If you are a fan of diner-type cuisine or old-school American fare, this is an excellent example of that type of food. Simple, affordable, filling and delicious. I enjoy all types of cuisine but sometimes you just want something simple but well-done. I have been here twice and my parents order from her catering service (lunch & dinner 4x a week, up to 7x if needed) so I've had a good sense of this place's cooking. Servings are generous, not oily, not salty, and flavorful. At the cafe, I particularly enjoy the French toast made with croissants and the chili. Service is fine if a bit slow so don't come here if you are in a hurry or call ahead for pick-up. For catering, my parents enjoy the soups, chicken/ krab salad sandwiches, roasted chicken, and poach salmon. read more

Good, traditional cafe food, particularly strong on the breakfast side for safe, staple, breakfast stuff. The chili is also good. The service was very good too - and the place is comfortable with ample seating. It should stay open later though - they closer mid afternoon. read more

A perfect neighborhood spot for well-prepared, tasty, fresh food. Nothing faddish, just good nutrition, friendly people (staff and patrons) and comfort. Well-priced, too. read more

The food is amazing, the service is great. Go early for breakfast. It's worth it. The croissants are homemade and delicious.. definitely a go to breakfast spot for locals if you're looking for a good spot. Haven't tried the lunch yet but judging from the breakfast, I don't doubt that it's great. The breakfast potatoes are the best along with the omelette and homemade croissant... read more

Jolanda's is located is in the same mall as Smart & Final, just a few doors down from Handel's ice cream. It is a favorite joint for locals who want to enjoy a leisurely brunch. I was craving a good croissant today so Jolanda's is the natural choice. You may say I ordered a croissant with a side of omelette, while my wife ordered an omelette with a side of sourdough. The croissant is so huge that you can order it with a side of eggs or cheese to make yourself a croissant sandwich. I enjoyed the taste of roast beef in my bistro omelette. The plating is pleasant to the eye. Its owner must like roosters because you see it everywhere. Jolanda's is a small place with only one server but she took good care of everyone. Just be patient and you will have a good experience. read more

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Order the Fritatta Lyon if you like mushrooms and Parmesan. It's crunchy, hot and quite filling. Comes with a side of bread or croissant of your choice. Add coffee and it's a great breakfast! Service was slow today, with only one server. Hope this is just a hiccup! read more

Food is good. Table service is slow. 4% added for use of credit cards which I am unhappy with.

From entering to eating to parting, everything about our experience was outstanding. 1) Everyone here was very welcoming and clearly enjoy what they do. This is too often missing these days. 2) Poutine? I'm all in. Though their preparation was a bit different (no peas), I had to eat only half (of a large portion) so I can enjoy again later. 3) The crossaints...amazingly fresh, extra large, crispy, delicious and oh, what a deal. 4) The prices are, by today's standards, are very reasonable. And, if we lived an hour closer, this would be our go to Cafe for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Wonderful 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

Veggie omelet packed full of delicious vegetables. Jolanda's never disappoints. Good friendly service. Freshly cooked. read more

Jolanda's Cafe and Catering - Veggies inside and on top. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Best breakfast in the area. They make homemade croissants and their homemade breakfast potatoes are amazing. Everything is good here including the service. It's now my go to place for breakfast. read more

I always get their ham cheese croissants. They're huge and delicious!!! Whether you dine in or get it to go. They warm it up to perfection.

Great place good food. I asked what was quick. They got me in and out and back on the road quickly. Nice lady working with a smile and tasty food. read more

Great restaurant... Very clean... small interior.. excellent service.... outstanding food and prices! Great places for lunch and breakfast and dinner.... I highly recommended it!!! read more

Edited 4/9/12: My first time here was a few months ago, for breakfast. Service was great, and I had the breakfast burrito. The food was delicious and the burrito was a decent size. My second time here was this past weekend, and I went for lunch. I walked in, and the waitress was in the middle of running around so I waited by the stand. I didnt realize I was supposed to seat myself. Once she came to me, she seemed a little annoyed that I didnt know that. Once we ordered, I ordered the Reuben sandwich and a diet coke. The diet coke, was a can... and was almost TWO DOLLARS. Woah. My sandwich was not what I expected and did not have a lot of corned beef, and what meat it did have was tough. We asked for separate checks, however did not get them. The service was very slow... maybe a second waitress or hostess or something called in sick, not sure. We went up to pay, and stood at LEAST five minutes while the one waitress / hostess stood and discussed napkin colors with someone who walked in obviously looking for some catering information. Once she got to us, I reminded her we needed separate checks and she took my credit card and ran it for my portion. She then left to go deliver food and take orders. Without returning my credit card and without giving me a receipt. A guy from the back came out finally to help us and give me my credit card back... and run my friends portion of the bill. Seriously, NO THANK YOU. I may try again for breakfast, but Im not sure. I was not impressed with my lunch experience, AT ALL. :( _____ SO delicious! I cant believe I am the first to review this! My parents have been to this place for breakfast many times and have really liked it. I finally was able to get there, I ordered the breakfast burrito and it was really big, and DELICIOUS!!! I cant wait to go back! Definitely a great place to check out! read more

Jolanda's Cafe and Catering - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

