Nina's Indian & British Grocery Restaurant

23542 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630, United States
+1 949-583-2789
$$$ Indian grocery store , Indian restaurant , South Asian restaurant
(1366 Reviews)

Nina's Indian & British Grocery Restaurant offers a unique blend of a bustling Indian grocery store combined with a casual, no-frills eatery tucked inside the Lake Forest neighborhood. It’s a spot where locals come not just to shop South Asian staples—spices, lentils, and fresh ingredients—but also to grab hearty, authentic Indian fast food without the formality of a full-service restaurant.

The space can feel a bit snug, with aisles tightly packed with both Indian and British groceries, including pantry essentials like British biscuits and salad cream alongside traditional Indian staples. This mix reflects the cultural crossover common in the community, making it a convenient stop for those who appreciate both flavors. You’ll find the grocery side particularly well-stocked for anyone looking to cook Indian or British dishes at home.

Out back, the small restaurant area delivers on straightforward, flavorful Indian food designed for takeout or a quick sit-down. The atmosphere here is utilitarian rather than polished—expect the enticing, intense aromas of fresh spices and frying snacks to be the main ambiance. This is a place where the food itself stages the experience rather than décor or service theatrics.

People who frequent Nina’s tend to appreciate authentic, comfort-focused Indian fare, with options that include well-made chaat snacks and daily specials that offer solid value and a chance to sample multiple dishes. The food portions are generous, and prices remain reasonable except for drinks, which some find a bit pricey. Regulars often enjoy tasting dishes before deciding, which adds a personal touch in an otherwise busy space.

Visiting Nina’s makes sense if you’re craving a quick, flavorful Indian meal without pretense or if you want an accessible place to pick up both British and Indian grocery items. It’s especially suitable for weekday lunches or early dinners when the kitchen is lively but not overwhelming. Given the compact size of the store, plan to shop neutrally if you prefer a relaxed browsing experience, but don’t shy away from the vivid sensory experience of the aromas and the vibrant selection.

Highlights
Has great produce
What they serve
Serves food
Sells organic products
Sells prepared foods
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

09:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

09:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

09:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

09:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

09:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

09:30 AM - 09:30 PM

1366 Reviews
Joseph Smith

22 Dec 2025

They always have everything I'm looking for. It's a little cramped and smells delicious and exotic. Perfect every time.

Pankaj Desai

01 Dec 2025

If you’re craving authentic Indian fast food, this place is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the aroma of fresh spices and sizzling snacks makes you feel like you’re in the heart of India. The chaat varieties are simply outstanding – from tangy Pani Puri and spicy Bhel Puri to the perfectly balanced Dahi Papdi Chaat, everything bursts with flavor and freshness. With Meal Combos item with comes with Naan or Garlic Naan

Abhijeet Narwal

29 Nov 2025

Grocery Store as of is ok. But restaurant in there is amazing. Super delicious food. Good quantity. And not so expensive. Food is really very tasty. Only thing i will say they should change is price they charge for soda and drinks is too high. But over all very good food and service.

Jen Kamahoʻi Mather

11 Nov 2025

Really great selection in a medium sized store dedicated to Indian groceries with two and a half aisles of British foods. We come for the British grocery staples like Salad Cream and Bistro Gravy granules. We enjoy all the biscuits and the chocolate, too! Really fresh, delicious hot plate to go Indian food in the back of the store. Their samosas deliver on flavor. The pakoras are usually hit and miss, sometimes juicy and sometimes dry. Good experience to have and to hunt for your next curry.

Alia A

27 Oct 2025

I go to Nina’s once week. I love their food choices and their daily specials where you can get one item for $11.99 which comes with a freshly baked naan or garlic naan for an additional $.69. Or you can get two items for $13.99. And a third item for an additional $2.00. Their food is always delicious and they always let me have a taste test before I choose my dishes. I’ve had their yellow Dahl, mattar paneer, chicken tikka masala, aloo gobi, samosa, and lamb (extra $5). Every single food dish I’ve tried has been savory and delicious. Their atmosphere is cozy and humble. Their employees are courteous. And their prices are reasonable. If you like Indian cuisine, I’d recommend you try this restaurant. There’s plenty of parking. And a variety of vegetarian dishes.

Natasha M. Ramay

01 Oct 2025

A good variety of both Indian and Pakistani grocery items. They are very helpful as well. A bit on the pricier side. A nearby place to fix your dosa craving.

Tawny V

01 Oct 2025

In the area because the partner had a golf day at Laguna Woods. During my workout at the local L.A Fitness (Alicia Parkway, check out my review) I wanted to find something new, I randomly found this spot using google maps. The New Year is upon us and I’ve been wanting to incorporate more vegetarian dishes and what other culture in this world enjoy vegetarian food other than Indians. The curries, pav’s, dal’s, chaat, samosas always include a vegetarian version, I decided to go on a spice hunt! They offer all kinds of stuff here, snacks, rice, lentils, frozen food, premade Indian food, Indian noodles, all the Indian spices and all at a reasonable price! Walked out with 5 spice boxes and 3 bags of Indian snacks! There is an onsite restaurant, give them a try! Missing a star – The food didn’t looking pleasing, I will make sure I visit the restaurant and update this review!

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