Forget the office park stereotypes! Irvine’s culinary landscape is bursting with flavors from around the globe. More than just a business hub, this Southern California city offers a diverse and exciting dining scene just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, navigating the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve curated a list of the absolute best food in Irvine CA, spanning various cuisines, price points, and dining experiences to satisfy every palate. Get ready to embark on a delicious adventure and discover your new favorite spot! This guide features a range of cuisines, reflecting Irvine’s vibrant multicultural community from authentic Korean BBQ to fragrant Persian stews, and tantalizing Vietnamese noodle soups. Get ready to eat your way through Irvine!
A Taste of Korea: Discovering the Best Korean Food in Irvine
Irvine boasts a thriving Korean community, and with that comes an incredible selection of authentic Korean restaurants. Finding the absolute best Korean food in Irvine CA can be a challenge, given the sheer number of fantastic options. But after much sampling (and a few satisfied sighs), we’ve narrowed it down to our top contenders.
Han Kook Korean BBQ
Han Kook isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. This popular spot is known for its high-quality meats, banchan (side dishes), and lively atmosphere. Prepare to grill your own marinated meats at your table, from thinly sliced bulgogi to succulent galbi. The banchan selection is generous and constantly replenished, offering a taste of various Korean flavors. What makes it the best? The consistently high quality of the ingredients, the attentive service, and the overall celebratory ambiance. It is a great place to enjoy the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: The Galbi (marinated short ribs) is a must. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the BBQ options.
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
Ttukbaegi House
Craving a comforting and hearty Korean stew? Ttukbaegi House is the place to go. This cozy restaurant specializes in ttukbaegi (earthenware pot) dishes, which are served bubbling hot and packed with flavor. From kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) to soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew), each dish is a symphony of textures and tastes. This is where you will find some of the best food in Irvine CA. It’s the best for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and incredibly affordable prices.
- Must-Try Dish: The Kimchi Jjigae is a classic for a reason. Spicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
- Price Range: $$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
BCD Tofu House
A reliably delicious option, BCD Tofu House has multiple locations and is known for its consistent quality and late-night hours. Specializing in soondubu (soft tofu stew), BCD Tofu House allows you to customize your stew with different spice levels and ingredients. It’s a great place to get your Korean food fix at any time of day. One of the locations is where you can find the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: The Original Soondubu with pork and a level three spice is a popular choice.
- Price Range: $$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
A Taste of Persia: Discovering the Best Persian Food in Irvine
Irvine is home to a significant Persian population, resulting in a delightful array of Persian restaurants that offer flavorful and aromatic dishes. For those seeking the best Persian food in Irvine CA, here are a few standouts.
Hen House Grill
While the name might suggest otherwise, Hen House Grill serves up some seriously delicious Persian cuisine. This casual spot is known for its generous portions of juicy kebabs, fragrant rice, and flavorful stews. It’s a popular choice for both lunch and dinner, offering a taste of authentic Persian flavors at a reasonable price. The portions of their signature dishes are what makes it some of the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: The Chicken Koobideh is incredibly flavorful and tender.
- Price Range: $$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
Raffi’s Place
Although technically located just outside of Irvine in Glendale, Raffi’s Place is worth the drive for its incredible Persian food and lively atmosphere. This popular restaurant is known for its massive portions of kebabs, flavorful rice, and vibrant ambiance. Be prepared to wait in line, but trust us, it’s worth it! Even though it is not in Irvine it is well worth the drive to find some of the best food in Irvine CA vicinity.
- Must-Try Dish: The Soltani Kebab (combination of Barg and Koobideh) is a feast for the senses.
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
Wholesome Choice Market Food Court
Don’t underestimate the power of a good food court! Wholesome Choice Market, a large international grocery store, has a fantastic food court with several Persian vendors. This is a great place to sample a variety of Persian dishes at affordable prices. A visit to the grocery store will let you find some of the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: Explore the different vendors and try a variety of kebabs, stews, and rice dishes.
- Price Range: $
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
A Taste of Vietnam: Discovering the Best Vietnamese Food in Irvine
Irvine’s vibrant Vietnamese community has contributed to a diverse culinary landscape, making it a prime destination for those seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine. If you are looking for the best Vietnamese food in Irvine CA, then here are some that you should try out.
