Good restaurants in the General Irvine Area
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momopi_IHB
New member
Irvine Commuter:
To best of my knowledge the one that closed is in Hacienda Heights, by Ranch 99. The one in MP is still open. You can call them to confirm:
Little Fat Sheep
<address> 120 S Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754 </address>
(626) 282-1089
Irvine has "Taiwanese Fast Food" and it's acceptable for a quick/cheap meal. I used to work in MP in 1990s and we went to a different restaurant daily. I'm curious to see what will open at the new Diamond Plaza on Jamboree & Alton.
To best of my knowledge the one that closed is in Hacienda Heights, by Ranch 99. The one in MP is still open. You can call them to confirm:
Little Fat Sheep
<address> 120 S Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754 </address>
(626) 282-1089
Irvine has "Taiwanese Fast Food" and it's acceptable for a quick/cheap meal. I used to work in MP in 1990s and we went to a different restaurant daily. I'm curious to see what will open at the new Diamond Plaza on Jamboree & Alton.
Bubblegum_IHB
New member
Ah Brodard, love their shrimp paste spring rolls. Just had some last week, prices went up a little $7 a plate (4 rolls). I hate describing how to get there (not the fancy one) as it's behind the vietnamese mall and right next the 99cent store's REAR parking lot. They also have a sister restaurant in Corona Del Mar off PCH. I forget it's name, but my buddy knows the owner. We had some tuna? spring rolls, yum!
Take Pelle's recommendation for Honda-Ya. It's an izakaya style restaurant (Japanese version of tapas) and yakitori (japanese grill) and try and order as many little dishes / appetizers.
Take Pelle's recommendation for Honda-Ya. It's an izakaya style restaurant (Japanese version of tapas) and yakitori (japanese grill) and try and order as many little dishes / appetizers.
BethN_IHB
New member
<p>Matsu in Huntington Beach. Marvelous sushi. They also have a teppan room and formal dining room. Prices are decent . The female servers wear kimonos, and soft Taiko music is very sensual. When I was single, I would always go there on a first date. The dining room is dark and romantic.</p>
<p>Restaurant Koi in Sunset Beach also has great sushi. I guess I'm a sushi snob, as I would rather have less of the best quality than more of not-so-fresh. </p>
<p>Restaurant Koi in Sunset Beach also has great sushi. I guess I'm a sushi snob, as I would rather have less of the best quality than more of not-so-fresh. </p>
kcmkane_IHB
New member
<p>LM --- glad to see I'm not the only one hooked on Pho Bac. I'm in there at least once a week. For those with kids, the $3.95 kids meal is a great deal. If you are a guy looking for a cheap day, go to Pho Bac for a $6 lunch, and then stroll down to SuperCuts and get yourself a $14 haircut. Under $25 including tips to eat and groom yourself. Who says Irvine is expensive?</p>
<p>By the way, if you go to SuperCuts ask for Phi-Phi --- she is the best!</p>
<p>By the way, if you go to SuperCuts ask for Phi-Phi --- she is the best!</p>
anteaterscientist_IHB
New member
<p>At Pho Bac, show your student ID and get 10% off... gotta make use of the ID card. </p>
<p>Sometimes I get the combo platter and split with a friend. </p>
<p>Sometimes I get the combo platter and split with a friend. </p>
momopi_IHB
New member
Shall we move this thread to the "lifestyles" section?
momopi_IHB
New member
While technically not a restaurant in OC... airplanes that takes off from John Wayne airport, which serves meals, might qualify.
http://www.airlinemeals.net/indexMeals.html
http://www.airlinemeals.net/indexMeals.html
irvine123_IHB
New member
I am looking for a good sushi place around Irvine only. I didn't really care for Taiko, or that place near Northwood next to the Albertons / Fatburger.
bltserv_IHB
New member
<p><a href="http://elmomonster.blogspot.com/2006/07/mitsui-irvine.html">http://elmomonster.blogspot.com/2006/07/mitsui-irvine.html</a></p>
<p>This place is in the Quail Hill /Albertsons center off Shady/Sand. I have tried it a couple of times. Will give it a strong "B". Its better than the one in the Spectrum. Yes Taiko is a pain with the crowd. My other favorite is in Laguna Hills. Kotobuki. A little pricey and the chef "Hiro" can get a little wasted. But let him make what he suggests. Its behind the Trader Joes next to the Laguna Hills Mall. Kampai and enjoy ! </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This place is in the Quail Hill /Albertsons center off Shady/Sand. I have tried it a couple of times. Will give it a strong "B". Its better than the one in the Spectrum. Yes Taiko is a pain with the crowd. My other favorite is in Laguna Hills. Kotobuki. A little pricey and the chef "Hiro" can get a little wasted. But let him make what he suggests. Its behind the Trader Joes next to the Laguna Hills Mall. Kampai and enjoy ! </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
irvine123_IHB
New member
I have been to Kotobuki couple times, excellent...but they are way too pricey...
