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Soup and seafood spots in Lake Forest

Made for those who find comfort in a bowl of soup paired with a seafood-forward menu.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
QJ Kitchen 秋金 image 1
QJ Kitchen 秋金 image 2
QJ Kitchen 秋金 image 3
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Restaurant offers authentic Sichuan cuisine with fresh ingredients and spicy flavors. Interior is clean and spacious with comfortable, high-end furniture. Atmosphere stays casual and comfortable, suitable for groups and quiet dining.

Beef noodle soup comes with a large portion and plenty of beef, bok choy, and noodles. Wonton soup looks simple but has many tasty wontons. Fish soup balances Sichuan spice, sourness, and savory flavors well, while beef and mushroom soup is sour and spicy.

Fish dishes feature freshness and tenderness with no fishy taste. Pickled fish and Douban fish stand out for their rich, flavorful sauces and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

People are saying

"The Szechuan food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"The seafood here is so authentic and delicious."

"The beef noodle soup has a large portion and generous beef."

Good to know

1

Bobo chicken isn't always available, which can be disappointing.

2

The dining area and restroom are spotless.

3

QJ Kitchen offers a good variety of food for spicy and non-spicy enthusiasts.

02
Longs Noodles El Toro Lake Forest image 1

Bright, clean space with cozy atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. Vietnamese dishes feature flavorful pho broth and large portions served quickly. Menu offers customizable vegetarian options and affordable prices.

Soup offers a variety of flavors with Vietnamese spices and a strong aroma in pho. Options include soup dumplings, duck soup, and a pork and pickle spicy soup, all balanced and not too salty.

Shrimp appears in several dishes like the garlic shrimp noodle and lo mein with six shrimp. Fish sauce chicken wings add a distinct flavor. Seafood mixes with pork in vermicelli and pho options.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and high quality."

"The pho soup here is so authentic and filling."

"I loved the garlic shrimp noodles and fish sauce chicken wings."

Good to know

1

The filet mignon fried rice costs less than $20.

2

Customizable menu options are available for vegetarians.

3

Prices are affordable and reasonable.

03
Sunny Dumpling House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cozy space with an open kitchen where fresh dumplings are made by hand behind a clear divider. Atmosphere feels a bit cramped and loud, designed for quick table turnover and takeout focus. Digital ordering via QR code streamlines service, while wall art shares stories about dumpling origins, adding a unique touch.

Soup dumplings come with liquid soup fillings that stand out for their freshness and flavor. Beef noodle soup offers an explosion of flavor without any gamey taste, and shrimp and pork soup dumplings taste richer than plain pork ones.

Shrimp and pork dishes shine with juicy bites and a balance of crispiness and chewiness. Spicy pork shrimp wontons stand out for their bold flavor.

People are saying

"These dumplings are so fresh and flavorful, you'll love them."

"The soup dumplings here are juicy and heavenly."

"The shrimp and pork dumplings were delicious and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect to wait during peak dinner hours.

2

Customers must scan QR codes to place orders at the table.

3

Payment is processed online, and charges may double temporarily before refund.

04
Sizzler image 1
Restaurant

Spacious dining area combines elegant decor with a family-friendly atmosphere that suits both casual and formal gatherings. The environment stays fresh and clean, with a well-maintained salad bar offering fresh options. It fills up quickly but maintains a pleasant vibe where conversation is easy.

Menudo and clam chowder offer consistent quality. Beef stew soup features chunky beef pieces. Soup options come with an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

Shrimp dishes come out perfectly cooked and fresh. Fish options like Fish & Chips and other seafood are well prepared and flavorful.

People are saying

"I found the salad bar to be fresh and well-stocked."

"The Seafood here is great, with attentive and welcoming staff."

"The salad bar and soup station had a great selection."

Good to know

1

The salad bar is well-stocked and kept clean.

2

Prices for the Unlimited salad bar are over $19 per person.

3

Sizzler offers options for vegetarians and vegans.

