Le Colonial - Lake Forest

Name: Le Colonial - Lake Forest
Address: 655 Forest Ave, Lake Forest, IL, United States, 60045-1819
Telephone: (847) 474-1500
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

589 Reviews

$31 to $50

Vietnamese

Top tags:

Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Delray Beach (2023) and Lake Forest (July 2022), the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Heralded as "an escapist’s paradise," celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver on exquisite attention to detail in a luxurious classic and romantic atmosphere in the iconic Market Square of Lake Forest. Please be advised that we do not hold an indoor reservation for all patio reservations. We cannot guarantee a table inside if you wish to move.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 7, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 110 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(847) 474-1500

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Vietnamese, Asian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(847) 474-1500
Website
http://www.lecoloniallakeforest.com/
Dress Code
Business Casual

Location
655 Forest Ave, Lake Forest, IL 60045-1819
Neighbourhood
Lake Forest
Parking Details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout

Cha GioUS$16.00
Crispy Shrimp & Pork Roll; Jumbo Shrimp, Heritage Pork, Asian Mushrooms, Mint, Cilantro, Chili Lime Sauce
Cha Gio ChayUS$15.00
Crispy Vegetable Roll; Jenny's Organic Tofu, Taro Root, Bean Threads, Lettuce, Aromatic Herbs, Tamarind Sauce
Bo BiaUS$14.00
Chilled Vegetable Roll; Hillside Gardens Carrots, Jicama, Cage Free Eggs, Phoenix Farm Bean Sprouts, Aromatic Herbs, Peanut Plum Sauce
Goi CuonUS$15.00
Chilled Shrimp Roll; Jumbo Shrimp, Rice Noodles, Lettuce, Bean Sprouts, Ashland Farm Herbs, Peanut Sauce
Suon NuongUS$20.00
Baby Back Ribs; Chargrilled Beelers Heritage Pork Ribs with Signature Vietnamese Dry Rub, Lemongrass, Cabbage Slaw, Scallion Oil, Toasted Peanuts
Goi Cu Cai DoUS$16.00
Beet Salad; Elawa Farm Heirloom Beets, Soy, Ginger, Avocado Wasabi, Pistachio, Yuca Crisp
Do Bien Tai ChanhUS$19.00
Seafood Ceviche; Faroe Island Salmon, Gulf Shrimp, Octopus, Jicama, Aji Amarillo Yuzu, Shiso, Vietnamese Coriander, Jalapeño
Banh CuonUS$15.00
Chicken & Mushroom Ravioli; Hanoi Steamed Rice Crêpe with Cook's Venture Chicken, Wood Ear Mushrooms, Bean Sprouts, Nuoc Cham Sauce
Banh UotUS$16.00
Sesame Beef Rice Noodle Rolls; Grilled Sesame Beef rolled in Flat RIce Noodles, Cucumber, Lettuce, Basil & Lime Garlic Sauce
Sui Cao ChienUS$16.00
Pan Seared Chicken Dumplings; Cook's Venture Chicken, Scallions, Ginger, Black Vinegar Sauce
Bo La LotUS$16.00
Beef in Betel Leaf; Chopped Beef Tenderloin, Lemongrass, Betel Leaf, Fine Vermicelli Noodles, Roasted Peanuts
Ca SongUS$24.00
Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Tartare; Hass Avocado, Sweet Chili, Elawa Farm Cucumber, Red Shiso, Soy Caviar, Taro Chips

Soups & Salads

Pho BoUS$15.00
Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup; Wagyu Oxtail Broth, Rice Noodles, Scallions, Cilantro, Phoenix Farm Bean Sprouts, Beef Tenderloin
Sup Ga CayUS$14.00
Spicy Chicken Soup; Lemongrass Poached Cook's Venture Chicken Breast, Mother Fungi Shiitake Mushrooms, Scallions, Cilantro, Spicy Coconut Broth
Cari TomUS$32.00
Green Shrimp Curry; Jumbo Shrimp, Bamboo Shoots, Lime Leaf, Snap Peas, Zucchini, Spicy Coconut Green Curry Broth
Cari GaUS$29.00
Chicken Curry; Simmered Cook's Venture Chicken Breast, Japanese Eggplant, Mango, Yams, Green Beans, Toasted Cashews, Yellow Coconut Curry Sauce
- Phoenix Bean Organic Tofu*US$24.00
Goi Ga**US$16.00
Vietnamese Chicken & Cabbage Salad; Lemongrass Poached Chicken, Grapefruit, Southern Valley Farm Cabbage, Peanuts, Crispy Shallots, Sweet Chili Garlic Vinaigrette
Goi Bo*US$23.00
Spicy Beef Carpaccio Salad; This Old Farm Grass-Fed Black Angus Beef Tenderloin, Farm Greens, Sweet Chili & Organic Agave Dressing
Le Colonial SalatUS$12.00
Elawa Farm Greens, Watermelon Radish, Pomegranate Seeds, Heirloom Tomato, Georgia Pecans, Yuzu Grapefruit Dressing
Goi Du DuUS$14.00
Green Papaya Salad; Hillside Gardens Pickled Carrots, Rau Ram, Toasted Peanuts, Crispy Shallots, Mint, Thai Basil, Spicy Red Curry Dressing

