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Local picks in Irvine

Chinese dumplings

The steam rising from a basket of dumplings is the start of a proper meal.

Based on 542 Opinions
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01
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Bright, bustling Chinese restaurant with barcode ordering and generous portions creates a lively, noisy atmosphere. Crowds gather for authentic and Americanized dishes, including skewers and hot pot, making it popular for small groups and casual meals.

Soup dumplings stand out with their incredible juiciness and savory flavor. Shrimp and pork dumplings offer a melting texture that pairs well with other dishes like lamb skewers and noodle soups.

Mini hot pots stand out with big, flavorful broths like spicy beef and golden soup beef. Chinese BBQ and cold dishes add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The Chinese food skewers are smoky, juicy, and flavorful."

"The beef roll dumpling here is twice as big and less expensive."

Good to know

1

BBQ skewers are available after 5pm, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

The late-night menu is limited to skewers and hot pot options.

3

Prices average around $30 per person, offering good value for the area.

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Small, unassuming wok restaurant with a lively atmosphere and cozy, welcoming vibe. Offers authentic Chinese street food with a wide selection of rich, spicy dishes including grilled fish and mala tang. Popular spot for late-night dining, open until 3am.

Northern style dumplings offer authentic flavor with a rich soup inside. Dumplings in red oil come fresh with a perfect spicy kick.

Spicy hot pot stands out with its rich flavor and perfect spice balance. Dumplings come fresh and authentic, especially the northern style and those in red oil. Fish hot pot offers tender, flavorful meat that pairs well with rice.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the soup dumplings, is rich and authentic."

"The soup dumplings here are rich and authentic."

Good to know

1

Super Yummy 远山少年 is open until 3am, allowing for late-night snacks.

2

They charge $5.99 for 8 quail eggs.

3

Expect a variety of authentic Chinese dishes.

03
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Modern space offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with umbrellas. Atmosphere feels lively and casual, often busy with a welcoming vibe. Food preparation uses AI technology, serving budget-friendly mini bowls that let people try multiple flavors.

Soup dumplings, especially xiao long bao, stand out with rich broth inside delicate skins. Steamed pork buns and wontons also feature alongside spicy beef and kungpao dishes.

Mapo tofu stands out at $4 with strong flavor. The Hunan spicy beef delivers a notable kick. The chow mein ranks as exceptionally good, and orange chicken offers mostly chicken meat rather than breading.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the orange chicken, is a standout."

"The dumplings here are so affordably priced, you get great value."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during promotions like the free mini bowl offer.

2

Prices range from $3 to $7, making it affordable for most visitors.

3

Get there early to avoid long wait times, especially on busy days.

04
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Spacious Chinese restaurant with clean, modern decor and an open kitchen showcasing hand-pulled noodles. Bright and inviting atmosphere pairs with thoughtful amenities like iPad ordering and noodle-cutting scissors. Music adds to a casual, welcoming vibe suitable for relaxed meals.

Dumplings come fresh and juicy with handmade fillings like pork potstickers and four-flavored varieties. Juicy soupy dumplings and pork Xiaolong bao add variety and richness to the selection.

Hand pulled noodles stand out with their fresh texture and flavor. The menu features Szechuan style cuisine with dishes like mapo tofu and a hot and sour soup that balances spice and salt well. Cold appetizers with chili oil and generous servings of garlicky bok choy add variety and depth.

People are saying

"The hand-pulled noodles have a flavorful, chewy texture."

"The dumplings here are fresh, juicy, and clearly handmade."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is $21 and includes two cold appetizers and soup.

2

Cross-contamination risks exist for those with egg allergies.

3

Parking can be difficult in the area.

05
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Food hall setting offers shared seating with a modern, casual vibe and lively atmosphere. The spot features high-quality fried chicken and unique dishes like soup dumplings and lamb soup. It attracts diners looking for flavorful comfort food in a relaxed environment.

Grilled pork and pan-fried dumplings stand out with their crispy texture and full flavor. The dumplings taste authentic, closely matching those found in China, and the chef wraps them fresh in front of you.