Pho Saigon Pearl
For a truly exceptional bowl of pho, look no further than Pho Saigon Pearl. This no-frills restaurant focuses on serving up incredibly flavorful and authentic pho. The broth is rich and aromatic, the noodles are perfectly cooked, and the toppings are fresh and plentiful. A long-time favorite for serving what may be the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: The Pho Tai (rare steak pho) is a classic and a must-try.
- Price Range: $$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
Quan Hy
Looking for something beyond pho? Quan Hy offers a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes, from banh mi to bun cha. This popular restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients, flavorful sauces, and generous portions. A great place for serving a wide variety of the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: The Banh Mi is a delicious and affordable option for lunch.
- Price Range: $$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
Banh Mi Che Cali
If you’re in need of a quick and satisfying meal, Banh Mi Che Cali is the perfect spot. This casual eatery offers a wide variety of banh mi sandwiches, che (Vietnamese dessert soup), and other Vietnamese snacks. Stop by for some of the best food in Irvine CA when on the go.
- Must-Try Dish: The classic Vietnamese sandwich is a popular choice.
- Price Range: $
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
Seafood Sensations: Discovering the Best Seafood in Irvine
Craving fresh and delicious seafood? Irvine has you covered. From casual seafood shacks to upscale dining experiences, there are plenty of options for seafood lovers. These places serve up the best food in Irvine CA for seafood lovers.
King Fish House
King Fish House is a popular spot for fresh seafood in a casual setting. Known for its wide selection of fish, prepared in various ways, it offers something for everyone. From grilled swordfish to fried calamari, the menu is packed with seafood favorites. Great place to find fresh seafood and some of the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: The Grilled Swordfish is a popular and flavorful choice.
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
Kickin’ Crab
For a messy and fun seafood experience, head to Kickin’ Crab. This casual restaurant serves up seafood boils, where you can choose your seafood, sauce, and spice level. Prepare to get your hands dirty as you crack open crab legs and peel shrimp. For fun and some of the best food in Irvine CA, head to Kickin Crab!
- Must-Try Dish: The seafood boil with the “Kickin’ Sauce” is a must-try.
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
California Fish Grill
Looking for a more affordable and sustainable seafood option? California Fish Grill offers a variety of grilled and blackened fish dishes, served with healthy sides. It’s a great place for a quick and delicious seafood lunch or dinner. Healthy and a great option for some of the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: The Grilled Salmon is a healthy and flavorful choice.
- Price Range: $$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
California Cuisine: Discovering the Best American Food in Irvine
While Irvine is known for its international flavors, it also offers a great selection of American restaurants serving up classic dishes with a California twist. Discover the best food in Irvine CA with these American options.
Houston’s Restaurant
Houston’s (also known as Hillstone) is an upscale American restaurant known for its consistent quality and sophisticated ambiance. The menu features classic dishes like burgers, steaks, and salads, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. One of the high quality options for some of the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: The French Dip sandwich is a classic and a must-try.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails
For a more health-conscious option, check out Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails. This restaurant focuses on using organic and sustainable ingredients, creating dishes that are both delicious and good for you. Healthy and eco-conscious, one of the best food in Irvine CA options.
- Must-Try Dish: The Pan-Seared Salmon with seasonal vegetables is a flavorful and healthy choice.
- Price Range: $$$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
The Stand Natural Foods
If you are looking for fresh, all natural food, this is the place to go. All the produce is sourced locally, and they strive to provide food that is not only good, but also good for you. One of the healthiest options for the best food in Irvine CA.
- Must-Try Dish: The Kale Salad will make you not only love kale, but crave it!
- Price Range: $$
- Address: A link to their website/online menu would go here.
A Final Bite: Irvine’s Culinary Scene is Calling
From Korean BBQ to Persian kebabs, from Vietnamese pho to fresh seafood, Irvine’s culinary scene offers a delicious adventure for every palate. We’ve only scratched the surface of the incredible dining options available in this city. So, next time you’re in Irvine, ditch the chain restaurants and explore the hidden culinary gems this city has to offer. Don’t be afraid to try something new, venture off the beaten path, and discover your own Irvine food favorites. Let us know in the comments which restaurants you try and love! Happy eating! Don’t forget to share your Irvine food adventures with us on social media using #IrvineEats. Irvine’s food scene is constantly evolving, so be sure to check back for updates and new discoveries!
