Irvine’s Culinary Scene: A Food Lover’s Guide
Irvine, California, is a city often associated with business parks and master-planned communities, but peel back the layers, and you’ll discover a thriving and surprisingly diverse culinary scene. Forget the tired chain restaurants and cookie-cutter dining experiences – Irvine is brimming with independent eateries, authentic ethnic flavors, and innovative chefs pushing the boundaries of taste. If you’re a food lover searching for your next gastronomic adventure, look no further. This guide dives deep into some of the very best food destinations in Irvine, satisfying cravings from around the globe and right here at home. Prepare your taste buds for a delicious journey! We’re talking about everything from the best Irvine restaurants to the hidden gems only locals know about.
What kind of culinary delights are we talking about? This guide will explore the best Irvine has to offer in the realms of Asian cuisine, highlighting specific styles within, followed by the American staples we all crave. We will also cross borders to look at Latin American choices, move east to discover Mediterrean flavours before highlighting the best places for brunch, cafes & bakeries, desserts and for those special occasions, fine dining.
A Taste of Asia: Irvine’s Diverse Asian Cuisine
Irvine boasts a vibrant Asian population, and that cultural richness translates directly to its incredibly diverse and authentic Asian culinary offerings. You can find delicious and authentic Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indian food. Let’s explore some of the best Irvine has to offer.
Sublime Sushi and Beyond: Japanese Delights
For a taste of Japan, Irvine offers a range of options. Look to Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (address and website). This fun and interactive dining experience brings conveyor belt sushi to a whole new level. The dishes are freshly made and it is an inexpensive way to try lots of different options. If you are looking for an upscale sushi experience head to Sushi Wasabi (address and website). The ambiance is modern and stylish. The sushi is exquisite, prepared with the freshest ingredients and expert skill. Don’t miss their omakase menu for a truly unforgettable experience. Sushi Wasabi is a culinary standout amongst Irvine restaurants.
Korean BBQ and Stews: A Flavor Explosion
Korean cuisine is a feast for the senses, and Irvine has some excellent choices. Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong (address and website) offers a traditional Korean BBQ experience where you grill your own meats at the table. The quality of the meats is top-notch, and the side dishes are plentiful and flavorful. For a comforting and authentic Korean stew, check out BCD Tofu House (address and website). Their spicy tofu stews, served with a variety of banchan (side dishes), are the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening. For many, BCD is one of the best restaurants Irvine has to offer.
Cantonese Classics and Modern Marvels: Chinese Cuisine in Irvine
From dim sum to noodles to regional specialties, Irvine’s Chinese restaurants offer a wide range of flavors. Din Tai Fung (address and website), though a popular chain, consistently delivers exceptional soup dumplings and other Taiwanese dishes. The quality is consistently high, and the service is efficient. For a more authentic Cantonese experience, explore some of the smaller, family-run restaurants in the Diamond Jamboree area. Meizhou Dongpo (address and website) is another great option, known for its Sichuan cuisine and elegant ambiance.
Pho, Banh Mi, and More: A Vietnamese Culinary Journey
Irvine is home to several excellent Vietnamese restaurants, serving up flavorful pho, crispy banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Pho 79 (address and website) is a local favorite, renowned for its rich and aromatic pho broth. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. For a quick and delicious banh mi, check out Lee’s Sandwiches (address and website), a popular chain that offers a variety of Vietnamese sandwiches and drinks.
All-American Eats: Burgers, Pizza, and More
Sometimes, you just crave a classic American meal. Irvine doesn’t disappoint, offering a range of options from gourmet burgers to wood-fired pizzas.
Burger Bliss: The Best Burgers in Town
For a truly exceptional burger, look no further than The Habit Burger Grill (address and website). This California-based chain is known for its charbroiled burgers, crispy fries, and creamy milkshakes. Their Santa Barbara-style burger, with avocado and grilled onions, is a must-try. Burger Boss (address and website) lets you fully customize your burger, choosing from a wide variety of toppings and sauces.