Pan-fried dumplings stand out with rich, juicy filling and better flavor than steamed ones. The pork Xiao Long Bao tastes very authentic and fresh, matching those from China. Dumplings and chicken rolls come with a delicious dipping sauce shared freely by the owner.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is so crispy and juicy."

"I found the chicken sandwich to be the largest and juiciest."

Good to know

1

Free 90-minute parking is available near the food hall.

2

Expect a wait time of about 24 minutes during peak hours.

3

Prices for meals range from $8 to $9 for generous portions.

06
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Taiwanese restaurant with tight seating and crowded, noisy atmosphere where loud conversations fill the space. Interior features dark hardwood furniture and simple calligraphy decor, creating a cozy yet bustling vibe. Large tables accommodate groups, making it lively but not intimate.

Juicy, pan fried gyoza and huge fried dumplings stand out for their flavor and size. Steamed and soup dumplings also deliver solid taste alongside beef wraps and pickled peppers.

Hand-pulled noodles and pan fried gyoza dumplings stand out here. The beef noodle soup balances meat, bok choy, and tendons well, while the Xiao long bao and spicy wontons add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"This beef noodle soup is the best Chinese food I've ever had."

"I thought the beef noodle soup was great."

Good to know

1

Parking in the plaza is often crowded and difficult to find.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

You need to show up with your entire party to get a table.

07
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Dim sum restaurant features a modern, lush interior blending Hong Kong, Chinese, and Singapore influences with an Orange County vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic and comfortable, though it can be loud and rushed during busy times. Dim sum offerings are highly authentic and well-regarded for quality and taste.

Juicy dumplings and seasoned siu mai deliver authentic comfort. Pork and shrimp dumplings in chili oil, xiao long bao with deep rich broth, and baked BBQ pork buns with fragrant balance stand out.

Dim sum here features authentic Hong Kong style with a smaller menu focused on quality. Signature items include BBQ pork buns and turnip cake, both standing out for their unique taste and texture.

People are saying

"I loved the dim sum; it's the best I've had in the US."

"The dumplings here are juicy and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers reduced prices on most items.

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The restaurant doesn't get busy until around 6 PM on Saturdays.

3

Ordering via QR code speeds up the process.

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Modern Jiangnan style interior combines soft lighting with elegant design suited for groups and families. Atmosphere stays relaxed and unpretentious, with a photo-friendly setting. Menu blends traditional and innovative Chinese flavors served with attentive timing.

Soup dumplings feature thin wrappers filled with plenty of broth and are not greasy. Hand-made pork soup dumplings are popular enough to order twice.

Soup dumplings feature thin wrappers and plenty of soup without greasiness. Peking duck offers crispy skin and firm, flavorful meat. Cheese and Wagyu beef spring rolls add a modern twist to traditional dishes.

People are saying

"The Peking duck here has such crispy skin and flavorful meat."

"The soup dumplings here are delicious with thin wrappers and plenty of soup."

Good to know

1

Parking in front of the plaza can be difficult, but there is a large parking area behind the restaurant.

2

Expect a line during peak hours, but service is quick even when busy.

3

The tablet menu with pictures for every dish makes ordering easy.

09
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Clean minimalist decor contrasts with a maximalist menu featuring authentic Chinese dishes and fresh handmade dumplings. The atmosphere carries a mom and pop vibe with accessible seating for wheelchairs. Ordering happens via QR code at the table, creating a modern touch in a traditional setting.

Fresh dumplings come daily with traditional preparation. Pork and celery versions stand out, while XLB dumplings lean a bit doughy.

Fresh dumplings stand out, made daily in traditional ways. Spicy braised beef noodles, Kung Pao Chicken, and pork and celery dumplings add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"These dumplings are fresh and delicious."

"The Chinese food dumplings here are fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

An automatic 15% service fee is added for parties of five or more.

2

Ordering is done at the table through a QR code, with no physical menus provided.

3

Payment is made via a tablet system brought to the table.

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