Irvine gets a bad rap for being a city of beige office parks, but the food scene is actually legit.
Thanks to the culinary explosion at Diamond Jamboree and the student crowds at UCI, it has quietly become a top food destination in SoCal.
From Michelin-recognized ramen to fine dining Italian, we found the spots worth the drive.
For the rest of the 12 best restaurants in Irvine, read on.
1. Il Fornaio Irvine
Il Fornaio in Irvine transports you to Italy with its award-winning cuisine and inviting ambiance.
It works for date night, family celebrations, or simply an elegant dinner with friends and colleagues, thanks to warm, attentive service.
Start with Calamaretti Fritti, which comes as deep-fried baby squid with spicy marinara on the side, great for sharing.
The Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings pasta tubes in a vodka-cream-tomato sauce with bacon and Grana Padano.
The Linguine Mare Chiaro lands in a tomato sauce with plenty of seafood, while the Pollo Toscano is a comforting plate of free-range rosemary chicken with broccolini, baby carrots, and mashed potatoes.
What to order: Calamaretti Fritti, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, -, Linguine Mare Chiaro, Pollo Toscano
Address: 18051 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
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2. Bistango in Irvine
Located within Irvine’s Atrium Building, Bistango blends upscale dining with an art gallery twist. Each table showcases unique artwork for sale, which gives the room something to look at between courses.
Don’t miss their iconic Sweet Garlic Soup, creamy with a bold garlic flavor that delights with every spoonful.
For a memorable main, the Oven-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass pairs beautifully with exotic mushroom risotto and truffle essence, creating an ensemble that’s both visually and gastronomically stunning.
If you want to go the steak route, the Prime Angus 14 Oz Ribeye Steak comes with thyme-garlic roasted red bliss potatoes and red wine sauce, making it a solid pick when you’re craving something hearty.
What to order: Sweet Garlic Soup, Oven-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Prime Angus 14 Oz Ribeye Steak
Address: 19100 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
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3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Date nights and celebrations fit right in at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Irvine, with dim lighting, white tablecloths, and a classic steakhouse setup.
The room keeps things formal without being stiff, so it works well when you want dinner to feel like an occasion.
Their Lobster Mac & Cheese is a creamy, indulgent delight, worth every bite. On the steak side, the Petite Filet & Shrimp paired with Creamed Spinach creates a balanced, flavorful dish that’s hard to beat.
Service is one of the stronger parts of the experience here, with staff making guests feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout the meal.
What to order: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Creamed Spinach, Petite Filet & Shrimp
Address: 2961 Michelson Dr Suite A, Building 10, Irvine, CA 92612
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4. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
At Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, the industrial-chic decor and extensive whiskey selection create a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for casual get-togethers or celebratory nights.
It’s the kind of place where the room has energy, but you can still settle in and take your time.
Meat lovers, you will be thrilled with the 12-Hour Beef Short Rib, which is slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
For a classic American favorite, try The Bosscat Burger. bite is packed with savory flavors from crispy bacon, melted cheese, and their signature sauce.
What to order: 12 Hour Beef Short Rib, Bosscat Burger
Address: 18169 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
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5. Habana
Colorful decor and vintage touches set the tone at Habana in the Spectrum Center, bringing a lively Cuban vibe to the meal. It’s a fun choice for dinner, and there’s also a brunch buffet if you’re coming earlier in the day.
The Chicken Empanadas, encased in a crispy crust and filled with flavorful shredded chicken, make for a satisfying start. The banana-habanero ketchup adds a little kick on the side.
The Ropa Vieja, with tender shredded beef, peppers, and spices, melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with white rice and sweet plantains.
If seafood is the plan, Paella A La Habana brings a loaded pan with seafood, Spanish chorizo, saffron rice, plus jalapeño aioli.
What to order: Ropa Vieja, Chicken Empanadas
Address: 708 Spectrum Center Dr. Suite 708, Irvine, CA 92618
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6. Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails focuses on sustainable, locally sourced cooking in a more dressed-up setting, and the patio is a big reason people book a table.
Service is attentive, so it works well for a slower dinner and cocktails.
The Calamari is a smart opener, with sautéed garlic and shallots in a white wine–lemon sauce, served classic or crispy.
Their fan-favorite Lamb Lollipops are grilled to perfection with aromatic herbs and served with sweet onion jam and a fresh arugula salad.
The Boneless Short Rib is another hearty main, braised until tender and served with garlic-rosemary whipped potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, and short rib jus.
