La Casita Olvera — Restaurant in Lake Forest

My experience was so enjoyable on Saturday that I decided to come back for Taco Tuesday 01/21/25 (lunch 1:00pm)

I enjoyed four street tacos; Carne asada, burria, carnitas, and fish, along with a Cadillac Margarita. Expertly prepared and served by chef/owner Isreal. It was so delicious that I decided to have another complete round. Yes, margarita too!! Margaritas were also expertly prepared by the Chef's wife, Bruna. So well done that I had a third!! Pictures of tacos, margarita and my dog are additions from this visit.

SIDE NOTE; I came in on Sunday night to enjoy a margarita while waiting for my Chinese order from "Noodle" in the same Village center. (yes, i reviewed that too)

Saturday 01/18/25. First visit

A quaint little full service Mexican Restaurant and Cantina tucked away in the corner of The Village in Lake Forest. This is a well run family business; I had the pleasure of "meeting" the husband (chef), wife (bartender), and daughter (server). I sat inside at a half booth with my Service Dog and was VERY pleasantly attended to by Ximena. This young lady had the best personality, was friendly, helpful, and she was beyond cute, too! My table was about 30 feet away from the bar in an open space modern dining room. I had a clear view of three big screen TVs above the bar. Out the door behind me was a nice outdoor patio for dining "al fresca" if you so desired. Okay...as with just about all Mexican restaurants, started the dining experience with crispy fresh chips and a flavorful but mild salsa. Then, as almost always "required" in a venue of this type, there's the margarita. I started with not one, but FIVE of them!! A Flight of appropriately sized and flavorful bebidas, consisting of lavender, watermelon, mango, jalapeño lime, and blackberry. While my "go to" margarita is the Cadillac, in a first-time visit, I do like to try the flavors. My favorite was the lavender 💜. In fact, I later ordered a full-size one. My meal consisted of a two item combination plate; chili relleno and two beef taquitos with rice and beans. Everything was well prepared and quite tasty. (The rice was different than expected, but still rather good) Then, with the meal, there was that full-size lavender margarita. I finished the meal with Flan and coffee. In spite of the fact that half my $75 bill was margaritas, I can honestly say it was a good value for the buck. I've eaten in more Mexican restaurants than i can count. Is the food "just like mama used to make"?? I guess that depends upon your mama's cooking. Nevertheless... I enjoyed it, and I believe...

4/8/2024 Stopped in for dinner tonight, and it was perfect. Hanna was our server and was so nice and kind as well as professional. We started with chips, salsa, and margaritas. They were excellent. My wife had the chicken enchilada verdes plate with rice and beans, and I had the fajitas combo plate, which was also delivered. The ambiance was positive and nice as well. Excellent people, food, and service. Highly recommended.

2/1/2024 Had a terrific dining experience this evening at LA Casita Olvera in Foothill Ranch. Deanna was our server and we started with margaritas, chips and salsa. My wife had two chicken enchiladas and I had the fajitas combo. The food was served hot and tasty and Deanna was quite attentive and kind. We are said hello to Hadyn our previous server and will surely be back as this lil gem is a terrific restaurant with good food and service. Highly recommended.

1/20/2024 A wonderful evening at LA Casita Olvera. We felt like Mexican food and this spot is cozy, quaint and delicious. Danielle was our server as well as an excellent bartender. We started with Margaritas and guacamole with chips. Then Danielle took our entree order. My wife had the chicken enchiladas plate and I had their Fajitas Combo. Both meals were served hot and tasty. We truly enjoyed the meal and warm conversation. After our dinners Danielle brought us some flan and a terrific Mexican coffee drink. What a great lil place. Awesome customer service, food and ambiance. I highly recommend this great lil restaurant.

Previous visit What a wonderful little gem. My wife wanted to have lunch on New Years Day, so we headed to Las Casita Olvera in Foothill Ranch, and it was fantastic. Hadyn, our server was kind, professional, and efficient. The ambiance was positive and peaceful. We started with margaritas, and they made good drinks. The chips and salsa are fresh as well. I ordered the Olivera Fajita Combo, which was excellent, and my wife had the Enchiladas Tia Trinidad, which she truly enjoyed. The food preparation and presentation were excellent, and the drinks were fantastic. Hadyn was the perfect service and was quite attentive. Highly recommended as we will be...

We were served by a funny older gent who seemed to be the family patriarch. He and the other staff were attentive, helpful, and funny. They have great $6 margaritas 'for a limited time', probably until they get established. Everyone enjoyed their food - carnitas, burritos, pozole, quesadillas and others. The food was flavorful but not spiced at all. I am okay with this approach as I have kids and heat can keep my kids from being able to eat even kids meals at some restaurants, but I wish there was at least a little heat in the adult menu entrees. I can spice it up at the table, but I might ask if it can be done in the kitchen next time. We were brought small shots on the house at the end of the meal that were the cherry on top of our dining experience. Everyone else in the restaurant seemed to be enjoying themselves. Ambiance is family oriented bistro, definitely not date night. Adults and kids alike marveled at the flames from their tableside flambee of the fajitas and laughed along with shenanigans going on throughout the restaurant. It was like Mexican with the vibe of a very fun Greek restaurant if you have had the pleasure of that experience. We will...