House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant
Regional · Lake Forest
House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant Opening Hours
About House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant
House of Cedar brings authentic Lebanese hospitality to Lake Forest, offering a warm family-owned dining experience known for its traditional recipes and high-quality halal meats. Guests consistently praise the fresh, home-cooked flavors that remind them of meals prepared in their own kitchens. Sign...
House of Cedar brings authentic Lebanese hospitality to Lake Forest, offering a warm family-owned dining experience known for its traditional recipes and high-quality halal meats. Guests consistently praise the fresh, home-cooked flavors that remind them of meals prepared in their own kitchens. Signature dishes like beef shawarma wraps, kibbeh, spinach pies, and beef kabobs highlight a menu thoughtfully curated to deliver diverse, delicious tastes. Although situated within a modern business park, the restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere with ample seating for those who prefer dine-in options or takeout. With its clean preparation, attentive service, and genuine commitment to cultural authenticity, House of Cedar stands as a beloved destination for those seeking an unforgettable Mediterranean culinary journey in Orange County.
What Customers Say About House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant
House of Cedar is highly praised for its authentic and delicious Lebanese cuisine, often compared to homemade meals. Customers rave about the freshness and flavors, with many highlighting the excellent service and friendly owner, Basil. It's located inside Smart Kitchens.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Located inside Smart Kitchens, it's more of a takeout place with seating available outside. Don't miss the chance to greet the owner's Mom for some of the most delicious Lebanese food.
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant
House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant Lake Forest Reviews
I'm Lebanese and this is the first time I've tried something so delicious outside of the Middle East. The toum was nice and fluffy and the chicken was nice and tender. I tried both the tabouli and fattoush and they were both amazing. Can't wait to try this place again!
My type of place: delicious, excellent customer service and near!! I have a funny feeling that I will be coming back all the time 😎😎😎😎
My review is long overdue, and this place deserves all the best! Went here a few weeks ago. It's inside of a Smart Kitchen amongst at least 10 other restaurants. There's plenty of tables and benches out front to eat on, but don't expect this to be a dine-in sit down spot. I ordered a few plates off their menu because I was so eager to try it. Reading the other reviews and seeing pics I could tell this place was legit! I live in Santa Monica and wish this restaurant was closer. The food is extremely clean and delicious! Everything was so fresh and the portions are perfectly sized. You can tell everything is homemade. My favorite thing about House of Cedar is that it isn't your typical greasy fast food pick up. It's easy to tell everything is made with love and care. I went overboard and ordered kibbeh, beef shawarma (the only place I've ever been that uses filet mignon!!!! One of the most expensive premium cuts, no fat, just melt in your mouth delicious meat), chicken soup, lentil soup, and a chicken shish-tawouk plate (white meat seasoned chicken breast) -- all for myself, and I've never been so pleased! The owner was welcoming and such a pleasant person to speak to, he filled me in on all of the details pertaining to each dish and even recommended some special tweaks to a few of the dishes to tailor them to my liking. (Like adding French fries to the beef shawarma - Arabic style). I promise I'll take more pictures next time I was just too busy eating to remember! When I say the food is extremely delicious, I mean it, I'm still craving that filet mignon beef shawarma (almost on a daily), and I can't wait to go back and get some more!!! Wishing the owner continued success and hoping they get their own brick and mortar soon enough! It’s easy to tell this restaurant uses quality ingredients, from the top notch cuts of meat to the freshest vegetables. I applaud the owner for taking pride in his restaurant and not using subpar ingredients like most of the other restaurants do, not to mention the majority of Arabic restaurants.If you want good food that won’t give you a stomachache and will leave you feeling fresh and guiltless afterwards make sure you visit this establishment. Health is wealth, and the Mediterranean diet is so coveted, but if you aren’t using quality ingredients it doesn’t make a difference. This place checks all the boxes, ingredients are QUALITY, portions are perfect, food is delicious and it melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more. Keep up the good work House of Cedar!
I was craving mediterranean after work and found this place nearby. It's located in an unassuming business park, in Suite F called "Smart Kitchens." More of a takeout place, but there is seating outside if you're hungry (I was). The owner(?) or cook here was great! I called to confirm my online order went through; then placed another order once I got there because I also wanted try their soup. I felt bad to make him go back and prep another order, but he was gracious and didn't mind despite it being 7:30pm!! Everything was delicious! And looked ridiculously good when I took a photo :) Beef kofta plate with garlic sauce: This really hit the spot. Came out piping hot and everything was fresh. The garlic sauce, kofta, rice and salad were all delicious! I just wish their salad portion was bigger, but it's understandable due to the design of the takeout container. Chicken soup: So good and tastes like something home cooked with a tomatonsoup base. Very hearty. Just the right amount of salt. Lentil soup: Just a little too salty, but otherwise great.
