10 Best Restaurants in Irvine, California

Irvine, California, a vibrant hub of innovation and culture, is also a burgeoning paradise for food lovers. From sophisticated fine dining to innovative fusion and casual gourmet, the city’s culinary landscape offers an impressive array of choices. But with so many options, how do you discover the truly exceptional?

We’ve scoured the city, sampled the finest dishes, and compiled 10 Best Restaurants in Irvine, California, each offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a local epicurean or a visitor seeking the best, prepare to embark on a delectable journey.

The 10 Best Restaurants in Irvine, California – Fine Dining & Unforgettable Experiences

The Top-Tier Restaurants in Irvine – Fine Dining & Unforgettable Experiences

1. Bistango: The Visionary Legacy of John Ghoukassian

For over 35 years, Bistango has been more than a restaurant; it is a cultural institution. Founded in 1987 by the legendary restaurateur John Ghoukassian, Bistango was born from his unique philosophy of “Dining as Art” a seamless fusion of gourmet cuisine, museum-quality fine art, and live entertainment. Today, his children, Marc and Karyn Ghoukassian, continue this legacy of excellence.

What Makes it Special:

Artful New American Cuisine: Executive Chef Alfonso Ramirez crafts a menu that is both innovative and classic. Signature dishes like the pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass, perfectly grilled steaks, and the famous Lobster Bisque are culinary masterpieces.
Award-Winning Wine List: With a Wine Spectator award-winning selection featuring fewer than 100 carefully curated varietals, Bistango offers an unparalleled wine experience guided by expert sommeliers.
A Gallery for the Senses: Beyond the plate, Bistango is a living art gallery featuring rotating modern art exhibits curated by the Ghoukassian family.
Live Entertainment: Nightly live music, often featuring jazz and contemporary artists, transforms the dining room into an elegant lounge.
The Patio Experience: Their beautiful outdoor patio offers a chic, European-inspired al fresco dining experience with lush foliage and oversized umbrellas.
Legacy of Excellence: Family-owned and operated for over 35 years, Bistango’s commitment to quality has earned it a reputation as Irvine’s premier dining destination.

Perfect For: Special occasions, romantic dinners, impressing clients, art lovers, wine connoisseurs, or anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience.

Location: 19100 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612

2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is an excellent replacement if you are looking for a high-end steakhouse located directly in Irvine. It is situated in the Park Place center, making it a very convenient choice for dining within the city’s business district.

Signature Sizzling Steaks: They are famous for serving their USDA Prime steaks on 500-degree sizzling plates with a touch of butter, ensuring your meal stays hot until the last bite.
Classic Upscale Vibe: The restaurant features a traditional, sophisticated atmosphere with dark wood and warm lighting, ideal for both professional meetings and special occasions.
Diverse Menu Options: Beyond beef, the menu includes popular items like the chilled seafood tower, lobster mac & cheese, and their signature creamed spinach.
Happy Hour: They offer a “Sizzle, Swizzle, Swirl” happy hour at the bar, featuring a selection of handcrafted cocktails and discounted appetizers

Perfect For: Special occasions, romantic dinners, impressing clients, milestone birthdays, steak purists, or anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience.

Location: 2961 Michelson Dr Suite A, Building 10, Irvine, CA 92612

3. Houston’s Restaurant (American, Steakhouses)

A beloved classic, Houston’s is renowned for its consistent quality, sophisticated American menu, and exceptional service. Known for their prime steaks, fresh seafood, and famous French dip sandwich, it’s a go-to for a reliably excellent meal in an upscale yet comfortable environment.

Cuisine: American, Steakhouses
Highlights: Consistent quality, excellent service, classic menu items.
Location: 2991 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

4. O Fine Japanese Cuisine (Japanese, Sushi)

O Fine Japanese Cuisine is a haven for sushi aficionados and lovers of contemporary Japanese fare. Beyond fresh, high-quality sushi and sashimi, they offer innovative small plates, grilled items, and a sophisticated dining experience. The elegant decor and meticulous presentation elevate every dish.

Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi Highlights: High-quality sushi, elegant ambiance, innovative dishes.

Location: 6731 Quail Hill Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92603

Mid-Range Marvels: Modern, International & Ambiance

5. Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails

Andrei’s stands out for its commitment to sustainability and healthy, flavorful dishes. With a focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients, this upscale eatery offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu in a sleek, modern setting. Their philanthropic mission, donating 100% of profits to cure blindness, adds another layer of appeal.

Cuisine: Mediterranean, New American, Sustainable
Highlights: Thoughtful menu, stylish ambiance, humanitarian mission.

Location: 2607 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614

6. Cucina Enoteca (Italian, Wine Bar)

Cucina Enoteca offers a rustic-chic Italian dining experience with a focus on seasonal, Californian-inspired Italian dishes. Their menu features house-made pastas, pizzas, and hearty entrees, complemented by an extensive wine shop integrated into the restaurant, allowing guests to purchase bottles to enjoy with their meal or take home.

Cuisine: Italian, Wine Bar
Highlights: Rustic-chic ambiance, extensive wine selection, market-driven Italian cuisine.

Location: 532 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

7. Chaak Kitchen (Mexican (Yucatán)

Transport yourself to the Yucatán Peninsula at Chaak Kitchen, where Chef Gabbi Patrick creates authentic and elevated Mayan cuisine. From cochinita pibil to unique ceviches, the menu is a flavorful exploration of Southern Mexican traditions, served in a chic, inviting setting.

