The Most Scrumptious New American in Irvine

Vine Restaurant & Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (946) • $$$

"The chicken schnitzel was one of the best dishes we've ever had in our lives. The chicken was moist and well seasoned, the combination of textures with the pasta it's served with went SO well. The maitake flavor pairs so well, this could be a Michelin star dish.The brussel sprouts were also delicious. The duck wings were good but I wasn't as into them as the other dishes. Heather was our server and she was so great and knowledgeable on the menu. The restaurant was cozy and upscale with white linen table clothings. A 10/10 experience all around, we will def be returning."

Urban Plates

★★★★★ 4.8 (778) • $$

"I have been to Urban Plates a few times before but not this location until recently. We had a wonderful experience here and were really impressed with the service provided by Eric. He really put in the effort to describe the food options and helped us pick which dish was best for what we were craving. He also made an effort to check on us throughout our meal.I have always enjoyed Urban Plates because the food is tasty and fresh. I recently purchased their Plate Pass which gives you 20% off every order and I have to say, it is well worth it. I think most of their dishes are reasonably priced but the discount makes them a steal! Anything with the steak is excellent and one of my favorites is the Chimichurri Steak. Yum!"

Tavern House Kitchen + Bar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (918) • $$$

"On a recent trip to Newport Beach, my boss told me he was tired of Nobu and challenged me to find something he'd like better. Fully convinced that both my job and my reputation were on the line, I aggressively researched all options before landing on Tavern House.Spoiler: I was triumphant.From the moment we walked in, the staff were each more pleasant than the last - from the hostesses who knew we were visiting from NC to the absolutely tremendous Nori, we felt cared for and welcomed.The wine list was one of the better curated lists I've seen recently - was absolutely tickled to see my favorite Orin Swift in the bottles (8 Years in the Desert) plus his Prisoner by the glass. We landed on Austin Hope as the ideal complement to our dinners.We started with the barbecued chipotle bourbon oysters, which were *amazing* (and as the thing that made me choose the restaurant initially, they lived up). Around the table, we had the Kurobuta double-cut pork chop, the prime rib dip, the seafood special I forgot, and my own French Onion filet. That filet was the best damn steak I have EVER had. It combined all the wonderful elements of classic French Onion soup with a perfectly seared filet. With frites, y'all!!! We also shared an order of the charred Brussels sprouts, which were also fantastic. Somehow, we saved enough room to risk ordering dessert: a key lime pie martini (dubbed "proper delicious"), the carrot cake (fine. It's dessert laced with vegetables, so), and - drumroll - Bananaggedon. I would come back for that alone and I'm not even a banana fan. So ridiculously over-the-top and easily served our table of four. Even those more excited for carrot cake quickly abandoned that plate in favor of this. Meanwhile, we had a lovely view of the water - complete with fireworks over the Bay! The restaurant was fully decorated for the holidays but I imagine it would have been equally cozy and welcoming even without the seasonal additions. All told, this meal easily crossed into my top 3 for 2024, even accounting for recency bias. It's now a must-visit for every future work trip (we even added it as a top choice in the guidebook we give all visiting execs)."

The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (971) • $$

"As usual, Yelpers have it right. Gorgeous view, good service and vibe. I would love to come back for happy hour and see how they pour. My dessert was satisfying for such a hot day but I had to melt the rock hard, pre-scooped ice cream with the warm cobbler. The mint was a refreshing touch but wanted it to meld with the other flavors (maybe a quick torch to the mint and cobbler crumble topping might do the trick?). Extra points for the choice, tart rhubarb which I personally love.Very pleased with our servers. Thank you."