THIS PLACE IS FANTASTIC!!!!! located inside smart kitchens in an Industrial area. Very unassuming, but the food is FANTASTIC!! Grape leaves with meat served as they should be, warm. The chicken Shwarma made me compare it my grandmothers. highly recommended.
I'm Lebanese and this is the first time I've tried something so delicious outside of the Middle East. The toum was nice and fluffy and the chicken was nice and tender. I tried both the tabouli and fattoush and they were both amazing. Can't wait to try this place again!
My type of place: delicious, excellent customer service and near!! I have a funny feeling that I will be coming back all the time 😎😎😎😎
My review is long overdue, and this place deserves all the best! Went here a few weeks ago. It's inside of a Smart Kitchen amongst at least 10 other restaurants. There's plenty of tables and benches out front to eat on, but don't expect this to be a dine-in sit down spot. I ordered a few plates off their menu because I was so eager to try it. Reading the other reviews and seeing pics I could tell this place was legit! I live in Santa Monica and wish this restaurant was closer. The food is extremely clean and delicious! Everything was so fresh and the portions are perfectly sized. You can tell everything is homemade. My favorite thing about House of Cedar is that it isn't your typical greasy fast food pick up. It's easy to tell everything is made with love and care. I went overboard and ordered kibbeh, beef shawarma (the only place I've ever been that uses filet mignon!!!! One of the most expensive premium cuts, no fat, just melt in your mouth delicious meat), chicken soup, lentil soup, and a chicken shish-tawouk plate (white meat seasoned chicken breast) -- all for myself, and I've never been so pleased! The owner was welcoming and such a pleasant person to speak to, he filled me in on all of the details pertaining to each dish and even recommended some special tweaks to a few of the dishes to tailor them to my liking. (Like adding French fries to the beef shawarma - Arabic style). I promise I'll take more pictures next time I was just too busy eating to remember! When I say the food is extremely delicious, I mean it, I'm still craving that filet mignon beef shawarma (almost on a daily), and I can't wait to go back and get some more!!! Wishing the owner continued success and hoping they get their own brick and mortar soon enough! It’s easy to tell this restaurant uses quality ingredients, from the top notch cuts of meat to the freshest vegetables. I applaud the owner for taking pride in his restaurant and not using subpar ingredients like most of the other restaurants do, not to mention the majority of Arabic restaurants.If you want good food that won’t give you a stomachache and will leave you feeling fresh and guiltless afterwards make sure you visit this establishment. Health is wealth, and the Mediterranean diet is so coveted, but if you aren’t using quality ingredients it doesn’t make a difference. This place checks all the boxes, ingredients are QUALITY, portions are perfect, food is delicious and it melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more. Keep up the good work House of Cedar!
I was craving mediterranean after work and found this place nearby. It's located in an unassuming business park, in Suite F called "Smart Kitchens." More of a takeout place, but there is seating outside if you're hungry (I was). The owner(?) or cook here was great! I called to confirm my online order went through; then placed another order once I got there because I also wanted try their soup. I felt bad to make him go back and prep another order, but he was gracious and didn't mind despite it being 7:30pm!! Everything was delicious! And looked ridiculously good when I took a photo :) Beef kofta plate with garlic sauce: This really hit the spot. Came out piping hot and everything was fresh. The garlic sauce, kofta, rice and salad were all delicious! I just wish their salad portion was bigger, but it's understandable due to the design of the takeout container. Chicken soup: So good and tastes like something home cooked with a tomatonsoup base. Very hearty. Just the right amount of salt. Lentil soup: Just a little too salty, but otherwise great.
THIS PLACE IS FANTASTIC!!!!! located inside smart kitchens in an Industrial area. Very unassuming, but the food is FANTASTIC!! Grape leaves with meat served as they should be, warm. The chicken Shwarma made me compare it my grandmothers. highly recommended.
Extremely delicious, tastes like home-made Lebanese cooking. Try the combo platter with garlic sauce .
Best Lebanese kitchen in town!!! Every dish is authentic and is extremely delicious :) On top of the best Lebanese food, the owner is very nice and knows how to run his business. You can tell he really cares about how every plate comes out and wants every customer to be happy.
