With a consistent crowd of people coming from different backgrounds, the Orange County hub is a natural breeding ground for a diverse and thriving culinary scene.
From fusion restaurants to your comfort Thai fare, there are lots of mouth-watering options in Irvine.
Here are 12 of the must-visit restaurants in Irvine for you to try out.
Our top picks, Il Fornaio Irvine and Bistango in Irvine, are most likely to make you drool and indulge in a gastronomic experience of a lifetime!
1. Il Fornaio Irvine
Do you want to take a trip to Italy without a passport? Il Fornaio will take you there through their award-winning dishes! From house-made pasta to wood-fired pizzas and authentic risottos— nothing screams Italy more than this.
Ravioli Di Brasato – an indulgent pasta dish filled with tender and juicy braised short ribs, and finished with a beautiful demi-glace – a must-have at Il Fornaio!
Seafood lovers, rejoice! The Linguine Mare Chiaro with succulent pieces of seafood bathed in a luscious tomato sauce. Get ready to taste the flavors of the sea with just one bite.
What to order: Ravioli Di Brasato, Linguine Mare Chiaro
Address: 18051 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. Bistango in Irvine
Hidden between Irvine’s business buildings, Bistango is an upscale restaurant known for its outstanding displays of artwork that are available for sale. This unique restaurant offers a variety of seating options, from patios to private rooms.
You can’t go to Bistango and not try their famous Sweet Garlic Soup. Light and creamy with a robust garlic taste, one sip, and you’ll instantly understand why everyone loves this dish!
Bistango’s Oven-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass is one of their must-haves!
The Sea Bass is melt-in-your-mouth good, deliciously flaky, and balanced in utmost perfection. This dish is a sight to behold and is served with exotic mushroom risotto, asparagus, truffle essence, and concord grape reduction.
What to order: Sweet Garlic Soup, Oven-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass
Address: 19100 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Irvine is an upmarket steakhouse chain specializing in USDA Prime steaks in a stylish and elegant setting. White table cloths, dim lighting, and warm colors that are pleasing to the eyes— this modern steakhouse boasts an intimate ambiance perfect for a romantic dinner date.
Rich and full of flavor, the Lobster Mac & Cheese is one of Ruth’s Chris must-have items. This dish is potentially the creamiest Mac & Cheese you’ll ever taste! Make sure to let it cool for a few minutes before taking a bite.
Get the Petite Filet with a delightful side of Creamed Spinach for the perfect pairing that will tantalize your taste buds.
The Petite Filet is seared to perfection, making each bite incredibly tender and juicy. The Creamed Spinach adds a subtle yet irresistible creaminess that balances out the richness of the steak.
What to order: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Creamed Spinach, Petite Filet
Address: 2961 Michelson Dr Suite A, Building 10, Irvine, CA 92612
Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations offers a unique industrial-chic ambiance and a delectable menu of elevated American comfort classics. And, for whiskey enthusiasts, their extensive array of whiskeys will not disappoint!
With a perfect blend of upscale and casual dining, Bosscat provides a lively and enjoyable dining experience that will make you come back for more.
The 12-Hour Beef Short Rib is a must-try for all the meat lovers out there!
Slow-cooked to perfection for 12 hours, this culinary delight boasts a tender, succulent, and juicy texture that will leave your taste buds in a state of pure bliss. Each bite is a gastronomic adventure, leaving you feeling completely satiated.
If you’re a fan of burgers, The Bosscat Burger is an exceptional choice that will leave you amazed!
This burger is crafted to perfection that will satisfy even the most discerning of burger connoisseurs. It creates a flavor explosion with a perfectly cooked patty made from high-quality beef, topped with bacon, cheese, onion, and a magical sauce.
What to order: 12 Hour Beef Short Rib, Bosscat Burger
Address: 18169 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Habana
Habana is a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure that harmoniously fuses classic Cuban dishes with modern twists. The restaurant’s lively and diverse ambiance is highlighted by its vibrant and eclectic decor, which includes vivid colors and vintage accents that effortlessly transport you to the streets of Cuba.
You’re in for a real treat with Habana’s Ropa Vieja!
This dish features shredded beef cooked to perfection, melting in your mouth with every bite. The spices and peppers blend beautifully to create a bold and satisfying flavor.
And the best part? The portion size is generous, and it’s served with a side of white rice and sweet plantains that perfectly complement the dish.
Indulge in a taste of Cuba with Habana’s Chicken Empanadas!
These mouthwatering appetizers feature a crispy, flaky crust filled with juicy shredded chicken packed with flavor. The banana-habanero ketchup sauce it comes with is the perfect dip to exist!
What to order: Ropa Vieja, Chicken Empanadas
Address: 708 Spectrum Center Dr. Suite 708, Irvine, CA 92618
Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails
Let yourself loose in guilt-free dining at Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails!
This upscale restaurant takes pride in using locally-sourced, organic, and sustainably-grown ingredients in its dishes, making it the perfect spot for foodies who value health and wellness. Their menu offers various flavorful dishes, from classic meat dishes to vegetarian and vegan options.
The Lamb Lollipops at Andrei’s are too good to miss out on!
These grilled lamb chops are seasoned with an aromatic blend of herbs that will make you fall in love. Served with sweet onion jam and wild arugula salad, this dish will instantly climb up your list of favorites.
Another star on their menu, the Scottish Salmon, is a prime example of expertly prepared seafood.
The salmon is perfectly seared and boasts a moist, tender texture that aims to impress. The accompanying cheese grits are smooth, creamy, and tasty, and the vegetables are fresh, offering a pleasing crunch as you take a bite.
