U Babci

4.9 (165 reviews)

ModeratePolish, Desserts, Soup

Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Updated a few days ago

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U Babci - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - A sweet tribute to the owner's Grandmother and Grandfather. - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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U Babci - Restaurant ambiance - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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U Babci Popular Dishes

$20.80

Golabki - Cabbage Rolls

17 Photos32 Reviews

$13.00

Kielbasa - Polish Sausage

4 Photos7 Reviews

$9.10

Mizeria - Cucumber Salad

6 Photos4 Reviews

U Babci menu photos

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U BABCI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

65 Photos

Outside

15 Photos

Quiet

Outdoor seating

Good for groups

Dogs allowed

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Rick K.

This seemed like a unique restaurant so we decided to give it a try. Service was ok. Since I was having trouble finding the restaurant, I gave them a call. I was asking what the nearest cross street was and they abruptly hung up on me. After some persistence, I found it. I had the schnitzel. This came with two small scoops of mashed potatoes. I ordered the mushroom sauce to go with it. The schnitzel was a good sized portion. The breading was well seasoned and the meat was tender. I liked the mushroom sauce but the portion was tiny for the price. The mashed potatoes were good. My wife enjoyed her cabbage roll. She did say that she would have preferred more sauce on the cabbage rolls. They have a cozy little dining room with some outside seating. Everything looks very clean.

Eva B.

My entire family is from Poland and though I was born and raised in the US, I've been to Poland over 20 times and spent most summers as a child there. The food at U Babci is genuine polish cuisine. It was a really nice experience to be able to get authentic polish dishes in Southern California. I'm not particularly used to kompot being served with ice but the flavor was really delicious - not too sweet. The barszcz was very yummy - great spices and the perfect temperature. I loved the kotlet schabowy and potatoes - both items were prepared perfectly, the kotlet was so thin and fried to perfection. The trio of salatki was decent though a little underseasoned. Lastly, we finished with the warm jablecznik - I was underwhelmed, I am used to jablecznik having more of a streusel/crumbly top but perhaps there are different types of jablecznik based on region and I'm just not used to this kind. It could've been warmed up a bit more than it was. I am definitely being picky since I have a lot of experience eating polish food but overall it was a delicious meal and not too heavy which I always appreciate. The service was very excellent - friendly and quick. Decor was so homey and made me feel nostalgic.

Jamal A.

Checked out proper Polish cuisine for the first time and I enjoyed a variety of hearty dishes that were very balanced and unique in its flavors! The staff are super friendly and shall educate you on all the dishes. The restaurant itself had a nice vibe that makes you feel like you're visiting someone's home which is always great when trying foreign cuisine. Great experience! : Golbaki (Cabbage Roll with meat), Bigos (Hunter's stew), Kielbasa (Polish sausage), Pierogi (Dumplings) and Kaszanka (Blood

Chloe L.

Cozy restaurant serving very homey food! Pretty empty on a weekday lunch. Had the hunter stew and cabbage rolls. Both were very filling and healthy! First time trying Polish food but it felt like a meal a grandmother would make. My personal favorite was the hunter stew, has a fermented cabbage taste that fits the Korean palate really well.

Chloe N.

Grew up in poland and I have missed food from there. Finally there is a restaurant nearby and they delivered. The taste is authentic and even vibe and decorations give a warm feeling of Polish hospitality. I got kotlety schabowe, soup, and golabki. Food took a while to arrived but everything tasted so good. I am getting hungry thinking about it. Will be back!

6 Pierogi - Dumplings Kopytka - Potato Dumplings 3 Small Side Salads - 3 Zestawy Surwek

Leah C.

This is one of my new fav places to eat!!!!! As someone who does not eat meat or dairy, I was so happy to see so many things on the menu that fit within those bounds. We got the mushroom sauerkraut pierogis, cabbage rolls (they have pork and beef inside of them) with mushroom sauce instead of tomato, potato dumplings, beet soup, and salad sampler. For dessert, we split a plum donut. We also requested a flyer to take pictures of and send to friends and family! The food is made fresh, with love, and so so well! Looking forward to coming back!

Jenn S.

We have been here twice now, and I am so excited that there is Eastern European - specifically Polish - food that's both authentic and fresh available in Lake Forest. I enjoyed the hunters stew - the Polish sausage served with the bun was also delicious but my favorite part of this restaurant has to be the drinks.

Howie C.

