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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Irvine

Modern Chinese food spots

You prefer your meal in a space that feels as current as the menu.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Nice to Meet You Skewer Hot Pot - Now AYCE image 1
Nice to Meet You Skewer Hot Pot - Now AYCE image 2
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Hot pot restaurant offers all-you-can-eat skewers with a self-serve fridge stocked with diverse meats and vegetables. Interior blends modern and traditional Chinese decor creating a warm, cozy atmosphere suitable for groups and casual dining. Sauce station and drink bar add customization and convenience to the lively dining experience.

Clean space blends traditional Chinese flare with a modern feel. The lively environment features a modern interior and attentive staff.

Offers all-you-can-eat hot pot with a spicy beef oil broth that balances authentic flavor without overpowering. Features fresh, customizable ingredients and reasonable prices for quality.

People are saying

"The soup bases here are rich, flavorful, and satisfying."

"The all-you-can-eat hot pot Chinese food here is a great value with fresh ingredients."

"The Modern meats are so fresh and beautifully marbled."

Good to know

1

Lunch special is available until 4 p.m. on weekdays.

2

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Dinner costs $38.99 plus tax and tips, while lunch is $28.99.

02
MooMoo Hot Pot image 1
Hot pot restaurant

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.

Spacious and clean, the restaurant features a modern design with fast service and efficient ordering. It balances quantity and quality in a refined setting.

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.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's like it came straight from the ocean."

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

"The Modern hot pot broth options were rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned."

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.

03
949 Grill Lounge image 1

Restaurant combines rustic and industrial design with an open kitchen where chefs cook over flames, creating a stylish and vibrant atmosphere. The space feels cozy yet lively, often getting noisy during peak hours, suited for casual dinners and social gatherings. Guests enjoy authentic Chinese barbecue skewers with bold seasoning and fresh ingredients.

Clean, softly lit space features a modern interior with an open kitchen where chefs grill and wok-fry over flames. Traditional barbecue skewers continue in this refreshed, contemporary setting.

Bullfrog hot pot stands out with rich flavors. The menu also features Hunan stir-fried pork belly and braised beef brisket noodle soup, both paired with sweet and sour sides and steamed rice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with generous portions."

"The Chinese food here is bursting with bold, authentic flavors."

"The Modern dishes are boldly seasoned and unapologetically spicy."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited to 30 minutes in front of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes including skewers served after 5 pm.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the portion sizes and food quality.

04
Kuan Zhai Alley image 1
Chinese restaurant

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.

The space features a clean, structured layout with a modern vibe that feels comfortable. Decor and design are updated and well done, matching the authentic yet modern food style.

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.

People are saying

"The fish dishes here are authentic, tender, and packed with flavor."

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

"The food here is authentic and modern, with super flavorful dishes."

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.

05
Tigawok Mini Bowls - Irvine image 1
Chinese restaurant

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.

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 food here is fresh, flavorful, and has a serious kick."

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

"It's a modern twist on classic Chinese bowls, letting you build your own meal."

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.

06
Le Shrimp Noodle Bar image 1

Open kitchen with transparent glass walls showcases chefs at work, creating a bright and modern space inspired by Japanese artwork. Atmosphere stays lively yet comfortable, with great music and a warm, inviting vibe. Tables sit close together, encouraging a bustling, social environment.

Bright and lively with a clean, elegant decor. The atmosphere feels warm and inviting while keeping a sleek modern touch.

Side dishes like pickled cucumbers and dumplings stand out for their taste and presentation. Egg rolls come off as bland and tasteless.

People are saying

"The seafood here has an intense, rich shrimpy flavor."

"The shrimp wonton soup's rich, shrimpy broth is so flavorful."

"The Modern noodles have a rich, savory broth with a hint of sweetness."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-5pm, Monday to Thursday.

2

Enjoy a buy one, get one 50% off deal during happy hour.

3

The restaurant offers a kids' meal for free with the purchase of a main entrée.

07
Noodle Nest 和悦 (formerly Dun Huang) image 1

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.

Clean, modern ambiance with spacious seating creates a fresh, casual vibe. Tables use QR code ordering, adding a tech-savvy touch to the experience.

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 noodles here are so authentic and flavorful."

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

"The Modern dishes are fantastic 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.

08
Tim Ho Wan image 1
Dim sum restaurant

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.

Spacious dining room blends Hong Kong, Chinese, and Singapore influences with a modern Orange County vibe. Interior decor feels lush and clean, offering a fresh take on traditional Chinese dining.

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 food here is delicious and high quality."

"The dim sum here is elevated, with rich broth and balanced flavors."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers reduced prices on most items.

2

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

3

Ordering via QR code speeds up the process.

09
江南 Jiang Nan @Irvine image 1
Chinese restaurant

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.

Blends tradition with innovation by serving classic dishes like Peking Duck and Xiao Long Bao with a modern twist. Interior features a modern Jiangnan style with soft lighting and thoughtful details.

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 Chinese fusion food here is delicious and thoughtfully prepared."

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

"The Modern soup dumplings have thin wrappers with plenty of rich, flavorful 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.

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