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Salad and date spots in Irvine

You want a date spot where the menu centers on a substantial salad.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Twenty Eight Restaurant and Bar image 1
Twenty Eight Restaurant and Bar image 2
Twenty Eight Restaurant and Bar image 3
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Upscale steakhouse offers a chic, cozy space with dim lighting that creates an intimately sophisticated ambiance. The bar features a world-class whiskey selection and expertly crafted cocktails, drawing a crowd that appreciates quality drinks and elegant surroundings.

Caesar Salad features crunchy lettuce, anchovies, and a rich cheese dressing. Endive Salad balances mushroom flavor with a sharp vinaigrette.

A gift certificate brought a couple here for a date. The atmosphere and food offer a pleasant experience that appeals to couples.

People are saying

"I thought the steak here was excellent and perfectly tender."

"The creative cocktails here are exceptional and delicious."

"This Caesar salad is perfect, not too tart."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the Google parking garage, and tickets can be validated.

2

Valet parking is offered for convenience at the restaurant's location.

3

The restaurant has a private room suitable for hosting events and gatherings.

02
Nice to Meet You Skewer Hot Pot - Now AYCE image 1

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.

Salad bar offers a wide variety of fresh options. The tofu salad stands out with its texture and flavor.

Warm and inviting atmosphere sets a relaxed tone for a casual date night. Variety of skewers like brain flower and lobster add unique food options to enjoy together.

People are saying

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

"The salad bar and dessert bar were remarkable."

"The ribeye and Wagyu sirloin at these Date Spots are so tender and flavorful."

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.

03
Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse image 1

Spacious, well-lit Brazilian steakhouse with tasteful decor and exceptional atmosphere. Meat service includes tableside presentations and a showy cocktail experience featuring flaming drinks. Offers a great salad bar and screens sports games, creating a lively yet elegant dining environment.

Freshly made items at the salad bar offer a wide variety and delicious flavors. Staff show attentiveness by opening chairs for diners returning from the salad bar.

Flaming Carajillo desserts come with a live server show that adds flair to the meal. The spot suits celebrations and date nights well, offering a lively and memorable dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the Brazilian barbecue."

"The service here is amazing, truly the best I've ever had."

"The Date Spots here have delicious food with amazing meat cuts and shrimp."

Good to know

1

Expect a variety of meats served continuously until you signal for a stop.

2

The restaurant offers a salad bar with numerous options included in the meal.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the quality and service provided.

04
BORJA'S Italian Restaurant image 1

Cozy Italian restaurant in an office complex offers a warm, laid-back atmosphere with 90's music playing softly. The place stays open late and attracts a mix of patrons, including wealthy diners. Known for affordable prices and generous portions, it stands out for its excellent pizza and flavorful pasta.

Salads include a garden salad and a Caesar salad with chicken and shrimp featuring well-seasoned meats. A few salads stand out as amazing alongside soups.

Italian dishes like pasta and cannoli stand out for couples dining here. The cannoli filling gets particular praise.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the pasta and garlic bread."

"The food here is amazing, truly packed with flavor."

"I enjoyed the salads, and the meats were well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late for late-night cravings.

2

Prices are surprisingly great for the portion sizes offered.

3

They deliver and cater to many local businesses.

05
Yakamoz Craft Ramen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant feels like someone's home with unique decor, vinyl records, and a view into the kitchen. Atmosphere is warm and intimate, suited for quiet meals with friends or solo. Attention to detail creates a comfortable, inviting vibe.

Salads feature refreshing dressings and flavorful ingredients like duck. Steak salad includes a small amount of beef, which may not be enough to balance the greens.

Warm and intimate atmosphere suits a cozy date night. Dishes like the prawn laksa offer a hint of citrus and a numbing effect from Szechuan peppers, while drinks like HK lemon tea stay refreshing.

People are saying

"The duck ramen broth was delicious and not greasy."

"It's a cozy, intimate spot perfect for a date night."

"The steak salad doesn't have enough beef."

Good to know

1

Customers who wait over an hour receive vouchers for less busy times.

2

The restaurant is small, so plan ahead for seating arrangements.

3

Parking can be full on weekends, especially during lunch hours.

06
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.