I felt like I was eating at someone's home! U Babci is a warm restaurant that serves amazing Polish comfort food. I have not been to Poland, but I can imagine eat these dishes with family in the middle of winter in a house with warm lighting, warm food, lively banter and heart warming drinks. Dishes made with care. Dishes made with love. Oranzada (Red) - This is a sparkling soda, tastes like a raspberry Italian soda. Had moderate fizz and is sweet but not too sweet. Kompot - Homemade apple juice made of boiled apples and other fruit juices and spices (like a touch of cinnamon and cloves). It looks like like an unfiltered apple cider but is much less sweet than any apple juice you'd get in a store. It's more like a mulled home brew without the alcohol. It's so well balanced. It was sweet with enough apple flavor for me to know it's apple, but not so sweet that could I couldn't have another glass or two or three if I was at a house party. When I got to the bottom of the glass there were two apple wedges that had been slow cooked and were tender and edible. A wonderful drink that they make in house. Highly recommended. Potato Pancakes ($10, $1 extra for each topping/sauce) - This is a meal in itself you only one have one person eating as it's served with five large and thick pan fried potato patties. Generous portions on this one, great for sharing with 3-5 people. Kinda like hash browns, kind of like pancakes, but made of all potato. These were browned on the outside and broke apart easily when cutting. They felt light in my mouth, which is a good thing (as opposed to being heavy and oily). We had them with sour cream and apple sauce, but you can add bacon bits, cheese, caramelized onions, powdered sugar and sweet cream. Combo Plate ($28) - It's huge! You get some of almost everything... 3 Pierogi (you can pick all different if you want... Potato Cheese, Meat, Spinach, Sauerkraut Mushroom), 1 Cabbage Roll, a massive scoop of Hunter's Stew (meat and sauerkraut stew), and a grilled or boiled Kielbasa Sausage (with or without hot dog bun). Just the pierogi themselves are pretty filling. The cabbage roll is a boiled cabbage wrap of minced meat, onions and rice. The filling is light and a joy to eat. The Hunter's Stew adds some sauerkraut heft to the place and it's filled with different meat pieces inside, including sausage. The Kielbasa Sausage on Hot Dog Bun is a meal itself... A thick 7" sausage, grilled and topped with grilled sauerkraut. I added Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard on top and it was perfect. The servers were friendly and attentive. The restaurant looks homely and welcoming but modern and clean at the same time. There were so many other things that I didn't get to try... Sour Rye Soup, Red Borscht, Polish Pizza, Polish Donut (with Plum, Raspberry, Nutella or Pistachio), the Blintzes. Loved my meal here. Every bite felt like it was made from a handwritten recipe book that had been passed down for generations. I can't wait to come back!

Thomas L.

U babci is a quaint and welcoming little restaurant which a selection of authentic polish food and a large drink menu with many options that I've never heard of before. I'm not very familiar with polish food, but based on other reviews as well as comparing the food against google images; the restaurant does appear to serve authentic Polish food. The pictures in the menu accurately reflect what gets served. The Potato Pierogis are an easy recommendation, I'd say hands down my favorite item. The waitress said we could split the order and recommended doing potato along with another flavor. Ordered the meat option and it had an interesting texture, similar to pork floss. It was tasty, but think I'll try a different flavor next time. We also ordered the cabbage rolls, hunter's stew, and the Potato Pancakes with Beef Goulash. The cabbage rolls come with a mild tomato sauce and the inner mixture is a mildly spiced meat mixture. It tasted lean and healthy with a nice balance between the cabbage, stuffing and sauce. The hunter's stew had an assortment of meats and sauerkraut. The flavors were subtle and mild. The Hungarian Beef Goulash had a thick coating of shredded cheese and was far richer than the other dishes we had. The potatoe pancake had a nice char to it and went well with the Goulash. Got the poppy seed cake for dessert, although it's closer to a bread with a sweet layer to it.

Mandy L.

This is a really cute place in an unassuming strip mall with a few of my other favorite restaurants. I've been to this plaza plenty of times but it is easy to miss if you aren't looking for this specifically since it is isn't facing Lake Forest Drive. I think its really cool to have some Polish food here: its not something that is an easy find in this part of Orange County. The menu looks pretty authentic: there are plenty of classic shareable options like the pierogi and placki, and some stews/soup like the goulash and borscht. The decor is really cute, with photos of different cities around Poland, and spacious and cozy enough for a nice homey meal. I think its a little odd to charge extra though for the "condiments" like applesauce or onions, which is $1 extra, so that is probably one area that I would wish change to at least be able to include that when it is such a minor add-on item that usually is expected to come with pierogis. In all, it is a cute find here in Lake Forest and I am happy to have this variety of food so close to home!

Audrey A.

My friends and I love trying new foods and were super excited to find U Babci to get some Polish food! It's a cute and cozy restaurant with friendly service. We didn't take a close at our receipt until after we left but I noticed they charged us twice for 2 items but my friend called them right away and they issued a refund without any trouble. No harm no foul! We got a bunch of things to share: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, Potato & Cheese Pierogis, Potato Pancakes, Borscht, Polish Sausage, and the Blintz. We also got a two wines to try and I loved the blackberry wine but my friend's wild strawberry wine was very sweet and almost syrupy and we didn't enjoy that one as much. The standout dishes for me were the cabbage rolls, the polish sausage, and the blintz. The cabbage rolls were hearty and warm, the kind of thing you'd love to eat on a rainy day! The polish sausage was snappy and flavorful. Very juicy and satisfying. The blintz was the absolute favorite dish of the night! A rolled crepe with a light and creamy cheese filling, slightly carmelized with sugar on the outside. The jammy cherries on top were perfect and we all agreed we could have each eaten our own order instead of splitting next time. We really enjoyed getting to try all these different foods and had a great experience. I highly recommend you visit if you're interested in trying something new!

Absolutely loved U Babci Restaurant in Lake Forest! I had the schnitzel with potatoes and beet salad, and everything was delicious. A cold Warka beer was a must, and of course I grabbed a Polish donut to go. The food genuinely reminded me of my grandma's cooking - comforting, authentic, and made with care. The restaurant also has a wonderful Polish atmosphere, with the Polish coat of arms, pictures of major cities in Poland, and even what looked like some Polish merchandise. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive. I didn't catch my server's name, but they speak both Polish and English, which made the experience feel even more authentic and special. The prices are also very reasonable and competitive. For the quality, portions, and overall experience, it would be difficult to find something better anywhere else at the same price. U Babci has definitely gained a new regular. I'll absolutely be back!

Plate of potato and cheese pierogi with sour cream

Bryan C.

