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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Irvine

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86 restaurants available nearby

A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
1. North Italia – Irvine
4.5
Awesome(5442)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 190 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.
A photo of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin restaurant
2. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin
4.4
Awesome(2649)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Tustin
Booked 28 times today
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin is a neighborhood gem. It's a go-to place for locals, known for its excellent service, great ambiance, and delicious food. Reviews rave about the quality ingredients used in well-prepared dishes, and the friendly, attentive staff. It's a place that never disappoints, and the lively, sophisticated atmosphere is perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Irvine restaurant
3. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(4329)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Irvine
Booked 104 times today
Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.Ruth's Chris Steak House in Irvine, CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.
A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant
4. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
4.7
Exceptional(724)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 58 times today
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations perfectly meshes upscale and casual dining with an expansive whiskey selection and unique offering of American comfort food. It offers high energy, open spaced concepts to promote a lively dining experience. With the rustic industrial aesthetic, brick metal and barrels are prevalent in the space. One of its most coveted attractions is the famous whiskey room, that houses hundreds of whiskies from several countries. From high end whiskies like Pappy Van Winkle, to a shot of Jameson with a Coors Light, there is something here for everyone's taste; and Bosscat prides itself on being this type of environment. Each season new flavors and recipes are brought into the kitchen. The culture and staff are encouraged to foster the fun and unique dining experience they so strongly emulate. Bosscat is open all week for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is available on weekdays, and a fun, boozy brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
A photo of Benihana - Newport Beach, CA restaurant
5. Benihana - Newport Beach, CA
4.0
Excellent(5024)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Newport Beach
Booked 102 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant
6. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(2733)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 66 times today
CUCINA enoteca is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum! Owner Tracy Borkum's flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento bring their artistry to the table as guests enjoy an open kitchen. The menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Along with a diverse selection of wines by the glass, guests may visit the restaurant's retail area to select from over 200 bottles for dinner (corkage fee of $10 applies) or purchase wine to go. The energetic space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the comfort of an old rustic farmhouse.
A photo of Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
7. Puesto Los Olivos
4.6
Exceptional(1781)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 47 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, MSN, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, and LA Times.
A photo of Eddie V’s – Wildfish – Newport Beach restaurant
8. Eddie V’s – Wildfish – Newport Beach
4.8
Exceptional(5341)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Newport Beach
Booked 73 times today
Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for the seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as its premium hand-carved steaks. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. The restaurant's award-wining wine list, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator, has more than 300 wines curated by Eddie V's very own Advanced Sommelier. In the V Lounge, guests can sip classic creative cocktails and enjoy signature appetizers.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant
9. Il Fornaio - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(4026)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 83 times today
Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.
A photo of Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine restaurant
10. Paul Martin's American Grill - Irvine
4.5
Awesome(3271)
Price: Moderate
• American • Irvine
Booked 36 times today
Order a glass of your favorite sauvignon blanc and share a plate of Town Dock calamari with friends or family at Paul Martin’s American Grill in the Irvine Spectrum Center. Or savor an indulgent hand-cut blackened ribeye masterfully prepared over the live fire of our mesquite grill. Paul Martin’s serves classic American cuisine elevated to a higher standard in our polished yet welcoming dining room that invites business luncheons, date nights, and camaraderie in equal measure.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • RichardVIP
    Orange County •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always great food and service……………………………………………………..
    More info
    North Italia – IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    •
    4.5
  • Sue
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I had to give only a 4 star rating on the service only because they seemed to be vary short of staff. Many tables were waiting a longer time for a chef and the servers seemed to be stretched thin. To their credit, the restaurant knew that this was a problem and not only gave the whole table free appetizers but they took about 30% off of each two person bill. I felt that was above and beyond. We actually enjoyed the extra time at our table to just sit and visit. In addition, they were very accommodating of my special request to have my food cooked without the addition of butter which is a staple in this type of food preparation. This is the second time I have asked for this and each time my message was relayed to the chef and he took great pains to insure that my food was cooked perfectly, off to the side of the others. Thank you Benihanas. Everything else was 5 star
    More info
    Benihana - Newport Beach, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Newport Beach
    •
    4
  • ValerieVIP
    Orange County •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This restaurant is exceptional; every time, every day. We have been coming here for years and William treats us--and all his customers--with such respect and love. What's amazing is the consistency in the service, food, drink, and atmosphere. And, back to William...how does someone treat customers with such respect and love always, year after year, like it's the first day ever? Having been in the people business myself (for decades as a high school teacher) I recognize that presence of power; that treatment of clients like they are the most important thing going at that moment of contact; regardless of what else might be going on. It comes from an exceptionally high EQ, which can't be taught. Rather, it is the essential ingredient for success. The food is GREAT, but the service is even better from the hostess stand, to the server, to....well, William! We were treated to a new server tonight: Peter. He's a keeper. We're coming back to see him again! Great hire and he is equally grateful and happy to be working at the Winery. Win-win. See y'all again soon!
    More info
    The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- TustinPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Tustin
    •
    4.4
  • Alicia
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Bosscat is an amazing experience. Great food, drinks,service and ambiance.
    More info
    Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
    •
    4.7
  • LizVIP
    Los Angeles •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Without fail this location exceeds my expectations. Service is always on point and the food is consistently excellent. 10/10
    More info
    Ruth's Chris Steak House - IrvinePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Irvine
    •
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Irvine

Discover the charm of Irvine's neighborhood gems with our curated list of top-rated restaurants in South Orange County. Each restaurant featured offers a unique dining experience, blending original flavors and exceptional service, making them true local favorites. Whether you're craving innovative Mexican cuisine, Mediterranean delights, Californian specialties, or a fusion of Southeast Asian and European flavors, Irvine's dining scene has it all. These establishments are praised not only for their culinary excellence but also for their vibrant atmospheres and commitment to quality, ensuring a memorable dining experience for every visit. Irvine is renowned for its diverse culinary landscape, providing diners with a wide array of choices that cater to various tastes and occasions. From family dinners to romantic evenings, or even special business meetings, these neighborhood gems offer the perfect setting for any event. Each restaurant stands out for its dedication to creating dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing, using high-quality ingredients to deliver outstanding flavors and presentations. Experience the best of Irvine's local dining scene, where each restaurant strives to offer not just meals, but a genuine culinary adventure that reflects the vibrant community and culture of South Orange County. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these neighborhood gems are sure to provide an enriching and satisfying dining experience.

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