25 for split plates. It's in the menu so don't act surprised. read more

Jolanda's Cafe & Catering - Corned Beef & Hash with Egg Whites! - Caterers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Great prices and selections at this stand alone breakfast/lunch restaurant. Their croissants are the best !! Big, flaky, and they come with most of the breakfasts. We have been customers for over 3 decades. Jolanda, Lucy, and Jalacio are amazing !! read more

Jolanda's Cafe & Catering - Caterers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Found this gem of a restaurant today. Meant to go to the Mexican place next door but they were not open. It's like you're stepping back into time, including the prices! Nostalgic, old school American Fare. The pancakes looked really good but we were there for lunch. Fast and efficient service. One star off because they do charge 4% for credit cards. This should just be built into the price of the food. Also they charge $1 for ranch which I was not told about. Otherwise it is a great find! read more

I've eaten here in the past and always had a pleasant experience. My last visit was certainly no exception. Instead of crepes or frittatas I ordered pancakes, and was surprised at their lightness. I always assumed that The Original Pancake House made the best pancakes in the area, but I've been proven wrong! Breakfast for four hungry seniors cost $75 including tip. Not bad, considering the food we all took home in boxes for another meal! And the coffee remains the best around. Good food. Good service. Good prices. All good! read more

People are very nice. More tables available. Then you realize. SOOOO MANY CHOICES!

Came here because of the Lake Forest gift card I had. I subtracted a star bc they charged me a service fee. Which is actually illegal on prepaid cards also poor tact when participating in a promotion to get people into your place of business. That being said I likely won't return bc a 4% service fee for a credit card after a pandemic where most places had no change/ cash just doesn't sit well with me. However, the food was good. Portions plentiful. Coffee steaming hot. They deep fry the potatoes which made them crispy like French fries. The cranberry jelly does have nuts in it if your allergic. The croissant French toast was good. But nothing special. It's between 3-4 stars for me. read more

Cute little cafe although the decor is a little tired looking. But nice place for a quiet tasty breakfast. I had been here once before and had the veggie omelette. This time I went with the French Toast made with their croissants. Their croissants are delicious so I knew this would be good. It was! My husband had a breakfast croissant sandwich, they forgot the cheese and had to add it. FYI, if you use a credit card they add a 4% charge. Croissants are the best! read more

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Absolutely delicious food & croissants!! We drive down from north Orange County to buy Jolanda's incredible homemade croissants. Can't beat them anywhere.! read more

If you are looking for Meatloaf in Lake Forest - this is your best option Only on Mondays and Wednesday with their famous "Meatloaf" with mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables and french roll which can be upgraded for their famous fresh-baked buttery croissant (upcharge). Only open 7 days a week from 7:30 am to 2 pm - you will have to be there at least by 1 pm read more

Everything is delicious! I especially love the poutin. The croissants are so good. Make sure to place your to go order at the start of your meal as those sell out fast. read more

I haven't been here in years. On a recent visit to the area, it was so nice to discover that will all the growth and changes in OC, there are still some institutions that have withstood the test of time! I used to come here for breakfast with my family when I was a kid. At that time, it was called The French Cafe and owned by a Vietnamese family. Jolanda's has carried on the tradition of amazing fresh baked croissants, coupled with simple, fresh comfort food in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Like having a relaxing meal at grandma's house! read more

Jolanda's Cafe & Catering - Mmmm, crunchy on the outside and moist and super fresh on the inside!! - Caterers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This is my favorite spot. Best homemade croissants ever made, try a filled one for an absolutely marvelous experience. My favorites are the melty sandwiches-Monte Cristo, Bistro, Krab Melt, Tuna Melt, all scrumptious-for Breakfast you must try a breakfast sandwich on a croissant, the California Omelet is beautiful, and they used to give out free deserts from time to time at lunch, but that was before COVID, not sure if they still do that. We've been going there for years. There used to be a waitress there that would sometimes make cakes for people. We were there when one was delivered to a customer once and it was extraordinary! We miss that waitress. I think her name was Christie or Krista something like that. Very sweet and super efficient at waiting on every table in a full restaurant alone. The cook who has been there for years knows exactly how we like our eggs and bacon, so it comes out perfect, fast and hot every time. Jolanda herself will come sit with you and chit chat for a moment when she has the time, and if you are receptive to that. This is a very special place, we would hate to see it disappear, there's been rumors of Jolanda retiring. We hope not, but if she does, we pray the place keeps chugging along ran by the very competent staff who have all worked there for forever and a day. read more