I wasn't even planning to stop here, I was just heading to an eyeglass appointment when I noticed the word Babci on a sign. My Babci passed about 2 1/2 years ago, around the same time my mom, my kids' Babi, also passed, so it immediately caught my attention. I had to check it out, wondering if it might be Polish food, and I'm so glad I did. Walking in felt special right away, photos of Poland, flags, and a warm welcoming atmosphere that felt truly authentic. The two girls working there were so kind, and the woman cooking reminded me so much of my own grandmother. It made the whole experience even more meaningful. I ordered the potato and cheese pierogi and the gołąbki, the cabbage rolls, and both were absolutely incredible. It was actually my first time having Polish food since losing my Babci and my mom, and I didn't expect it to hit me the way it did. The flavors brought back so many memories, it was emotional in the best way. This place is something special. The food, the people, the feeling, you can tell it all comes from the heart. I don't live in California anymore, but I'm in SoCal often, and this will definitely be a regular stop for me. I can't recommend it enough.

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Kathy H.

11 months ago

Ordered take out. I was looking for stuffed cabbage like my mother used to make. It did not disappoint and was just like a family member made it. Very home made tasting. Loved it. read more

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Kacper T.

Thank you for your review! We’re so happy to hear the stuffed cabbage…

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Maureen B.

1 year ago

From the moment you walk through the door, this cozy and clean, family-run restaurant feels like home. The ambiance is quaint and inviting - think memorabilia from Poland, a fire place and even great grandmothers wedding photo. But the real magic is in the kitchen, where grandma herself is cooking up every dish with love. You can taste the care in each bite - from the fresh herbs in the sauces to the savory and tender meat. Everything we tried was not only delicious but bursting with vibrant flavor. The service matches the food - warm, friendly and attentive. The family that owns it treats you like one of their own and we're proud to share recommendations. To top it off, the prices are very reasonable for the quality you're getting. I will definitely be back and bringing friends. read more

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Jonathan H.

Elite 26 All-Star

792

2182

2 years ago

My wife, mother and I had a wonderful lunch here! As the only Polish restaurant in Orange County we were keen to eat here. We had Bigos (Hunter's Stew); Golabki (cabbage rolls); pierogi (mushroom and sauerkraut, beef, and potato and cheese). For a drink I had Staropolski Honey Beer --- very refreshing. The Hunter's Stew was a rich meal of various meats with sauerkraut and shredded cabbage. It was delicious. It's a heavy dish though and I wish they had included vegetables with the dish to balance it. The cabbage rolls (cabbage wrapped around minced pork, rice, chopped onions and tomato sauce) were terrific: my wife and mom shared them and they loved them. They also shared the pierogi --- mushroom and sauerkraut, beef and potato and cheese --- with carmelized onions, bacon and sour cream. They were out of spinach the day we were there so next time we'll try the spinach pierogi. The decor was stylish and gives you the feel that you're in Warsaw. The owners were really nice and one of the owners explained that it was his grandmother's recipes that they were serving. (I loved the way they served the slices of lemon for the dishes and water.) It's a very new restaurant so there are still traditional dishes that they plan to introduce. I'll definitely be back! read more

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Christine J.

296

1 year ago

Craving Polish food like your grandma used to make? This is the place. They have special dinner for under 30 and it's a lot of food. The pierogies are the bomb. Don't forget to try the different alcohols offered to top off your visit. read more

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Kacper T.

Thank you very much for an amazing review.…

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Susan L.

9 months ago

It is unique to find a good Polish restaurant in CA, let alone a really good one like this! We made a 45 mile drive to check it out and we're very impressed with the food, service, Christmas decor and cleanliness of this little restaurant. Honestly, their cooking matched my Mom's level and it was all delicious ! We tried a variety and will have to go again to try other dishes! Excellent restaurant! read more

U Babci - Kopitka with mushroom gravy - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Pork schnitzel with fries - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Galumbki....stuffed cabbage roll - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Hungarian Gulash on potato pancake - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Variety of pierogi....potato & cheese, meat, sauerkraut &mushroom - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Beet salad and cucumber salad - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Kacper T.

What an incredible review — thank you! We’re honored that you made…

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john m.

1 year ago

Best Polish food I've had in California! I just got back from Poland and the pierogi here were better than the ones I had there a month ago. The beet soup was perfect. The stuffed cabbage was as good as my grandmother made. The goulash on top of the potato pancake was the best I've ever had. I'm so glad there's a great Polish restaurant in Southern California. My buddy who never takes food to go bought an extra meal just to take home. read more

U Babci - Menu - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Goulash on top of a potato pancake. - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Trinity W.

155

10 months ago

The food here is so delicious. I can't say I have tried many other Polish restaurants but this is definitely my favorite! I always order the pierogis, cabbage roll, and beef goulash pancake. read more

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Kacper T.

We’re so happy to hear that! It’s awesome that the pierogi, cabbage…

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Annette H.

1 year ago

I am 100% Polish and the food is just like my Babcia and Mom used to make. Super excited that it's in south OC and that it has all the charm you would imagine in a family owned restaurant. The owners are so nice and service is over the top every time I come in (and I go a lot!!) Pierogi and Golumpki are amazing!!! read more

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Giovanni R.