Large Plates

Bo Luc LacUS$40.00
Shaking Beef; Caramelized Filet Mignon, Elawa Farm Greens, Stone Creek Watercress, Onions, Lime Pepper Vinaigrette
Ca Hoi NuongUS$32.00
Roasted Salmon; Miso Glazed Faroe Island Salmon, Baby Bok Choy, Organic Mother Fungi Shiitake Mushrooms, Coconut Lobster Broth, Annato Oil
Tom Xao Sate**US$32.00
Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry; Jumbo Shrimp, Asparagus, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Eggplant, Scallions, Spicy Chili Oil
Vit QuayUS$54.00
Half Roasted Duck; Organic Tea Cured Hudson Valley Duck, Tamarind Ginger Sauce, Pickles, Sticky Mushroom Rice, Bao Buns
Mi Xao Don ChayUS$26.00
Crispy Egg Noodles, Wok-Seared Leafy Greens, Phoenix Bean Tofu, Soy Ginger Sauce
Ga Xao Xa Ot**US$29.00
Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry; Cage Free Cook's Venture Chicken, Turmeric, Lemongrass, Jalapeño, G&R Farms Vidalia Onions, Mother Fungi Mushrooms, Thai Basil
Ga Xa GungUS$38.00
Ginger-Glazed Chicken; Braised Cook's Venture Chicken Thigh, Haricots Verts, Black Peppercorn, Caramelized Fish Sauce, Toasted Cashews, Red Onion
Ga Nuong XaUS$42.00
Lemongrass Chicken; Half Roasted Cook's Venture Chicken, Pickled Green Papaya, Thai Basil, Nuoc Cham Sauce
Suon Cuu NuongUS$48.00
Lamb Chops; Australian Lamb Chops, Curried Eggplant & Pepper Ratatouille, Coriander Mint Jus, Raisins
Com Chien**US$19.00
Signature Fried Rice; Ginger Poached Cook's Venture Chicken Breast, Broccoli, Greenway Farms Organic Eggs, Vietnamese Pork Sausage, Scallions

Le Colonial Signature Dish

Ca Chien Saigon
Crispy Red Snapper; Whole Red Snapper, Peppers, Scallions, Dill, Butter Lettuce, Chili Garlic Fish Sauce
- Serves TwoUS$95.00

Shareable Sides

Crispy Brussel SproutsUS$14.00
Caramelized Fish Sauce, Lemon, Toasted Peanuts
Rau XaoUS$14.00
Wok-Fired Gailan, Napa Cabbage, Baby Bok Choy, Garlic Oyster Sauce
Ca Tim NuongUS$14.00
Grilled Japanese Eggplant, Scallion Oil, Crispy Shallots, Spicy Basil-Lime Fish Sauce
Jasmine Rice
- SmUS$4.00
- LgUS$6.00
Shiitake Mushroom Sticky RiceUS$8.00
Garlic Green BeansUS$14.00
Mi Xao HeUS$14.00
Garlic Noodles
Do ChuaUS$6.00
House Pickled Vegetables

What 589 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North Suburbs
Best Ambience
North Suburbs
Innovative
North Suburbs
Most Booked

