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Best of Irvine

Fish lunch spots

You want a midday fish dish that is fresh and prepared with care.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
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Poke bar

Small space with no indoor seating offers an outdoor patio for dining. Atmosphere stays modest and suits quick lunches or grab-and-go meals. Known for fresh fish, high spice level, and good portion sizes that attract a steady crowd despite limited seating.

Quality ingredients make it a solid choice for a quick lunch. Limited lunch hours mean timing matters.

Fish tastes consistently fresh and flavorful. The Monster Bowl offers five scoops of fish, often all salmon, served over rice with various toppings.

People are saying

"I considered this the best poke spot I'd tried around here."

"The seafood here is always so fresh and delicious."

"The fish here tasted so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines due to limited space during peak hours.

2

There is no indoor seating available; plan for outdoor or takeout.

3

Parking spots are available in the business complex.

02
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.

Lunch offers delicious Japanese dishes with a focus on familiar flavors. The menu features options like Hako Katsu, making it a solid choice for a midday meal.

Fish katsu stands out with its thoughtful preparation and delicious flavor. It pairs well with other dishes like rolls and salmon sashimi salad, making it a favorite choice.

People are saying

"The curry katsu here is insanely good."

"The fish katsu is crispy, tender, and a must-try."

"This lunch spot's katsu is crispy, juicy, and tender."

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.

03
Pokenoya image 1
Poke bar

Small poke bar with limited indoor seating and a nice patio setup offers a chill atmosphere despite surrounding business park vibes. The place draws a steady crowd of office workers looking for fresh, generous poke bowls during lunch hours.

Lunch offers a good-sized bowl with lots of texture and an awesome sauce. It suits quick meals and works well for early dinner too.

Freshness stands out with fresh fish served consistently. The fish tastes good and pairs well with crisp vegetables in dishes like poke bowls.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's ingredients are always so fresh."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's delicious."

"The fish tasted good and was fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunch hours, especially on weekdays.

2

Parking is free and easy to find in the area.

3

The price for a bowl of poke is on the higher side.

04
Biryani Pot Express image 1
Biryani restaurant

Hyderabadi biryani and curries define the menu with authentic flavors and generous portions. The space offers a cozy atmosphere with warm aromas and pleasant music that create a welcoming vibe. Seating is casual, using paper plates and plastic bowls, emphasizing food over formality.

Lunch offers affordable weekday specials with options like boneless chicken biryani and Hyderabad biryani. The spot suits team lunches and provides a variety of combo choices.

Tandoori pomfret fish features as a Sunday special, offering a distinct seafood option. Apollo fish also appears on the menu, highlighting a focus on fish dishes alongside other items.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot's biryani is the best I've ever tasted."

"The fish here tastes like authentic Hyderabadi cuisine."

Good to know

1

Biryani Pot Express offers a variety of authentic Indian dishes beyond just biryani.

2

The restaurant provides takeout options with some seating available.

3

They have holiday offers on starters around New Year.

05
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.

Lunch offers a $21 special with two cold appetizers and soup. The menu features Chinese noodles that attract regulars.

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 noodles here are so authentic and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's hand-pulled noodles have amazing flavor and 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.

06
Uoko Sushi and Japanese Cuisine image 1

Small space with crammed tables and a busy sushi bar creates a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere. Authentic Japanese decor and family-oriented vibe make it feel like dining in Japan. Popular spot known for fresh, high-quality sushi at reasonable prices, especially during lunch specials.

Lunch offers a $20 to $24 special where you pick five items from sushi, hand rolls, and cut rolls. The high quality sushi makes it a solid choice for a midday meal.

Fish arrives fresh and cut to perfection. Staff often show the whole fish to prove its freshness. Quality rivals well-known spots, with top-notch sushi and a solid selection.

People are saying

"You have to try the lunch special; it always fills me up."

"I felt like I was in Japan because of the authentic atmosphere."

"The fish here is so fresh and cut to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The $20 lunch special is a popular choice and offers great value.

3

Expect a wait during dinner hours; arriving early is advised.

07
Jinbei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with about a dozen tables and sushi bar seats creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Calm music plays quietly, supporting a chill vibe. Fresh fish and authentic Japanese flavors stand out, especially in sushi and chirashi dishes.