2 years ago

Heard about this spot from my brothers friend. Never had polish food and I have to say I was impressed! Although the staff were busy multiple parties, a server always made sure to check in on us. I made sure to try the staples: Kielbasa Sausage, Hunter's Stew, Polish Dumplings, and they recommended their Zywiec beer. There was tons of flavor in the dishes, but I gotta hand it to the dumplings, they surprised me the most! I will have to come back and try their Polish Pizza! read more

U Babci - Kielbasa Sausage - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Pierogi (Dumplings) - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Hunter's Stew - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Zywiec - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Mr G.

10 months ago

OK this was a shocker... my daughter has dance classes nearby. I wanted to try something new... tired of Mexican food and steaks LOL... (not a bad thing to be tired of!) Saw the 4.9 star review and gave it a shot. We were the only folks dining in which can be concerning... nope. This place should be SLAMMED!!! I got the Kielbasa and wife got Borscht. OUTSTANDING! I've never had Polish food at a Polish restaraunt, but we will be back. I will bring friends here... its different but delicious. Wonderful to step outside my comfort zone to only discover Polish comfort food! Really underrated... Service was exceptional. I enjoyed the sauerkraut and I don't like sauerkraut... even more shocking was I liked the Borscht and I abhor beets... but that was delicious. Really taken aback by this place. Thank you for serving something different and doing it so well!!! Now I have somewhere INTERESTING and DIFFERENT to take friends in town or just my family. We will be back!!! read more

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Kacper T.

Wow, thank you so much! We’re absolutely thrilled you enjoyed your…

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Yolanda H.

2 years ago

My husband and I went to this wonderful Polish Restaurant. The place is very nice and it has a great and quick service. And the food was beyond delicious. Everything was fresh and scrumptious. We ended up ordering more food to go. What a nice discivery. Their soups are healthy and very tasty. We really enjoyed the background music. read more

U Babci - Picked soup..excellent - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Delicious potato pancakes with sour cream - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Hunters stew made with sourcrout and fresh cabbage and meat - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Marta D.

1 year ago

The restaurant is very elegant and has a cute European vibe. The food was very tasty; my daughter loved it, as did all of us. The staff were very friendly and service was very quick. I highly recommend this restaurant! read more

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Adam P.

6 months ago

I love everything about this restaurant. The food is excellent, the staff is great, parking is easy, the vibe is homey. Did I mention the food - its fantastic. I'm in love. read more

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Kacper T.

Thank you for a great review! We’re so happy you had such a great…

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Ali O.

1 year ago

What a surprise! We came in with no expectations as none of us had eaten Polish food before. The restaurant is adorable, extremely clean, and decorated well. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable and made great recommendations. Everything we ate was a delight. We'll be back!!! read more

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Kacper T.

We're so happy to hear that you had a great experience visiting our…

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Nadia C.

1 year ago

1st we're welcomed today by a very friendly and quick service in this cozy family restaurant and then we have been helped to pick a perfect meal. All meals on the menue have pictures - which is a great plus if you are not familiar with Polish kitchen; they are reasonably priced and the food tasted great! Well, I really tried two different yammy deserts, but my friend enjoyed their cabbage soup and chicken roll very much. I wish they had my favorite dish I ate every day in Poland .. perhaps one day... read more

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Kacper T.

Thanks for stopping by! We’re glad you enjoyed the food and service,…

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Michelle H.

132

1 year ago

Great place hidden away in a strip mall. Food is very authentic. Just like his mother made. We will be back! read more

U Babci - Front of menu - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - My favorite, tomato soup. - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - What's left of meat perogies. - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Cabbage rolls - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Placki, potato pancakes. Just like his mother used to make! - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Polish sausage. Yum - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Wade D.

237

1 year ago

The heart and soul put into this place is readily apparent in the ambiance, the culture, the customer service, and above all else THE FOOD!!! I tell all my friends and family if you have not had a chance to try Polish food (and more specifically THIS Polish food) that they are missing out big time. My go to is the Gołabki (Cabbage Rolls) or the classic Kielbasa (Polish Sausage)! But their meal of the day adds a huge level of variety and reason to come back! read more

U Babci - Polish Honey Beer! - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Their Combo Meal! (Gołabki, Kielbasa, and Cabbage Pierogi), with an order of Blueberry Pierogi with Sweet Cream! - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Paulina N.

2 years ago

Delicious food, friendly service, beautiful decor of the restaurant. We can't wait to go again read more

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Jake ..

8 months ago

This place is an absolute gem. The food is very authentic and absolutely delicious. Easy to eat and the service is great. Ingredients are fresh and noticeably high quality. Nice atmosphere inside. It's become a regular rotation for lunch for me and is a welcome change from all the usual things. read more

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Kacper T.

Thank you for a great review! So happy to hear you’re enjoying our…

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Carrie L.

1 year ago

Loved it!!!!!!!!!! So delicious, great service and wonderful drinks. Took us right back to Poland. Cannot recommend highly enough

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Darese S.

307

1 year ago

U Babci is a a cozy, fun and warm Polish restaurant. They have daily specials. My husband and I love the food. The service is wonderful and they treat you like family. read more

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A K.

1 year ago

My Polish friend took me to U Babci for a birthday lunch. She ordered several dishes for us: potato pancakes with sour cream, cabbage rolls, a variety of pierogi, kielbasa with kraut, and cheesecake for dessert. It was delicious! I can't pick a favorite- it was all so tasty! read more

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Gary B.