Salads here stand out with crisp, refreshing textures and lightly spicy flavors. Options like the eggplant salad and marinated cucumber salad offer good portions and serve as great palate cleansers.

Good for couples or groups looking for a casual spot. Menu lacks English descriptions, which can make ordering tricky. Lamb skewers are available but may not meet expectations for those familiar with authentic flavors.

People are saying

"The noodles here are so authentic and flavorful."

"Kevin's friendly service makes this a great spot for dates."

"This cucumber salad is so crisp and refreshing."

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
Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar image 1
New American restaurant

New American restaurant offers a clean, modern interior with an open kitchen and a comfortable outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. Atmosphere feels elegant without pretension, balancing chic design with a relaxed vibe. Space is bright and airy, accommodating groups with thoughtfully placed tables.

Salads feature rich garlic sauce and fresh ingredients like heirloom tomatoes and crisp apples. Options include a memorable Apple Waldorf and a tuna salad that pairs well with the sauce.

Immaculate setting suits date nights and celebrations. Dishes like short rib pasta come out tender and perfectly cooked, making it a solid spot for a meal with someone special.

People are saying

"The tuna salad was delicious with its rich garlic sauce."

"The cocktails here are incredibly well crafted and balanced."

"The braised short rib pappardelle is perfectly cooked and rich."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated, making it easy to visit without worrying about fees.

2

The menu changes seasonally, offering new dishes every few months.

3

Happy hour runs until 5:30pm, featuring special drink and appetizer prices.

08
Dpot image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu restaurant offers all-you-can-eat menu with fresh ingredients and a DIY sauce bar for personalized flavors. Indoor and outdoor seating create a family-friendly atmosphere with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Noise levels vary, sometimes making conversation difficult during loud gatherings.

Freshness stands out with impressively fresh vegetables at the salad bar. Quality meats complement the selection, making the salad bar a notable feature.

Spicy broths like Seafood, Pork, and Bulgogi offer bold flavors that make meals feel lively. The spot suits couples ready to share and try a variety of dishes together.

People are saying

"The meats at this buffet, especially the rib eye, were super fresh and delicious."

"These hot pot Date Spots have tasty broths and a great variety of sides."

"The salad bar's vegetables were impressively fresh."

Good to know

1

Dpot offers an all-you-can-eat menu for $35 per person.

2

Lunch prices are around $50 for two people, including tax.

3

The restaurant is closed every Sunday.

09
Ever After Tea Room & Eatery image 1

Bright, spacious interior with whimsical decor and cozy seating creates an enchanting, Parisian café vibe. Atmosphere is lively and sometimes loud, with guests often chatting energetically. Offers pet-friendly outdoor seating and semi-self-service ordering through kiosks.

Salads feature kale prominently, often paired with black rice and fruit. Options include a kale and fruit salad served with black rice and a kale salad alongside beef steak or chicken plates.

Relaxing interior creates a calm vibe for dates. Ambiance suits intimate gatherings and casual meetups.

People are saying

"The Taiwanese beef noodle soup is rich but not greasy."

"The food and desserts here are so tasty and savory."

"The kale salad here is really good with chicken."

Good to know

1

To celebrate the grand opening on 4/29, they offer a limited free mini snow cake and free Sangaria, along with live music from 7 pm to 9 pm.

2

There was plenty of free parking available.

3

The establishment is pet friendly and offers pet friendly entrees.

10
Luna Grill Irvine Spectrum Center image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a spacious patio with heated outdoor seating and an open, clean interior resembling a museum. The atmosphere feels fun and inviting, with friendly staff creating a cozy, festive vibe. It attracts diners looking for a comfortable spot near entertainment venues.

Salads come with fresh ingredients like apple, walnut, peach, and chicken. Options include the apple-walnut salad with shrimp and the house salad with pita, often served alongside rice and yogurt dressing.

Atmosphere suits a chill night or cute date. Dishes come with standout garlic sauce and spicy harissa.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and tasty."

"Anthony was so helpful navigating the menu for our first time."

"The food here is too darn good for a date spot."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free from Sunday to Thursday all summer long.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly.

3

The space is clean and family-friendly.