The Stand - American Classics Redefined

★★★★★ 4.5 (756) • $$

"The team that works here works hard and go over the top to chat and be polite. They even have signs up that they buss your tables and are so nice! Hope management rewards the Sunday 5:30pm team! Spot on!The short rib grilled cheese, burger, fries and root beer float were all delicious"

Market Broiler - Huntington Beach

★★★★☆ 4.1 (909) • $$

"Normally, I'd give a four star but there's a new policy that we objected to, so read on.My friends and I eat here often and have always enjoyed the experience, food, service, and staff. Tonight we were surprised to find an extra 2.75% fee attached to our bill for using a credit card. We found this laughable because the cost of the food didn't decrease by this same amount. Math people will get this. On the flip side, the poor servers are the ones that are being hit the hardest by this fee. Customers by default want to discount the servers' tips. People understand this is a corporate decision, please don't penalize your servers. This change hits them harder than corporate. Come with a debit card or cash and pay your server with cash. FYI: I learned tonight; that the waiters pay the tax, not just on the tips they keep, but also on the tips they share with the busboys and kitchen staff. Wow! Thank goodness that in 2025 the wait staff won't have to pay tax on their tips!"

The Corner

★★★★☆ 4 (950) • $$

"only writing a review because of the current 3.9 stars when they absolutely deserve at least a 4.5. we came here one night when we had to wait for sushi at the spot in the lot and now crave this place regularly. I think we've tried most if not all the appetizers including the 48 hour fries, chips and dip, deviled eggs, tuna tartare, tostadas, and bacon wrap dates. The dates while a common place that many restaurants are so good here for really what stands out is the deviled eggs with the crab. When it comes to entrées, we order the halibut every time, the celeriac purée is so good it will have you licking the plate. Desserts and drinks are also incredible here just truly can't go wrong"

A Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (878) • $$$

"One of my very favorites time after time. Top notch service, excellent food and such a cool and relaxing vibe. The pot pie on Friday nights is delicious and the hottest food you will ever have! The steaks are perfect and the sides are amazing. Mac and cheese is super creamy and yummy. Asparagus is great as well. Always a fan of A Restaurant!"

Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails

★★★★☆ 4 (847) • $$$

"Had a fantastic dinner at Andrei's! The cocktails were a perfect start - I had the Good Vibes, a great mix of jalapeño-infused tequila and citrus, and the Lady Lavender, which was light and refreshing with grapefruit and lavender syrup.For appetizers, the Ahi Tuna Tartare was super fresh, and the taro chips added a nice crunch. The Filet Mignon was cooked perfectly, tender and full of flavor, while the Short Ribs were fall-apart delicious with Brussels sprouts and blue cheese whipped potatoes that hit the spot.I also had the Andrei's Chop Salad - fresh, full of roasted chicken, avocado, goat cheese, and candied walnuts. It was a nice, lighter option.To finish, I tried the Lemon Butter Cake, which was tasty but a bit on the dry side, and the Chocolate Budino, which was rich and amazing. Paired it all with a great cup of coffee to end the night.The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was spot on. Definitely recommend this place!"

Beachfire Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (841) • $$

"I found this restaurant on Yelp, I am a little familiar with San Clemente. It is a nice city to visit, shop and dine. The shops and restaurants are not "big" chain stores, but rather, nice boutiques and owner-occupied businesses. Beachfire is open 7 days a week and have it all! Happy Hour specials Monday thru Friday; entertainment like karaoke (Monday) Taco Tuesday, and live bands on the weekends. The service was impeccable, Nick has been the bartender for over 20 years. He came out to greet us on the patio and take our order. Most bartenders stay back, but he was out in the patio "multi-tasking" and greeting customers. Edgar came by to check on us, I thought he was the server or maybe the manager. He is actually one of the owners. He asked where we were from and welcomed us. We ordered an Ahi Tuna sandwich and a chicken habenero flatbread. The sandwich had a generous portion of tuna and seasoned perfectly, topped with avocado. It was plated perfectly $19. The flatbread was delicious, the chicken was grilled, the spice level was medium. It had red onions and pineapple bits and a drizzle of Ranch dressing that added a nice and tasty sweetness $15.The restaurant has an upstairs level, a patio in front, and another outdoor patio at the rear entrance. This is a casual place, but not fast food, they actually service quality food with fresh veggies. Every time I come to San Clemente, it has been a wonderful experience. So many unique stores to explore. I think you'd be pleased too. Relax, enjoy, shop and dine here and don't forget to tell 'em that Rosemary sent ya!"

