Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Irvine

Chinese fish

A shared meal centered around fresh fish brings a sense of balance to the table.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
User
User
User
Updated
01
Super Yummy 远山少年 image 1
Super Yummy 远山少年 image 2
Super Yummy 远山少年 image 3
View all

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.

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.

Grilled fish here stands out for its tender inside and slightly crispy exterior. The fish hot pot offers a perfectly seasoned spicy sauce that makes the dish flavorful and fresh.

People are saying

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

"The grilled fish is fresh, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

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.

02
Master Hu (湖一南) image 1
Master Hu (湖一南) image 2
Master Hu (湖一南) image 3
View all

Hunan restaurant offers authentic spicy cuisine with beautiful decor and a fast-food style atmosphere where diners serve themselves water and find chopsticks and napkins in table drawers. The place attracts those who appreciate genuine Hunan flavors despite smaller portions and higher prices.

Spicy dishes showcase authentic Hunan flavors with rich ingredients. The menu offers genuine Hunan cuisine that stays true to traditional tastes and is affordable.

Steamed fish arrives fresh and tender, cooked right in front of you. The chopped pepper fish head stands out with its spicy, flavorful taste and no fishy smell.

People are saying

"I found the Hunan Chinese food here to be really authentic."

"The chopped pepper fish head was tender, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices with dishes averaging around $20 and small portion sizes.

2

Rice must be ordered as a separate dish, costing $3.50 for a small amount.

3

The restaurant gets busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

03
Fast Hotpot image 1
Fast Hotpot image 2
Fast Hotpot image 3
View all

Hot pot restaurant with classic taste and varied soup bases including spicy and tomato options. Offers Chinese BBQ alongside a wide variety of ingredients like noodles, vegetables, fish, tofu, and meats. Open late, it attracts diners looking for authentic flavors and affordable meals.

Spicy hot pot tastes great here. The menu now includes Chinese BBQ alongside the hot pot options.

Selection includes fish balls, fish cakes, and imitation crab sticks alongside tofu and vegetables. Fish balls have a notable chewy texture that stands out.

People are saying

"The hot pot here is fantastic, with great soup and lots of options."

"I loved the chewiness of the fish balls and tofu."

Good to know

1

Fast Hotpot is open until 2am, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

A decent portion costs between $15-20, making it affordable.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of soup bases, including spicy and tomato.

04
MooMoo Hot Pot image 1
MooMoo Hot Pot image 2
MooMoo Hot Pot image 3
View all

Spacious hot pot restaurant with one-person-one-pot design and black-and-gold decor blending modern elegance and traditional Chinese elements. Atmosphere feels cozy and clean, suitable for small gatherings or dates with private rooms available. Self-service bar offers a wide variety of fresh ingredients and sauces, enhancing the all-you-can-eat experience.

Offers a vast selection of fresh ingredients for hot pot, including tender meats and crisp vegetables. Features flavorful Sichuan dishes like spicy beef slices and Mao Xue Wang. Provides an all-you-can-eat hotpot buffet with customizable broths and options for both adults and kids.

Self-serve seafood includes squid, scallops, octopus, fish, and tripe. The golden chicken soup with fish maw stands out as especially delicious.

People are saying

"The Wagyu beef hot pot here is insanely good and tender."

"The salted egg yolk seafood dish was insanely good."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM for $28.99.

2

The all-you-can-eat hotpot menu offers an impressive variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and organization.

05
Kuan Zhai Alley image 1
Kuan Zhai Alley image 2
Kuan Zhai Alley image 3
View all

Modern design combines with authentic Sichuan vibe to create a clean, well-lit space. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and relaxing to noisy and lively, with an easy, chill energy. Small, crowded layout features careful attention to detail in furnishings and decor.

Authentic Sichuan flavors shine through with dishes like Boiled Duck Blood and Double Fried Pork Intestine that stay true to tradition. The menu includes a secret selection of spicy specialties and the dry chili chicken hits late-night cravings perfectly.

Fresh fish dishes stand out with tender texture and well-balanced flavors. Sour pickled fish and scallion fish offer authentic, flavorful experiences with generous portions.

People are saying

"I found the Sichuan Chinese food here to be very authentic."

"You'll find the fish flavors rich, bold, and true to Sichuan."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant does not use MSG in any of its dishes.

06
Noodle Nest 和悦 (formerly Dun Huang) image 1
Noodle Nest 和悦 (formerly Dun Huang) image 2
Noodle Nest 和悦 (formerly Dun Huang) image 3
View all

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.

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.

Grilled fish stands out with its flavorful spice and boneless preparation, making it easy to eat and satisfying. The Dunhuang grilled fish comes with a generous amount of accompaniments and offers good value.

People are saying

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

"The grilled fish here is awesome and affordable."

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.

07
Tasty Garden image 1
Tasty Garden image 2
Tasty Garden image 3
View all

Spacious dining area features modern decor, a huge fish tank, and a robot server that adds a unique touch. Atmosphere stays family-friendly and chill, with noise levels rising when large groups arrive. Seating includes comfortable booths and an open entrance with a bar, creating a relaxed vibe.

Black bean beef chow fun and honey walnut shrimp stand out with authentic flavors. Cantonese-style dishes mix with Sichuan favorites like Mapo tofu and Kung Pao shrimp. Honey garlic sesame chicken wings add a sweet and savory touch.

Fish dishes stand out with crispy outside and tender inside textures, especially the salt and pepper fish fillets. Sweet and sour fish offers a crispy texture even under sauce, while options like fish fillet with black bean sauce and fried fish with spicy sauce add variety.

People are saying

"I found this place to be a great spot for authentic Cantonese food."

"The fish here is so tender and crispy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only offers takeout service.

2

Reservations aren't accepted at this restaurant.

3

The restaurant adds a 20% service charge automatically to your check.

08
Chef Chuan image 1
Chef Chuan image 2
Chef Chuan image 3
View all

Large, clean space with few people creates a quiet atmosphere. Strong, authentic Sichuan flavors cater to fans of spicy and offal dishes, often paired with rice. Language barriers and simple service reflect a straightforward, authentic Chinese dining experience.

Authentic Sichuan cuisine shines with dishes like grilled fish, mapo tofu, and twice cooked pork belly. Fans of offal dishes and bold flavors find options like beef in sour soup and wild pepper beef.

Spicy fish dishes stand out here, especially the spicy boiled fish and pickled fish soup. Grilled fish appears alongside other hearty options, though some fish dishes can be a bit salty.

People are saying

"I found the Sichuan Chinese food here to be very authentic."

"The spicy boiled fish is a must-try dish."

Good to know

1

The average meal cost is around $34 per person.

2

Rice bowls are available for a quick lunch option.

3

Expect a language barrier; speaking Chinese may enhance your experience.

Discover more

Irvine, California

Area guide