11
Oishi Shabu Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Robot servers deliver meats with a playful touch, adding fun technology to a modern, clean dining space. Each diner has an individual induction cooker, creating a calm, authentic Japanese atmosphere. The open kitchen and upscale decor enhance the experience, making it suitable for casual meals and quiet conversations.

Variety stands out with seafood, vegetables, and appetizers at the salad bar. The buffet adds sides like takoyaki, gyoza, seaweed salad, oranges, and fried rice.

A great spot for second or third dates with a vibe that appeals even to those who aren't fans of most Asian food. Suitable for bringing a partner or both, showing its special appeal for couples.

People are saying

"The bottomless prime meats and vast buffet were amazing."

"The meat quality in the salad was high, especially the beef."

"It's a great spot for second or third dates."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat lunch special is $25 on weekdays, including Fridays.

2

Dinner prices are $33.99 on weekends for all-you-can-eat.

3

Parking is available in an underground structure, but can be hard to find after 6pm.

12
All That Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Spacious shabu-shabu restaurant with self-serve ingredient and sauce bars and clean, well-organized cooking stations. Atmosphere balances family-friendly and bustling energy with comfortable noise levels and room to move. Offers varied broth and meat selections alongside sides and desserts, creating a lively yet inviting dining experience.

A wide variety of vegetables and side dishes fill the salad bar, creating a sensory overload of options. The potato salad and fried rice stand out among the choices.

Offers a comfortable setting for couples and groups to talk and enjoy meals together. Frequented by couples for its relaxed atmosphere and shared dining experience.

People are saying

"I loved the shabu shabu buffet with its great variety of meats and ingredients."

"The salad bar here has so many fresh options and hot food too."

"The food here is so fresh and tasty for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat price is $35.99 per person on weekends.

2

Reservations require the entire party to be present.

3

Expect long wait times on weekends; arrive early around 4:30 PM.

13
The Cut Handcrafted Burgers image 1
American restaurant

Modern, rustic interior with an open patio creates a relaxed, lively atmosphere that suits singles, couples, and groups. Seating options include bar top dining, indoor booths, and outdoor tables with soft pillows. The vibe blends upscale burger spot energy with casual comfort and diverse social groups.

Salads feature whole ingredients like fresh strawberries and blueberries. Options include a delicate roasted beets salad and a smaller portion Caesar salad that works well as a side.

People are saying

"The food here is great and yummy."

"You have to try the burgers; they're the best I ate in Orange County."

"The salads here are worth giving a shot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has an amazing happy hour from Monday to Friday between 2 and 6 pm.

2

Happy hour deals include discounted appetizers and drinks.

3

Brunch is served on weekends with a limited menu.

14
Zov's image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Large, bright restaurant offers a sunny patio with live music and a quiet indoor atmosphere. Space suits groups and casual meetups, with a vibe that feels relaxing but slightly dated. Outdoor seating enhances the experience during calm, uncrowded times.

Salads come with generous portions and fresh ingredients like goat cheese, red onions, and tomatoes. The chicken paillard salad features strips of chicken with a slightly sweet dressing, while the Mediterranean salmon salad offers a flavorful option.

Live music sets a romantic mood for a perfect date night. The atmosphere feels intimate and welcoming.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was pretty delicious."

"I mentioned that it would have been nice to have the basic accompaniments brought out with the meal."

"The chicken paillard salad was delicious and a very generous portion."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, particularly on holidays.

3

Prices are on the higher side compared to similar restaurants.

15
Marble Steakhouse & Grille image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant with a modern, upscale design and a quiet, calming atmosphere. Guests enjoy table-side steak grilling and a wine and cocktail bar that adds to the refined vibe. The setting suits date nights and special gatherings with its comfortable yet exclusive feel.

Unlimited side dishes include salad, scallions, pickled radish, and seaweed that taste quite good. The corn salad and mushroom salad stand out, but the Caesar salad served with carbonara and wine is notably poor.

Upscale yet comfortable atmosphere suits date nights and special gatherings. It works well for celebrations like birthdays.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has such flavorful, tender meat."

"The steaks here are premium, flavorful, and cooked to perfection."

"I loved their mushroom salad; it was a standout."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially after 5 PM due to high demand.

2

Expect a wait time of less than 5 minutes for seating on Sundays.