Absolutely amazing! The food tastes just like a home-cooked Lebanese/Palestinian meal—fresh and flavorful. Every dish was delicious, especially the kibbeh, spinach pies, and beef kabob. The service was outstanding—Bassel was incredibly kind and made sure all our requests were met with no hesitation. Highly recommend if you’re looking for authentic Arabic food. Ordered for catering and take out, each time the food was prepared so well. Will definitely return!
It was three or four months ago that me a friend and I ate here but I forgot to leave the review we both said we would and wanted to make sure to give them the kudos they deserve! I will definitely be eating here every time I’m in the area. The hostess was SO nice, coming over to check on us and bringing us complimentary dessert at the end. I think it was almond pudding? I’d never had it before and it was fantastic. I do eat a decent amount of middle eastern type foods, and this was hands down the best beef kofta I’ve ever had. And the tomato dipping spread they bring for the table is To die for!! Already looking forward to going back
I live in Detroit and have been to more than a few Lebanese restaurants - Best Lebanese food I have had, hands down. The owner, Basil (I sure hope I spelled his name correctly) is a very nice and kind person. Rare these days to have such good service and excellent food. Thank you
The food is very authentic. We had kufta, rice, and hummus and it was all good.
Ordered takeout here on my last day in town and I wish I'd gone sooner and more often! I ordered the beef shawarma wrap and chicken soup. I wanted the loubya bzet, which sounded phenomenal, but unfortunately they were out. He came out and let me know immediately after I placed my order so I subbed in the spicy potatoes (excellent). The shawarma was tasty and perfectly cooked but the chicken soup was out of this world #;$ really stole the show. It's incredibly rich and flavorful but also elegant. Probably the best chicken soup I've ever had. They were busy but the food was still ready quickly and like I said, everything was phenomenal. Don't sleep on this spot!
If it were possible to give more than five stars, I would. Outstanding service, professionalism, and support throughout.
One of the best lebanese food away from home in Orange County. So authentic and delicious. Tried it with my friends and definitely will recommend it. Food is clean and the taste is like homemade. Tabouli was juicy, the beef kabob and shish Tawook are so tender, kafta is yum, baba ghanouj was wow as well as the grape leaves. Everything was delicious not to mention how friendly the staff. It is a must try. 5 stars ✨️ and coming back to dine for sure.
We had an excellent experience at this Lebanese restaurant. The food was authentic, fresh, and full of rich traditional flavors. Every dish was well prepared and beautifully presented, especially the grilled items and the mezze selections. The staff were welcoming and attentive, and the atmosphere felt warm and inviting. You can tell they care about quality and customer experience. If you are looking for genuine Lebanese cuisine, this place is definitely worth visiting. We will absolutely be back.
We had a great experience at this Lebanese restaurant. It is run by the sweetest family. We got a family meal of 4: various types of meats on a bed of saffron rice. The tawouk (chicken) pieces were big and juicy. The meat was very high quality fillet, and the kafta was really good as well. They also bring a salad and 3 dips. Highly recommend if you'd like to support a small family owned business!
Food is authentic is it gets. Great place to take your family or significant other. They currently doin renovations and are not able to update their times on Google. Don't let that discourage you from going. I strongly recommend you call ahead. It is so worth it. I will be back!
Had dinner yesterday. We tried Molokhiya, the grill, tabouli, the different mezze. The food is authentic Lebanese, it was super delicious and the owner was very friendly, the service was amazing. I will definitely be going there again, loved everything about this place!!!
Best chef you will not only lick the plate but your fingers too!! If you love Mediterranean food and excellent service this will become your home away from home:) Greatest value for your money with good vibes.
Best authentic Lebanese food in the area. The ambiance is warm and inviting, the staff is welcoming, and the food is absolutely amazing. A must-try. You won’t be disappointed.
One of the best lebanese food away from home in Orange County. So authentic and delicious. Tried it with my friends and definitely will recommend it. Food is clean and the taste is like homemade. Tabouli was juicy, the beef kabob and shish Tawook are so tender, kafta is yum, baba ghanouj was wow as well as the grape leaves. Everything was delicious not to mention how friendly the staff. It is a must try. 5 stars ✨️ and coming back to dine for sure.
The food is very authentic. We had kufta, rice, and hummus and it was all good.
Best chef you will not only lick the plate but your fingers too!! If you love Mediterranean food and excellent service this will become your home away from home:) Greatest value for your money with good vibes.
So excited this place is back open! some of the best Lebanese food in town
Best Lebanese kitchen in town!!! Every dish is authentic and is extremely delicious :) On top of the best Lebanese food, the owner is very nice and knows how to run his business. You can tell he really cares about how every plate comes out and wants every customer to be happy.