Pub Thirty Two

★★★★☆ 3.9 (866) • $$

"Very fun spot for dinner. I came here with my friends after gym and we had a great time. Food was delicious, I will definitely return here!"

Craft House

★★★★☆ 3.9 (853) • $$$

"Food and drinks are very good here. Staff is always very friendly. Really good whiskey list and cocktails, if you like it. One of my favorite places in Dana Point"

Zinc Cafe & Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (809) • $$

"Before the transition of ownership I loved the food, especially their egg salad sandwiches. It's obvious that the original owners didn't share the sandwich recipe. I support small businesses so I'll say no more. I wish thm loads of success. It's a great local place to meet up with friends and family. The service is great and what could be nicer than sitting in their lovely patio to soak up the Laguna vibe."

Bayside Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.7 (917) • $$$

"First visit, and we were with a group of 15. Wonderful ambiance, and very nice views of the bay, boats, and waterfront homes from inside, as well as the covered patio. They offer free valet parking (tips appreciated). We were there to take advantage of their Brunch menu.SERVICE: Larry waited on us, and the service was excellent, including all of the staff who assisted him. He was kind enough to provide separate checks for our group, and they didn't add a mandatory tip, as many restaurants do with larger parties. I suggest asking about this upfront, so there's no miscommunications.DRINKS: The brunch menu offers two options for bottomless mimosas: the Wycliff Sparkling Brut ($15), and the Le Chemin du Roi Brut ($30), along with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juice mixers. The sparkling wines were tasty, as our party ordered both, and I was able to sample each. I, on the other hand, had a The Spicy Southern Bloody Mary ($16), which was loaded with bacon, olives, and a giant celery stalk. I also tried the Olé Fashioned with mezcal ($17). I thought that both cocktails were well made.FOOD: For a group of our size, all of the orders came out quick, hot, and the portions were plenty. My wife and I thought that the food was okay. Nothing was terrible, but nothing "wowed" us either. Could have used a little more seasoning all the way around. We tried the Bayside Continental ($24), which included a stack of three, very fluffy pancakes, two eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes. The Bayside Benedicts have an option of smoked ham ($26), crab $29), or sautéed spinach ($24). The crab was in need of a little more seasoning. Finally, I had the Meat Lovers Omelette ($25), with bacon, Italian sausage, onion, mushroom, gruyere cheese, and a side of breakfast potatoes. A little salt and pepper, and this was good to go. I heard that the Chicken Barley Soup ($13) was very good, and the Lobster Salad Sandwich ($34) served open face, was okay.Overall, a nice brunch experience, and great service. I would definitely come back and give Bayside another try, maybe for dinner next time."

Lumberyard

★★★★☆ 3.9 (811) • $$

"I'm a local from a neighboring city. Came here years ago and forgot why I never came again. Made the mistake and then remembered. This must be some tourist trap restaurant because I don't understand why anyone would come here with the various better options around. Food is overpriced, venue needs major renovation and staff needs to be replaced. I asked for items several times and it was brought to me in the most inefficient way, and in the wrong quantity asked for. Server attitude was off too. Really basic request gone wrong. I could go on about several additional things but not worth the time. I just want to do other customers a favor to save their money and time and go elsewhere. Not sure what's going on lately, but there's still businesses that think they don't need to provide good service. Or owners that don't provide oversight because it's just money they clearly don't need ? I encourage everyone to be more discerning and support the smaller businesses that take more pride in their work and show us they need the business. This is the only behavior that will change quality. *funny I just read the other reviews and it's either 1 star or 5. I'll tell you that if you're not used to exceptional service and ok with run down dives because you enjoy loud music and loud clientele, this mediocre place will probably suit you LOL different strokes for different folks."

