Excellent Local Spot for a Special Lunch! I took my managing broker here for a special farewell lunch, and it was the perfect spot to splurge! The atmosphere is beautiful, and the white-glove service was absolutely excellent. I started with their "La Vie en Rose" signature cocktail, which was fantastic and came with little lavender pods floating on top, while my friend enjoyed a glass of Chardonnay. For lunch, they brought out this cool, crisp cracker-like bread that was a neat touch. I ordered the spicy beef salad and ate every single bite--yummo! My friend loved her shaking beef, though we both thought they could probably cut back just a bit on the number of pea pods in the dish. We finished the meal with the crème brûlée garnished with fresh berries, and it was top-notch with a perfect, crispy crack crust and soft baby almond cookies. Since it's right next door to my office, I'd love to make this a regular habit, but the prices definitely make it a special-occasion treat. I'll absolutely be back--though I might have to convince someone else to treat me next time! Highly recommend for a lovely, upscale dining experience right in town. read more

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If you're looking for a cozy, inviting atmosphere for a date night, this is a great choice. The ambiance is warm and relaxing, making it easy to enjoy a great evening together. The food was delicious, with a menu that offers something for everyone--from chicken and beef to duck. The drink selection was especially impressive, with a fantastic variety of creative and well-made cocktails. Our server was pleasant, attentive, and made the experience even better. Overall, this is a wonderful spot for a fun night out with someone special. We'll definitely be back! read more

Le Colonial Lake Forest - Drinks - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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It was my wife's birthday and she chose this restaurant based on her experience with the downtown location which we have dined several times. Because we had a rough start with this restaurant, we'll never return. When we checked in we were seated in what I would describe as the overflow portion of the restaurant. It had the be the worst table in the place right next to the serving station. We were the only people in that area. It was 5pm on Sunday. The main dining room was not busy. Why were we there? They state they have a dress code - we were the best dressed in the restaurant. My wife had on a dress and I a sport jacket. After fuming a while, I finally asked our waitress to seat us in the main dining room which she pleasantly accommodated us. I have no beef with our experience after that. It's a nice area and the servers were great. I feel our meal was above average but not stellar commiserate with the price point. I can't get over why we were not seated in the main dining room. Nobody was seated in the "overflow" room the rest of the time we were there. It felt insulting. read more

I visited this restaurant in 2024 and loved our meal; I still drool about it when I visit Lake Forest area! Admittedly having the fish delivered with the head still on was pretty intimidating, but the staff did a great job of plating it for us first so we got our cool picture, then very quickly cutting it up for us right by our table. The food was incredible - we ordered family style since there were four of us and it gave us all a great opportunity to try a variety of flavors. The decor in this restaurant is also very cute and is a wonderful blend of Vietnamese and French. read more

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My family and I visited to celebrate my mom's birthday, and as always, the food was outstanding. We started with the veggie rolls, dumplings, and shrimp rolls, then shared the shaking beef, chicken curry, and egg noodles as our main dishes. For sides, we ordered the garlic noodles, Brussels sprouts, vegetable fried rice, and jasmine rice, and every single dish was delicious. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. We always have a great experience here, and we'll definitely be back! read more

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We were visiting Lake Forest, and decided to have lunch at Le Colonial. This is our second visit after a long while. I would describe this restaurant as an upscale Vietnamese restaurant. The decor was great, and once you walked in, it transformed your surrounding into colonial time of Vietnam. The staffs were very friendly and patient in explaining questions. The menu clearly indicates Gluten Free and other allergens. The food overall was good. We had the glazed ribs - the meat was tender and flavorful with the glaze. The papaya salad - think of it as like a slaw - was crunchy and slightly acidic, so paired well with the ribs. We also had the spicy chicken soup. It has coconut milk, and big enough portion for two people to share. I also want to caution people that the knife skills of the chefs here was quite good - the green chili was thinly sliced that I almost mistook them as spring onions. Imagine if I actually bit into a few... :) Then, we also ordered Chicken stir fried to share. The main dish came with a bowl of jasmine rice. So, there was a variety for our lunch, and everything was flavorful. It is not an everyday Vietnamese cuisine, but it fits the bill for a special outing. read more