I live in Detroit and have been to more than a few Lebanese restaurants - Best Lebanese food I have had, hands down. The owner, Basil (I sure hope I spelled his name correctly) is a very nice and kind person. Rare these days to have such good service and excellent food. Thank you
My first experience with Kitchen Smart. Ordering was easy and food was great. There are no tables inside but there is common area like a park with tables and chairs.
Ordered takeout here on my last day in town and I wish I'd gone sooner and more often! I ordered the beef shawarma wrap and chicken soup. I wanted the loubya bzet, which sounded phenomenal, but unfortunately they were out. He came out and let me know immediately after I placed my order so I subbed in the spicy potatoes (excellent). The shawarma was tasty and perfectly cooked but the chicken soup was out of this world #;$ really stole the show. It's incredibly rich and flavorful but also elegant. Probably the best chicken soup I've ever had. They were busy but the food was still ready quickly and like I said, everything was phenomenal. Don't sleep on this spot!
We had a great meal at yours restaurant, the food was delicious “i was very hungry i forgot to take pictures “ and so authentic, we were going to greet your Mom. Tell her it was one of the most delicious Lebanese food we ever had…
Absolutely amazing! The food tastes just like a home-cooked Lebanese/Palestinian meal—fresh and flavorful. Every dish was delicious, especially the kibbeh, spinach pies, and beef kabob. The service was outstanding—Bassel was incredibly kind and made sure all our requests were met with no hesitation. Highly recommend if you’re looking for authentic Arabic food. Ordered for catering and take out, each time the food was prepared so well. Will definitely return!
It was three or four months ago that me a friend and I ate here but I forgot to leave the review we both said we would and wanted to make sure to give them the kudos they deserve! I will definitely be eating here every time I’m in the area. The hostess was SO nice, coming over to check on us and bringing us complimentary dessert at the end. I think it was almond pudding? I’d never had it before and it was fantastic. I do eat a decent amount of middle eastern type foods, and this was hands down the best beef kofta I’ve ever had. And the tomato dipping spread they bring for the table is To die for!! Already looking forward to going back
I recently had the pleasure of dining at House of Cedar, and it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish. The menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a diverse selection of dishes that cater to various tastes. I was particularly impressed with the freshness of the ingredients and the creativity behind each dish. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and every bite was a treat for the senses. Overall, House of Cedar is a gem. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner spot, this restaurant exceeds expectations. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their menu!
The Lebanese food served by the House of Cedar at the International Women's Event on Saturday was absolutely amazing. It was an unforgettable experience. We truly enjoyed all of the flavors and appreciated the authenticity of the cuisine as it tasted just like the food from Lebanon! This is the real deal folks. We wholeheartedly recommend the House of Cedar to anyone looking to enjoy delicious, clean, and healthy Lebanese cuisine. Their dedication to quality and their customers is truly commendable, and we look forward to enjoying their delightful food again. Highly recommend!
I respect the quality of food here even though the spices were a little too obscure for my palate.
Went by a couple of days around 6 where doors were closed but people were dining inside. Was told that they had a private event, why don’t you update your Google then that you will be closed and waste people’s time and effort to give you the business!!! No respect for people’s time then definitely shouldn’t be in business
Sign in to leave a review
Sign inRemove ads and manage your menu
No se encontraron idiomas
Explore Your Area
Pholicious Noodle Bar
Corner Bakery
Hacienda La Joya
The Habit Burger Grill
Sunny Dumpling House
Pho Ha Noi
Lost Dog Cafe
The Rush Bar and Grill
Mountain Mike's
Sizzler
1 Photos
Explore House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant's photos
About House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant
How to get there
23364 El Toro Rd
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Highlights
Restaurant Info
Amenities
The Neighborhood
Location
📍 Explore the Neighborhood
park in Orange County, California, United States of America
Gaming
🎮 Earn Points While You Explore!
Play Find Me and redeem points for discounts at House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant and other restaurants
Earn Points at House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant!
Play Find Me and redeem rewards here
Earn extra points and redeem them for rewards at House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant
🏆 Rewards at House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant
10% Discount
At House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant
Free Appetizer
On your next visit
VIP Table
Premium experience
to redeem rewards and earn points
📋 How Do Rewards Work?
Play Find Me
Every 100 score points = 1 reward point
Collect Points
Workers earn 2x points per game
Redeem Rewards
Discounts, free food and VIP experiences
Is it yours? Claim it FREE!
Remove ads and manage your menu