Not only is the food outstanding in both flavor and Portion sizes, it's affordable and competitive. It's all fresh made to order and delicious. Jolanda herself is very friendly, and bends over backwards to make her customers happy. Her catering service is always in high demand, and her restaurant is marvelous. read more

The food is great! But, we used our Lake Forest Yiftee card to pay, and they charged a credit card fee. None of the other Lake Forest restaurants that we have used the card at have charged us this fee. I contacted Yiftee to ask if this was allowable. They said it was, but that they highly discouraged doing that. Jolanda's is getting extra business from these restaurant cards and should not be charging this fee. It will make me think twice before going back there. read more

Great price! Great homemade feel of the foods. We especially love breakfast here. Blueberry pancakes are so fluffy & delicious.

I get lunch with my dad every week and I'm SO happy we found Jolanda's. We've gone a few times and each time the food and coffee was really good, service was friendly and prompt, and the prices were very reasonable. The menu has a lot of variety and I love that there are healthy options in addition to smaller portions and homemade soup (I had the tomato basil soup today and it was very tasty!). The croissants are baked fresh and delicious, the breakfast plates and sandwiches we've had so far have all been really good (chili cheese omelet, corned beef hash and eggs, egg salad sandwich, health nut sandwich [unique and tasty!], fruit, coleslaw, etc.) and I can't wait to try more items. Especially compared to the other breakfast/brunch options in the area (expensive, no or limited healthy options, no soup, mediocre service, etc.), Jolanda's is far superior. What a gem! read more

Our first sit down at Jolandas and it won't be our last. Gordon Ramsey is not needed . Intimate and clean and user friendly , light and bright atmosphere . Eager and friendly server . Had one of the best tuna melts in my life and wife had a perfect omelette, with nice home fries. The only imperfection was the rather generic - tasting OJ. Get a black coffee , instead . We left with a major croissant . read more

I love Jolanda's Cafe & Catering! Totally a mom and pop shop. Lots of old folks that eat here. Service is okay. A bit cranky at times. Food comes out really slow, but they make everything fresh and by order. The fries are my favorite! So crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. Eggs, croissants, sandwiches, and etcs are all pretty good. One of my favorite breakfast spots to go to! AS ALWAYS, NOM FOR LIFE! read more

Great food in a family owned restaurant! Service is personal while professional and consistent. Our coffees were regularly filled, orders were taken respectfully even with a few modifications. My poached eggs were perfect. I enjoy them a little runny and they didn't disappoint Honey had a California omelette and enjoyed it all he did miss having potatoes included and didn't think to add them He ended up taking his giant croissant home and enjoyed it with dinner. It is home made- tastes great heaven! We will be back read more

Been eating here since early 80s. Always good food and best fresh croissants around! Can't go wrong!

We signed up for the meal delivery service and have been enjoying delicious well made dishes for the last few weeks. Jolanda is very accommodating and her staff is super professional. Also, each meal is delivered to our front door step and very fairly priced. So happy we found Jolanda's! read more

Jolanda's Cafe & Catering - BBQ with beans and corn - soooo good! - Caterers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I had breakfast at Jolanda's Café & Catering 23615 El Toro Road in Lake Forest. After I just had my hair trimmed I thought I would try this location for my breakfast. Lucy my server was super nice and friendly. She was very helpful in my ordering. For my Appetizer: Croissant; A freshly baked croissant with my fresh cup of hot coffee. I added cream & sugar to my coffee. delish! My Entrée: Calico Scramble with ham; A good portion of scrambled eggs with, bell peppers, onions, tomato and spices with two slices of ham. A great combination of flavors! For dessert: French Toast; A half order of French toast with powdered sugar & two orange slices. It was scrumptious! Then I went outside and drove off to find my next review. Robert H. read more

