“Lots of very negative an appalling reviews, which of course I check and the people writing these reviews only have a Yelp account to write negative reviews, so your tastebuds must be very particular or you're high maintenance. BBQ tasted great to me, no undercooked food, made it out alive. Service was fine, will absolutely be back again!Also, for those complaining that the food is expensive, you're paying under $20 for a full entree with seafood or BBQ. Inflation must be very tough for you.“
“Nice brunch place that has the classics and specialities, with a Filipino and even American trendy brunch style twist, but at slightly lower to comparable prices to other brunch spots.Everything we tried was done perfectly, I especially loved the Birria chilaquiles ($18, not too bad a price for being a huge, shareable portion). We liked the ube cold brew ($7) and even the regular hot coffee (only $3) was very good, as was the ube horchata ($4).The online waitlist is a nice feature, we joined the waitlist on the way over around 9:30 a.m. on a Sunday and were seated immediately“
“Concealed within the charming city of Lake Forest, California, Manila Food Mart is a delightful culinary haven that has garnered a local reputation for crafting the most sensational egg rolls you'll ever encounter. The moment you step inside this unassuming gem of an eatery, you are immediately embraced by the intoxicating aroma of sizzling, golden-brown perfection. Let's delve deeper into this culinary experience:Manila Food Mart's egg rolls are, without a doubt, the pièce de résistance of their menu. Each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture, with a crispy, flaky exterior that gives way to a savory symphony of ingredients within. The filling is generously packed with a harmonious blend of ingredients, including succulent meats and vibrant vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. These egg rolls are not just a dish; they're a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.But it's not just about the egg rolls. The menu at Manila Food Mart boasts a variety of Filipino and Asian-inspired dishes that cater to a range of palates. Whether you're craving the comfort of a hearty adobo or the mouthwatering allure of sinigang, the chefs here consistently deliver dishes that exude authenticity and taste.The service at Manila Food Mart is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you walk through the door, you're greeted with warm smiles and attentive staff who are more than happy to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations based on your preferences. The waitstaff here embody the true essence of hospitality, making you feel like a cherished guest rather than just another customer.The speed and efficiency of service are equally impressive. Your food arrives promptly, piping hot and exquisitely presented. The staff is well-versed in accommodating special dietary requests and allergies, ensuring that every patron leaves with a memorable dining experience.While Manila Food Mart may not be adorned with opulent decor, it exudes a cozy, homely charm that sets the stage for a relaxed dining experience. The intimate setting is perfect for a casual meal with friends and family, where the focus is primarily on the delicious food rather than extravagant surroundings. The quaint ambiance adds to the authenticity of the place, transporting you to the heart of the Philippines.In conclusion, Manila Food Mart in Lake Forest, CA, is a hidden culinary treasure that deserves to be discovered and savored. Their five-star egg rolls are reason enough to visit, but the impeccable service and cozy atmosphere elevate the dining experience to a level of satisfaction that's truly unmatched. If you're in search of exceptional Filipino cuisine, look no further than Manila Food Mart--it's a culinary journey that will linger in your memory long after your meal is over.“
“We're from Chicago and was staying at a hotel nearby. We ordered pork bbq and bulgogi, both were excellent choices. It's great to have both available to order from the same store. My only wish is if they could add noodles to their menu like japchae or pancit.“
“My boyfriend and I both for a half and half with two items. We got the chicken adobo, pork adobo, sisig, and vegetable. chicken adobo: 4.5/5I would say that it is a bit salty for my liking but the rice and noodles balanced out the saltiness in the chicken. pork adobo: 4.5/5 The pork adobo was also a bit salty but it was still really yummy. The onion in the pork adobo was a nice touch too. sisig: 5/5 The sisig was really good. I didn't think it was salty but my boyfriend did. There was a nice balance of meat and fat in each piece. They give a lot of rice and noodles for each plate. We were given regular white rice rather than the garlic rice but I think that's just because we went 2 hours before they were going to close.Overall, the worker was very nice and very generous in the amount of food that he gave us for each plate. I was sad about not being able to the ube flan but that was a given as we did go to the restaurant late.“
“It tastes a lot like what's served at Philippines Aristocrats Restaurant, especially the BBQ. After dining, you'll have a sense of comfort, especially with the Bibingkinitan, a small version of the Bibingka, a Filipino baked rice cake. It produces delicious comfort food that you will want to eat again and again.“
“I live only few miles from this store for 14 yrs and didn't know until I checked it out yesterday. It is big inside, has a fresh bakery and a food court with tables and chair. It is fairly clean and neat for an Asian market. The seafood seems decent with lot of varieties, fish being iced adequately and seems in pretty good shapes. Lot of varieties of meat as well. As far as pricing, the meat and seafood prices are very comparable or reasonable, the produces are high, the frozen and dry goods are also high. I definitely will shop at this store for specific items instead of going to Westminster... and will check out their deli.“
“Ordered from Kiko's on Doordash because I was a little lazy to drive the other day, so please keep in mind that my review is based off of food that had made a 15 minute journey before being eaten! When I heard a new Filipino joint was opening in Irvine, I was ecstatic! There are practically no Filipino joints in Irvine -- if you have that craving you need to drive to Lake Forest or a city more north. It's very nice to now have something in my own city to satisfy that Filipino fix when I am too lazy to cook. As a Filipino myself, I understand that Filipino food can taste extremely different depending on who cooks it. The different regions of the Philippines all cook the same dishes in different ways. Therefore, you should never expect a dish from one restaurant to taste the same at a different restaurant. I ordered the kare-kare, which is my favorite Filipino dish. Their rendition of this creamy peanut dish was pretty good, but not my favorite. The ox-tail was perfectly cooked, but the veggies were overcooked and soggy. The flavor of the sauce was delicious, however I wish they gave more sauce. I particularly didn't like the bagoong (shrimp paste). I'm not sure which kind they use, but if you have some bagoong at home (as most Filipinos do), then I'd recommend to use your own. One thing I'd like to note is that the portions are on the smaller side here. It's definitely only enough for one person, so don't expect to share one meal. However, I think the prices are reasonable for the portion sizes. I will definitely be giving Kiko's other menu items a try in the future!“