10 Best Restaurants in Irvine, CA

Located in Orange County, California, Irvine is the land of sunshine and palm trees. The weather is perfect all year round, with sunshine, warm temperatures, and dry weather. Irvine is geographically a large city, and there are many distinct neighborhoods depending on what you’re looking for. There are also many different styles of homes. Whether you’re looking for a luxury estate, a high-rise condominium with all of the amenities, or a home with historical architecture, there’s something for everyone in Irvine.

The city is bound by many beautiful nature preserves filled with campgrounds, hiking trails, scenic vistas, and the Pacific Ocean. For example, the Limestone Canyon Regional Park offers stunning views of the canyon, as well as guided tours from Irvine Ranch Conservatory.

Irvine is just a short drive to the beautiful Newport and Huntington Beaches, as well as the famous Crystal Cove State Park. The park offers soft sandy beaches and turquoise waters for swimming, paddleboarding, and more. Tidepools are also on offer, and it’s easy to spend the day combing through them looking for sea creatures.

Irvine real estate is in high demand due to the incredible amount of amenities here. In addition to all the natural resources, Irvine and its neighboring areas have an incredible dining and bar scene. This guide will walk you through the hottest picks for your next meal.

Healthy California fare is pared alongside the best cuts of steak in this glamorous, fine dining establishment. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is famous for its opulent supper club vibes and an extensive list of wines. It offers over 600 different choices both locally from California and from all over the world. Owned by JC Clow, William Lewis, and Chef Yvon Goetz, this restaurant has won awards for its innovative and cutting-edge creativity that brings the best of wine country to the hip and stylish enclave of Irvine.

Located nearby the Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Prego Restaurant offers a fine dining experience serving Italian classics and other Mediterranean fare. The high-end atmosphere is perfect for large parties and private events as well as an intimate dinner date.

Twenty Eight Restaurant and Bar offers a chic ambiance with New American fare. The restaurant features a sleek interior with dark, moody tones that set the atmosphere of relaxation and indulgence. The restaurant also features a stunning outdoor patio that has a lovely firepit to cozy up to during chilly Californian nights.

If you love English history, Gulliver’s Restaurant is the perfect way to spend the evening. This historical restaurant not only offers the best cuts of steak in the city, but they also have authentic period costumes and decor to transport you directly to England. It’s a fun and immersive way to spend a dinner date.

This upbeat Mexican restaurant offers an opulent ambiance filled with cabanas and tropical vibes that will make you feel like you're in a resort in Tulum. The ambiance is impeccable at Javier’s, with high-quality service, potent margaritas, and creative twists on Mexican favorites that bring authentic flavor to Irvine. Take in the stunning decor in the main dining room, or opt for privacy and exclusivity in one of the private dining areas. Whichever you choose, you will have access to the largest selection of tequilas on the West Coast, as well as an extensive wine and beer menu.

Located nearby in Newport Beach, A+O Restaurant | Bar offers incredible waterfront views paired with a high-end menu and impeccable service. Creative plates are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and the cuisine highlights the best that California has to offer, with locally sourced ingredients. The patio not only features lovely ocean views of Newport Beach but also has cozy firepits to enjoy as well.

In Newport Beach, Basilic takes visitors to the Swiss Alps with a menu featuring Swiss and French classics. The fine-dining establishment is located nearby in Newport Beach. It combines the best of small mountain town charm that transports you to somewhere high in the Alps with the modern, local ingredients and relevance that Californians love.

The chic and modern space of Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails is quintessentially California. The space is light and bright, and the menu focuses on acquiring the best possible local ingredients. The menu is seasonal and changes with what’s fresh and available.  Lounge-like indoor seating and an airy outdoor patio allow you to relax and enjoy the creative cocktail list.

Bello offers high-end Italian dining in Newport Beach, just on the border of Irvine. Chef Sandro Nardone was born and raised in Italy and adds an authentic touch to each of his dishes. The restaurant focuses on serving only the best ingredients, cooked in the classic Italian style and served the way they are in Italy.

This fine dining establishment offers a creative New American menu and high-end service. Bistango also offers live entertainment and music nightly. A lovely patio features soft, sparkling light, lounge seating, and a cozy ambiance that makes you want to stay and indulge in another creative cocktail from the bar.

Irvine has so many amazing amenities, including the amazing restaurants covered in our guide. If you’re thinking of moving to Irvine, you’re going to want to work with a great Realtor like Stephanie Young. Stephanie has extensive experience in the luxury market in Irvine and is ready to help you find the perfect property and assist you with all your real estate needs.