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Welcome to Le Colonial Lake Forest

Le Colonial Lake Forest offers a unique dining experience that transports guests to the charm of 1920s Saigon. Nestled at 655 Forest Ave, this elegant restaurant is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional cuisine, featuring thoughtfully curated small and large plates. Highlights include the flavorful Chicken Dumplings and the indulgent Shaking Beef, both praised for their depth of flavor. Guests rave about the stunning presentation and attentive service, making each meal feel special. Desserts, like the lemon-shaped treat filled with limoncello, cap off memorable dining experiences. Perfect for celebrations or intimate dinners, Le Colonial is a must-visit destination.

LOCATIONS
  • Le Colonial Lake Forest
    655 Forest Ave, Lake Forest, IL 60045, United States
    655 Forest Ave, Lake Forest, IL 60045, United States Hotline: +1 847-474-1500

Welcome to Le Colonial Lake Forest, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Lake Forest, Illinois. This exquisite restaurant, located at 655 Forest Ave, invites you to embark on a gastronomic journey that pays homage to the vibrant flavors and traditions of 1920s Saigon. As you step inside, the elegant decor transports you to a chic escape, where every detail contributes to an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication.

The menu at Le Colonial is a celebration of the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine. From the moment you glance at the offerings, you’ll find tantalizing options that are both innovative and authentic. Begin your meal with the Tuna Tartare or Chicken & Cabbage Salad, each dish meticulously prepared and bursting with freshness. Or, indulge in the soulful warmth of the Beef Pho Bo, a comforting bowl brimming with rich broth and seasoned perfectly to tantalize your taste buds.

One highlight is the restaurant's commitment to vibrant, flavorful dishes. Customers rave about the Shaking Beef and the delectable Curry Chicken, both of which showcase a beautiful balance of spices and quality ingredients. The Duck, served with sticky coconut rice and bao buns, is another standout, often earning accolades for its tender meat and thoughtful presentation.

But it’s not just the food that shines at Le Colonial. The service, as shared by patrons, is exceptional. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every guest feels like a VIP. This level of service complements the dishes beautifully and enhances the overall dining experience.

Your meal would not be complete without a dessert that captures the essence of celebration. The lemon-shaped cake filled with limoncello is a masterpiece—beautifully crafted and bursting with flavor, leaving an imprint on the hearts of those who indulge. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, the dessert options here are sure to leave a lasting impression.

As you savor each course, you’ll realize that Le Colonial Lake Forest isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a venue for unforgettable experiences. It’s a place where every detail, from the ambiance to the culinary artistry, is designed to create cherished memories. If you’re searching for a dining experience that encapsulates the charm of Vietnamese cuisine within an elegant setting, look no further than this Lake Forest treasure. Reserve your table today and let Le Colonial transport you to a world of flavor and sophistication.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Le Colonial Lake Forest
Izabella The Local Guide
Izabella The Local Guide

Le Colonial in Lake Forest made my birthday extra special. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm, elegant, and transportive — like stepping into a chic escape with 1920s Saigon charm. We started with the tuna tartare and ceviche — both fresh, beautifully plated, and full of flavor. The tartare had just the right citrus kick, and the ceviche was light and bright — the perfect start. But the highlight? My birthday cake — an adorable lemon-shaped dessert filled with the most delicious limoncello filling. It was almost too cute to eat... almost. It quickly became everyone’s favorite at the table. Exceptional food, thoughtful service, and a gorgeous setting — Le Colonial delivered on every level. Highly recommend for a special night out or any reason to celebrate.

Tim Kealamakia
Tim Kealamakia

Been fortunate enough to have been here twice, both with great experiences. I love their family style approach to the dining experience. Both of these visits were with coworkers, The restaurant is decorated perfectly to the menu and experience they want you to feel. Their staff and servers are top notch. They treat you well and any of them will help answer questions even if it's not their table. True professionals. The food has so much flavor! I have a hard time narrowing down what I would recommend. The red snapper is amazing. Their curry dishes are delicious. I loved a steak salad sort of dish this last time I went. We had to order two servings of it for the table. This is a higher end restaurant, so you will pay accordingly, but it's worth it. My one complaint would be their cocktails. I think they are presented well, but haven't tasted anything that was really any good. So maybe save a few pennies and stick to a good bottle of wine or water. I would definitely recommend Le Colonial to anyone looking for a nice dinner.

Elle C
Elle C

Treated my senior parents there as a surprise so they could have a date night, and they loved it! They loved the service, food, and ambiance! It was the perfect gift for those that are hard to buy gifts for!

Malina Newman
Malina Newman

Had a great experience at Le Coloniel in Lake Forest. We had the duck which comes with sticky coconut rice and bao buns and also had the steak. They were both amazing (especially the steak!!). The steak sauce had a tiny kick to it and was ...

Old Sal
Old Sal

Reservations a must. Arrived early and were directed to wait in the bar area. At 7 our party of four were seated. Lovely room but the music level was too loud. Hard to have conversations. Service was very good. Staff were professional, attentive and friendly. The food was outstanding! Really enjoyed our Shaking Beef and Curry Chicken. Other dishes we very good also. Dessert is a must!!!

aleks
aleks

I was very pleasantly surprised by my dining experience here! The lunch menu isn't too large or overwhelming but has such a great variety of dishes to choose from. You can mix and match small and large plates if you'd like to share a few with the table. I really love that there's the option for a small or large bowl of pho in case you don't want to make that your main course. The atmosphere is excellent and the service is great. I noticed there's also a very sweet patio which I'm sure is gorgeous when weather permits. I'd definitely recommend the tuna tartar, I really enjoyed their spin on it and the mocktails are delish!

Ed Brill
Ed Brill

Our third visit was for lunch on the patio. The food was all good. I am a sucker for banh cuon or the banh uot version, both available here, because you almost never find them in the US. Also enjoyed the ribs and the fried rice. Our waiter was on point but we only saw him once after ordering. We had asked our lunch to come out as two courses, and somehow they put the shrimp roll, banh uot sesame roll, and ribs together as the first course, and the le colonial salat and fried rice as the second course. I hadn’t really thought about the service gaps until I read the other reviews. Seems like some better thinking is needed. I love this restaurant inside and on the patio (lots of bees today though) and know it’s always booked so ... we will be back for sure. Just some refinement needed.

Denise Albarran
Denise Albarran

Everything was absolutely amazing. The service was excellent, very attentive. Our food was so flavorful. The spicy sauces for me were mild, but I can handle heat .