50 Best American Restaurants in Irvine

“I love this place…!!! Been coming here for many years…!!! Never disappoints… tasting menu is a must try at least once… you may try it again and again and never get the same thing… but ALWAYS good…!!!“

“Went with my parents for an early Christmas dinner and service was great… food was delicious… and atmosphere was on point!“

“I just discovered the most incredible hidden gem and I have to share it—because it might just be my new favorite restaurant in the world! 🌟 This place is a dedicated gluten free restaurant (yes, you read that right!) and every single dish blew me away. I honestly still can’t believe how amazing the food was. The croissant was so buttery, flaky, and perfect I had to double check that it was really gluten free—it’s a dream come true. 🥐 The popovers with house-made jam and honey butter were out-of-this-world delicious, the Brisket Benedict was rich and comforting with perfectly poached eggs, and the Steak Frites rivaled any French bistro. Every bite was pure heaven. But what really makes this place so special are the wonderful owners, Laura and Michael. Their passion, warmth, and dedication show in everything they do. Laura is a true genius—she spent 7 years perfecting her very own gluten free flour blend and dough, and you can even buy it to take home for fresh bread, pizza, or cinnamon rolls. It rises and bakes like traditional dough, and the flavor is unbelievable. 🍞✨ The restaurant itself is gorgeous, the service was wonderful, and the food… I’ll be dreaming about it until I can go back. We went for brunch, but I can’t wait to try dinner next. If you’re gluten free, this is your paradise. If you’re not gluten free, I challenge you to come here and tell me you can tell the difference. You can’t. That’s how good it is. 🙌 Run, don’t walk—this is one of those rare places that feels like magic. ✨“

“It was my first time here, and I found this place while searching for a restaurant nearby. I was curious, so I decided to check it out. I was amazed by the delicious food and professional service. I especially loved the vibe of the place; it was really great! Definitely worth the visit!“

“I had to write a review because Café Irvine absolutely exceeded my expectations. I ordered the breakfast burrito with bacon, and it was huge — packed, flavorful, and they give both green and red salsa, which I appreciate since I always run out elsewhere. The portion was so generous I only ate half and saved the rest.

I also got the iced Spanish latte, and it was perfect: strong coffee flavor, not overly sweet, with a subtle cinnamon finish. Easily one of my new favorite coffee spots in the area.

The café offers healthier options, and the entire deli is kosher and halal, which is impressive for a place this size. The menu rotates every few months, so there’s always something new to try.

Location-wise, it’s inside the 19000 MacArthur “pancake” building with free parking validation, which is a huge perk in this area. UCI students and building employees get 20% off.

What really makes it special is how passionate the owner is — not from the restaurant industry originally, but genuinely invested in serving good, wholesome food. Minority-owned, community-oriented, and it shows.

Whether you’re working nearby, staying in a hotel close by, or just passing through the Irvine/Newport area, this spot is absolutely worth checking out. I’ll definitely be back — and I’ll be using them for catering soon too.“

“Ate at the Jamboree location in Tustin and cashier Ali was courteous, kind, knowledgeable and very helpful in helping us understand the menu options. Even offered a couple samples to make sure we ordered something we’d enjoy. Great customer service!“

“had the ahi tuna salad. it was awesome.“

“Wonderful time with grandson“

“We had a wonderful experience dining here! Our server, Nia, was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the evening even more enjoyable. The portions were generous, and every sandwich we tried was absolutely amazing, full of flavor and beautifully prepared. Highly recommend!“

“The hotel is clean and hygienic. Quiet on vacation. Like🥰🥰“

“The best Prime Rib and excellent service“

“Great food, highly recommend the fried chicken. Servers are fantastic.“

“Went with my parents for an early Christmas dinner and service was great… food was delicious… and atmosphere was on point!“

“Food was good. However, the prices are on the higher end for the amount of food they provide. The dining area is very calm and relaxing. Not many people when I was there around 5pm.