1 year ago

So happy and excited to recommend this outstanding restaurant to all my friends and family! As my party entered we were greeted with a friendly smile from Vickie the owner as this is a family owned and operated restaurant! The decor is charming to say the least! With beautiful pictures of Polish cities surrounding us ! We heard from friends that the food was delicious and they were so right! My wife who is a fabulous cook ordered Potato pancakes and admitted that they tasted even better than hers ! I ordered the Schnitzel with mushroom sauce and I must admit that it was the best I've had since my time in the service in Germany back in the 70s and 80s !My friends also had the pancakes and really loved them! Service was fast and efficient from the wait staff which was excellent! Dessert was even special with delicious cheesecake that we all loved! I am excited to provide this excellent review! Come visit Ubabci for a delightful meal you will rave about! Gary Bain Lt Col USAF ret! Ps ! Pricing was also very reasonable! read more

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Kacper T.

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for your kind words! It truly warms…

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Bozena A.

11 months ago

Highly recommended. Great dishes of polish cuisine : bigos . żurek, barszcz, flaczki. Nice atmosfer.

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Kacper T.

Thanks for your review! We're so happy you enjoyed our food and…

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Zack H.

1 year ago

What an incredible surprise! U Babci instantly transported me back to the flavors of my childhood with truly authentic and delicious Polish food. "U Babci" means "At Grandma's," and the name couldn't be more fitting -- the owner's own grandmother was even there, coming out to greet guests! It's a family-run restaurant, and you can feel the warmth and care from the moment you walk in. Every dish we tried was outstanding -- from the perfectly made pierogies and hearty kielbasa to the homemade chicken noodle soup and fresh salad. And whatever you do, don't miss the apple cake with ice cream for dessert -- it's unforgettable. This brand-new restaurant is a true gem, full of incredible flavors, heart, and the wonderful spirit of a family sharing their heritage. I can't wait to come back! read more

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Lori H.

1 year ago

Delicious Polish selections and reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend this restaurant!

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Richard P.

122

107

1 year ago

Loved everything about this restaurant. We went on a Saturday with the full family. 4 of us ordered maybe 7 dishes and enjoyed it all. Friendly, authentic and good prices. So glad there is a polish restaurant in the area now! Thank you! read more

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Maciek B.

1 year ago

Ate dinner at UBabci and ordered the special (pasztet, źurek and kotlety). All was excellent. Food reminded me of good Polish home cooking (my mother's). Service was excellent despite being crowded. Will be back for pierogi for lunch. read more

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Marcia C.

138

1 year ago

My only regret is that we picked up food for take out rather than eat in the restaurant. I'm 1/4 Polish so I was interested in seeing what they had here. First of all, parking is ample and the restaurant is really with both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant is family owned, and there were regulars dining and chatting when I was waiting for my food to be prepared. The also were getting calls for large orders for Easter which was encouraging. It was just a really homey atmosphere. Service was great, questions were answered, and my food came quicker than I expected. We ordered pierogies, both pork and potato and cheese ( we preferred the potato and cheese) potato pancakes, and stuffed cabbage. All were delicious, and the portion of potato pancakes was huge. I would like to go back and eat in because they had specials that I guess are daily specials and they looked delicious as they were going by and being served. I definitely want to come back here again. read more

U Babci - Outside seating - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Pierogies with carmelized onions - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Dining area. It is a strange angle because I didn't want to post photos of the diners. - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Potato pancakes. Comes with sour cream or applesauce. - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

U Babci - Stuffed cabbage - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Catherine S.

9 months ago

Food was great and service very gracious. Will be back to try again several other items.

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Andy N.

9 months ago

Just like Grandma used to make! Not Polish? Not a problem! This just delicious, homestyle comfort food. I can't wait to come back!

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Kacper T.

Thank you so much! “Just like Grandma used to make” is the best…

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Deborah A.

1 year ago

Great, authentic polish food with warm, welcoming and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend! read more

U Babci - Cabbage rolls and three salad sampler - Polish Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Briana Y.

10 months ago

Amazing, authentic, feels-like-home, Polish food! Friendly service and lovely atmosphere. Will definitely be back with my family soon!

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Kacper T.

Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to us…

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Michael A.

1 year ago

The restaurant was spotless, and although small, the seating was comfortable and service was excellent. We started with beat borscht. My wife ordered pierogi and I had the schnitzel.. we had a couple Czech beers. According to the wife, the meal was genuinely authentic and well worth the trip we made to enjoy it. We highly recommend it. read more

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Jeff H.

1 year ago

This is true authentic polish food. Could not recommend this place higher. The fact that Babci is the chef is what makes this place so special. Definitely putting it on the weekly rotation. read more

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Kacper T.

Thank you so much for the kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed both…

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Andrew T.

1 year ago

Food was amazing. Very good service and very nice decor. On top of it the place was pretty busy on Sunday night. But that's good, I really hope this place will stick around for years to come. Will definitely go back!!! read more

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Kacper T.

Thanks a ton for this amazing review! We’re so happy you enjoyed both…

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Jenny C.

2 years ago

Can't say enough great things about this Polish restaurant. Such a niche find right here in Orange County. The food is authentic and delicious. Our table of 3 ordered the kilabasa sausage, veal special, meat and mushroom perogis and Golabki. Our biggest frustration was deciding which one we liked the most. The food came fast and the service was amazing. We even got to meet Baci, the chef and Grandmother of the owner. Such an amazing evening. Being half Polish, it brought back so many great memories of family dinners. Can't wait to go back. read more

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John L.

258

117

2 years ago

Amazing Food! Amazing Atmosphere! Amazing owners! Finally a place that truly makes you feel like family when you walk in. I have never had Polish food this good in California! Everything is fresh! You can taste the quality for sure. Will be back! read more

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Sharon B.

