Korean restaurant offers clean, modern interior with a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of spots in Korea. It serves authentic soondae soup and fresh seafood dishes with balanced spice. The place feels like one of Irvine's hidden gems for Korean comfort food.
Spicy Sundae Soup stands out with its balanced heat and rich flavor. Pork belly soup and beef bone soup also offer hearty, satisfying options alongside the signature soondae soup.
Fried dumplings come out nice and crispy. They often appear alongside dishes like beef short rib soup or hotpot.
"The soup broth here is rich and delicious."
"The food here is so authentic and representative of traditional Korean cuisine."
"The fried dumplings were nice and crispy."
Good to know
Expect a 10-minute wait on busy Saturday mornings.
The restroom cleanliness may not meet expectations.
Korean-speaking customers often prefer the sundae soup.
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.
Lamb soup offers a rich, comforting flavor that is savory and slightly oily but balanced with rice. Soup dumplings feature thin skins bursting with broth, staying juicy even after 30 minutes to go.
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.
Good to know
Free 90-minute parking is available near the food hall.
Expect a wait time of about 24 minutes during peak hours.
Prices for meals range from $8 to $9 for generous portions.
Wok restaurant offers quiet atmosphere with comfortable seating and clean restrooms. Food portions are generous and affordable, featuring homestyle Chinese dishes with consistent flavors and quick service. The setting suits those seeking steady, dependable meals without fuss.
Broth often has a rich gelatin texture from long braising, especially in the soy braised pork belly noodle soup. Beef brisket noodle soups offer a simple, comforting flavor with tender meat and chewy noodles, made from whole food ingredients and balanced seasoning.
Dumplings have a dense texture with a thick wrapper that holds up well for dipping. Varieties like pork, cabbage, and shrimp come packed with flavor and are boiled fresh from frozen.
Good to know
Takeout meals are smaller than dine-in portions.
Prices are reasonable, suitable for families and busy professionals.
Food is served quickly for a fast dining experience.
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.
Hua Jiao Chicken soup tastes like a warm hug and stands out as a comfort food highlight. The spot offers a great variety of soup bases and is known for authentic soup dumplings and fish hot pot.
Northern style dumplings offer authentic flavor with a rich soup inside. Dumplings in red oil come fresh with a perfect spicy kick.
Good to know
Super Yummy 远山少年 is open until 3am, allowing for late-night snacks.
They charge $5.99 for 8 quail eggs.
Expect a variety of authentic Chinese dishes.
Small, cozy space with tight seating and a street-style vibe creates an intimate atmosphere. Heat inside can be uncomfortable, with staff offering paper fans to cool down. Known for authentic Shanghainese cuisine and large portions at low prices, it attracts diners who appreciate homemade vegetarian options and family-style servings.
Soups feature a fabulous broth with balanced sweetness and spiciness. Options include bone broth wonton soup with white pepper and an exceptional hot and sour soup.
Chive pork dumplings come freshly handmade with a well-crafted wrapper. Vegetarian options include homemade dumplings and noodles, which are rare for Chinese restaurants.
Good to know
Prices are reasonable, with most dishes ranging from $15-17.
Portions are large, making them suitable for sharing.
The restaurant serves family-style, with dishes coming fresh from the kitchen.
Noodle and dumpling house with simple modern design and cozy atmosphere. Busy and welcoming, it offers authentic Chinese dishes with generous portions and reasonable prices. Friendly staff support a down-to-earth dining experience.
Broth stands out with its rich, flavorful taste and perfect balance. Beef is extremely tender and pairs well with fresh noodles in soups like the Braised Beef and Loatan Pickled Cabbage Beef Noodle Soup.
Handmade dumplings have a perfect texture with a soft, satisfying outside wrapping. Fillings include pork, cabbage, onion, and sesame oil, plus vegetarian options like chive and egg.
Good to know
A grand opening special allows a 5-star review for any dish to cost $1.
Parking is not available on weekends and weekday evenings.
The restaurant uses QR codes on tables for ordering.
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.
Soup options include a hot and sour soup that is less salty and similar to Din Tai Fung's version. The beef noodle soup is hearty and mild, while the shredded pork noodle soup offers another tasty choice with handmade noodles.
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.
Good to know
The lunch special is $21 and includes two cold appetizers and soup.
Cross-contamination risks exist for those with egg allergies.
Parking can be difficult in the area.
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.