3

Parking is plentiful in the plaza surrounding the restaurant.

16
Aria Kitchen image 1
Persian restaurant

Persian and Mexican flavors blend in a fusion cuisine setting with modern elegant decor and cozy booths. The atmosphere is lively with live DJs playing Persian music and a full bar offering creative cocktails. Outdoor patio seating includes heaters, creating a warm and inviting space.

Salads come as refreshing, crisp sides that balance the main dishes well. They often accompany meals like grilled branzino, beef Soltani, lamb koobideh, and chicken, adding a light, healthy contrast.

Good spot for a date with veggie tacos and lamb on the menu. Friends bring their wives and clients here to enjoy the food.

People are saying

"The Persian and Mexican fusion food here is amazing."

"The salads here are fresh, flavorful, and taste great."

"The lamb here is pure perfection for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Nowruz celebration.

2

The program for events runs from 6 to 10 PM.

3

Live music occurs on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 8 PM.

17
Nara Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Sleek decor with warm wood accents and soft lighting creates a welcoming, upscale atmosphere. Music ranges from fun background tunes to live performances on certain nights. The vibe suits fine dining occasions, blending cozy and elegant elements.

Crunchy papaya salad stands out with its fresh texture. Fruit salad features a spicy dressing that balances the sweetness well.

The spot offers a nice atmosphere with an aesthetic that suits date nights well. It works for both intimate dinners and casual drinks with close friends or family.

People are saying

"The food here tastes authentic and is really delicious."

"The food here is amazing, especially the curries."

"I found the papaya salad here to be amazing and crunchy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant was closed at 3 PM on a Saturday due to plumbing issues.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to typical Thai restaurants.

3

The posted hours indicate the restaurant should be open from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

18
Hako image 1
Tonkatsu restaurant

Small restaurant with an industrial look and warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere that can get loud and crowded during peak times. Seating is comfortable and well arranged, supporting a buzzing energy. The vibe feels casual and self-serve, attracting a steady flow of diners.

Cabbage salad comes as a fresh side with meals. Salmon sashimi salad offers a light, flavorful option among the dishes.

Frequent visits show this spot works well for dates. The Tonkotsu meal offers a solid choice for sharing a casual meal together.

People are saying

"The curry katsu here is insanely good."

"The pork katsu is crispy, juicy, and not greasy at all."

"The food here is pretty good, especially the chicken katsu."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 15 to 40-minute wait during peak hours, particularly on Fridays.

3

Be cautious of peanuts in the sauce; call ahead for allergy accommodations.

19
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1

Narrow space with tight seating and hard surfaces creates a loud, fast-paced atmosphere. Mostly younger crowd fills the small room, making it unsuitable for quiet or intimate dining. Unique decor includes minimalist design with wood accents and a vertical garden.

Freshness stands out with the poke and salad offering crisp, clean flavors. The Cucumber Crab Salad serves as a refreshing starter, paired with a side salad dressed lightly and topped with shaved white garnish. Warm seaweed adds a chewy texture that contrasts well with the cold elements.

Spicy tuna bowl stands out as a popular dish. Many come here after mountain biking for a casual, rewarding meal.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best around."

"The ramen here is so flavorful and beautifully presented."

"The tonkotsu ramen broth was savory and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking can be difficult during peak hours; consider arriving early.

3

A 16% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

20
DönerG Turkish & Mediterranean Grill - Crossroad image 1

Outdoor patio and indoor seating create a comfortable dining space with a lively atmosphere and friendly bilingual staff. Music plays loudly inside, while outdoor areas offer a quiet, relaxing vibe with a nice view. Decor blends fast food style with beautiful touches for a unique setting.

Fresh, tasty salad comes as a side with both beef and chicken doner dishes. The crew makes their own salad concoction that pairs well with rice and meat on a plastic plate.

Generous portions of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes create a satisfying meal for two. Friendly staff and authentic flavors make it a solid choice for a casual date night.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really delicious."

"The food here tastes like real ingredients and home cooking."

"The salad here is delicious, especially with the beef or chicken doner."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of halal dishes for those who require it.

2

Parking is ample and available in the strip mall where the restaurant is located.

3

Portion sizes may be smaller compared to other similar restaurants.

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