Irvine is an oasis for food connoisseurs seeking authentic global cuisine. From Michelin recognized restaurants to sushi straight from Japan, Irvine’s selection of restaurants will please even the most discerning of palates.
15315 Culver Dr., Suite 145, Irvine, CA 92604
All You Can Eat shabu-shabu, with an extensive selection of meat from angus beef brisket, filet mignon, signature beef ribeye and more. Start by selecting you own broth from beef bone, miso, spicy beef, vegetarian and original house. You can mix and match for a unique flavor suited to your taste! The buffet area is abundant with seafood and includes a salad and sauce bar!
4213 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA 92612
For a hearty brunch, try Breakfast Republic, located at UC-Irvine’s town center. Packed with shrimp and Portuguese linguine sausage, the breakfast jambalaya is a flavorful alternative to your usual bacon, egg, and cheese. The pancakes come in different flavors, so order their Flight of 3 and share the sweetness.
14250 Culver St., #A, Irvine, CA 92604
Curious to try Korea’s famous kimbap? Chan Chan has them in different varieties from grilled beef, sweet pork, kimchee, and more! Choose from sweet garlic, sweet chili and honey for their juicy chicken tenders. The selection of rice cake is a delicious substitute to your usual rice topping, with seafood, kimchi, cream cheese and spicy squid options.
2710 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92606
At Coco Ichibanya, everything tastes good with curry. Dumplings in curry? Meatballs? Sausage pork? Spicy teriyaki fried chicken? You name it! Let your imagination run wild! You can adjust the spice level to your tastes. Since curry is best enjoyed with rice, you can also double up, triple up your rice servings!
2710 Alton Parkway, Unit 117, Irvine, CA 92606
Dun Huang is a New York based restaurant serving northwestern style Chinese cuisine. A typical Lanzhou beef noodle soup is described to be "1 clear, 2 white, 3 red, 4 gree, 5 yellow" to signify clear aromatic soup, white radish, red chili oil, green cilantro, and yellowish hand pulled noodles. Dun Huang serves slurp-worthy traditional Chinese noodles.
Falasophy is a Lebanese Street Food Fast Casual restaurant, located at the Irvine Spectrum. The menu is focused on Lebanese Food favorites, along with accompanying sides and salads. Everything served is made from scratch and all natural using the best possible ingredients we can find. When not cooking falafel, Falasophy enjoys reading ancient texts, pontificating, and listening to podcasts of Socrates’ teachings.
4860 Irvine Blvd., Suite 101, Irvine, CA 92620
For an authentic selection of Asian street food, Gui BBQ have plenty to choose from. Make your skewers a variety of lamb kidney, A5 Wagyu beef and Hokkaido scallops, and pair it with Kyoto Matcha IPA. Their signature dishes include stir-fried duck tongue, pork intestine, and spicy frog.
14210 Culver Dr., Suite G, Irvine, CA 92604
Tucked away at Irvine's Heritage Plaza, He's Noodle Zone's popular dishes include the Sichuan braised beef noodle soup and Dan Dan noodles. Portions are generous and here's an insider tip: Free noodle refills!
18051 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, CA 92612
Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, specialties include house made pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authetic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of great wines and cocktails.
13776 Jamboree Rd., Suite 13776, Irvine, CA 92602
True to its Chinese roots, Ja Jiaozi extends its menu beyond their notable signature dumplings. House specialties include plums braised pork belly, braised beef brisket with quail eggs, and plenty more. Ja Jiaozi's well-trained chefs intentionally prepare dishes in their open-concept kitchen, for guests to witness the art in their food preparation.
6436 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA 92620
Marble Steakhouse and Grille is another venture of renowned restaurateur, Andrew Kim. Located at Irvine's Woodbury community, the establishment is divided into two. One area serves steaks and traditional Italian pasta, while the other offers a luxury Korean BBQ experience. True pasta aficionados will delight in their bolognese sauce, simmered to perfection for more than 10 hours. As for their Korean BBQ selection, a must try is their prime, marinated, boneless short rib A5 Wagyu.
14346 Culver Dr., Irvine, CA 92604
NEP Cafe re-imagines Vietnamese dining with a unique concept, blending dynamic flavors of Vietnam with a modern twist. Not to miss are their pork tomahawk, seafood hot pot, and banh mi chao - filet mignon. The bar area is inviting, perfect to meet locals! For cocktail lovers, try their ube and special Phuket drink!
3963 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA 92602
Noodle St. has mastered ways of creating several shapes and sizes of noodles. Choose between a chewy, standard round, similar to spaghetti or the chewier knife cut, which is approximately 3/4 inch wide. Their best seller is the beef noodle, with sliced beef shank, radishes, cilantro and leeks!
13124 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA 92602
Pandor Artisan Bakery is founded on family history, cherished recipes, and exceptional ingredients. With imports from France including the restaurant's founder and chefs, Pandor serve guests superb authentic French bread and pastries through artisanal baking process. French artisan bread, viennoiseries, pastries, tartines, paninis, and salads are made fresh daily in-house.
4970 Irvine Blvd., Suite 110, Irvine, CA 92620
Dubbed as the King of Korean Fried Chicken, this cozy spot is tucked in one of Irvine's diverse shopping complex. Aside from their popular wings, their sides offer delectable options from dbukbokki, sea snal salad, chicken gizzards, and more! The bar with its friendly bartenders will make you come back for more chicken... and drinks!
2010 Main St., Irvine, CA 92614
Porch & Swing is an homage to the cuisine of Charleston, South Carolina. Coastal southern fare with a true farm-to-table approach. Headed by Executive Chef, Alan Sanz, the menus change seasonally to showcase the freshest, local produce. Reservations are highly recommended.
2981 Michelson Dr., Suite E, Irvine, CA 92612
Postino WineCafe’s location at Park Place has a vibrant atmosphere where both well-versed and novice wine lovers can gather and enjoy the restaurant’s award-winning wine program and its bestseller bruschetta board, which is offered in a variety of toppings including mozzarella, tomato, basil; salmon pesto and more.
511 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
Located at The Spectrum, Silverlake Ramen serves delicious buns, gyoza, rice bowls, rolls and of course, ramen! The marinated pork belly bun and handmade grilled pork gyoza are must-try appetizers! For first timers, the garlic truffle ramen is a blend of creamy pork and vegetable broth, garlic, truffle oil, kale, mushrooms, black pepper, seaweed and seasoned egg - served with thick noodles.
4840 Irvine Blvd., Suite 111, Irvine, CA 92620
A local staple, Sootha Coffee is a Korean-owned coffee shop serving 100% organic coffee, smoothies, sandwiches and muffins. With friendly service and ample seating, it’s the perfect spot to grab an early morning breakfast.
18177 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, CA 92612
During the day TEN is ideal for business lunches, both formal and casual; and at night transitions to a sexy, chic dining experience with unique sushi creations and takes on traditional Asian dishes. The decor features large, indoor cherry blossom trees, high ceilings, recessed party pink lighting and street art throughout.
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