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Local picks in Irvine

Lunch spots for Italian food

You want a midday break that centers on a proper Italian meal.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sole Toscano Italian Cafe image 1
Sole Toscano Italian Cafe image 2
Sole Toscano Italian Cafe image 3
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Italian restaurant

Small cafe with bright open kitchen and stylish interior creates a clean, inviting atmosphere. Energy feels relaxed yet polished, attracting those seeking authentic Italian flavors and fresh handmade pasta. Seating is limited, emphasizing an intimate dining experience rather than a bustling crowd.

Fresh pasta stands out with delightful handmade quality and true Italian flavors. Focaccia sandwiches and pizza add a touch of Liguria and Cinque Terre influence, while creamy pesto fettuccine offers a rich, smooth, aromatic experience.

Over a dozen craft sandwiches offer a perfect lunch size. The spot suits quick breaks during the workweek or after a ride along the nearby trail.

People are saying

"The food here is truly delicious and authentic Italian."

"I found the Italian food here to be truly delicious and authentic."

"This is a great lunch spot with tasty, fresh food."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $16 for a sandwich and drink without a side.

2

Piadina offers a menu of over a dozen craft sandwiches, perfect for lunch.

3

The kitchen uses imported ingredients from Italy for authentic flavors.

02
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.

House-made pappardelle comes cooked al dente with a rich, flavorful wagyu-ragu featuring very tender beef. The risotto is super rich and creamy, complementing the well-executed pasta dishes.

A friendly and attentive staff creates a welcoming atmosphere for lunch. The spot sits near several business complexes, making it convenient for a work lunch or a quick walk from the office.

People are saying

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

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

"The Italian food's braised short rib pappardelle is rich and tender."

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.

03
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.

Rich cream defines the fungi risotto. Six pastas offer consistent quality, supporting the unique mix of pasta with Korean BBQ. Seafood and pasta options look appealing.

Lunch specials offer good value with items under $18. The atmosphere stays calm compared to typical all-you-can-eat spots, making it a solid choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

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

"The Italian Food here is amazing, with tender meat that melts in your mouth."

"The lunch specials here are a great deal for the price."

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.

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.

Large portions come at an affordable price with flavorful pastas. Dishes like chicken bowtie with creamy marinara and fettuccine alfredo have a perfect sauce balance and strong garlic flavor.

Fast service suits quick lunch visits. The lunch special offers a straightforward option, though details like garlic bread inclusion require asking.

People are saying

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

"You have to try these hidden gems; the wings are amazing."

"The staff here makes you feel super welcomed at this lunch spot."

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
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.

Roasta pasta stands out with its rich flavor and comes served with linguine. It offers a full-bodied taste similar to a pan roast but in a pasta form.

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

People are saying

"The oysters here are super fresh and delicious."

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

"The Roasta pasta's rich, flavorful Italian food was amazing."

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.

06
Panini Kabob Grill - Irvine Los Olivos image 1

Mediterranean restaurant offers outdoor seating with a cool patio and pleasant atmosphere. Inside space feels hot and less ventilated, while outside provides a more comfortable dining experience. Crowd enjoys lively conversations and casual dining with char grilled chicken as a standout dish.

Beef bolognese linguine stands out with its savory flavor. Chicken pesto linguine and vegetable linguine offer solid options, while wraps, paninis, and pasta plates provide variety for heartier meals.

Lunch arrives fresh and well packaged with each person's name on their own box. The food is full of flavor and the service adds a kind, professional touch that makes group meals feel homemade and special.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and full of flavor."

"This lunch spot's food is so fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared."

"The Italian food here is so moist and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can be busy, so expect to wait for a table during peak hours.

2

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible near the restaurant.

3

The food takes only about 10 minutes to be served after ordering.

07
Corner Bakery Cafe image 1

Cafe offers indoor and patio seating with a large patio fountain creating a relaxed vibe. Atmosphere stays casual and cozy, suitable for cordial meetings or working with Wi-Fi available. Bakery items and soups stand out as fresh and flavorful highlights.

Chicken Alfredo stands out for lunch with rich flavor. Paninis and pastas like pesto cavatappi and chicken Pomodori offer solid Italian options. The surf and turf pasta adds variety to the menu.

Chicken Alfredo stands out as a popular lunch choice. The spot offers a clean atmosphere and a broad menu with breakfast served all day and various lunch options.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has great salads and fresh food options."

"I found the breakfast food here to be delicious and of excellent quality."

"I thought the Italian food here was delicious, especially the chicken Alfredo."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a broad range of breakfast options available all day.

2

Ordering is done on kiosks, which may take some getting used to.

3

Plenty of parking is available nearby.

08
Tasty Spot Cafe Irvine image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Hong Kong-style fast food restaurant with big neon signs and a modern, clean interior creates a casual, inviting atmosphere. The space fills with lively Cantonese music and clanking dishes, making it busy and noisy, especially during peak hours. Families often dine here, enjoying authentic Cantonese food in generous portions.

Seafood pasta with shrimp, mussels, and squid comes in a green sauce. Steak dishes include spaghetti with confirmed white sauce.

People are saying

"This Chinese food captures Hong Kong's taste and atmosphere."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so nice and attentive."

"I ordered Italian food with white sauce, not red sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but the private room is first come first serve.

2

Expect long lines for Sunday lunch; arrive early to avoid waiting.

3

Dimsums are served daily but only until 3pm.

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