Where to Eat in Irvine: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Roger Rusk

Irvine (/ˈɜːrvaɪn/ UR-vyn) is a master-planned city in Orange County, California, United States. The Irvine Company started developing the area in the 1960s and the city was formally incorporated on December 28, 1971. The 66-square-mile (170 km) city had a population of 212,375 as of the 2010 census; in 2016 the city's population was 258,386.
Things to do in Irvine

1. In-N-Out Burger

4115 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612-2645 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover American, Fast Food Lunch, Dinner SGD 7 - SGD 26 +1 800-786-1000
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 465 reviews

In-N-Out Burger

At In-N-Out Burger, quality is everything. Stop by to enjoy our menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries and shakes. In-N-Out makes fast food the old fashioned way.

Reviewed By Mehdi J - Lugano, Switzerland

Classic hamburger joint from Hollywood and California. Only simple hamburger and cheeseburgers. Fresh ingredients.
Standard burger has a patty, onion and tomato. You can hold or double any ingredients but that’s it. Very reasonable prices. The shakes are very popular. Really delicious fries.

For the first time, order cheeseburger, fries and chocolate shake. You can’t go wrong!

Any burger “animal style” means with grilled onions.

2. Roma D Italia

611 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780-4309 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 26 - SGD 26 +1 714-544-0273
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 221 reviews

Roma D Italia

Reviewed By princpinot - North Tustin

This restaurant has been serving families since 1968 in Old Town Tustin and many customers are regulars. Some families are now bringing in a third generation and this restaurant is ideal for children of all ages. It is "old-school" Italian with red and white checkered table cloths and decor. Many of the wait staff are young people from the area and very polite. The Italian cuisine does not break any new ground, but the food is reliably good, and includes many appetizers, pastas, seafood, pizza and other specialties. The menu is huge with over twenty pastas, both thin and thick crust pizzas with any topping you could want, and ten different preparations of chicken. Prices are inline with most similar Italian restaurants with pastas ranging from $11-$15. The restaurant welcomes large groups and will do off-site catering. Parking can be tight on weekends but there is enough in the surrounding residential streets. Open for lunch Mon-Fri and dinner every day. I believe reservations only for large groups but restaurant is large and waits are reasonable on weekend nights.

3. The Capital Grille

3333 Bristol St, South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1873 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Steakhouse, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks SGD 66 - SGD 66 +1 714-432-1140
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 326 reviews

The Capital Grille

Reviewed By B&Binnlover - Florida

Bought family members a gift card so that they could enjoy a top-shelf meal at one of the best fine dining restaurants we know and was really disappointed at the experience they had. No dress code what so ever. People came in jeans, T-shirts as though they were dining at a cheap, shoddy restaurant. And food sounded under whelming. So sad that a great establishment has gone so far down. Capital Grill, what happened to no shirt, no class, no service? Will never brag about Capital Grille again!

4. Ruth's Chris Steak House

2961 Michelson Dr Ste A, Irvine, CA 92612-2628 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Steakhouse, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 92 - SGD 105 +1 949-252-8848
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 305 reviews

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Reviewed By doodles67 - Irvine, California

We went for a VERY early New Year’s Eve dinner. Pleasantly surprised that we were not rushed AT ALL! We had exceptional service from start to finish! They had a very well thought out “special” 3 course meal along with the regular menu. The special also had choices within - making it a total hit!!! The surf and turf was spectacular- presentation and quality. Enjoyable atmosphere, music was the perfect style and volume, service excellent!
This will be our new holiday place when in town!!

5. Old Vine Cafe

2937 Bristol St, Suite a-102, Costa Mesa, CA 92626-5982 Valet Parking, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi American, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner SGD 16 - SGD 79 +1 714-545-1411
Excellent
65%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 180 reviews

Old Vine Cafe

Welcome to Old Vine Cafe! We are open daily for breakfast and lunch, and Tuesday through Saturday for dinner! Stop in and join us, or call us about catering options.

Reviewed By nahlalee - Portland, Oregon

Came for early lunch. Good thing, the parking gets horrendous pretty quickly. Love the ambiance. We sat outside taking in the Camp. Small water feature that adds to the auditory ambiance. The service was great. Tried the blueberry french toast and the smothered. Warning: the portions are quite large. We weren't ready for that. The french toast was good, had layers, and texture almost like bread pudding. I liked the smothered better. It was so good!!! Slightly sweet corn bread covered with egg, cheese, gravy, jalapenos. Also some picked vegetables on the side. It was soooo good....

