Mustard Cafe & Grill Foothill Ranch

It was the first time here.
I took the combo half sandwich and a bowl of soup. It was very good.
The music is French and not too loud.
Definitely I will come back.
The owner and server are very nice.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stopped in on a lark after arriving at Orange County Airport and having some time to kill. Great vibes, eclectic music 🎶 in the background, really kind and engaging service and a breakfast bowl that delivered a tasty vegetable and protein packed punch. Locals and regulars greeted warmly by the staff and us non-locals soon made to feel like we belonged as well. Hung out over coffee and played a board game with my wife —not rushed out. Really good experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is cute and definitely has potential. However, my son and I came in at decent time 10:30ish am and it was not busy, it was also a Monday. There was two other tables besides us. Our server was nice, very talkative. He apparently was new but seemed to semi know what he was doing. My bad review isn't really regarding him specifically. I ordered the Deluxe breakfast which came with eggs, side of bacon or sausage and your choice of waffle or pancake. I had gotten the pancake for my son and decided to try the waffle for myself. My sons pancakes came out and a couple minutes after my eggs and sausage came out. The waffle on the other hand, never did. Given we where the 3rd table in the whole restaurant I don't understand why my waffle was forgotten about, its not like it was busy. Listen, I have worked in the industry long enough to understand mistakes happen and I can be patient and lenient. TRUST me I know, I've been a pastry chef, line cook, chef de cusine to working front of the house and being an event coordinator, I KNOW! BUT when the server came back to ask if I needed a box for the leftovers, I asked for the check and told him to please charge me for a side of eggs and sausage since my waffle never came out. He told the manager and he came to the table, apologized for the mistake, that he was going to make it right and he was going to get my waffle to go. Honestly, I wanted my waffle while I was dining not so I could bring it home and toss it the next day. He gave my son a complimentary cookie. Which looked and smelled more appealing than what it tasted (pastry chef here, high standards). The manager took a handheld to me to close me out. I paid, still tiped the new dude 20% and guess what? I never got a physical copy of my receipt nor was I asked if I wanted one. I came home and couldn't shake off the disappointed feeling. I did the math, he didn't discount anything off my bill and a $4 dollar complimentary cookie, didn't do the trick for me. Needless to say I don't believe we will be returning.

Food: 2

Service: 2

I love finding places that aren’t big chains, and even though I learned later there are a couple of other locations, this one still feels like a cozy. It’s small, inviting, and has its own personality—plus theres the option for outdoor seating.

I stopped in for brunch and tried the Shakshuka for the first time… and wow. I went out on a limb but every bite was amazing. The food here may look casual at first glance, but the flavors are not. My server was so friendly, helpful and attentive.

While I was there, I noticed so many regulars coming in—some just picking up to-go orders—and and with the conversations I overheard you could tell they are definitely often visit. supports this place. I already know I’ll be back and yes, I’ll be ordering that same dish.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We LOVE Mustard Cafe. It's our go-to place each and every Saturday!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and experience. quick service restaurant. I came in with my little ones and the cashier helped serve us water cups (they are self serve) and brought us a high chair. The food was delicious and they had so many options. We had the pesto panini with berry salad and chicken tortilla soup.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our family of 4 ate here for lunch today. We ordered 2 sandwiches and 2 salads. It took 45 minutes for our food to come out and we didn’t even receive an apology. Customers who ordered after us (dine in and take out) got their food before us. If they were understaffed, they should have warned us before we ordered so we could decide if we wanted to go somewhere else. The food was ok but we will never return given the painfully slow service.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

It had been a while since I last visited Mustard Café in Lake Forest, so I decided to return for a recent business luncheon with my colleague Jorge. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by Shukri, the owner, which set a welcoming tone for our visit.

Lunch was beautifully plated and served promptly. I had the chicken and tomato panini paired with the tomato bisque soup—both were flavorful and satisfying. Jorge enjoyed the tortilla soup and a half Reuben sandwich, and he was equally impressed with his meal.

The café had a pleasant, professional atmosphere, with several other business lunches happening around us. It made for the perfect setting to host a guest and enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed yet refined environment.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious spot! The pancakes are fluffy and tasty, the shakshuka is full of flavor, and the service is really good. Definitely worth a visit!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Great food, slow service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

I recently had the pleasure of discovering Mustard Cafe & Grill in Foothill Ranch, and what a delightful little gem it is! From the moment I stepped in, the atmosphere was incredibly inviting—peaceful and soothing, making for a truly relaxing dining experience.

The service was outstanding; our server, Maria, was simply wonderful. Her genuine smile and professional yet kind demeanor truly lit up the place, ensuring we felt well cared for throughout our visit. Everything came out perfectly, and it’s clear the staff takes immense pride in their work.

I opted for a custom three-egg omelet filled with spinach, tomato, avocado, and Swiss cheese, served alongside perfectly cooked potatoes and delicious sourdough toast. It was absolutely fantastic, clearly prepared with care. I also tried their avocado toast, which was a definite highlight, and the coffee was excellent—a perfect complement to the meal.

It’s easy to see why this spot is highly recommended. With plenty of parking available, a fantastic menu offering great breakfast and lunch choices, and an owner with a wonderfully positive attitude, Mustard Cafe & Grill is now firmly on my list of favorite places. I initially came for breakfast but am already planning my return for lunch. This cafe truly excels in every aspect – food, service, and ambiance.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic food

Had an amazing dish from Africa

Mustard Cafe is the best, most understated restaurant in Lake Forest. Home made food made with expertise and care. Our favorite dishes are banana pancakes, cobb salad, and the soups. Cannot recommend this place highly enough.

Food was not good, really quick service and friendly staff but we couldn’t finish any of the food because the taste was bad. Tasted stale and undercooked.