05
Shanghai Haus image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining area combines with a modern, cozy vibe and clean environment, though greasy air lingers due to kitchen ventilation. Loud chef activity adds energy to the atmosphere. Authentic Shanghai flavors stand out with dishes like braised pork belly and soup dumplings offering rich, bold tastes without Western adjustments.

Broths range from rich and savory to spicy, with noodles that have a nice chew. Portions can be huge, but some soups have minimal meat despite higher prices.

Spicy Szechuan fish and braised pork belly stand out among the seafood options. The Shrimp and Chicken soup contains very few shrimp and chicken pieces, making it light on seafood.

People are saying

"The flavors here are so authentic, they're not watered down."

"I loved the crispy fish and braised pork belly."

"The beef noodle soup has a rich, savory broth and tender noodles."

Good to know

1

The price for the soup is $33.

2

The lunch special offers a great deal.

3

Portions of noodle soup are huge.

06
Long's Noodles image 1
Noodle shop

Spacious noodle shop with a modern clean look and cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes patio tables suitable for dogs. Food features authentic Chinese flavors, especially notable for pan-fried dumplings and beef noodle soup.

Broths have a Taiwan flavor and come without MSG. Beef noodle soup stands out with al dente noodles and rich taste. Xiao Long Bao offers a delicate wrapper and plenty of soup inside.

Shrimp dishes like the fresh shrimp filling in wontons and spicy shrimp dumplings stand out. Xiao long bao and shrimp shumai get made fresh to order, which takes longer but keeps them tasty.

People are saying

"The XLB here are bigger and juicier than anywhere else."

"The braised beef noodle soup here is so tasty."

"The wonton and duck here are perfectly seasoned and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Long's Noodles closes from 3pm to 4pm.

2

Parking is plentiful and there are no issues finding a spot.

3

There is outdoor seating available to sit with our dog.

07
Hot dumpling image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers authentic Wuhan cuisine with handmade dumplings and in-house chili oil. The space feels tidy and inviting, featuring exquisite tableware and QR code menus at each table. Portions vary, with some dishes designed for sharing, and the atmosphere suits quick, flavorful meals.

Beef tendon noodle soup offers a rich broth with tender meat. Dumplings come juicy and pair well with the reasonably priced soups.

Shrimp & Pork Wonton appears in chili sauce with a slightly sweet flavor. Shrimp features alongside pork in wontons and chow mein, while shrimp & pork wonton in chili oil offers a solid spicy option.

People are saying

"The shrimp and pork wontons in chili sauce were solid."

"These pork dumplings are so juicy and delicious."

"I loved the beef noodle soup and juicy pork dumplings."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find during peak hours due to neighboring businesses.

2

All dumplings are made fresh to order, ensuring quality.

3

Prices vary, with some dishes being reasonable while others are higher.

08
Frank’s dumplings & noodles image 1

Open kitchen design reveals fresh cooking in a clean, bright space with authentic Chinese flavors. The atmosphere stays warm and welcoming, suited for family meals and gatherings. Known for fish soup rice noodles and Hunan-style dishes, it offers a unique blend of northern and southern staples.

Fish soup stands out with its freshness and authentic flavor. Braised beef ox-tail noodle soup offers comforting meat on the bone, while the house noodle soup pairs well with added shrimp.

Fish broth stands out with good quality and a variety of seafood like fish, clams, and fish balls. Signature dishes include Fish Rice Noodle Soup and sauteed clams, alongside options like seafood fried rice and Chinese fish noodles.

People are saying

"I loved the tasty fish noodle soup, it's perfect for cold days."

"I found the food here to be authentic Chinese."

"I loved the fish noodle soup; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges a 20% service fee on each order.

2

There is ample parking space available for visitors.

3

The environment is clean and well-maintained.

09
Nory's Restaurant image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant offers authentic cuisine in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that feels like dining at home. The space is warm and welcoming with attentive seating accommodations. It maintains a quiet, unpretentious vibe ideal for leisurely meals.

Chicken soup appears often in set meals and pairs well with bread. The minute soup stands out for its flavor. Italian-style tripe soup also features as a notable option. Mixed seafood soup lacks freshness and quality.