Spicy beef tendon noodle soup stands out with its Szechuan style heat and thick noodles. Beef noodle soup here is known for being authentic Taiwan style and flavorful without heavy MSG use.
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.
Good to know
Parking in the plaza is often crowded and difficult to find.
Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.
You need to show up with your entire party to get a table.
Natural and elegant decor creates a comfortable dining space with a chill vibe and Jay Chou's music playing in the background. The atmosphere feels like being in Taiwan, attracting families and those seeking authentic Taiwanese flavors. Popular dishes sell out quickly, reflecting generous portions and affordable prices.
Porkchop soup stands out as a favorite with rich flavor. Complimentary seaweed soup appears often and tastes fresh. Noodle soups like beef noodle offer a traditional, satisfying experience.
Dumplings come with a spicy kick featuring Chinese numbing spice. They pair well with stir-fried vegetables and other dishes like pork chop noodles and braised pork rice.
Good to know
On Tuesday, they had a special menu.
Kingchops offered a buy one get one milk tea promotion.
They only accept credit cards, no cash.
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.
Nine different soup bases offer unique flavors like bulgogi and Korean spicy rice cake. Options include vegetables and noodles you can add freely, with all soups tasting fresh and flavorful.
Fried dumplings stand out with their crispy exterior and juicy interior. Small bites like these dumplings and chicken karaage add variety and quality to the meal.
Good to know
Dpot offers an all-you-can-eat menu for $35 per person.
Lunch prices are around $50 for two people, including tax.
The restaurant is closed every Sunday.
Korean restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a K-pop vibe creates a lively dining experience. It often gets very crowded and stays open when others close, attracting those seeking authentic Korean cuisine beyond typical BBQ spots.
Broths come creamy and spicy, with options like brisket sullungtang and beef soup. Soups often include glass noodles or soybean soup, served alongside grilled or sauced dishes.
Large dumplings with thin wrappers and plenty of filling sit in a beef bone broth soup base. A small bowl is handy to transfer dumplings out to avoid overcooking.
Good to know
Parking is available in a free lot next to the restaurant.
The restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours.
They offer complimentary side dishes including kimchi and chives.
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.
Rich and flavorful broth defines the chicken soup noodles, which are comforting and delicious. The menu also features spicy beef and golden soup beef hot pot, plus tasty soup dumplings.
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.
Good to know
BBQ skewers are available after 5pm, perfect for late-night cravings.
The late-night menu is limited to skewers and hot pot options.
Prices average around $30 per person, offering good value for the area.
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.
Rich soup bases come with generous portions of meat and noodles. Beef noodle soup stands out with its tasty broth and satisfying depth.
Fresh dumplings come daily with traditional preparation. Pork and celery versions stand out, while XLB dumplings lean a bit doughy.
Good to know
An automatic 15% service fee is added for parties of five or more.
Ordering is done at the table through a QR code, with no physical menus provided.
Payment is made via a tablet system brought to the table.
Bright, modern space with limited seating and convenient location. Atmosphere suits fast-casual dining with many ordering takeout or frozen options. Menu features authentic Taiwanese dumplings and beef noodle soup with customizable sauces.
Beef noodle soup stands out with its rich beef stew and customizable sauces for spiciness and savoriness. Wonton soup offers an original Taiwanese flavor that complements the dumpling soup well.
Boiled and fried dumplings come handmade and fresh, with a balanced flavor that is neither too salty nor oily. Portions offer good value, and frozen options allow cooking at home.
Good to know
Parking can be very difficult to find during weekends.
The restaurant is small, making seating limited during peak hours.
Prices for dumplings are around $1 each, making them affordable.
Spacious Chinese restaurant with large outdoor dining area and dark brown wood decor creates a casual, lively atmosphere. The place fills up quickly, becoming noisy and crowded, with authentic spicy food drawing many families. Seating includes both booths inside and patio options outside, supporting a warm, welcoming vibe.
Broths feature a spicy kick and a unique golden soup flavor. Options include hot and sour soup, sour vegetable noodle soup, and mala premium beef soup.
Pork soup dumplings stand out for their rich flavor and juicy filling. Other options like beef juicy dumplings, red oil dumplings, and spicy lamb, shrimp, and pork varieties offer a well-cooked, satisfying experience.
Good to know
Expect large portion sizes, often enough for 2-3 people.
Ordering by phone is cheaper than online orders.
The restaurant is busy, especially during peak hours.