Cuisine: Mexican (Yucatán)
Highlights: Authentic Mayan flavors, unique dishes, vibrant atmosphere.

Location: 215 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780 (Located in nearby Tustin)

8. North Italia (Italian)

Bringing the vibrant flavors of Italy to Irvine, North Italia offers handcrafted pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian entrees made from scratch daily. The lively atmosphere, open kitchen, and commitment to fresh ingredients make it a popular spot for both casual lunches and energetic dinners.

Cuisine: Italian
Highlights: Fresh pasta made daily, vibrant atmosphere, delicious pizzas.

Location: 2957 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

9. Puesto (Mexican, Tacos)

Puesto brings a modern, gourmet take on Mexican street food to Irvine. Famous for their handmade tortillas and creative taco fillings – from filet mignon to lobster, it’s a lively spot with a full bar offering an impressive selection of tequilas and mezcals.

Cuisine: Mexican, Tacos
Highlights: Gourmet tacos, handmade tortillas, lively atmosphere, craft cocktails.

Location:
8577 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618 (Los Olivos location)
3311 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 (Park Place location)

10. Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana (Italian, Pizzeria)

Craving authentic Neapolitan pizza? Angelina’s delivers. With ingredients imported directly from Italy and pizzas cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, this spot offers a true taste of Naples. Beyond pizza, they serve classic Italian pasta dishes and appetizers in a charming, rustic setting.

Cuisine: Italian, Pizzeria
Highlights: Authentic Neapolitan pizza, imported ingredients, wood-fired oven.

Location: 8573 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

10. Urban Plates (American, Healthy, Farm-to-Table)

For a more casual yet equally delicious experience, Urban Plates offers wholesome, made-from-scratch meals with a focus on organic and ethically sourced ingredients. Their cafeteria-style service allows for quick, healthy, and flavorful choices, from hearty plates to gourmet salads and sandwiches.

Cuisine: American, Healthy, Farm-to-Table Highlights: Healthy options, fresh ingredients, quick service, value.

Location:
3972 Barranca Pkwy N, Irvine, CA 92606
13380 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602

Comparison Table: 10 Best Restaurants in Irvine, California

Rank	Restaurant	Cuisine Style	Why It Ranks High (Snippet-Ready)
1	Bistango	New American/Fine Dining	Unmatched excellence in cuisine, a Wine Spectator-awarded list of under 100 wines, and nightly live music, setting the gold standard for Irvine’s dining scene.
2	Ruth’s Chris	Upscale Steakhouse	Famous sizzling 500° plates and high-end hospitality.
3	Houston’s	Upscale American/Steakhouse	Exceptional consistency, classic menu items, and top-tier service.
4	O Fine Japanese	Japanese/Sushi	High-quality sushi, precise presentation, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
5	Andrei’s	Mediterranean/Sustainable	Known for healthy, farm-to-table focus and a strong philanthropic mission.
6	Cucina Enoteca	Italian/Wine Bar	Rustic-chic ambiance with a full retail wine shop and seasonal cuisine.
7	Chaak Kitchen	Elevated Mayan/Yucatán	Authentic, chef-driven exploration of Southern Mexican traditions.
8	North Italia	Handcrafted Italian	Scratch-made pasta and pizzas in a lively, modern setting.
9	Puesto	Gourmet Tacos/Mexican	Known for handmade tortillas and creative, upscale taco fillings.
10	Angelina’s	Neapolitan Pizzeria	Authentic, wood-fired pizzas using imported Italian ingredients.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits in Irvine

Irvine’s dining landscape is defined by exceptional quality and variety, but Bistango stands out as the ultimate destination, offering an unparalleled fine dining experience that uniquely blends Wine Spectator award-winning cuisine, a vibrant art gallery, and nightly live entertainment, solidifying its position as the city’s premier choice for special occasions and sophisticated evenings. While other entries like Andrei’s (sustainable) and Houston’s (classic American) offer excellent alternatives, Bistango provides the most comprehensive and authoritative luxury culinary experience in Irvine.

We invite you to explore this list and discover your new favorite restaurant. Whether it’s the artistic elegance of Bistango or the authentic flavors of a hidden gem, Irvine promises a memorable meal every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best restaurants in Irvine for a romantic, CA?

Bistango is widely regarded as the most romantic restaurant in Irvine, primarily because of its intimate, art-filled dining rooms, high-end fine dining service, and nightly live jazz music that creates an ideal atmosphere for couples.

Which Irvine restaurants are best for large business gatherings or private dining?

For large business gatherings, Bistango, Houston’s, and Andrei’s are top choices. Bistango and Houston’s offer sophisticated ambiance, while Bistango, in particular, has dedicated Private Dining spaces and renowned group menus for corporate events.

Is there a good restaurant in Irvine for foodies who value sustainability?

Yes, Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails is the leading sustainable restaurant in Irvine, committed to using organic, locally sourced ingredients and operating with a zero-profit charitable model.

What type of cuisine is Irvine most famous for?

Irvine is most famous for its diverse, high-quality New American and Asian Fusion cuisines, with fine dining establishments like Bistango setting the standard for New American excellence, alongside numerous acclaimed Japanese and modern Italian spots.