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Food was fantastic. Ambiance was incredible. Service was sub-par. Always amazing how critical a role the waiter plays in an overall restaurant experience. Tonight our waiter was just not friendly and was far less helpful than I would have hoped! Came here for my birthday dinner on a Thursday evening with my girlfriend and parents, and we got a really great spread of food. Despite not receiving the best advice on how much to order overall, we ended up with a great amount of food: 3 appetizers, 3 mains and a Pho. Highlights were the beet salad, clay pot chicken, and brussels! We were threatened with multiple up-charges ($16 to swap from rice to rice noodles, $14 for a chamomile tea, etc.). For a nice restaurant where we were already paying a decent penny, this seemed silly. Again, overall this could easily have been a 5 star visit... hoping I can revisit the review at some point, as the food is truly great. read more

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The grilled steak au poivre and the roasted salmon were the star of the meal. The steak was tender and well seared. The gailan sauce highlighted the steak perfectly. I also really enjoyed the roasted salmon and coconut lobster broth. The coconut lobster broth complemented the salmon so well that I ended up drenching the salmon and my rice in the broth. Very well done pairing the flavors! read more

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This place is. SPECIAL. We really enjoyed our dining experience here. The combination of French and Vietnamese is not one I would think would pair so well but I was so impressed. We ordered the ribs small plate with the crispy red snapper and a few cocktails and a Viet coffee to finish off the meal. The service was fantastic and everyone was very attentive and caring along the way. The environment felt upscale but not stuffy in any way. There were a lot of people in celebrating and enjoying each others company. Highly recommend! read more

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I have been here multiple times in the past for a lunch as well as private events that were all held upstairs. Every single time I come here the service is incredible and the food is a true stand out. Decided to come here on a Saturday night and made reservation reservations in advance to celebrate a birthday. All the dishes as usual were absolutely incredible. Special call out to Izzy for some fantastic service !!!! In general, I do wish that they would spread out some of the tables on the main floor as they are quite closing, and you can definitely hear your neighbor and their entire conversation, even without trying to eavesdrop. The construction in downtown Lake Forest continue so be prepared. However, the parking lots are still available and mostly free. I love coming here!! read more

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Le Colonial has been a favorite for 'that special evening'. Past visits have been wonderful in the main dining room. Recently with no reservation, bringing a friend for her birthday we had a lovely table in the bar with the same exceptional service as the main dining room. This weekend, I had a 'staycation' booked at the Deerpath Inn for a mother/daughter getaway. Celebrating a special occasion for my daughter I booked the reservation weeks out with a request for the main dining room And called day before to remind them. When we arrived for our reservation it was obvious the main dining room was full. We were seated in the next room, the porch. It left much to be desired. Especially how close the tables are to each other. Who ever sits in the banquette portion - you drop down and there were many polite giggles from adjoining tables to how awkward it was sliding in with mere inches between tables. If we were hoping for a celebratory intimate dinner, it did not happen on the porch. A few more palm fronds would have been helpful to hide the kitchen door with staff coming in and out constantly. Very disappointed. And if offered this choice next visit, will simply celebrate elsewhere. read more

Le Colonial Lake Forest - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

We had a lovely birthday dinner at Le Colonial. We have dined here several times and each time we enjoy the food, the impeccable service and the show-stopping desserts. Our favorites: Ca Hoi Nuong (Roasted Salmon), Cha Gio (CRISPY SHRIMP & PORK ROLL), Pho Bo (HANOI BEEF NOODLE SOUP), Crispy Brussel Sprouts. For dessert, Le Citron (Yuzu Mousse, Poached Meyer Lemon, Mint, White Chocolate) and the rich and buttery apple tart tatin. Special occasion or casual lunch, I always look forward to a meal at Le Colonial. read more

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Went here for a date night and it's nice. Like dark and moody. Although, the table we were placed at was just obscure. No "privacy" (like whoever entered the restaurant saw our faces first) The waiter is super nice and explain everything very throughly. Although, they were super pushy. Neither of us consume alcohol and we didn't want the rum on the chocolate cake, even if the alcohol is burnt off. Said we weren't fun. Sorry? Food is good and has the idea of Vietnamese food. As a Vietnamese person, it does taste Vietnamese even if it doesn't look like it. I do appreciate the twist, but I don't think it was worth the money for the quality of what the restaurant says they represent. It's pricey for very small portions. Also the Vietnamese coffee was a disgrace. My ancestors rolled in their grave. It was not the definition of drip coffee. read more