What to order: Calamari, Lamb Lollipops, Boneless Short Rib
Address: 2607 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614
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7. Fukada
Fukada, a cozy Japanese spot on Irvine Center Drive, is a hidden gem for authentic tastes, handmade udon, and everything delicious in between.
It’s an easy pick for a casual meal, especially when takeout is the plan.
The Spicy Tuna Don is a classic favorite, boasting a line-up of fresh tuna mixed with spicy mayo over fluffy rice – an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
A richer, more savory option is the Unagi Don, which brings barbecued eel with eel sauce.
For a lighter option, the Seafood Salad, with organic greens and seared albacore, salmon, and crab meat, is refreshing and satisfying.
What to order: Spicy Tuna Don, Unagi Don, Seafood Salad
Address: 8683 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
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8. Inkas
Get ready for a trip to Peru without leaving Irvine!
For authentic Northern Coastal Peruvian cuisine in a vibrant yet cozy setting, head to Inkas.
Their golden-baked Empanadas, filled with seasoned beef and onions, are an easy starter to share.
Lomo Saltado is a superb option, featuring juicy beef strips, onions, tomatoes, and crispy French fries, all tossed in a unique, flavorsome sauce. Truly an unforgettable relish of Peru.
The Arroz Con Pollo is another comforting pick, with cilantro chicken served over vegetable cilantro rice.
The warm atmosphere perfects the checklist, and along with the lovely dishes, you will surely come back craving more.
What to order: Empanadas, Lomo Saltado, Arroz Con Pollo
Address: 16277 Laguna Canyon Rd Ste. A, Irvine, CA 92618
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9. Siam Station Thai Street Food
Siam Station Thai Street Food captures what it’s like to live in Thailand with a showcase of street cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
Try the Pad Thai, where stir-fried rice noodles mingle with bean sprouts, scrambled eggs, and your choice of meat, all enhanced by a delicious homemade sauce.
Another can’t-miss is the Pad See Ew, built on flat rice noodles with tender meat and broccoli, coated in a savory soy-based sauce.
Finish sweetly with the Mango Sticky Rice where ripe mango pairs perfectly with warm, coconut-scented rice.
What to order: Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Mango Sticky Rice
Address: 92 Corporate Park H, Irvine, CA 92606
10. Hironori Ramen
For ramen that lives up to its name and taste, Hironori Ramen has you covered.
The Tonkotsu Ramen shines with its rich, creamy pork broth, tender cha shu pork, and perfectly soft-boiled egg. The noodles are delightfully chewy, soaking up every bit of the flavorful broth.
The Shoyu Ramen goes lighter and more savory, built around soy-forward broth and clean, comforting flavor.
Plant-based diners can savor the Vegan Ramen, served in a sesame miso broth and topped with broccolini, tofu, and kale. This bowl offers a hearty, wholesome twist on the traditional Japanese classic.
What to order: Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Vegan Ramen
Addresses:
-6626 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92619
-2222 Michelson Dr #234, Irvine, CA 92612, United States
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11. Herb & Ranch
Herb & Ranch in Irvine reinvents American comfort classics with locally sourced ingredients.
The Seared Sustainable Salmon, with citrus tzatziki, keeps the plate bright and balanced.
Their Harvest Salad adds a sweet-and-savory mix, with maple glazed sweet potato, dates, fennel, spiced almonds, and a tahini maple vinaigrette.
The Salmon Poke is another fantastic choice, with fresh salmon and a hint of spice from gochujang mayo and scallions.
With its inviting ambiance and thoughtfully prepared dishes, this restaurant has something delicious for everyone.
What to order: Harvest Salad, Seared Sustainable Salmon, Salmon Poke
Address: 5301 California Ave #140, Irvine, CA 92617
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12. All That Shabu
At All That Shabu, you’re in control of your meal, cooking your own hot pot creation with a vast selection of top-notch meats, veggies, and broths.
It’s a good choice for groups, since everyone can order they like.
The expertly prepared Beef Bone Broth takes pride in tender beef, mushrooms, and hearty vegetables, and is the epitome of a rich, warming dish.
If you’re up for some heat, the Spicy Beef Broth brings intensity to the table, enhanced with tender slices of beef and pork belly.
Finally, end everything on the cooler side (or maybe in between bites) with the Rice Punch, a sweet, refreshing sip that breaks up the richness of the broth.
What to order: Beef Bone Broth, Spicy Beef Broth
Address: 15315 Culver Dr #145, Irvine, CA 92604
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Hungry for more options?
If you want to go on a gastronomic trip, there’s lots of excellent options near Irvine! Head on over to our list of the best restaurants in Anaheim for more recommendations.