Lunch offers affordable combos with a variety of items. The lunch special includes good quality chirashi and sushi, making it a solid choice for a quick meal.

Fish here is remarkably fresh with a buttery, soft texture. Sushi balances a great fish to rice ratio in a relaxed setting.

People are saying

"The lunch special here is a great deal for fresh, delicious sushi."

"I found the Japanese food here to be very authentic and delicious."

"The fish quality here is top-tier and remarkably buttery."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

2

Arrive early to secure a spot, especially for the lunch special.

3

The lunch special offers three dishes daily, limited to ten orders.

08
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.

Offers an all-you-can-eat hotpot lunch special from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays for $28.99. The under $30 price makes it a solid choice for a filling midday meal.

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

"The lunch special is a great value at $28.99."

"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.

09
Gurume Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Trendy sushi restaurant with modern decor and an exhibition-style kitchen behind glass. Atmosphere stays quiet and intimate with spacious table arrangements that avoid crowding. Sushi and sashimi come fresh and well-regarded, complemented by a fantastic sake selection.

Teishoku lunch specials offer good value with side dishes and no wait on weekday openings. The food is very good for the price and draws regular visits at lunchtime.

Freshness stands out with a variety of fish that melts in your mouth. The mix of traditional and contemporary sushi styles highlights the excellent quality and preparation of the fish.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood omakase here is a once-in-a-year experience."

"The fish here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is advised due to busy hours, especially by 6:30 pm.

2

Lunch specials are available daily until 4pm, with deals around $25.

3

Omakase 10 pieces are priced at $50, offering a premium experience.

10
Pokeworks image 1
Restaurant

Cozy restaurant offers clean and inviting atmosphere with free Wi-Fi and outside seating. The vibe stays fun and lighthearted even when busy, making it a comfortable spot for a relaxing meal. Large portions and a unique menu set it apart from other poke places.

Quick service stands out even during the busy lunch rush. Portions suit a light lunch, but wait times can stretch over 20 minutes when it gets crowded.

Fish comes in variety of options with consistently fresh quality. The combination of fresh fish and vegetables creates a great taste.

People are saying

"The poke here is fresh, delicious, and amazing."

"The fish here is always incredibly fresh."

"This lunch spot has the freshest fish I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

Expect poke bowls to cost over $16 each.

3

The restaurant maintains a high level of cleanliness.

11
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Walnut) image 1

Casual Korean restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and attentive service. It plays K-pop music, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. The place is quieter than other branches, attracting diners who prefer a calm setting.

Lunch includes a set menu with options like Galbi Tofu soup. Prices run around $28 per person.

Fried fish comes out very tasty and pairs with sides like kimchi and a small mackerel. Pan-fried fish appears alongside Korean veggie pancake and fish cake.

People are saying

"I found the soft tofu soup here to be great and tasty."

"This lunch spot's food, especially the sides, was delicious and authentic Korean."

"I found the fried fish to be very tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times after 7:30 PM, especially on weekends.

2

Paying cash grants a 6% discount at this restaurant.

3

Lunch prices average around $28 per person, which may be considered high.

12
Otoro Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers an upscale atmosphere with an elegant vibe and pleasant music. The space tends to be noisy and often has long lines before opening. Sushi features exceptional freshness and high-quality fish that rivals top spots outside Japan.

Lunch specials offer chirashi bowls and sashimi plates with excellent quality. Combos provide a chance to try different dishes at a reasonable price around $30 or less.

Fish comes in thick cuts with a variety of textures and is always incredibly fresh. The fish is sourced from Japan and kept cold with care during packaging.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I experienced."

"The Chirashi bowl was packed with fresh, thick cuts of fish."

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least a day in advance, as they do not accept same-day reservations.

2

Expect over an hour wait for lunch during peak times.

3

Parking is challenging and compact; arrive early to secure a spot.

13
Its Tofu image 1
Restaurant

Clean, modern space with spacious seating booths and classy table settings creates an inviting atmosphere. Korean dishes come with a wide variety of banchans served in bronze tableware, adding a royal food vibe. The vibe is hip and trendy, with an authentic feel and welcoming smiles.