1 year ago

Visited U Babci as I like to visit local businesses. I also write a monthly column in a community newsletter, so I went to experience U Babci. I have always enjoyed Polish cuisine. Authentic is a good word. Yummy is another. The restaurant is small and nicely decorated. I also liked the selection of beers. No domestics, - only Polish, Ukrainian, and Czechoslovakian. read more

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Ela L.

2 years ago

Wonderful Polish Experience. Delicious homemade food. Warn and inviting ambiance and service.

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Page 3 of 5

22641 Lake Forest Dr
Ste B7
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Directions
(949) 229-2984
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.ubabci.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does U Babci open?

U Babci opens at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.U Babci opens at 12:00 PM on Sunday.

What time does U Babci close?

U Babci is closed on Monday.U Babci closes at 9:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSun 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does U Babci have catering options?

Yes, U Babci does have catering options.

Does U Babci serve alcohol?

Yes, U Babci serves alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does U Babci allow dogs?

Yes, U Babci allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does U Babci have outdoor seating?

Yes, U Babci has outdoor seating options.

Does U Babci have parking?

Yes, U Babci has parking options. Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does U Babci have free WiFi?

Yes, U Babci has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

U Babci Polish Kitchen is Orange County's #1 Polish Restaurant and catering company! We specialize in Traditional Dishes with the taste of Poland and offer full-service catering for all your special events.

History

Established in 2018.

It all started when Babcia Teresa Turek started cooking professionally for the Polish harvest festival "Dożynki" at Pope Joan Paul II Polish Center in 1995. Over 20 years perfecting the flavors that were passed on from Teresa's Babcia back in Poland.

Meet the Manager: Teresa T.

Teresa and her Husband Czeslaw started cooking together in the early '90s as Volunteers at the Polish Church in Yorba Linda CA. Teresa Turek became a Babcia in 1995 and this was the start of her career. She is now one of the most renown Polish chefs in Sothern California. You will see her at all major Polish events such as The Polish Film Festival, Kaszubian Day, Dożynki, and any event with the General Consul of Poland.

More Info

Special Hours, Health Score

U Babci Reviews in Other Languages

Polish
2 Reviews

Ask the Community - U Babci

The place is dog friendly?

They have seating outside.

View question details

Is any of your food available for sale other than on the basis of a party-sized catered event? Do you have a list or menu of the foods you offer?

Hello Thaddeus, Thank you for your question. Currently, we do have a minimum order size for events but if you are local and have a specific Polish dish you would like we can…

View question details

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16 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Michael R.

1 year ago

If you're looking for authentic Polish cuisine served with warmth and heart, U Babci is the place to go. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels just like visiting a beloved grandmother's home - which is exactly what the name promises. The food is nothing short of incredible. Every dish tastes home-cooked, rich with tradition and made with care. From pierogi that melt in your mouth to hearty soups and perfectly seasoned meats, everything we tried was full of flavor and soul. You can tell it's all made from scratch using time-honored recipes. But it's not just the food that makes U Babci special - it's the atmosphere. It's warm, charming, and full of character. The staff were kind and attentive, adding to the sense that you're being taken care of like family. Truly a wonderful experience. If you love home-style Polish food or just want a comforting, delicious meal in a relaxed setting, U Babci is a must-visit. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Irina D.

8 months ago

I recently dined at U Babci restaurant and had a delightful experience. One of the highlights of my meal was the beet soup, or borsh, which was rich and flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully presented. It truly captured the essence of traditional recipes. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the cabbage with meat. The dish was hearty and satisfying, with the cabbage perfectly cooked and the meat tender and well-spiced. The combination made for a comforting and delicious meal. The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, and the staff provided excellent service. I highly recommend U Babci for anyone looking to enjoy authentic flavors and a cozy dining experience. I look forward to returning to try more of their menu! read more

Monika Golonka Prei P.

139

2 years ago

You absolutely must visit this Polish restaurant in Lake Forest! The food is delicious, beautifully presented, and the service is impeccable. I haven't had a pork cutlet this good in a long time! The side salads, broth, and borscht are simply outstanding. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with comfortable seating that makes you want to stay and enjoy your meal even longer. Traditional Polish music playing in the background adds to the authentic experience, making you feel like you've been transported straight to Poland. To top it all off, they offer a great selection of regional Polish beers and the unforgettable blackcurrant nalewka, which perfectly complements the meal. A perfect place to enjoy a taste of home. read more

Jessica Y.

1 year ago

We had a wonderful experience dining at U Babci Polish Kitchen. The food is incredibly comforting and authentic--just like a home-cooked meal from a Polish grandma. The pierogis, the cabbage rolls and kielbasa were equally delicious, rich in flavor and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with traditional decor that adds to the charm. Service was friendly and attentive, making the entire meal feel warm and inviting. It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back--not just for the food, but for the overall experience. If you're looking to try hearty, delicious Polish cuisine in a homestyle setting, U Babci is a hidden gem worth visiting. read more

Josef G.

6 months ago

Just tried this Polish spot and wow--seriously impressed. The food tasted incredibly authentic, like it was made from scratch with real care. The pierogi were soft and flavorful, perfectly filled, and the kielbasa had that rich, smoky taste you just don't get everywhere. Even the sides--like the sauerkraut and potatoes--were packed with flavor. The portions were generous, prices were fair, and the whole place had a warm, welcoming vibe. You can tell they take pride in their food and tradition. Definitely one of those hidden gems you'll want to come back to. Highly recommend if you're craving real, comforting Polish food. read more

Vika M.