They hands down have the best buttermilk croissants in OC. They also have amazing potato's! Typically I'll get some eggs, sausage, and potatoes with a buttermilk croissant ! The service here is also good and it's priced fair! There usually is not a long wait. If you are in the Lake Forest I highly recommend giving this place a chance! read more

I can't say we were disappointed since as soon as we saw the place from the outside we knew it was not going to be very good. First the place is looks like mid 1950's. The patrons were so old I'm not sure any could even taste their meal- definitely a blessing! We waited 40 minutes for our food during which we received our dishwater version of coffee. When the meal cane it did not include fresh spinach, tomatoes or mushrooms. Everything was made from frozen food or canned goods Too many other good options nearby to go back. This place is a disgrace. read more

The food is great here.. could have a bit friendlier service but the food is worth overlooking the service!

We had Jolanda's cater our Mom's Celebration of Life. I'm so glad we used her (plus it was one of her favorite breakfast spots). The food was excellent, her sandwiches were to die for and her salads were delicious. You must use her for your next event. read more

Excellent hole in the wall restaurant. I was hungry for breakfast and parked in front of Smart & Final to do some grocery shopping. I saw this place and decided to look it up on Yelp. I saw the 50-4 star ratings and decided to give this place a try. I ordered the Denver omelet and was very pleased with what came out. The omelet was fluffy and moist, the veggies were fresh and sautéed perfectly. The flavor and texture was excellent. In the current economy, restaurants are buying cheaper ingredients, holding them longer....and have poor kitchen execution. This restaurant does not fit into this category. They have stepped above its competition to separate itself with a standard of quality and excellence. I look forward to my returning here to try something else. .....and the waitress was very friendly and efficient, too. read more

Food is decent but the service is ultra slow anytime of the day and even when not busy. Only the bus boys are friendly, the waitresses just give the impression you are bothering them. They walk by you and just ignore you as if you are not there and never do I get offered a water or coffee refill. read more

I'm so disappointed with this place. Came here this morning and was looking forward to the same service and food we had when she catered at Laguna Woods. Because of COVID we decided to eat outside at one of the tables. It was crowded inside. They gave us menus and told us they would be right out Never showed up. We waited and waited. No one came out. Eventually we left. They are so many other places in the area that need our support. Obviously they don't need ours. Won't be coming here again. read more

This is the best kept secret in Orange County! The food is home made, delicious and plentiful! Breakfast served all day. One note; if you're expecting fast food , this is not the place. Every bit is made to order so there might be a bit of a wait. read more

Jolanda's Cafe and Catering - Homemade croissant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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We all make mistakes, and when Jolanda's does, what do they do? Charge 1/2 price?! Really. Two bites into the omelette and nope, over-cooked and burned. GF took a bite and agreed, yuck. Well, by the time the waitress came from the back two had finished their breakfast and one almost done. No big deal, just take it off the bill as it was time to go. Absolutely not, Jolanda insisted on payment with just a discount. So my GF called as we drove to where we had to go and Jolanda blamed me for failing to order the ($11.00) omelette NOT over-cooked and NOT burned. Weird. I didn't know I had to do that. Glad you don't have to order it not cold, or not served in a dirty ashtray.. LoL. The others said their meals were okay, your basic breakfast on the pricey side. No hard feelings really, but I guess their cost of 3 eggs, a piece of cheese and a few avocado slices was worth losing several local customers forever. C'est la vie. read more

Food here is AMAZING. Traditional french croissants are to die for. I usually have the traditional breakfast and today I added a cup of oatmeal as well. YUMMM Lucy was our server and was very friendly! She kept my coffee cup full until I didn't care for anymore coffee. Great service! Also, parking is super easy, you seat yourself wherever you like when you walk in and I have never had to wait for a table! Love this spot. read more

Jolanda's Cafe and Catering - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Very simple, family dinner- basic breakfast foods. Small interior, with a few tables outside, friendly enough staff but wouldn't have high expectations coming in. Would recommend looking at one of the other options in the near by blocks. read more

Jolanda's is a cute French-style cafe with very good breakfast food. The croissants are so delicious! Especially the ham and cheese croissant is a must! read more

Ordered a late breakfast. Averaged $15 per person including coffee. Great service. Recently updated decor. Tasty, filling breakfast. Make sure you have a croissant (signature item). Comes with most breakfast entrees. read more

I've only been here a few times and every time it's been amazing. The only downfall is that it closes so early but I get it, it's a breakfast/lunch place. Will return over and over again read more

I just realized Angie accidentily created a duplicate post for this place. I meant to update my older post.

Food here is fantastic! I have had breakfast here numerous times and every time it's nearly perfect! The staff is always very friendly and helpful. The fruit here is the freshest fruit I think I've ever seen, and it's that way each time I order it. I highly recommend stopping by and ordering something. read more

Very fresh green salads made to order. Comes out in a large wooden bowl. So tasty! Easy parking great for a quick healthy lunch.

The California Avocado Omelette with a freshly made croissant is my go-to choice when come here. My husband first took me here over 10 years ago for breakfast when first started dating. Now, we have brunch here with our 2 littles at least one Sunday a month! I swear, I dream about their croissants! Nothing can compare . read more