Sort by

j
jenniferl
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an outstanding experience at Le Colonial in Lake Forest. It has a great ambience, both indoors and outside, impeccable service and absolutely delicious food! Highly recommend!
R
Rich
Chicago
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food3service1ambience3
Service was slow and terrible. Server never came by. We asked to move tables because the fan was blowing directly on us and the door to the outside patio was open and the ladies with us were cold. They said they couldn't do anything - the fans couldn't be turned off and they had no other tables (it was Sunday evening 7:00 - 20 minutes later there were plenty of tables. They said they would close the patio door but they never did. Should have been a 2 hour dinner - it was 3 because we could never find out server. Wife ordered a second cocktail and it took 30 minutes and a reminder.
KK
KKski
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is exquisite (intricate flavors and sauces). Highly recommend eggplant and brussel sprout sides, mushroom sticky rice and salmon entrée which was divine! Service from Will was exceptional who made our birthday celebration very special! Thank you for the wonderful experience!!
AN
AdrianN
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
1.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall1food4service4ambience5
Ok, I'm not American, and I don't understand the Midwest way. But I wish people would stop asking me what the occasion I'm at a fancy kind of restaurant. Why do we need an occasion? How about a full moon?
BC
BronwenC
Seattle
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
r
rw2538
Chicago
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated my wife's birthday yesterday evening. The food was excellent and so was the service. It was our first time at the Lake Forest location, we thought the restaurant was beautiful. Great job! And Thank You for making the evening great!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous dinner with the family, so good! Food, service and ambience were brilliant.
c
cocof
Chicago
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience5
LF Le colonial is so pretty and such a great addition to the burbs!! I do think the food is a bit better in the city though.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
I have been to Le Colonial in the city (chicago) many times and have had great experiences, this was my first time at the Lake Forest location. We sat outside, our server was very sweet, however drinks took way too long (she mentioned the outdoor bar had just opened and they were working out kinks). We ordered a side of green beans that didn’t come out so she rushed them, however they were very rushed and not even cooked. Also the dessert which I order ever time was totally different at this location not sure why. Overall a good experience.
TA
TamerA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Love the add of Le Colonial to LF area. Great staff, food, and setting. My new favorite!
m
mickey
Chicago
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superior service and outstanding cuisine. Two small plates of ribs and chicken ravioli were delicious. Large plate of Salmon cooked to perfection. Dessert of Le Citron was so incredible that we ordered another to go to show presentation and taste to our relatives. Avery our server was delightful and covered our every need including changing tables to avoid the sun.
K
Katie
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was so good! Great service- kind, welcoming, attentive, etc! Absolutely loved!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
200 reviews
vip
4.0
200 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
food excellent service excellent but, host i believe his name is mark very rude unfriendly and really should not deal with customers . made myself and the rest of our party feel uncomfortable thanks gd we had a great server because first impression from the host stan as not good
LO
LOUISR
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
After we left we made another reservation for our anniversary. Food very good. Wish they offered black napkins.
C
Cathy
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Absolutely beautiful restaurant, perfect celebratory atmosphere. Our waiter was excellent, food was delicious.
n
nustressmom
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food! Server was very attentive and offered great suggestions.
SP
ScottP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Highly recommend either the chicken or shrimp curry. The shrimp curry is spicey but if you ask, they can make it less so or eliminate the spice completely. The fried rice is also outstanding.
AM
AnnaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Server Sara wonderful. Delicious dinner , wonderful atmosphere
CS
CathyS
Hawaii
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated our anniversary. Perfect service, ambiance and food. We asked to be in one of the smaller side rooms which is a bit quieter. Great overall experience!
SW
ScottW
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were a party of 4. Requested main dining room and was accommodated. Service, food, ambiance were outstanding. Great cocktails. Lovely desserts.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great overall experience. Good food and customer service was outstanding!
MR
MarciaR
Chicago
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall2food4service2ambience2
We made reservations for 7 pm...we were TOLD to sit in the bar; finally, we had to ask when we would be seated...the young girl at the entrance "waved off" my husband. We ended up ordering our appetizers from the bar. I think we were finally seated close to 8pm!!! It was obvious that the waitress, who tried her best, had too many tables...we had to ask her to pour more wine...we waited to give our order, etc. We were packed in so closely to two other tables that we felt claustrophobic. Finally, our dessert order was not accurate...so had to wait for another dessert to be brought. We generously tipped the waitress because we are nice people, not due to good service. We'll go back to ordering delivery to our home. We were treating our son and daughter-in-law, their first time there, and they were totally unimpressed by the poor management. Oh, and did I mention that for the cost of our dinner (close to $500 for 4 people), having to put a new roll of toilet paper on the spindle in the ladies room kind of summarizes our experience. Poor Management!
V
Vespagal10
Chicago
116 reviews
vip
5.0
116 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for lunch and our sever Jocelyn was excellent . She gave great recommendations and the service was great. We shared spring rolls a beef noodle and mushroom ravioli. The layer of flavors are wonderful . It is pricey but worth going.
S
Susie
Naples
84 reviews
vip
4.0
84 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
First visit to lake Forest location. Check in was not smooth. No smile from either hostess. They seemed rushed. Table not ready despite 3 confirmations about the time. We were sent to the crowded bar with nowhere to sit. We stood around for 15 minutes waiting to be seated. When I checked with hostess she seemed annoyed and sent me back to bar. Food was good. Portions are a bit on the small side. Server was very nice but seemed a bit rushed. chilled shrimp roll had almost no shrimp. Poached chicken salad was excellent. Shrimp stir fry was good.
AP
AnthonyP
Chicago
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good is outstanding and if the highest quality. This is augmented by great service and wonderful atmosphere
L
Lashpot
Chicago
135 reviews
vip
5.0
135 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Waitress was excellent. Appreciate accommodating the quieter table for our special occasion.
YE
YouEnjoyMyself
Chicago
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Have been there about a half dozen times and never have been disappointed. The food is great. Brought to you by a very attentive wait staff. The space is incredible, the is no suburban strip mall restaurant. Drinks too were great. Highly recommend.
M
Michele
Milwaukee
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and the food was delicious! Love the vibe!!
FB
FBC1
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely fantastic, totally on post with the original which is also top 5 in Chicago. Service and food were exceptional. Love the ambiance and the buzz of the place. Main dining room is great and just beautiful. The smaller room is a cozier and more quiet setting. Love it and will definitely go back. Often!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Great food and menu. Atmosphere a bit lacking. Tables on top of one another, bench seating made table at counter height. Impossible not to hear every conversation For the price point they shouldn’t need to flip tables
LA
LouisA
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was amazing!!! Staff, food, drinks, service was all top-notch.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
175 reviews
vip
5.0
175 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Flavorful, inventive Vietnamese cuisine at its finest.
LG
LarryG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was outstanding. I mentioned it was my wife’s birthday and they gave her a dessert with a candle—-nice finishing touch!
ER
ElizabethR
Chicago
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
The ambience is nice but the food is overrated and expensive. The duck entree was dry and clearly overcooked. In addition, the service is poor — beer was warm and our server was nowhere to be found. Truly a disappointing experience!
m
marianh
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for Mother's Day and had the earliest reservation. All the staff was smiling and the place was empty at first but filled up quickly. It was all orderly and the service was very good. All the food was excellent. Very expensive but a great experience.
CP
CatherineP
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food!!! Everything is good here. And service and ambiance are also great. Mixed cocktails are expensive but good. Only complaint: the tables are too small to hold all of the dishes.
R
Roger
London
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time and great food. Going back to try the dinner menu.
M
Mjarko
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall4food5service1ambience3
Great food. Terrible service and the side room was cramped and very loud.
AM
AndrewM
Chicago
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The atmosphere and service are amazing. Most of the dishes are absolutely fantastic. We loved everything we ate and have been there several times. The Colonial never disappoints. A great place on the North Shore.
EF
EllenF
Chicago
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Delicious food, festive atmosphere and creme brûlée was amazing!! So nice to have this gem on the north shore.