I can't wait to come back and try dinner.

6. Houston's

2991 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612-0623 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 54 - SGD 105 +1 949-833-0977
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Houston's

Reviewed By Richard S - Orange, California

Overall, a very pleasant dining experience. This restaurant is always busy. But with reservation during peak dinner hours, we didn't have wait. Hostess and servers were very courteous/friendly. Our server was excellent. She knew menu and was able to give "honest" opinions (vs other places that push highest price dish). We never felt rushed (vs others that push for turning tables). The prime rib dinner was outstanding. 3 of 4 people had this. Trout was awesome. Dessert was delicious - cobbler is best, brownie 2nd. Prices were OK for Orange County. Well worth it.
Only comment is that there is no "Valet" parking and parking is difficult (unless you walk across the street). May want to consider offering "Valet".

7. Mastro's Steakhouse

633 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1919 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Steakhouse, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night SGD 79 - SGD 105 +1 714-546-7405
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 402 reviews

Mastro's Steakhouse

Reviewed By OCProfessor - Orange County, CA

Terrible experience. Ordered a bone-in ribeye, it was tough and full of gristle. Uneatable. Our server didn't tell us each of the sides was enough for two or more, The french fries were soggy and not worth paying attention to. The server at the next table gave a full run down on the menu, ours only said "Any questions?". then when the meat came actually asked "how was that first bite?" Well, we haven't had a first bite yet. But the big problem here is the meat. Never again.
None of this will affect Mastros. For some reason it's crazy popular.

8. WildFish Seafood

1370 Bison Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660-9071 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available American, Seafood, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Late Night, Drinks SGD 39 +1 949-720-9925
Excellent
65%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 379 reviews

WildFish Seafood

Wildfish Seafood Grille is committed to offering fresh prime seafood, aged USDA prime steaks, creative cocktails, and an award winning wine list. Set in a casual, contemporary atmosphere focused around the combined energy of the centerpiece bar and lounge, innovative oyster & raw bar, open-air patio and exhibition kitchen. The menu is made up of imaginative creations prepared fresh with superior quality seafood, utilizing the best preparations, and simple, light sauces to enhance the delicate flavors. The Wildfish Seafood Grille restaurant and patio bars are the place to be for HAPPY HOUR! Enjoy a selection of 1/2 price appetizers,$6 martinis and wines by the glass from 4 to 7 pm seven nights a week, and all night on Sundays and Mondays. Planning an event? The patio is the perfect place to host your next business outing, private party, special event or any large group. Join us at Wildfish Seafood Grille Where Prime Seafood, USDA Prime Steaks and Good Times are always in season.

Reviewed By Peg B

There atmosphere was comfortable but upscale. There service was expecting. The tenderloin and shrimp scampi was outstanding. The steak was done perfectly and the shrimp was flavorful and done to perfection. There sheikh off very of the menu was flavorful as well. The broccoli was al dente I think it could of been cooked a little long. The apple crisp was very good.

9. Rutabegorz Restaurant

158 W Main St, Tustin, CA 92780-4347 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 714-731-9807
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 148 reviews

Rutabegorz Restaurant

Reviewed By CathyO22 - Tustin

Huge menu but I always seem to order one of their fabulous salads. So many fresh flavor combinations. You can't go wrong! Garlic Chicken is one of their most popular.

Each month there is a new appetizer to try. Just had the red pepper dip with crisp pitas. Delicious and under a dollar.

10. In-N-Out Burger

3361 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704-7245 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover American, Fast Food Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 7 - SGD 13 +1 800-786-1000
Excellent
64%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 163 reviews

In-N-Out Burger

At In-N-Out Burger, quality is everything. Stop by to enjoy our menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries and shakes. In-N-Out makes fast food the old fashioned way.

Reviewed By Sahand_Mary - Toronto

I have always heard about the In-N-Out burgers but last week during my trip to LA I got a chance to try this chain and I was not disappointed. The burgers are great. Everything I always wanted about the burger was in this place. Every store we visited was always busy even at 12am. I quickly learned that I can order the burger and the fries in animal style. After trying the animal style I never went back to regular style. This chain has truly great quality and taste. I would recommend in to anyone that visit California to try it.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.