Morena's Mexican Cuisine — Restaurant in Lake Forest

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this wonderful restaurant for the second time, and once again, it did not disappoint! The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and beautifully set up--perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable meal.

We ordered the carne asada and shrimp, shrimp cocktail, pozole, and fajitas, and every dish was nothing short of exceptional. The carne asada was tender and flavorful, the shrimp perfectly cooked, and the pozole had that authentic, comforting taste you hope for. The fajitas were sizzling and packed with flavor, and the shrimp cocktail was fresh and refreshing. It's rare to find a place where everything on the menu is delicious, but this restaurant truly delivered on all fronts.

The drinks were equally impressive. Whether you're in the mood for a creative cocktail or a classic option, they had something to suit every taste. Each drink was expertly made, adding to the overall enjoyment of the evening.

What really stood out, though, was the friendly and attentive service. RIGO, LEOBARDO, JOSÉ and all the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, offering recommendations and ensuring that we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

Overall, this was one of the best dining experiences I've had--again! From the excellent service to the amazing food and drinks, this place truly knows how to deliver....

My friend and I normally go to the same Mexican restaurant. We don't venture much because we like being regulars, we like the hot salsa, and have our favorite server. This time we decided to be adventurous and try a new place. We remembered Morena's because it's in the same area as the old 99¢ Only store. The Chips & Salsa were brought to the table. The chips were really good and had a crisp, fresh taste. The salsas, a green and a red, were not hot and I asked for a hotter salsa. I was brought chili oil which was good but not a salsa. I ordered the Mole Poblano: Natural Grilled Chicken Breast, Mole Poblano Sauce, Sesame Seeds. Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans-choice of flour or corn tortillas. The mole was really good, there was plenty of sauce to smother the chicken, the beans were yummy. The rice needed a bit more flavor to it. That didn't stop me from eating everything!!! We had Flan and Coffee for dessert. I'll say whatever coffee they use was yummy. Really hit the spot. The flan had an unusual texture. Not bad, not great, good. Again, we ate the whole thing. I'd like to go back and try other things on the menu. The service was good. I forgot our server's name. I was impressed that there was incense burning when I went to the men's room to...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Morena's, and I can confidently say it was an exceptional experience. First and foremost, the restaurant is impeccably clean, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

The service was outstanding—attentive and friendly from start to finish. It’s clear that the staff takes pride in ensuring every guest has a great experience.

The food and drinks were a true highlight. The cucumber-jalapeño margaritas, made with fresh lime juice and agave, were absolutely divine—crafted to perfection with just the right balance of flavors. The mole poblano sauce was rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the tender chicken breast. The carnitas are really flavorful and crispy just how I like them.

The red tamale was another standout. The masa was just right—not too dry—and generously filled with flavorful meat. The chips arrived at the table fresh, hot, and perfectly crispy, accompanied by a roasted red salsa that was simply delicious. Even the sides of beans and rice were outstanding, making every bite of the meal a delight.

Overall, Morena’s exceeded my expectations in every way. I can’t wait to return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for delicious, authentic cuisine with...