Lemonade

★★★★☆ 3.9 (758) • $$

"They are open until 9:00 p.m. during the week, which is nice compared to many other things in the center (e.g., Wahoo's closes at 8:00). Perhaps when it's closer to closing time, things aren't as snazzy... we had two sandwiches (grilled cheese and the chicken pesto, I think it was). They were fine. Yes, just fine. There wasn't anything spectacular about them. But they were fresh. And we were hungry. So they sufficed. There is ample indoor and outdoor seating. Service was mediocre this past week. Again - maybe it was because it was a half hour before closing, but the gentleman behind the counter was just "meh."In the past I've really enjoyed their lemonade (obviously) and some of the sides.I might come back again.. I dunno. It was an overall "eh" experience this past week. 2024: 30/100"

Amarith Farmhouse Restaurant & Pie Shoppe

★★★★☆ 4.4 (589) • $$

"I am a sucker for a restaurant that makes their own pie! Amarith Farmhouse was just the ticket. We had lunch there on Wednesday. The pies were on full display in the bakery case.They also offered fresh, house-made donuts!!!! It is almost like they planned the food they offer just for me! You can tell already that I really enjoyed my lunch, right?The service included a friendly counter girl, prompt delivery of everything we ordered accurately and quickly. The decor is very homey, and country-casual.My chicken avocado club sandwich was delicious and had plenty of bacon. The onion rings were light, crispy, hot, and perfection. My friend had the Philly cheesesteak. He really knows his cheesesteaks! He said that his was perfect, and he proved it by inhaling the delectable beauty in record time.I can't wait to eat here again! We had a half dozen donut holes as an appetizer while we awaited our order! YUM!!"

Lido Bottle Works

★★★★☆ 4.3 (605) • $$

"My dog (yes dog friendly) and I popped in for a happy hour bite. I ordered the hummus and the cucumbers, but the waiter suggested I just combine them and save a buck. I got a lavender beer, it wasn't my fave but wasn't awful. Fun to try something new. I'm pretty basic and tend to find their food too fancy, but I enjoyed this visit. Sit outside and enjoy the view!"

The Dock

★★★★☆ 4.3 (598) • $$$

"Hidden away on a quiet street, The Dock captures your attention right away as it is the only restaurant that is bright enough to be noticed. Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted by the host and a wall full of wine. The host takes you to the back where the salty air and smell of wine permeates the room. For those of you who like to be surrounded by the wading boats and laughter in the room, this is the place where you can forget your arguments and be truly present. Come and order a drink for the occasion. I got Endless Summer and truly, it was the last drink before the season changes again. As an appetizer, I got the octopus, a small dish where you'll still have room for more food. As the main entrees, I got the fish of the day and of course, the lamb. If you ever had lamb anywhere else, well, those restaurants cannot compare to this one at The Dock. The lamb was cooked nicely and without the gamey taste, which is my preference. I would go back here again for the location, good, and ambiance."

The Bistro K

★★★★☆ 4.3 (595) • $$

"Great service, atmosphere and food! The prices are very reasonable. My favorite is the quiche."

21 Oceanfront

★★★★☆ 3.8 (750) • $$$

"Recently decided to visit 21 oceanfront, the place is extremely ambience, wonderful for a date night, the service was exceptional, I enjoyed an Asian pear salad, that they modified for me to make it vegan, it was delightful, my main entrée was the grilled cauliflower steak, which was exceptional, enjoyed a side of mushrooms & roasted asparagus both delicious , definitely will visit again"

Pacific Hideaway

★★★★☆ 4.1 (628) • $$

"Hidden rooftop gem in HB! The food is always delicious and we love how dog friendly the restaurant and hotel are! Our favorite brunch dishes were the Chilaquiles (decent spice level) and the Breakfast Burrito (looks boring in pics but was filled with deliciousness)! They also validate parking for two hours."