Lunch includes dine-in and takeout options. Service covers both lunch and dinner times.

Small fish come out whole and fried, cooked really well with a crispy texture. Banchan includes a fried fish side that pairs with tofu soups, each served with an egg and stone pot white rice.

People are saying

"The Korean food's side dishes were so clean and delicious."

"The tofu soup here has a good kick, especially the spicy one."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is friendly and efficient."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of up to 45 minutes for weekend dinners.

2

Prices for entrees can be high, with a tofu pot costing around $20.

3

The restaurant offers lunch and dinner service, as well as takeout options.

14
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.

Several customers eat lunch here in the early afternoon. The spot works well for grabbing a quick lunch or dinner. Timing around 2:30 pm still finds people enjoying their meals.

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

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

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

"This Lunch Spot is super flavorful and fresh."

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.

15
The Dive Oyster Bar image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with 90s and early 2000s throwback music creating a vibrant, fun vibe. Decor includes sea-themed artwork and chalkboard specials, supporting a laid-back yet chic atmosphere. Oysters are shucked to order and served fresh, with a focus on Cajun and Creole flavors.

Lunch offers a good meal with satisfying flavors. The spot serves a solid lunch experience.

Fish dishes feature a crunchy exterior with a tender interior, especially in the fish and chips and fried catfish. Portions lean toward generous, with fish outweighing batter, and fries come crispy with cajun seasoning.

People are saying

"The oysters here are super fresh and delicious."

"The happy hour oysters were so fresh and delicious."

"The Kumamoto oysters at this Lunch Spot are fresh and hard to find."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm Monday to Friday with $1 oysters.

2

On Mondays, enjoy 50% off draft beers; Wednesdays feature 40% off wine bottles after 5pm.

3

Parking is available in the Irvine Spectrum parking lot, near the theater.

16
Rachael's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, industrial-style Mexican restaurant offers a laid-back, casual vibe with indoor/outdoor seating and a self-serve salsa bar. The place gets busy during peak hours and opens early, attracting those seeking authentic, high-quality dishes like breakfast burritos and enchiladas.

Busy during lunch hour with quick service that fits short breaks. Offers takeout options and draws groups for lunch regularly.

Fish tacos feature mahi mahi but sometimes come out overcooked and dry. Lent brings more fish options alongside other dishes like enchiladas and tortilla soup.

People are saying

"I thought the salsa here was very tasty."

"This Lunch Spot's food quality is quick and delicious."

"The fish here is quick and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens very early, making it a good breakfast option.

2

Expect busy lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

3

The portions are large, providing good value for the price.

17
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Culver) image 1

Small space combines cozy vibe with robot servers delivering dishes and playing music. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting but tables sit close, making conversations audible. Menu focuses on soft tofu soups with adjustable spice levels and generous portions.

Lunch combos come with seafood tofu soup and refillable side dishes. Portions feel very filling and prices stay reasonable, fitting for groups or business lunches.

Grilled salted fish comes with traditional refillable side dishes and raw eggs for soup. Fried fish stands out as a distinctive appetizer alongside potato salad and kimchi.

People are saying

"I thought the soft tofu soup here was the best in Orange County."

"I loved the fried fish and potato salad appetizers."

"The tofu in the Lunch Spot soup had heat but very little flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during peak hours.

2

Parking can be challenging on weekends; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of spice levels for the soups.

18
Taiko Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Interior shows aged decor with a cozy atmosphere and a Japanese vibe. Dining area fills with a friendly, lively crowd, especially during family dinners. Sushi bar offers limited seating, and the place features large, fresh fish in its dishes.

Lunch offers huge portions at reasonable prices with options like shrimp tempura, teriyaki salmon, and udon combos. Bento-style meals and lunch specials provide variety in a busy setting.

Fish comes in very fresh and large cuts here. The chirashi bowl features a tasty mix of fresh fish, and sushi offers a variety of options with quality fish and rice at affordable prices.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh and tasty."

"This lunch spot has great lunch combos and bento boxes."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be easily made at Taiko Japanese Restaurant.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price at Taiko.