Fish jelly offers a unique flavor that stands out. The menu features ceviche, seafood stir-fry noodles, and Norys-style grilled fish, all prepared with care and flavor.

People are saying

"I found the Peruvian food here to be authentic and super tasty."

"The seafood here, especially the ceviche, is delicious."

"I found the minute soup to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials offer great value for the quality and portion size.

2

The restaurant is owner-run, ensuring personal service.

3

The price is reasonable, with good portion sizes for the cost.

10
Pho So 1 Lake Forest image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious Vietnamese restaurant with an 80's diner style and flat-screen TVs offers a clean, organized setting. The atmosphere feels comfortable and friendly with chill background music. Known for great prices and crispy pork egg rolls, it attracts those seeking affordable, tasty pho and Vietnamese dishes.

Pho soup features a chicken broth base with fresh vegetables, bean sprouts, mint, and jalapeños adding deep flavor. Options include raw steak, meatball, and extra spare ribs, which stand out for their taste.

Seafood shines in the salt and pepper shrimp and seafood pho with rice noodles. Shrimp appears in various dishes like pho, shrimp rolls, and grilled plates, often paired with noodles or pork.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food, especially the pho, was delicious."

"The pho soup here is hot, fresh, and has many choices."

"The seafood pho and shrimp rolls tasted delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a great selection of Vietnamese dishes, including vegetarian options.

2

Takeout is quick and easy, making it convenient for busy diners.

3

They offer a lunch special with additional egg rolls for $2.

11
Plern Thai Cafe image 1
Thai restaurant

Small cafe with simple, modern interior and a yellow and white color scheme creates a cozy, casual atmosphere. The vibe is chill and pleasant, attracting those who appreciate authentic Thai cuisine. Friendly service complements the authentic flavors and tasteful decor.

Rich, bold flavors define the Zapp Beef Soup and Panaeng Curry with a medium spice level. The Thai-style beef soup offers a unique twist on a familiar dish.

Huge, fresh shrimp feature in several dishes. Shrimp Pad Thai noodles exist but vary in quality.

People are saying

"This food is so authentic, it tastes like the owner grew up eating it."

"The soup here feels comforting and thoughtfully made."

"I was addicted to their seafood pad thai."

Good to know

1

There are no public restrooms available for customers.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant recently reopened for dining after renovations.

12
Asia Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Rows of steam tables offer a vast selection of seafood and Asian dishes in a spacious setting with booth seating. The atmosphere stays casual and family-friendly with pleasant flute music creating a relaxed vibe. The place balances a clean, cozy feel with a lively crowd, especially on weekends.

Soups come packed with flavor and include options like hot and sour and egg drop soup. They complement other dishes like shrimp stir fry and dim sum well.

Seafood options include mussels, scallops, clams, and a variety of fresh sushi. Cooked dishes feature baked shrimp, shrimp stir fry, salmon, and hot and sour soup, with plenty of crabs, shrimp, and fish available.

People are saying

"The buffet had a huge variety of fresh seafood and desserts."

"The seafood here is so fresh and plentiful, I loved it."

"The hot and sour soup was really good."

Good to know

1

Crab legs are only available on New Year's Eve and Christmas.

2

The lunch buffet costs $21, drinks not included.

3

They offer all-you-can-eat for a great price.

13
La Cocina De Ricardo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with warm, inviting interior and authentic Mexican music sets a chill, home-like vibe. Casual atmosphere feels like stepping into old Mexico, attracting those seeking genuine flavors and a cozy setting. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option for dining.

Multiple soup options include a variety of ingredients that fly, swim, or graze, such as octopus. The shrimp soup stands out as a solid choice.

Shrimp dishes stand out with shrimp soup and shrimp fajitas featured on the menu. The seafood pairs with Mexican flavors, including enchiladas and tacos, served alongside drinks like margaritas.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I thought the shrimp soup and octopus tacos were pretty good."

"I found the shrimp soup to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a lively crowd and special menu items.

2

Expect generous portions with every meal.

3

The menu includes a wide range of classic Mexican options.

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Lake Forest, California

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