201

1 year ago

I had a wonderful dining experience at U Babci! We ordered pierogi with cheese, strawberries, and blueberries -- each one was absolutely delicious and tasted truly homemade. We also tried the potato croquettes and the Polish sausage -- everything was outstanding. The food was fresh, hearty, and full of authentic flavor. The compote was wonderful as well -- a perfect, refreshing touch to the meal. The warm and cozy atmosphere made me feel like I was visiting a beloved grandmother's house. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for genuine Polish home-style cooking. I will definitely be back! read more

Maggie F.

10 months ago

U Babci is an absolute gem, offering authentic, homemade dishes that taste just like they came straight from a traditional Polish kitchen. Every meal is prepared with care and rich flavor -- from perfectly seasoned pierogi and hearty bigos to tender schnitzels and savory soups that warm the soul. The service is consistently warm, attentive, and genuine, making guests feel truly welcome. Portions are generous, prices are very reasonable, and the cozy atmosphere adds to the charm. A must-visit spot for anyone craving real Polish comfort food and old-world hospitality. read more

Kacper T.

783

7 years ago

This is by far the best tasting Polish food I've ever had!I have attended many events that Teresa Turek had catered for, and the looks on peoples faces when they take a bite of anything she creates is priceless. This is the true taste of Poland. Babcia means Grandmother in Polish, Whenever you go to your grandmas house she always makes the best and most delicious food ever. This is the inspiration for the name U Babci means at grandmas. Where you never leave hungry, and everything is so delicious you talk about it for generations! read more

George R.

15 days ago

Fantastic experience from start to finish! The food was fresh, full of flavor, and cooked to perfection. On top of that, the service was top-notch--attentive, friendly, and fast without making us feel rushed. Everything came out quickly, and the staff really went out of their way to make sure we had a great meal. Highly recommend checking this place out. We'll definitely be coming back soon! read more

Kathy V.

1 year ago

Finally, some good ethnic food in the area. So delicious! I ordered the mixed pierogi plate, the golabki (cabbage rolls) and the three salad mixtures and of course a paczek for desert. All to go. I will definitely return. Can't wait to try the schnitzel and the borscht. It was beautifully decorated with Polish accents in photos. Will plan to dine in next time. read more

Stanislav G.

1 year ago

Absolutely loved this place! It's super clean and welcoming, with a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. The food tastes just like homemade - fresh, and made with care. On top of that, the prices are very fair, especially considering the quality home food you get. I highly recommend this spot to everyone looking for a great meal and a great experience! read more

Ilona K.

9 months ago

They charged for my Birthday group event %15 extra. The Polish food was ok. The Polish beer was so strong. The People was extremely nice and friendly. read more

Cem Y.

2 years ago

Wow i loved their food. Its a spot which i can recommend to everybody . The owner is very polite and the service is amazing

Anthony L.

176

1 year ago

Very good food! Nice clean restaurant! Friendly atmosphere. Nice selection of polish nalewki! Babcia is the best! read more

Jeff O.

1 year ago

Right from Poland. Just amazing. Will be coming back often. Just like how my grandmother made it.

James W.

1 year ago

Truly amazing food and feel. Thank you. Very authentic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

U Babci - polish - Updated September 2026

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(103 reviews)

•$$

Nasil Gidiyor! It's time for a nice Turkish treat, and what better place than South Orange County?…read moreThe region is filled with plenty of delicious Mediterranean food stretching from Persian, to Greek, to Turkish! Come with us to try this spot that's in the smack dab middle of Lake Forest! This is Alien Doner, and it's got a wacky theme! Look at this spot, simple clean, and outta this world! They're serving Doner, and...it's hard to describe it without just showing you! But we'll try! First, you can't skip the hummus! Delicious pillowy bread alongside; and just look at the Beef doner warp! Yes, you heard that right, it's warp! To go with that Alien theme! How fun! It's got your halal beef doner, along with tomatoes, pickles, cabbage, and onions! It's well-wrapped in a soft tortilla-like flatbread and presented so nicely! We also got this beef supernova! Woah, look at this guy. That same beef doner, along with some butter and tomato sauce, served atop some soaked bread and a side of yogurt. It's a hearty entry on this menu, and the tomato and yogurt combo is delectable. It's on the heavier side, due to the bread and that butter sauce, so this might be a share option for y'all! Of course, we couldn't skip the chicken, and we're so glad we didn't, because this ended up being the best thing we thought we got! This is the Chicken UFO. My goodness, the bread was amazing. Grilled crispy outer with a tender inner? We were super impressed with this. It's filled to the brim with chicken doner, more of the pickles, cabbage, lettuce, tomato, and a couple of sauces that bring some richness and acidity. It's the winner here, for us. If you're coming here, you gotta come try this guy. Of course, we can't forget drinks! They had ayran, which is a traditional yogurt drink, that's kind of a plain yogurt, but in liquid form! Refreshing with that heavier supernova for sure. And their hibiscus lemonade was really something. Acidic, slightly bitter, sweet, floral, and a great addition to the meal! Mmm! If you've got some hungry friends, or even if you're a loner, it might be time to head over to Alien Doner!

Another perfect addition to this plaza. The perfect place to pick up a quick and delicious lunch…read morewhile charging your car. Nice little dining area inside. Alien Doner's food is *chef's kiss*. I appreciate the simplicity of their menu. The salad / pickles are the best. I can eat that all day. Albeit on the pricier end ($20-22) for fast Mediterranean food plate... it is worth it. The chicken shawarma plate is a generous serving. The wraps are also great. They also have a machine that shaves the meat from the shawarma rotating grill. Their sauces are so good. Good food. Great service.