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My husband and I purchased our Manor in Laguna Woods in. 2007 at the recommendation of our neighbors in Los Angeles. Although we did not reside her permanently until my retirement in 2013, we visited our "Retirement Home" on weekends. The first place that our friends took us before any Club houses or the Tennis Courts which my husband frequented was Jolanda's restaurant. We became weekly guests at this cozy cafe indulging ourselves in the delectable Croissants and even French Toast made with these croissants. Of course, we always had to buy the chocolate filled "CROISSANTS to take back to LA to hold us over till the following week. The chicken sausage was so delicious that I even gifted Jolanda with my favorite ornament a Stuffed and Feathered Chicken in a basket which reside on a shelf there for years! When We became permanent residents of Laguna Woods, we got the chance to sample Jolanda's dinner catering cuisine and excellent service at the various club dinners. Her menu was always varied and never disappointed. All through Covid which was the most challenging time for her Catering business, Jolanda and her son were busy delivering our weekly choice meals. In fact, just last week I saw her son dropping off meals for my neighbor across the street who is at home recovering from surgery. How fortunate indeed we are to live in this retirement community where our own Julia Childs known as Jolanda Day and her family serve us our daily sustenance! May they always be as blessed as we are who know and love them. read more

This is an old-school, comfort food, small establishment in Lake Forest. The food is reliably good and the service is always top notch. I usually get brunch food: one blueberry pancake, eggs, and sausage. I wish they had turkey sausage as the pork is a bit greasy but that's pork for you. My SO usually gets a tuna sandwich or chili. It's nice to have the breakfast or lunch menu to choose from. The place feels like it's been there for ages and ages (in a good way, like people come there every week), and the customers are usually older. read more

They make the best vegetable soup! And the fresh bread that comes with it is the tops! We've been coming here for years and always pleased with our meals. They did a great job catering a Laguna Woods Village party for us. read more

Yummy! A quaint little cafe. Delicious food. Excellent service. Very accommodating to our large group of ladies. Very friendly staff. Only open until 2:00 but serv es breakfast, lunch and dinner items entire time. read more

My breakfast was perfect. The croissants they make are amazing and everything else was delicious. My poached eggs looked magazine worthy and taste even better read more

First visit ever, walked in around 9:30 on a Saturday morning...not super busy at all. Were told to seat ourselves so we did, grabbed ourselves some menus too. We were greeted nicely by who looked like the only person servicing the dining room. We quickly decided what we wanted and ordered. Hubby went with the chili cheese omelet and coffee. I got us the french toast (croissant style) to share and a corned beef hash with eggs over medium. Our favorite points of Jolanda's: Soft butter on table (we taste-tested Darigold vs. Rockview, RV won) Nice sized portions It's breakfast comfort food French toast was really good Croissants we got with our restaurant was good but not as flaky and buttery as traditional versions. Imagine a croissant having a baby with a dinner roll...Only wish they had better jam than Smuckers to pair with them. Fried potato/hash browns OMG Hubby's coffee never went empty. The plentiful chili was average. The corned beef hash came from a can (which I do like) but I mention it so you don't expect the house-made type of corned beef hash. My over medium eggs were made almost perfectly. The dining ambiance could have been a tiny bit less spartan/outdated but it's breakfast and if you're bleary-eyed from partying too much the night before, it won't matter much. Great breakfast joint. read more

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The food is always fresh, tasty, and delicious! The staff are friendly. My husband and I always go there for breakfast on the weekends. read more

An excellent place for breakfast and lunch. It's quaint. It's quite a good service, great food. I've eaten here many times and never had a bad meal. read more

We enjoyed breakfast and I had the meatloaf. Best meatloaf I could find in years and the family all enjoyed breakfast croissants and eggs. Nice ambiance. read more

Been coming here for a while now, a little bit over 3 years. The food is always amazing & fresh, their croissants, French toast and omelettes are amazing, but I gotta say I was really disappointed today. My wife and I came in and we were told by the lady in the front that they're were gonna clean up a table, we waited for a bit about no one was cleaning a table. Luckily a family moved over a table and we sat there. We waited around 15 minutes before the busser offered drinks, which is really appreciated, but then another 10 minutes passed and the lady wouldn't come to take our order. Mind you it wasn't that busy as other times I've seen, in total we waited around 25 minutes sitting and never got our drinks or even get to put in a food order. The lady in the front never came to offer drinks or to see if we were ready to order I really think this place should update the front person to someone who doesn't let people wait over 20 minutes to order read more

The food and service were a definitely a step above the usual Cafe in this area! A big plus is you can get a 1/2 order of any sandwich and they are huge!!! read more