3

Prices for bento and sushi bowls range from $16 to $25.

19
Wahoo's Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with SoCal beach culture decor and a skateboarding and surf vibe creates a chill atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating accommodate groups of all sizes, complemented by a bar with two tucked-away TVs. The setting feels like a beach cafe, offering a relaxed and cozy experience.

Lunch draws a crowd and can get busy. Prices run high, with some dishes like the soup standing out as acceptable while others fall short.

Fish tacos feature crispy, fresh fish that melts in your mouth, often served with a huge pile of cabbage. The spicy fish sandwich offers a well-portioned, flavorful option alongside the tacos.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I loved their crispy fish tacos with a huge pile of cabbage."

"The fish tacos here are so tasty and crispy."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find on weekdays with free lots and garages available.

2

Expect it to get busy at lunch, so plan accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

20
Tasty Garden image 1
Chinese restaurant

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.

Lunch prices come in cheaper than many other spots. Meals suit an early dinner or late lunch timing well.

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

"The Cantonese comfort food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The fish here is so tender and crispy."

"This Lunch Spot has generous portions for a reasonable price."

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.

21
Georgia's Restaurant image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers a laid back atmosphere with warm lighting and wood accents that create a cozy, inviting space. Clean, shaded outdoor seating adds a peaceful vibe. Music plays softly, enhancing the relaxed, welcoming mood.

Warm lighting and inviting atmosphere create a cozy setting for lunch. Quick bites are available, making it suitable for casual meals.

Fish comes with creamy, flavorful grits that create a comforting base. The fish pairs well with well-seasoned Cajun rice for a tasty meal.

People are saying

"The food here has soul and story, passed down through family."

"You can feel the history and heart in every bite of their fish."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served until 2pm on weekends.

2

Parking is easy to find in the Northwest parking structure.

3

Prices range from mid $20s for small portions.

22
Kiyo Sushi & Sake image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers simple elegant decor with a chill, authentic vibe and a packed, lively atmosphere. Fresh seafood imported from Japan features prominently, with high-quality sushi and sashimi drawing a crowd. Sake presentation includes a special dispenser that adds to the experience.

Lunch offers fresh, fatty fish in dishes like Chirashi Don and sashimi combos. The menu is diverse with sushi, udon, and unagi don options, all at good value prices.

Fish arrives incredibly fresh and of high quality. The chirashi lunch features nice, fatty cuts that stand out.

People are saying

"The chirashi at this Lunch Spot has incredibly fresh, thick sashimi."

"The sake here is fresh, simple, and well presented."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

The lunch special offers good value, typically under $15.

23
Irvine Grill image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with patio heaters and modern decor featuring blue chairs. Atmosphere ranges from relaxed to lively and noisy when crowded, with a Middle Eastern vibe. Background music plays softly, enhancing the welcoming and clean environment.

Lunch specials offer great value around $13, including a choice of kabob, rice, and salad. Options like chicken and beef come under $15 with solid quality and a pleasant ambiance.

Fish dishes vary in quality here. The whole grilled fish and salmon with beautiful design stand out as good, while some fried fish and fish with rice show mixed results.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"This Lunch Spot has fresh, flavorful food with generous portions."

"The fish here is really good, especially the grilled whole fish."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-40 minute wait for a table during busy events.

2

The restaurant closes at 9 PM even on weekends.

3

Hygiene issues were noted with unclean glassware.

24
Knowlwood Restaurant image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Historic building with original wood from a blacksmith shop creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Large booths and spread-out tables offer privacy and comfort while live rock music adds lively energy. Game room features include a pool table and claw machine, enhancing the casual, family-friendly vibe.

Extensive menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Lunch crowd mainly consists of adults enjoying a nice ambience for quick meals or catching up.

Fish dishes feature fresh, juicy, tender qualities with no texture inconsistencies. The fish tacos stand out, while the fish and chips come in a huge basket of fries and are well-cooked with thick chips.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"This lunch spot has great burgers that don't break the bank."

"The fish and chips were good and came with a huge basket of fries."

Good to know

1

Knowlwood Restaurant offers senior discounts.

2

Parking can be tight due to its location next to a hotel.

3

Live music is available on weekends.

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