We had such a wonderful experience celebrating my husband's birthday. We recently went to Naples, FL and went to the Le Colonial there. We loved it so much and were ecstatic to find out there was one close to our home. The food is absolutely delicious, service is wonderful, and we love the ambiance!! Everyone was so kind and accommodating to our 10 month old daughter. My only complaint is that they do not offer complimentary birthday dessert. read more

Le Colonial Lake Forest - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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The food here is amazing, even though I ordered through delivery! Starting with the presentation, everything was nicely wrapped up in solid containers, separated out by dish, and provided in a very sturdy bag with nice utensils. I ordered the shaking beef and garlic noodles. The balance of flavors was perfectly portioned, and even the sauces on the side were measured accurately for the foods themselves. Would highly recommend these two dishes and I will definitely make it a point to visit the restaurant in person soon. read more

Superb food and service. Great ambiance - you might even think you were in France, Vietnam or even Morocco!

When Le Colonial first opened in Lake Forest a few years ago, I thought it was a revolutionary event. After all, here was a Haute Cuisine downtown restaurant finally coming to the North Shore and the food was terrific. Since then, I've been at the restaurant dozens of times and the whole the food has not changed but the prices have. The " pièce de résistance" has always been their red snapper and it used to be something like $85 for two people. I was shocked when we left the restaurant today when it was $145.00. That is a huge increase by anybody's standards. Other items likewise have gone up. There used to be several bottles of wine between $80-100. Now there are one or two for each varietal at that price, but most are in the mid-100s. And no more haLF-price under $100 offerings. As food prices have zoomed, I understand the squeeze facing restaurants. I also respect that they need to be profitable. But these menu prices --such as a 64% increase for the same Red Snapper --reflect a disdain for consumers, unlike other places. I don't mind expensive restaurants when they're worth it. This one is good, interesting and diverse --but this one doesn't have the grace nor class of a high-end place. It's nice and kind of unique, but not a Michelin star venue. And despite my being a former fan, at these new prices I cannot recommend it. As they say, once "shame on you, but twice, shame on me". Good bye. read more

Quality Vietnamese. Outdoor seating is beautiful. Cha gio ( crispy shrimp and pork roll) is a must have. Other dishes are generally good. However, their pho noodle soup is worse than their Chicago branch,m - too salty. read more

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Was served a meal here as part of a business offsite gathering. Each course was delicious and the staff was SO great. Seriously the most memorable part of our meal was how attentive our server was. We had a private room for 10 which was great for us. Definitely consider here as a upscale dining experience. read more

Overrated! Gave our table away, hostess was snippy, put us at an outside messy table. First server Nick was great, after 15 mins, without explanation, he was gone and we got Cynthia, very poor service, took us three different times to get a drink order. Ordered shrimp rolls, hardly any shrimp. Super loud. Have been to the one downtown, much better. This one- not so good read more

I love that Le Colonial is in Lake Forest. Lychee martini and the smoked old fashioned are amazing. Appetizers Sesame beef ravioli- delicious and I love eating the cucumbers and lettuce Vegetables spring rolls Beef pho (large bowl) Mains Shrimp green curry (no bamboo shoots) -good and spicy Shaking beef - delicious and salad on the side is good too Sides Garlic noodles - they changes the noodles to a thinner one. I like the thicker noodles better Signature fried rice (no Vietnamese sausage) - delicious Overall, the people who work here are amazing. The maître d' from Atlanta, Paul is exceptional. Great food, great service. Only complaint is that it's hard to get a reservation here so book weeks in advance for the popular dinner times on the weekends. read more

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Wonderful ambiance and service. We found nothing special about the food. Pricey. Sat at a table for two that had zero room for plates, glasses, utensils, etc. Very uncomfortable, annoying and somewhat set the tone for the evening. I'm glad we went, but did not find value in it to return. read more