Pizza Perfection: A Slice of Heaven
Irvine offers a variety of pizza options, from classic Neapolitan pies to creative gourmet creations. Pieology Pizzeria (address and website) allows you to customize your own pizza with unlimited toppings for one fixed price. For a more upscale pizza experience, check out North Italia (address and website), known for its handcrafted pizzas and pasta dishes.
Spice it Up: Mexican and Latin American Flavors
Irvine’s proximity to the border makes it a hotspot for great Mexican Food. From the best tacos to hearty traditional dishes, Mexican options are plentiful in Irvine.
Tacos That Will Transport You:
Let’s start with tacos! Head down to Taco Maria (address and website) in Costa Mesa to experience one of Orange County’s best taquerias and take a short trip from Irvine. This eatery combines local, seasonal ingredients with Mexican flavors. Every taco is made with unique sauces, marinades and spice blends.
Other Latin American Choices
Consider visiting Andres Modern Cocina (address and website) for authentic Mexican food. This restaurant is considered Irvine’s best kept secret, boasting an intimate atmosphere, extensive tequila and wine list as well as a private dining room. Pampas Argentine Grill (address and website) brings the Argentine flavor to Irvine, offering a traditional dining experience.
Mediterranean Sunshine: Flavors of the Middle East
The Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences have found a home in Irvine, offering fragrant herbs, grilled meats, and flavorful dips.
Authentic Lebanese Cuisine: A Taste of the Levant
Experience the flavors of Lebanon at Zov’s Bistro (address and website), a long-standing Irvine favorite known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes. Their hummus, baba ghanoush, and shawarma are all excellent choices.
Other Mediterranean Options
For a Greek option, visit Gyro Kingz (address and website) and enjoy authentic Greek food in Irvine. For Iranian fare, try Flame Broiler. While it is a chain restaurant it is a local’s favorite and very popular in Irvine.
Brunch Bliss: Where to Start Your Weekend
No weekend is complete without a delicious brunch, and Irvine has plenty of options to choose from.
Sweet and Savory Delights: Brunch Destinations
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (address and website) is a popular brunch spot known for its creative pancake flavors and breakfast cocktails. Be prepared to wait in line, especially on weekends. Breakfast Republic (address and website) offers a wide variety of breakfast dishes, from traditional eggs Benedict to creative breakfast burritos.
Cafes and Bakeries: A Sweet Escape
Need a caffeine fix or a sweet treat? Irvine’s cafes and bakeries offer a delightful escape.
Coffee and Pastries: A Perfect Pairing
Coffee Tomo (address and website) is a local favorite known for its meticulously crafted coffee drinks and artisanal pastries. 85°C Bakery Cafe (address and website) offers a wide selection of Asian-inspired breads, pastries, and cakes.
Sweet Endings: Irvine’s Best Desserts
No meal is complete without dessert, and Irvine has plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Decadent Delights: The Best Dessert Spots
Afters Ice Cream (address and website) is famous for its Milky Bun, a warm donut filled with ice cream. Honeymee (address and website) offers a unique and delicious soft-serve ice cream made with honeycomb.
Fine Dining Experiences: A Culinary Celebration
For a special occasion or a truly memorable meal, Irvine’s fine dining restaurants offer exceptional cuisine and impeccable service.
Upscale Indulgence: Fine Dining Destinations
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails (address and website) offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Mastro’s Ocean Club (address and website) is a high-end steakhouse known for its impeccable service and stunning ocean views.
Tips for Exploring Irvine’s Food Scene
Plan Ahead: Making reservations, especially for popular restaurants, is always a good idea.
Do Your Research: Check online reviews and ratings to get an idea of what to expect.
Explore Different Neighborhoods: Irvine is a diverse city, and each neighborhood has its own culinary character.
Be Adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new things!
Take Advantage of Deals: Many restaurants offer happy hour specials and other promotions.
Irvine’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and flavors emerging all the time. So, get out there, explore, and discover your own favorite Irvine restaurants. Share them in the comments below! The best food Irvine has to offer is waiting to be discovered.