Happy Hour is Daily from 4:30pm to 6pm.“

“Had an amazing family dinner with my sisters here . The Food was delivered quickly and was delicious. Carrot cake is fabulous we ordered the 2 half garlic chicken and full rack family meal which comes with your choice of pasta , salad bread sticks. Added their yummy mashed potatoes also bbq salad with delicious dressing my favorite.“

“Great servers! Good food!“

“I had been eating lunch there for over eight years before our office relocated. The prices are great, the staff is friendly and remembers your preferences, and the food is both tasty and cleanly prepared. Order ahead from their app would help you skip the lunch time wait.“

“Nice comfortable stay for business trip or in passing through to another location. Property smelled nice and felt very nice, clean, strong AC throughout. The room was well designed and very comfortable for our family of 3 staying in a King with sofa pull out. Very nice touch that the kitchen faucet was filtered water. The only downside if there is one is that the lobby area was a bit small for the breakfast area but it was fine during the week, I would imagine it could be a bit crammed on a busy weekend. Breakfast was adequate and a nice change from the typical free breakfast by offering made to order eggs and one sweet item (crepes). I would consider staying again if I was in the area.“

“Great Food and atmosphere! Mosic was our server and he was awesome. Asked what we were into for both food and cocktails and his recommendations were spot on. The Panama Prescription was divine and I loved the shrimp and grits. My husband had the 12 hour short rib and I can’t tell you which was better. We will be back with friends!“

“For a hotel restaurant and bar. It's done very well. Moving on.

The staff is extremely nice and professional. The options are great for quick bites, lunch or dinner.

The food tastes fresh. The drinks are great.

Upon walking up to the bar area I was greeted immediately. Staff immediately gave me a menu. And mentioned a special that day. They also let me know that there was a happy hour. Happy hour!? Can't go wrong there can we lol.

I've had the club sandwich, wings and burger.

Club sandwich. Pretty much your average club sandwich. However the ingredients are fresh. Yes it's processed turkey slices. But that's ok. They're good quality ones at that. And they don't skimp. It was a very large well proportioned sandwich.

Wings. Alright these are the star of the show.
Simple but done right. You know when you just want something good? And everywhere just over does it trying to be different? Not these. Simple hot wings cooked to perfection. Highly recommend.

Burger.
Ok this is actually insanely good with the bacon.
And their fries are nice and crispy tasty freshness.

So would I recommend this place? Most definitely.
And if you're staying here. No need to go off site for food. The food here is legit.

Enjoy!“

“Food is just OK. Many times the people here don’t know how to cook chicken. The chicken is always too raw and pink. Besides that sometimes they don’t cook food all the way through. However, I’ve had a decent experience with the food and generally I like it. Just stay away from the pizza, not too great. Good value for your dollar as well, and the drinks are great. Lots of options and great + diverse seating, although they fill up quickly.

P.S. their dole whip is delicious.“

“Melt always gives good service, and even better food, me and my fiancé love to come here after doing some shopping for a great dinner. Food always comes out fresh and quick, gotta try the patty melt and cannot forget the garlic fries!!! 11/10 all around!!“

“Had a great time having dinner with the steak was juicy and tender with an amazing great taste.“

“Great service and amazing food“

“My husband, toddler and I went here for an early lunch. We got there right when it opened and they were a little slow to get us set up. But the server was excellent and very professional. I got the Spa Water drink, it was very nice for a warm morning. We sat on the patio by the pool and my toddler was loud, no problems. The food was perfectly priced for the quality. I’d definitely come eat here again and may even consider staying at the hotel.“

“We used Terrace Kitchen to cater our wedding and we were so impressed with their service. The food was amazing, served nicely and quickly for such a big wedding. Their staff were all very efficient and proactive with serving drinks and clearing things. The whole venue was kept very tidy throughout the day. Claudia was who we worked with to organise everything and her communication was great, so made everything very easy and nothing was a problem for her to change or organise. Thanks for helping up pull off a perfect day!“

“We had such a great experience at Broken Yolk Café! The food was fresh, flavorful, and served with that perfect homemade touch that makes breakfast feel extra special. The service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere is bright, clean, and welcoming — the kind of place that instantly puts you in a good mood.

From the coffee to the entrées, everything was delicious and cooked just right. A perfect spot for a relaxing morning, family brunch, or a quick bite that hits the spot.