FAQs

Le Colonial - Lake Forest offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (847) 474-1500.

Le Colonial - Lake Forest is rated 4.7 stars by 589 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 7, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 110 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(847) 474-1500

Google Map for Le Colonial - Lake Forest

655 Forest Ave, Lake Forest, IL 60045-1819

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Lake Forest
Hours of Operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Vietnamese, Asian, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Business Casual
Parking Details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout

Website
http://www.lecoloniallakeforest.com/
Phone number
(847) 474-1500

Le Colonial - Lake Forest

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Small Plates

Cha GioUS$16.00

Cha Gio ChayUS$15.00

Bo BiaUS$14.00

Goi CuonUS$15.00

Suon NuongUS$20.00

Goi Cu Cai DoUS$16.00

Do Bien Tai ChanhUS$19.00

Banh CuonUS$15.00

Banh UotUS$16.00

Sui Cao ChienUS$16.00

Bo La LotUS$16.00

Ca SongUS$24.00

Soups & Salads

Pho BoUS$15.00

Sup Ga CayUS$14.00

Cari TomUS$32.00

Cari GaUS$29.00

Goi Ga**US$16.00

Goi Bo*US$23.00

Le Colonial SalatUS$12.00

Goi Du DuUS$14.00

Large Plates

Bo Luc LacUS$40.00

Ca Hoi NuongUS$32.00

Tom Xao Sate**US$32.00

Vit QuayUS$54.00

Mi Xao Don ChayUS$26.00

Ga Xao Xa Ot**US$29.00

Ga Xa GungUS$38.00

Ga Nuong XaUS$42.00

Suon Cuu NuongUS$48.00

Com Chien**US$19.00

Le Colonial Signature Dish

Ca Chien Saigon

Shareable Sides

Crispy Brussel SproutsUS$14.00

Rau XaoUS$14.00

Ca Tim NuongUS$14.00

Jasmine Rice

Shiitake Mushroom Sticky RiceUS$8.00

Garlic Green BeansUS$14.00

Mi Xao HeUS$14.00

Do ChuaUS$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

FAQs

Does Le Colonial - Lake Forest offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Le Colonial - Lake Forest restaurant rated?

Is Le Colonial - Lake Forest currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information