Kebab Planet

4.6

(166 reviews)

I was really shocked when I tasted doner and lakhmajun. Also ayran is really as in my home…read more Recomend you guys to visit this place. My wife also loved their shish beef kebap. Next time I gonna bring my family here. And I want to ask owners for holiday's (or saturday/sunday) Turkish Breakfast. My wife loves Classic Turkish breakfast, and if it be possible to add as Chief's special it may be great.

The food was so good. I loved the mixed kebab plate and the baklava after such a big portion was a…read moregreat way to end the meal. The service was fast and the staff were friendly. The restaurant itself is a little, nice place on Lake Forest Drive.

Social Aroma

4.5

(124 reviews)

•$$

Picked up two orders of Pani Puri to share at work. Everyone who tried them loved them. Very…read moreunique flavor combination and textures

We tried this place for the first time They have two other…read morelocations as well Do try their Kathi roll vada pav and pizzas They are awesome

Neso’s Treats

5.0

(9 reviews)

So good! We found this place at a food truck event in Lake Forest. After walking down the line of…read morefood trucks we decided to give them a try. My girl and I had the chicken shawarma, the baklava, and some kind of crispy cheese pastry. The husband and wife running it were super warm and friendly. And the food was so good. Perfect amount of spice on everything. I highly recommend them. I wish I had grabbed one of everything.

Nisreen's dishes plates cuisine meals fare chow grub food nosh eats whatever you want to call it…read morewhich she makes with her hands is incredible phenomenon marvelous spectacular astonishing. She makes it with LOVE. Game over she wins you can taste the difference lol. My friend and I just had for first time at the Mission Viejo market this past Saturday ordering a few items and we will be back on 1,000,000,000,000%! Also planning to cater a family party this July with Nisreen. I'm already ecstatic. My recommendation is a Guarantee.

L'uxweet

4.4

(21 reviews)

Tucked away in the new AV 99 Ranch Market is this Taiwanese shop. You can stop by to order some…read moreTaiwanese breakfast like egg pancakes, rice, and sandwiches. The staff is super friendly and helpful with our order. We placed the order online and just have to come by to pick up. The flavor is reminiscent of breakfast in Taiwan. The grandpa style old fashion tea brings be back to being in Taiwan without the flight there.

Woooooooow. I love…read morethat we have a Taiwanese breakfast/brunch spot locally! Bbq pork sandwich with the winter melon tea half sweet was our fave. Son had the bbq pork rice also good. Ham & cheese green onion pancake was okay. It was a little soggy by the time we got home. Not sure about the ham and cheese. Maybe will do the original next time. Update: I refried this on stovetop and it was bomb. Service was great! Ambiance very cute. There are a couple of stand up tables to eat. There are tables inside if you walk 15 steps into the 99 ranch store where the hot foods are & tables outside if you want to dine in.

Mimi Garden

4.3

(102 reviews)

•$$

Wanted to try something new and so we landed on this place which is relatively close to home for…read moreme. First impression: the inside is decorated really nicely. It's clean and beautiful. Feels quaint in a nice way. I like the floral decor and the light fixtures. The servers are very nice and attentive as well. My server Kenna was incredibly kind and did a great job. The food also came out relatively quickly. We ordered the fried spring rolls, shiitake mushroom buns, and sweet and sour chicken. I thought everything was really delicious. The sweet and sour chicken had a good crunch. The shiitake mushroom buns were great and stuffed with mushrooms. The spring rolls are filled with veggies. I love that this restaurant has vegetarian and vegan options because even though I am not vegan, I have friends who are. I would definitely come back. I hope they will do well here in Lake Forest.

Mimi Garden was a delightful and unexpected surprise. We wanted a light bite and stumbled across…read moreMimi Garden. The shrimp and pork steamed soup dumplings were plump, moist, flavorful; delicious! I want to make special note that there were whole shrimp in the dumplings. This is not usual and we were thrilled. There were eight in the order and it was perfect snack size. We split the order and ordered hot and sour soup and other pan fried dumplings to go. The prices were fair. The staff was lovely and responsive. The restaurant is clean, bright, and quiet. The bathroom was quite clean. One can learn a lot about a place by the bathrooms. Mimi Garden made our day!

Nawwar Shawarma Grill

4.5

(58 reviews)

he food truck was a little hard for me to find because they didn't have any signage when i got…read morethere, but i think it was definitely worth the search. it's a white truck that looks a little unassuming on bentley, so keep an eye out when you try to find it! personally, the hummus and the beef shawarma wrap were my favorite part of this meal because the shawarma was piping hot and the hummus was nutty and cool the owners were super nice and even offered us extra sauce when we got our food! we'll definitely be back. nom-list: - chicken shawarma - beef shawarma - falafel donuts - hummus & pita - cheese sambousek - seasoned fries

I remember seeing them in a gas station a few months back and now they are in a food truck, been…read moreseeing this all over instagram and got us curious. The shawarma was decent, but if I'll be honest, I've tried better shawarma with the same price range. Thiis one is still good though just not a stand out for me. Don't come hungry since there is a wait, we probably waited for 15minutes which is okay for us. We parked at the starbucks nearby and walked going to the food truck, there are no tables and you just have to stand there and wait for your food or if you get a parking by the street you can wait in your car. Overall, it's decent not something that I would crave but if I am in the area I might buy.

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