Highly recommended if you love great breakfast, great vibes, and great service! 🥞🍳☕✨“

“Best comfort food ever! The thing I miss about living in California the most is the spaghetti grilled cheese at Burnt Crumbs. It will change your life. I would order three at a time and eat half a sandwich each day for lunch. If you guys wanna franchise in Detroit let me know lol 💯 💯 🔥 🔥“

“Great atmosphere and great service and good value.“

“Great food, nice clean place and fun atmosphere, I also like that we can eat outside. Great service!“

“没事过来吃个牛排，味道很好，装修也不错，吃的很爽“

“Great food and easy going vibe“

“Enjoyed a delicious lunch combo special that included two sliders, 1/2 house salad, and a side (sweet potato fries). It was delicious, and a ton of food. Our bartender was super friendly and very attentive. Highly recommend this place if you're in Irvine.“

“I love the cool clean freshness of modern architecture and light the restaurant provides; with a decided touch of old ranch atmosphere; you can be left alone to yourself, or join in community. The food is varied, always fresh, healthy, creative modern nouvelle cuisine along with more traditional dishes, the ingredients definitely high quality -California Sunshine. If you really wish to muse, meditate, read, or silently work, the place is surrounded by little nooks and crannies in the midst of nature. You can even lull yourself to a nap, abandoning all care for a few precious minutes. Or else you can sit outside in community, perhaps choosing a more intimate table conversational setting on certain days, resolving the woes or the theories our world is constructed on. All together a complete experience🙏 Thank you.“

“Went to Cozy Pine for date night and we enjoyed it. Really feels like you are in a different place, inside a restaurant. Decor, cocktails and food were all great. Definitively worth stopping in.
Food is mostly “snacky” compared to Bacchus outside. We did not have a reservation and we’re still able to get seated, likely because we arrived early in the evening.“

“Very accommodating! Delicious! Beautiful plates and great service! Emily was great!“

“This was our second year in a row hosting The Joyful Gala, and it was every bit as amazing as the first! The venue offers exceptional value for the lovely setting and the quality of the food. The location couldn't be more convenient and guests arrive at the top of the beautiful grounds feeling transported to a serene farm with plenty of parking that is free to your guests. There is ample outdoor space for the silent auction, mingling, and photo ops. The big red barn is full of character and charm, yet so versatile that it feels fresh and different each year. Alison is lovely to work with from the initial planning to every detail in the execution of the event. The catering and service staff are warm, responsive, and attentive to our guests expectations. For the quality of the space, service, and overall experience, the value is unbeatable. We look forward to coming back!“

“Tasty food, fun atmosphere at 1pm midweek. Gloria, our host, friendly knowledgeable and attentive. Praise the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth who makes all experiences the best. BR great…w Jesus best“

“We are locals, and sometimes even walk over with the dog to sit outside and enjoy the outdoor tables, and the delicious sandwiches. They do a great job and always offer great service!“

“I tried Bao Chick and their grilled bao with beef was fantastic.
The beef was juicy and flavorful, and the bao was perfectly soft and fluffy.
I loved the combination of textures and the slightly smoky grill flavor.
Overall, it’s a fun spot with tasty food and a casual, welcoming vibe.“

“We went to the Yard House at Irvine Spectrum on Thanksgiving, and it was wonderful. We had the Turkey Dinner, which included mashed potatoes & gravy, macaroni & cheese, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and Pumpkin cheesecake, all of which was delicious, and only $29.99 per person. The service was great. The staff was friendly, attentive, and efficient. Management even came by to check on our table. We will definitely be back!“

“We celebrated my sister's birthday in this cafeteria, and we have an amazing day. The foods and the drinks were very good and worth it. Besides, the waiter and the waitress that served us at that time were very friendly, nice, and professional. They treat customers very well, and that was a satisfaction to us. Their cafeteria also has a good view and style. It was perfect!“

“wonderful food - never had a bad meal here. Their lentil soup is fantastic.“

“when they're at 11:00 a.m.. It was wonderful that my husband could get his chicken fried steak and I can get the bourbon chicken. Best of both worlds! very very very good“

“This is a family owned establishment that truly puts the meaning to the phrase ‘Hidden Gem’. The food is prepared fresh and comes out hot. The best way to describe the menu and meals here is homestyle. I could eat here everyday. Everything is good. Prices are also better than any fast food. 11/10.“

“Had a most excellent Italian cappuccino with macadamia nut milk. Espresso was so smooth - just perfect. Thanks for the ❤️ you put into your shop.“

“Service is quick and friendly. I order regular fries and got a fruit cup. The fruit is always fresh and the fries are nice a crispy. Plus they have all the soccer game at the bar which is a big plus for entertainment. Hopefully they will play all the games for the World Cup 2026.“

“Amazing sandwiches! Quick and delicious!“