They can't cook a bad dish here! Everything was mouthwatering good! Julia was the best server ever so kind and accommodating. She had a great sense of humor and made great recommendations. She was super attentive and really enhanced our experience. We truly thoroughly enjoyed every dish we ordered. We had Shrimp stir fry, Shaking beef, Red Snapper (one of the specials), Roast Duck (another one of the specials), coconut curry Shrimp, fall of the bone Pork Ribs (tenderness was out of this world), Vegetable rolls, Pork & chicken rolls, and lastly the Green papaya salad (the only salad I will eat and they did it right). The lychee martini was super tasty too The decor was beautiful and perfect for a date. I especially love the partial booth seating we had. I will keep going back and recommending this place. 10/10 read more

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Too expensive. Not worth the hype. The fried rice was ok. Service was good but we sat really close next to another table and it felt too crowded as they are trying to go for quantity over quality, or so it seems. I stand by my statement of I believe it's an identity crisis with decor, food items and pricing. read more

Return of Deposit- Made a reservation for 15 people 45 days in advance with a$900 deposit. Unfortunately, circumstances changed and I had to cancel the reservation 5 days later. The so-called restaurant refuses to return or refund the deposit. This company must really be struggling if it cannot return unearned money. This is not a responsible way of operating a business which does not warrant my business. Wonder if the staff shares in my stolen deposit!!! read more

Le Colonial in Lake Forest is easily my favorite suburban restaurant. After living in cities like Chicago, NYC, London, and Philadelphia for almost two decades, I've often wondered why more city restaurants don't translate successfully to the suburbs. Le Colonial proves it's possible, and they do it exceptionally well. The interior is beautiful--bright, cosmopolitan, and polished. It has the atmosphere of a chic city spot, reminding me of a newly built Indochine in NoHo (lower Manhattan). The staff is friendly, stylish, and professional, striking the right balance of attentiveness without being overbearing. I make it a point to come here with my family once or twice every winter when visiting from out of town. The food has always been excellent. Some of my favorites include the crispy shrimp and pork rolls, chicken dumplings, spicy shrimp stir fry, salmon, shaking beef, and fried rice. The house rosé was also a pleasant surprise on my last visit. The dining room's layout makes it feel cozy yet open. There is plenty of natural light in the winter and a good vibe for people-watching. It's an excellent spot for an impressive and approachable group meal. The prices are reasonable for the food, service, and atmosphere quality. I highly recommend Le Colonial to anyone in the area and look forward to visiting again--hopefully in the summer! A must-visit in Lake Forest. read more

Delicious flavors ! Fantastic ambience and service. Each dish is thoughtful and unique read more

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Stopped in for lunch on a Monday afternoon with my wife and it was crowded. Luckily, we had a reservation. Food and ambiance were excellent. A much more refined version of Asian food, but not overly pretentious. And the service from Guadalupe was outstanding. A young boy at the table next to us asked where the bathroom was. Instead of pointing to the direction of its location, she politely walked him over there. Sometimes it's the small things like this which make a difference. read more

This place is small, extremely overrated, and overpriced. I understand they are trying to create a French bistro ambiance, but every chair in the place doesn't have to be wicker, including bar stools, not a fan of wicker. Second the table we sat at was 24" x 24". You could barely fit two plates on the table. We sat about 8" away from the table next to us. So if comfort and atmosphere is your thing, this place has neither. It was my birthday, they knew it because it was on the reservation and they wished me happy birthday two times. At the end, there was no complementary dessert, no candle, nothing. Just a fat overblown check on the table for very mediocre food. Definitely not worth the price and the service was barely average. For these prices, there are plenty of places that will give you 5 star service, a comfortable atmosphere and a happy birthday cupcake!! Terrible place for a special occasion. My wife was really disappointed and frustrated with the whole experience. Especially the service or lack there of. read more

Very expensive, but delicious food. The grilled eggplant was the tastiest I've ever had, and their ceviche had a unique flavor to it, plus some ingredients you don't normally find in ceviche. Major thumbs up! read more