Mayfield

★★★★☆ 4.2 (595) • $$

"Mayfield is really pretty inside and way bigger than it looks! There is a downstairs, upstairs and giant outside area with a bar.The staff is very welcoming. There is a cute shop area with local home goods and drinks.They have plenty of delicious plant based food, as well as meat so you can bring the whole family / friend group. Our group tried a variety of items from salad to avocado toast to grain bowls. I also ordered a matcha which was actually delicious. You can even come in and order coffee or matcha at the coffee bar.I highly recommend"

The Goldfinch

★★★★☆ 4.2 (576) • $$$

"I'm not typically a fancy food type of guy, so places like this are usually off my radar. But my friend wanted to surprise me with a dinner place, so there I was!PARKING:There's a parking structure where you can park - be sure to validate! It was free for us, but I'm seeing other reviewers say they still had to pay so I guess it only covers a portion of it. But for a quick dinner, we made it out in time.WHAT I ORDERED:Brussels sproutsKnife & fork burgerPicanhaTHE FOOD: Brussels are a MUST! From the first bite, we knew this was going to be a good dining experience. The glaze and bacon made it so addicting. Though I do have to say the brussels here are a little bit more well done than some other places, so if you don't like crispy and some burnt parts, it might be a pass. The knife and fork burger was delicious - the toppings made the burger so luxurious, and the onions were very unique. The picanha was nice and tender, and I can totally see myself ordering that again. Fries were pretty standard, nothing unique, but solid.SERVICE:Our server was SUPER attentive and friendly, and food came out quick. He was more than willing to help us choose what to order - perfect for us undecisive folks.VIBES:Definitely fancy and I would dress up at least a little, but it was still comfy enough for me to walk in with my Crocs on. I can imagine coming back here for a birthday dinner or a date night for sure.BOTTOM LINE:Honestly, I wouldn't say this place blew my mind, but pretty solid dinner spot!"

The Stand - American Classics Redefined

★★★★☆ 4.4 (478) • $$

"Excellent food. Super clean and the type of place that I would like to just hang out during ANY occasion. Service was excellent and there are awesome places to just walk around nearby. I would highly recommend."

Tender Greens

★★★★☆ 3.5 (702) • $$

"I must be really late to the party because I finally made a visit to Tender Greens for a late lunch after a watching a movie with the family. From a quick glance of the menu, I was having a hard time to decide what I want because everything just look so healthy and good! I decided to try to salmon bowl. YUM! Fresh cooked salmon was delicious. The rice and salad and corn all mixed together, with a touch of lime, was delicious. :)Parking can be a pain since it's at the UTC area.Customer service - luckily it wasn't too crowded so the service was good and fast with our food orders.It's clean inside and seatings are spaced out.I'll definitely come back and try other dishes on the menu."

Westend

★★★★☆ 4.2 (448) • $$

"We had a private event here tonight for a 30th birthday and it was such a blast! First and foremost, Kayleigh and Dax gave us top notch customer service. Went above and beyond to make my husband's 30th memorable and personable. The food was yummy and the drinks were strong. Can't ask for much more! The bartender was super sweet and kept things moving a great pace! We will have more future events here!"

The Stand - American Classics Redefined

★★★★★ 4.6 (372) • $$

"Pros-Nice locationDid a fundraiser with our school!CleanCooked to order- they ask what temperature you want your burger!Ahi tuna salad was so good!!Minus a star for-They forgot the avocado on my saladI think they charged an extra dollar for ranch and didn't warn me about that (it was for my son's kid's meal that was charged more than my other son's meal)Food takes a while to come out but they were pretty busy.I will definitely come back and will just expect to wait and will check if my order is correct! Thanks for fundraising!!!"

Dad’s sandwiches

★★★★★ 4.6 (343) • $

"I was in the area and forgot to get lunch before I left work. I wanted something different that I usually don't consume on a regular basis and now have to say, Dad's soup and sandwiches will be added into my rotation of eats. Today's soup was pea soup and wow!! Anderson's has got NOTHING on this pea soup. (Solvang's famous split pea soup) It was so flavorful and my real regret today was getting a cup and not the larger sized bowl. I also got Dad's Special as well as some chips. This was so good and consumed very quickly. Not much ambience or decorations going around, however being that it's very small, it's also very well organized and clean. Dad's handwriting is also very legible."

