La Cocina De Ricardo — Restaurant in Lake Forest

We have been to this restaurant numerous times over the last five years but probably at least six months since our last. The place was less than half full and we seated ourselves as indicated by the sign in the front. The ambiance is good as other times as I recall. One of the waiters came by promptly to see what we wanted to drink. She brought us some fresh chips and salsa which was good as always. However, I never recall the chips to be so flaky that they break when I tried to spoon salsa into it. They tasted good but the salsa was a little less spicy than I remember. I asked for an order of guacamole which took quite a bit of time to be served. However, it seemed to have been freshly made with a lot less salt and spicy as I was expecting in the past. I am okay with less salt but a little spice would have been nice either in the salsa or the guacamole. So, that was a bit disappointing.

We had to wait for a while to order the entrees as the waiter (switched from the waitress) did not show up what seemed to be a long time. The waiter did not take away the plates we used for the appetizers and I had to prompt them twice to do it. We ordered shrimp fajitas, a beef and a chicken enchilada and a combination plate of chicken enchilada and taco. The shrimp fajitas tasted fine but the waiter took a long pause before brining out the tortillas that went with it. The beef and chicken enchiladas were nice, warm and tasted well. However, the beef and chicken inside the enchiladas tasted way more dry than it should’ve been. The combination plate was nice and warm as well but the tortilla in it seemed to fall apart as picked it up.

We finished up ordering a flan that we shared. This turned out to be totally disappointing as it tasted way watered down. It was not what it should have tasted like.

Overall, my impression was that they must have changed the cook as the food was much inferior in quality as I remembered from my past trips. Starting from the appetizer to the entrees to the desert, all was a bit under par. The biggest disappointment, however, was the service; I don’t know what the issue was but the waiter was not doing the job. He made us unnecessarily wait at every step including when I was paying. I resorted to going to the front to pay!

I recall that I like this restaurant a lot but they really went down in food quality and service. Is that because there is new staff or owner; who knows. I may visit them again in four to six months again to check if things have...

La Cocina Restaurant is a Mexican culinary gem that has been a favorite dining spot for my family for almost 20 years. This restaurant truly deserves an excellent review for its outstanding food, friendly service, and fun atmosphere.

First and foremost, the food at La Cocina is simply delicious. From the moment you take your first bite, you'll be transported to flavor paradise. The "Hard Shell Carnitas Tacos" are an absolute must-try. The juicy carnitas paired with the homemade frijoles create a mouthwatering combination that is truly to die for. The menu offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes, with generous portions and a perfect blend of spices that will satisfy any craving.

The drinks at La Cocina are also top-notch. They offer a great selection of margaritas, tequilas, and other Mexican-inspired cocktails that perfectly complement the flavorful dishes. The friendly and attentive staff, including the owner Mario, adds to the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Mario is a really good guy who goes above and beyond to ensure that guests feel at home and have an enjoyable dining experience.

The ambiance at La Cocina is lively and inviting, making it a great place to gather with a group of friends or family. The restaurant has a warm and cozy interior with festive decorations that add to the overall ambiance.

As a long-time patron of La Cocina, I can attest to the consistently excellent quality of food and service over the years. The staff is attentive, the atmosphere is enjoyable, and the food is consistently delicious.

In conclusion, La Cocina Restaurant is a must-visit Mexican restaurant that has earned its reputation as a top dining destination. With amazing food, great drinks, friendly service, and a fun atmosphere, La Cocina is a true gem. I highly recommend trying their "Hard Shell Carnitas Tacos" and experiencing the flavors that will leave you craving for more. It's a dining experience that will keep you coming back for...

I thought this place was authentic Mexican food. I thought wrong. I wanted to phone i my to-go order but when i called they kept me on hold forever so i decided to walk in. I should have taken the hint when they left me hanging..but nooo. Even when i walked in they still made me wait and it wasn't even crowded. We'll the young lady that finally attended me must've been in a bad mood. No greeting or smile. I should've walked right out but nooo i still placed my order of two orders of taquitos, one with rice and beans and the other a la carte. Also asked for an horchata. A different guy brought out my order and i left. On my way home i realized thy didnt give me the drink but was close to home so i said id deal with that later. We opened our taquitos and could see right away that they were the frozen kind a d tasted like the frozen kind. Sheesh! How hard is it to fry up some fresh taquitos? I threw mine away and i guess my mom was so hungry she ate them but they were gross! Never going back. If you go, dont order taquitos. Youll regret it. Thats pure laziness. Shame on...