Bubblegum_IHB
New member
Not Irvine, but pretty close in Costa Mesa there's Sushi Shibucho, near Triangle Square. Small hole in the wall, but very good sushi. My parents know the owners who also used to have a restaurant in Little Tokyo. Also in Costa Mesa is Ango-Tei in front of Mitsuwa. For Irvine, there's also Maki Zushi across the street from Villages of Columbus Square (Edinger and Redhill). Business seems a bit slow there, but the sushi was actually quite good, reminded me a bit like Sushi-gen in Los Angeles, they don't overdo the rice with the sushi. Large pieces of sushi with a tiny-bite size piece of rice, the way it should be.
Allright,
My wife and I love the Bamboo Bistro in CdM. This is the one that is part of the Brodard's outfit.
El Cholo is an indulgence. It is the original "Mexican" place in So. Cal. (the original was on Western, it moved across the street many years ago. 'SC alums think they own the places (little do they know that that motivated kid serving them their food is putting themselves through a state school, and is their future boss
. This combo plate Mexican. The Alcapulco chain was inspired by El Cholo.
OK, let's talk legit Mexican - Martin's (pronounced Marteens, for you gabachos) in Baldwin Park for ceviche tostadas, Siete Mares (mult. locations in San Gabriel Valley) for fish tacos. King Taco (mult. locations) is good as well. Late at night, if you are in Pasadena, La Estrella Tacos. If you want to drive: La Super Rica (like they say, if you have to ask..) - same neighborhood, the carniceria at the back of the Villareal had the best Carnitas.
Breakfast: the Penguin in Laguna Beach, and RJ's in Dana Point.
In terms of steaks, OC has a number of good places (you can't throw a rock without hitting one.) Mastro's Ocean Club in particular really puts on a show. But if you really want a GREAT steak, you have to drive a bit to the holy trinity: Jocko's, the FarWestern, and the Hitching Post (Casmalia location, please), are all within about a twenty mile radius, and they put the high end places to shame! Heck, if you go on a Saturday night you might even see a couple of cowboys get thrown out of Jocko's bar after starting a fight!
Churrasca: The original Greenfields in Covina (yes, the food is better there than the other locations)
Any Asian on Valley Blvd. Yu Jean Kangs - Pasadena.
Best place for a rainy day and to watch futball on TV: Lucky Baldwins (Sierra Madre and Pasadena). Great selection of beer, on of the original purveyors of Belgian beers. Go to the Pasadena location on a rainy day, and you'll swear you are in a pub in England (and not a chintzy, Tudor overdone Disneyland pub. I mean a real one - like to ones I went to in Guilford and London!!)
Best Pie/Cobbler - Cobbler Factory (Pasadena). Best Ice Cream: I know some people really like a place called Bob's(?) which I guess is run by a professor from Cal Poly, but I am partial tothe strawberry ice cream from Fosselman's.
Also, during the summer, on Friday nights, the Rusty Pelican has live soft music in their bar. They have tables in the bar, so you can eat there, listen to the music, and watch the sun set over the harbor.
Of course there are some So. Cal standards (not too many in the OC, though): Felipe's on Spring St. (the ORIGINAL French Dip); Canter's after the show for Mahtzo Ball Soup and Latkes; Du-Pars for breakfast; Roscoes for fried chicken and waffles (yes, they really DO go well together); the Tommy's on Rampart at 2:00 in the morning for a chili burger standing up - with a cop standing on one side of you, and a legit OG gangbanger standing on the other; Pinks; I haven't even touched on the Pantry, the PDC, Musso and Franks, the Smokehouse, the Pig and Whistle, Apple Pan and others.
The thing about So. Cal is that in the high end area, it is a good food "town", but at the blue collar level, it is a GREAT food "town".
Best value: Costco - Hot Dog and a coke - $1.57.
My wife and I love the Bamboo Bistro in CdM. This is the one that is part of the Brodard's outfit.
El Cholo is an indulgence. It is the original "Mexican" place in So. Cal. (the original was on Western, it moved across the street many years ago. 'SC alums think they own the places (little do they know that that motivated kid serving them their food is putting themselves through a state school, and is their future boss
. This combo plate Mexican. The Alcapulco chain was inspired by El Cholo.OK, let's talk legit Mexican - Martin's (pronounced Marteens, for you gabachos) in Baldwin Park for ceviche tostadas, Siete Mares (mult. locations in San Gabriel Valley) for fish tacos. King Taco (mult. locations) is good as well. Late at night, if you are in Pasadena, La Estrella Tacos. If you want to drive: La Super Rica (like they say, if you have to ask..) - same neighborhood, the carniceria at the back of the Villareal had the best Carnitas.
Breakfast: the Penguin in Laguna Beach, and RJ's in Dana Point.
In terms of steaks, OC has a number of good places (you can't throw a rock without hitting one.) Mastro's Ocean Club in particular really puts on a show. But if you really want a GREAT steak, you have to drive a bit to the holy trinity: Jocko's, the FarWestern, and the Hitching Post (Casmalia location, please), are all within about a twenty mile radius, and they put the high end places to shame! Heck, if you go on a Saturday night you might even see a couple of cowboys get thrown out of Jocko's bar after starting a fight!
Churrasca: The original Greenfields in Covina (yes, the food is better there than the other locations)
Any Asian on Valley Blvd. Yu Jean Kangs - Pasadena.
Best place for a rainy day and to watch futball on TV: Lucky Baldwins (Sierra Madre and Pasadena). Great selection of beer, on of the original purveyors of Belgian beers. Go to the Pasadena location on a rainy day, and you'll swear you are in a pub in England (and not a chintzy, Tudor overdone Disneyland pub. I mean a real one - like to ones I went to in Guilford and London!!)
Best Pie/Cobbler - Cobbler Factory (Pasadena). Best Ice Cream: I know some people really like a place called Bob's(?) which I guess is run by a professor from Cal Poly, but I am partial tothe strawberry ice cream from Fosselman's.
Also, during the summer, on Friday nights, the Rusty Pelican has live soft music in their bar. They have tables in the bar, so you can eat there, listen to the music, and watch the sun set over the harbor.
Of course there are some So. Cal standards (not too many in the OC, though): Felipe's on Spring St. (the ORIGINAL French Dip); Canter's after the show for Mahtzo Ball Soup and Latkes; Du-Pars for breakfast; Roscoes for fried chicken and waffles (yes, they really DO go well together); the Tommy's on Rampart at 2:00 in the morning for a chili burger standing up - with a cop standing on one side of you, and a legit OG gangbanger standing on the other; Pinks; I haven't even touched on the Pantry, the PDC, Musso and Franks, the Smokehouse, the Pig and Whistle, Apple Pan and others.
The thing about So. Cal is that in the high end area, it is a good food "town", but at the blue collar level, it is a GREAT food "town".
Best value: Costco - Hot Dog and a coke - $1.57.
IRVINITEEEE_IHB
New member
Miguel's in Foothill Ranch is a great mexican food place.
Greek Town Grill in eastside Costa Mesa is my favorite greek place.
Pacific Whey cafe near Newport Coast is very good.
Jerry's Deli near South Coast Plaza is really good.
Greek Town Grill in eastside Costa Mesa is my favorite greek place.
Pacific Whey cafe near Newport Coast is very good.
Jerry's Deli near South Coast Plaza is really good.
irvine123_IHB
New member
the burger place at woodbury towncenter will open at 5pm on Nov. 20th. I just saw the sign this afternoon. They were serving "family & friends" today as part of their staff training. They serve beer and wine there too.
EvaLSeraphim_IHB
New member
Did Fat Burger close down?
irvine123_IHB
New member
<p>The fatburger is located at the Alberston shopping center, not in the woodbury town center. They are still there. I like In-and-out better. Better burger at cheaper price! </p>
irvine123_IHB
New member
<p>By the way, I got a menu at the "the Counter". The burger price is ok, but they charge $2.50 for a soda. I have no problem paying $2.50 for a soda at Roys, but not at a place like that!</p>
Shay_IHB
New member
If you like Jerry's you should try
Arnies Manhattan Deli,
1660 Dove St
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 252-8646.
Less trendy, better food, IMHO. Great pickles (a must for me), homemade rye bread that melts in your mouth, properly rare roast beef and great pastrami. Their matzah ball soup is also delicious (and I've been told by those in the know it's very authentic.)
My favorite Restaurant in Orange County these days is
Iva Lee's in San Clemente.
555 North El Camino Real, Suite E
San Clemente, CA 92672
Tel (949) 361-2855
It's Southern/Creole with the right mix of California cuisine thrown in. It's a drive from Irvine, but always worth the trip. Great wines by the glass, their blue cheese au gratin potatoes are sinful, their peach martinis are perfectly balanced (made w/ their own infused peach vodka).The atmosphere is always great as it's owned by a husband and wife who have a passion for what they are doing. Also, if you like Blues, they have great musicians on the weekends.
Arnies Manhattan Deli,
1660 Dove St
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 252-8646.
Less trendy, better food, IMHO. Great pickles (a must for me), homemade rye bread that melts in your mouth, properly rare roast beef and great pastrami. Their matzah ball soup is also delicious (and I've been told by those in the know it's very authentic.)
My favorite Restaurant in Orange County these days is
Iva Lee's in San Clemente.
555 North El Camino Real, Suite E
San Clemente, CA 92672
Tel (949) 361-2855
It's Southern/Creole with the right mix of California cuisine thrown in. It's a drive from Irvine, but always worth the trip. Great wines by the glass, their blue cheese au gratin potatoes are sinful, their peach martinis are perfectly balanced (made w/ their own infused peach vodka).The atmosphere is always great as it's owned by a husband and wife who have a passion for what they are doing. Also, if you like Blues, they have great musicians on the weekends.