Nico's

★★★★☆ 4.3 (378) • $$$

"Fun Vibes, Excellent Service & Stunning Presentation! Nico's is the perfect mix of fun, energy, and top-tier service! From the moment you walk in, the upbeat ambience sets the tone--great music, stylish decor, and just the right amount of buzz. Whether you're grabbing drinks with friends or hosting a private dinner, this place nails the vibe.The service? Impeccable. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The drinks? Crafted to perfection. And the presentation? Absolutely stunning. Every dish that hits the table is beautifully presented.If you're looking for a spot with great energy, amazing service, and Insta-worthy presentation, this is it. Can't wait to come back!"

Black Market Meal Prep

★★★★★ 4.7 (314) • $$

"This place is a gold mine ALL ORGANIC produce. My favorite meal prep restaurant. You can order hot or cold meals and it doesn't need to be meal preps. They have burgers, bowls salads you name it! I love how many variations you can make with all of the ingredients they have. Love how vegan friendly they are. Perfect for tracking macros and reaching your body goals. The sauces are delicious. Rewards program is really cool too. It's like a candy shop for people who want to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Only thing I'm sad about is the extensive plastic use/waste. I asked if I can bring my own Tupperware's they said no because of food inspection which I understand. Hey I tried lol. I really don't like using and discarding all this plastic. Not a deal breaker--but something to improve for the environment."

Off The Hook

★★★★☆ 4.2 (371) • $$

"Most expensive and most delicious Halibut Fish and Chips I've had in a long time. It normally comes with cod but you can upcharge to halibut. It is so tender and flavorful!The place is a fancy bar attached to the Original Fish Company. I believe it shares the same kitchen."

Project Social

★★★★☆ 3.8 (443) • $$

"Burger Heaven - I feel so Stoopid...because I wanted to go here for such a LONG time, however, I had an assignment out of town.Finally home, fatigued and literally out of gas, I succumbed to delivery of a cheeseburger. I want to know their secret? How in the heck...Do you have one of the BEST cheeseburgers delivered to your door ?I ordered Brussels sprouts delicious, (cauliflower -take a pass), AND the wings...FLOCK'n A+mazing!!!Tots crispy cooked - Dee-Lucious! This place is so reasonably priced, for $35 bucks delivered ~ I am watching the Saints vs Chiefs game sharing my wings with friends tonight!FANTASTIC PROTECT THIS BUSINESS AT ANY COST!"

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

★★★★☆ 4 (397) • $$

"This is probably the best value and best quality food in the Star Wars area at Disneyland. Both the Endorian Fried Chicken & Tip-Yip, and the Felucian Kefta Garden Spread were really good! I couldn't tell those meatballs were vegan. The Batuuan Beef Pot Roast and Fried Chicken Baos were really good too! The Black Cald Cold Brew - It's just water-downed ice coffee with Cocoa-Puffs: not worth the money. The interior is cool and makes you feel like you're part of the Star Wars theme. TIP: Know the menu prior to coming so you're prepared on what to order. If you don't know what exactly to order, you might feel pressured because people behind you have been waiting long. When you arrive, have someone save a table while you wait in line."

Bushfire Kitchen - Mission Viejo

★★★★★ 4.5 (302) • $$

"New restaurant in the same shopping center as Target off Alicia Pkwy. This place gives me Urban Plates vibes but the food is way way better! Same concept, get in line, order your food & pay, then find an open table, they bring the food to you. Came in on their first week & it was busy. Took us a while to find a table but it was worth it. Build your own bowl - thai curry, white rice, veggies (great flavors). Tuscan chicken sandwich (with pesto & sweet potato fries), Chimichurrio tritip plate with mac & cheese, brussels sprouts (delish!). They recommended to try the empanadas which was also good. Tons of healthy side dish options. All are made very well & flavorful. Beer, wine, cocktails. We really enjoyed our meal here."