As a returning customer, I can confidently say Le Colonial Lake Forest continues to be an absolute gem. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance - warm, elegant and thoughtfully designed, making each of our visits feel relaxed and comfortable. The service is exceptional with just the right amount of attention to your needs without being intrusive. The cuisine is simply outstanding. There is a delicate harmony between French technique and Vietnamese flavors. The presentation is beyond beautiful. It is artistry. Please enjoy my photo of Le Citron which is a dessert. Yes...you can eat this "lemon" masterfully created with Yuzu Mousse, Poached Meyer Lemon, Mint and White Chocolate. Upon presentation, Le Citron is a delight to your eyes and ultimately to your palate! We look forward to our next visit! read more

Le Colonial Lake Forest - Le Citron - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Totally cannot understand why some think this spot is less than stellar. Food was inventive and delicious (one star left off due to food not being hot) , service was amazing and attentive. I was very impressed all around. read more

Le Colonial Lake Forest - Tartar, chicken raviolis, cabbage salad - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Food - the food was delicious. All the flavors seemed very high-quality and authentic. Service was very good. Our server was super knowledgeable and helpful when it came to give me recommendations. Ambience was elevated and luxurious while also giving a accessible vibe not to snotty. read more

Le Colonial Lake Forest - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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Food is excellent Crispy spring rolls are delicious The fried rice is perfection Cocktails are superb and refreshing Service is attentive and very prompt. Seating is very tight and cramped in my view. wish they were a touch bigger but it's a great place for a quick cocktail and some appetizers . read more

I've wanted to try this place since I saw a friend's picture take here. The restaurant is beautiful and feels like eating at a fancy Restoration Hardware with Vietnamese upscale cuisine. Service is very nice and everything is done right from presentation of food on unique plates to the beautiful interior and exterior. A true experience. We enjoyed our time for my birthday. I'd have given 4.5 if I could. read more

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Had an amazing dinner here this week. Chicken ravioli and shrimp spring rolls were fantastic - and the beef filet entree was absolutely delicious! The restaurant itself is decorated beautifully and service was top notch. read more

Le Colonial Lake Forest - Chicken ravioli, tuna tartare - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Ambiance out of this world, was taken aback by how beautiful the setting was, the service was also excellent and the food was top notch read more

Le Colonial Lake Forest - Ambiance on point - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

This place is super pretty and fancy. It has a dress code that must followed. Clientele are very snobby and there is a huge show of wealth at this restaurant. The food is good. The atmosphere is great. The people who are here and make it unpleasant to go back. read more

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We just happened to be visiting the Lake Forest Market Square and were smitten with this charming restaurant upon first sight. The bustling and beautiful outdoor patio called to us, and with Vietnamese food being some of my favorite cuisine, their front door plaque advertising French-Vietnamese fusion was equally alluring. We were a party of 8, with no reservations, so it was a kindness and a blessing they were able to seat us indoors, which was also beautifully decorated. The menu featured a multitude of enticing dishes that are a bit different from the usual Vietnamese restaurant offerings. I was very excited to give something new a try. The people sharing my table had varying preferences and familiarity with Vietnamese food, so we tried to get dishes that would appeal to everyone. We sampled the chilled vegetable roll, the sesame beef ravioli, pork and noodle dish, crispy brussel sprouts, grilled eggplant, and perhaps something else I am forgetting. My husband wanted a bowl of their pho bo, so I tried that as well. Table guests also ordered the two mocktails, Saigon Mint Colada and Le Diable. Both of those were good, but I'd say Le Diable was a little better. All in all, the food was sort of forgettable. Nothing really stood out as exceptional, and especially for the price. The meat in the sesame beef ravioli was especially a letdown, and the dish was overall sort of bland. When I think Vietnamese food, I am expecting a certain intensity of flavor, which nothing we tried really delivered. I have had authentic French food, and authentic Vietnamese food, both of which I preferred much more to anything I had here. Maybe we just ordered all of the wrong stuff, but still, too many things for none of them to be a hit. If I had to pick, my husband's pho bo was probably among the best of what was at the table. In summary, you are definitely visiting (and paying) for the atmosphere when you visit Le Colonial. I will also commend the service, which was gracious, kind, and hospitable to us. The food was fine, and inoffensive, but it won't be drawing me back. read more

Great service and food. You definitely need to order dessert, the Le Citron is almost as fun to eat as it was tasty. read more

Le Colonial Lake Forest - Le Citron dessert! - Vietnamese Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois