1. This Szechuan Here Is So Spicy Hot, You Might Start Sweating
Chong Qing Mei Wei Szechuan Restaurant
5406 Walnut Ave, Ste C
(949) 651-8886
Yelp: 4 stars, 292 reviews
The food here is known for its spice, so be warned. But if you love spicy food, this is the place for you. Try their Stir Fried Lamb with Cumin and be blown away with hot tasty goodness.
2. If Nirvana Had A Flavor, It Would Taste Like The Lunch Buffet At Vishnu
Vishnu
17945 Sky Park Cir, Ste J
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 752-0358
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 81 reviews
For only $7. Say what? The food is so delicious at their lunch buffet, it is hard to believe how they can afford to stay open offering such a great deal. Enjoy all-you-can-eat naan, dosa and rice along with the buffet.
My advice? Try everything. But make sure to get there at 11:30 or 1:00, or else this place is going to be swamped.
3. This Santa Fe “Chicken” Sandwich Will Fool The Most Discerning Carnivore
Veggie Grill
4213 Campus Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 509-0003
Yelp: 4 stars, 769 reviews
Not real chicken you say? No way.
Yes way. With crispy breaded tofu, lettuce, tomato and a generous helping of avocado, this is the closest a veggie will get to a chicken sandwich without eating the actual bird. Add some of their sweet potato fries, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
4. Shamelessly Slurp Up The Spicy Shrimp Puttanesca At CUCINA enoteca
CUCINA enoteca
31 Fortune Dr
(949) 861-2222
Yelp: 4 stars, 856 reviews
The trendy atmosphere, perfect portions and modern twist on authentic Italian cuisine make CUCINA enoteca the place to be.
For perfectly cooked pasta and just the right amount of spice, try the Spicy Shrimp Puttanesca Angel Hair and try the zingy Tequila Mule.
5. Chow Down On The Habanero Burger At Mick’s Karma Bar
Mick’s Karma Bar
2010 Main St
(949) 851-6316
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 1243 reviews
This Habanero Burger has got it all: four chile escalivada, garlic mayo, queso fresco, and lettuce and tomato. The garlic mayo is the glue that holds this masterpiece of a burger together. Make sure to snag some crispy golden Chunky Fries too.
6. Dig Into The Spicy Tuna Don At Fukada
Fukada
8683 Irvine Center Dr
(949) 341-0111
Yelp: 4 stars, 1469 reviews
This is truly one of Irvine’s hidden gems. Come here for the freshly made soba and udon, which other Japanese restaurants don’t usually serve. Order the Spicy Tuna Don over rice, a local favorite.
7. Don’t Worry About Double Dipping At Houston’s Restaurant
Houston’s Restaurant
2991 Michelson Dr
(949) 833-0977
Yelp: 4 stars, 872 reviews
Yeah, because the French Dip sandwich is so good you’ll want to order two. The roast beef is hot and juicy and the bread is toasty perfection. Everything here is good, but seriously, just order the French dip. It’s the best you’ll ever have.
8. Salt And Pepper Squid At Oriental Seafood Noodle House Will Knock Your Socks Off
Oriental Seafood Noodle House
14370 Culver Dr
(949) 654-8388
Yelp: 4 stars, 175 reviews
If you haven’t already been to Oriental Seafood Noodle House, prepare for it to become your new favorite hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant. The Salt and Pepper Squid is a must have–deep-fried crunchy goodness dipped in plum sauce. Who knew squid could taste this good?
9. The Galbi Tang At Tang 190 Is A Bowl Of Soupy Deliciousness
Tang 190
14121 Jeffrey Rd
(949) 651-1901
Yelp: 4 stars, 164 reviews
The Galbi Tang (Back Rib Soup) is ah-maz-ing. It’s a huge bowl of flavorful broth, meaty rib bones and noodles. Order extra noodles for $1 if you want this to be more of a noodle soup dish. Trust me, you’ll want to order five more bowls to take home.
10. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With One Of Bruxie’s Creme Brulee Waffles
Bruxie
14376 Culver Dr
(949) 556-4894
Yelp: 4 stars, 363 reviews
Bruxie specialized in gourmet waffle sandwiches–from sweet to savory, there’s something for everyone here. Try the Green Eggs and Ham Waffle or satisfy your craving for something sweet with the Creme Brulee Waffle–the waffle is is light and airy with a crunch it comes packed with strawberry, creme brulee custard and caramelized sugar. Delish.
11. You Can Never Go Wrong With Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon At Agora Churrascaria
Agora Churrascaria
1830 Main St
(949) 222-9910
Yelp: 4 stars, 906 reviews
I wish I could eat this Brazilian BBQ every day and lose weight. But alas, it’s not to be. It makes you wonder how the women in Brazil stay so fit.
12. Don’t Confuse Hot Pot With Hot Pocket
SWSH Shabu Shabu
2710 Alton Pkwy
(949) 474-0888
Yelp: 4 stars, 475 reviews
The angus beef rib eye with the sweet sukiyaki base is delectable, but if you want a little variety, you can always switch it out for a spicy miso or kombu base instead. Add in noodles and veggies and you have a good hearty meal.
13. Try The Tasty Kabobs At Panini Cafe
Panini Café
3041 Michelson Dr
(949) 260-9800
Yelp: 4 stars, 288 reviews
The Panini Cafe is the perfect blend of Italian and Mediterranean Cuisine. The Charbroiled Chicken Shish Kabob with the Romaine Avocado Salad and basmati rice makes for the perfect meal.
14. Get Asian Fusion Done Right At Urban Seoul
Urban Seoul
2750 Alton Pkwy
(949) 553-0188
Yelp: 4 stars, 403 reviews
Urban Seoul has some amazing dishes. They’re super tasty, beautiful and award-winning. The Gogi Beef Tacos are divine. Order them on Taco Tuesday for a sweet deal.
15. Garlic Noodles So Yummy You Don’t Care If You’re On A First Date
Thuan Kieu Noodle & Grill
3951 Irvine Blvd
(714) 389-4800
Yelp: 4 stars, 68 reviews
Anytime you step in here, you’ll be compelled to order the garlic noodles because they’re delicious. Don’t go here on a first date because you’ll get some serious garlic breath. Do go here if your date turns out to be Dracula.
