The 10 Best Restaurants In Irvine California

Located in Orange County, Irvine, California is home to the University of California, Irvine, a medley of boba joints serving bubble tea, and a wide range of top restaurants to satisfy even the most picky of foodies. We list some of the best options, from sushi and Italian to a good old-fashioned American hamburger.

1. North Italia

Restaurant, Italian

Dishing out delectable dishes like Bolognese and Strozzapreti, North Italia has introduced top quality, handmade Italian cuisine to the Irvine area. With dishes made from scratch daily, the delicious medley of flavors they concoct in the kitchen leaves customers on cloud nine. The open-concept layout of the restaurant is draped by beautiful lamps and décor, inciting a laid-back yet vivacious ambience guests can enjoy while engaging in conversation during the wait.

2. The Counter

The Counter

Known for its custom built burgers, The Counter allows customers to fulfill their burger cravings with their own delicious burger creations. From crafted shakes to burgers made with 100 percent all-natural Angus beef, The Counter has taken the burger game and added its own DIY flair for those who love their burger just the way they like it.

The Counter, Park Place, 2981 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA, USA,+1 949 596 7227

The Counter | © donielle/Flickr

3. Mendocino Farms

Mendocino Farms

New to Irvine and located in UCI’s University Town Center, Mendocino Farms has captivated the hearts and stomachs of its customers by reinventing the sandwich in new innovative and delicious ways. With quotes adorning the walls, a play area for kids complemented by a floor to ceiling chalkboard for spontaneous doodles, and even a cornhole game set up to challenge friends while waiting for their meal, the ambience is inviting and fun.

Mendocino Farms, 4187 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA, USA, +1 949 783 2900

The Farm Club | © Ron Dollette/Flickr

5. Houston’s Restaurant

Restaurant, Thai, American

Houston’s has been on the scene taking upscale dining to the next level with a regularly enticing menu. They’ve created innovative spins with a modern flair on classic entrées like their Thai steak salad to tantalize guests’ taste palates. While perusing the menu, you’ll find mouthwatering burgers and steaks using certified Angus beef, expertly crafted entrée salads, and fresh sushi as examples of the dishes made from scratch daily.

6. California Fish Grill

California Fish Grill

California Fish Grill allows guests to experience delicious seafood dishes composed of the freshest, top quality ingredients. Equipped with a large menu filled with an array of seafood to satisfy the palate of even the most seasoned of seafood connoisseurs, California Fish Grill is a must-try for seafood lovers.

California Fish Grill, 3988 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA, USA, +1 949 654 3838

7. Umami Burger

Umami Burger

Umami Burger has brought the savory and bold Japanese flavor of umami to the Irvine area. Using high-quality ingredients to amp up the umami factor, Umami Burger’s menu has an assortment of burgers with unique flavor combinations. Guests will find their burger cravings fulfilled with customer favorites like the original umami burger, the truffle burger, or the sunny side burger, all grilled to perfection.

Umami Burger, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA, USA, +1 949 396 1830

Umami Burger | © Richard/Flickr

8. Tokyo Table

Bar, Restaurant, Japanese

Tokyo Table remains a high-quality Irvine sushi bar serving fresh, innovative, and delicious sushi rolls. With sleek, modern décor, Tokyo Table serves up specialties like their OMG roll, Tonkatsu ramen, and chicken katsu curry. Tokyo Table offers happy hour with a wide range of food and drink selections at great prices.

9. Mick’s Karma Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Cafe, American

An essential restaurant in Irvine for burger lovers, Mick’s Karma Bar is known to have some of the best burgers in Orange County. Well known to many OC and LA best burger lists, their karma burger, steak fries, and strawberry basil lemonade are some of the menu favorites that leave guests returning time and time again.

10. Urban Seoul

Restaurant, Korean, Mexican

Urban Seoul has elevated Asian fusion cuisine with their award-winning tacos as well as their commitment to cultivating shared experiences for their guests. Urban Seoul believes there is a unique story behind each of their expertly crafted dishes that drives their passion to connect guests with amazing Korean-Mexican cuisine. Inside the restaurant, Urban Seoul has a vintage style with colorful art adorning the walls, providing a pop of color.

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