What to order: Lamb Lollipops, Scottish Salmon
Address: 2607 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614
Website | Instagram | Facebook
7. Fukada
Fukada in Irvine is a Japanese food haven that’s worth checking out. The restaurant offers handmade udon noodles served in piping hot broth, creating a comforting dish. With its cozy ambiance and delicious food, Fukada is an excellent spot to satisfy your Japanese food cravings.
The Spicy Tuna Don is a must-have for any sushi lover out there. The dish features a generous portion of fresh and tender tuna mixed with a spicy mayo sauce that packs a flavorful punch. Laid on a bed of fluffy rice of your choice (white or brown), the combination of textures and flavors in this dish is simply irresistible.
Looking for a lighter option? Fukada’s Seafood Salad is a perfect choice. You’ll love the fresh and organic greens paired with a variety of seafood, such as seared albacore, salmon, and crab meat, all topped with a pepper-onion dressing. Everything blends together seamlessly, making for a satisfying and balanced meal.
What to order: Spicy Tuna Don, Seafood Salad
Address: 8683 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. Inkas
Get ready for a trip to Peru without leaving Irvine! Inkas is a vibrant and cozy restaurant that serves authentic Northern Coastal Peruvian cuisine with a twist. The menu boasts an array of dishes that fuse local and Peruvian flavors to create a unique and delicious dining experience.
Looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor? Inkas’ Lomo Saltado has got you covered. This classic Peruvian dish features juicy strips of beef, red onions, tomatoes, roasted garlic, and crispy French fries, all tossed together in a savory sauce.
Every bite of this classic Peruvian dish is a symphony that will have you savoring each and every flavor note.
Don’t miss out on the flavor-packed experience of Inkas’ Empanadas. These savory pastries are baked to golden perfection and filled with a delectable mixture of beef, onions, and spices that will leave you craving more.
What to order: Empanadas, Lomo Saltado
Address: 16277 Laguna Canyon Rd Ste. A, Irvine, CA 92618
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Siam Station Thai Street Food
Siam Station Thai Street Food is the perfect spot to enjoy an authentic taste of Thai street food right here in Irvine. With a welcoming ambiance and a menu full of savory noodles, spicy curries, and crispy fried snacks, Siam Station Thai Street Food brings Thailand’s lively and diverse tastes directly to your table.
The Pad Thai is a must-try for anyone seeking the authentic flavors of Thailand. This Thai food staple boasts stir-fried rice noodles, bean sprouts, scrambled eggs, meat of your choice, and a delectable homemade sauce that you will dream about 24/7.
Siam Station Thai Street Food’s Pad See Ew will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Bangkok. This dish boasts a delicious medley of tender meat, flat rice noodles, and broccoli bathed in a flavorful soy-based sauce.
What to order: Pad Thai, Pad See Ew
Address: 92 Corporate Park H, Irvine, CA 92606
Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. Hironori Ramen
For a genuine taste of Japanese ramen in Irvine, look no further than Hironori Ramen. This restaurant offers an array of ramen selections, each served with a flavorful broth, fresh-cut noodles, and an assortment of delicious toppings. Whether you’re a ramen connoisseur or a newcomer to the cuisine, Hironori Ramen is a destination worth exploring.
Slurp your way to a taste of heaven with Hironori Ramen’s Tonkotsu Ramen in Irvine. This star of a dish features a rich and creamy pork broth that’s been expertly simmered for hours, served with tender cha shu pork, spinach, green onions, bean sprouts, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg.
The noodles are perfectly cooked, providing the ideal chewy texture to soak up every bit of the savory broth.
Hironori Ramen also offers a mouthwatering Vegan Ramen option for plant-based eaters. This hearty and flavorful bowl features a savory sesame miso broth that’s been perfectly simmered. Topped with an array of fresh vegetables, such as broccolini, tofu, soy meat, baby kale, and corn, this Vegan Ramen is a satisfying and healthy meal.
What to order: Tonkotsu Ramen, Vegan Ramen
Address: 6626 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92619
Website | Instagram | Facebook
11. Herb & Ranch
A hidden gem located in the heart of Irvine, Herb & Ranch offers a modern take on classic American comfort food. This spot boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a menu that showcases fresh and locally-sourced ingredients in every dish.
From juicy burgers to hearty salads, Herb & Ranch has something for everyone to enjoy.
The Roasted Chicken Curry at Herb & Ranch is a true delight for your taste buds. This delectable dish features succulent roasted chicken pieces accompanied by apples, currants, and peanuts, swimming in a creamy curry sauce with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
If you’re a seafood lover, the Salmon Poke might be more to your liking. This refreshing dish includes fresh salmon with gochujang mayo, scallion, and white onion. Each bite is a burst of texture and taste, from the tender salmon to the gochujang mayo’s spicy kick.
What to order: Roasted Chicken Curry, Salmon Poke
Address: 5301 California Ave #140, Irvine, CA 92617
Website | Instagram | Facebook
12. All That Shabu
All That Shabu is an Irvine hotspot that delivers a truly unique and interactive dining experience. Here, you’ll find yourself at the center of the action, cooking up your own customizable bowl of hot pot with a wide selection of fresh and high-quality ingredients.
One of the best things about All That Shabu is the variety of high-quality meats and vegetables you can choose to cook in your broth. The Beef Bone Broth, one of their must-haves, pairs particularly well with beef and other red meats and heartier vegetables like mushrooms.
All That Shabu’s Spicy Beef Broth is a must-try for meat lovers seeking a fiery kick. The thinly sliced beef is a delicious option for those who enjoy tender, juicy meat, while the pork belly adds a rich and savory flavor to the broth.
And for those who want to take it up a notch, the lamb is a perfect addition to the spicy broth, providing a unique and bold taste.
What to order: Beef Bone Broth, Spicy Beef Broth
Address: 15315 Culver Dr #145, Irvine, CA 92604
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.