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Irvine's best

Lunch spots

A midday meal that feels like a reward for your work day rather than just fuel to get through it.

Based on 592 Opinions
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01
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Deli tucked inside a business center offers a quiet, warm atmosphere with casual seating both indoors and outdoors. Friendly service creates a chill vibe suitable for lunch or meetings. The spot stands out for its hidden gem feel and easy order pickup via text.

Food here is fresh and made with care using the freshest ingredients. The dishes taste delicious and have a home-cooked feel that stands out near the airport.

Lunch options come individually marked and neatly packed, making it easy to grab and go. The spot offers a comfortable ambiance suited for casual meals or meetings.

People are saying

"This food's pastrami is leaner turkey, a great alternative."

"This Lunch Spot's pastrami sandwich is lean, flavorful, and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Freddy's Deli is located inside a business center with ample parking.

2

Freddy offers daily specials that are a great deal.

3

Prices at Freddy's Deli are very reasonable.

02
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Small, clean Korean restaurant with a classic vibe and modern interior. Atmosphere stays quiet and cozy with K-pop music playing softly. Seating is tight but the space feels inviting for casual meals.

Kimbap stands out with authentic Korean soul food flavors. Tteokbokki and perfectly cooked fried food offer unique tastes similar to those found in Korea.

Clean, modern atmosphere suits casual lunch well. Lunch menu offers quick, cheap, tasty options like the 11.59 ramen kimbap lunch special.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and served hot."

"This Lunch Spot has quick, cheap, and tasty food."

Good to know

1

They don't take cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

Parking can be tricky, but there is ample space on weekends.

3

It operates like a fast-food place; order and pay upfront.

03
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Modern space combines cozy, friendly vibe with thoughtful family design and beautiful décor. Cramped layout creates a busy, energetic atmosphere with frequent movement. High-quality wagyu and a self-serve sides bar add to the engaging dining experience.

Food here offers a great dining experience with delicious BBQ and attentive service. Large parties can enjoy the meal comfortably on busy nights.

Shorter waits make lunch a smoother choice than dinner. Friendly staff create a welcoming vibe that suits both casual and special occasions.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu."

"Our server Vince was so nice and always came to help us."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 1-2 hours during peak dinner hours.

2

Put your name on the waiting list early to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat option with high-quality dishes.

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Hot pot restaurant offers spacious, clean design with personalized sauce stations and interactive dining including a dancing noodle show. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suitable for families with children who receive toys and special meals. Amenities like hair ties and complimentary snacks add unique touches to the experience.

Hot pot dishes stand out with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. The food consistently pairs well with excellent service for a satisfying meal.

Lunch offers an all-you-can-eat deal for $19.99 with unlimited servings. Orders come through an iPad and include soup, meat, a large vegetable platter, and access to a big sauce station with snacks.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The lunch combo is a great deal with a vegetable platter and meat."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required before visiting, especially during peak hours.

2

The weekday happy hour offers a $2 shabu beef deal.

3

Happy hours are available Monday through Thursday before 5 pm.

05
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Open kitchen and cafeteria-style setting create a casual dining experience with freshly made noodles visible to diners. Atmosphere stays lively and welcoming, with a self-serve tempura bar adding interactive appeal. Quick service and consistent quality make it suitable for family meals and casual visits.

Food offers great quality and filling portions with consistently delicious taste.

Fast service makes it a solid choice for a workday lunch. Visiting between 2 and 4 pm helps avoid the lunch rush and find seating easily. Regular portions usually satisfy lunch appetites.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's curry with cheese katsu was fun and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a 25-minute wait for takeout orders during peak hours.

2

Parking is usually available behind the bank next to 7-Leaves.

3

A 15% discount is available for UCI students with valid ID.

06
Noodle Nest 和悦 (formerly Dun Huang) image 1
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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.

Food features fresh ingredients and chewy noodles with a focus on authentic Chinese ramen. Dishes consistently deliver great taste and excellent quality.

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

People are saying

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

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

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.

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Courtyard with shared outdoor seating offers a relaxed dining space. Menu focuses on healthy options with standout items like BBQ chicken salad and chicken wild rice soup. Lunch hours bring a busy atmosphere with ample seating inside and out.

Food comes fresh and homemade, made from scratch with a clean taste. Lunch offers good value, though some dishes can be underseasoned. The dining area stays clean with a courtyard for outdoor seating.

Busy during lunch, the spot offers good value meals with friendly service even in a rush.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and amazingly delicious."

"Vinny remembered my order from the day before; it made my experience special."

Good to know

1

Croutons offers a variety of healthy options on the menu.

2

Expect busy lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant features shared outdoor seating for guests.

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Large waterfall wall and outdoor seating create a calm, cozy atmosphere with a balance of sunlight and shade. Space includes a putting green and sometimes features live music, adding a relaxed, charming vibe. Location feels tucked away yet accessible, blending classical interior design with a wide, inviting patio.

Fresh food stands out with crepes, paninis, and banana bread offering strong flavors. Sandwiches and coffee also complement the menu well.

Offers a good range of pastries, sweets, and lunch items. Serves as a popular spot for lunch near the art museum.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the crepes and sandwiches."

"The outdoor seating at this Lunch Spot is so cute and calm."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated when you pay at the register, so there’s no need to find public parking.

2

Press & Moka is closed on Sundays.

3

Live music is advertised on Saturday mornings from morning until noon.

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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.

Shoyu ramen stands out with rich flavor and large portions. Crispy chicken karaage and Tonkotsu ramen complement the menu. Food arrives quickly and looks appealing.

Seating happens quickly before and after the lunch rush, with only a short wait during peak times. The spot offers a filling lunch that works well for quick meals or late lunches.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen broth is flavorful 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.

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Korean restaurant offers huge portions and authentic flavors with a rotating banchan selection that ranges from average to excellent. The space feels clean and open, attracting crowds during lunch and dinner hours. Prices remain affordable, providing great value compared to similar places.

Food features authentic Korean dishes with fresh, tasty side dishes offered in generous portions. Prices stay reasonable, with meals like Donkatsu providing great value for the amount served.

Lunch hours get busy, often requiring a wait. Meals come with three types of kimchi served at the table.

People are saying

"The food portions here are pretty big; I ate leftovers for two days."

"The spicy braised beef ribs at this Lunch Spot are tender and packed with bold flavors."

Good to know

1

Expect large portion sizes; one dish can easily serve two people.

2

The price of $22.99 for the Donkatsu offers great value for the amount of food.

3

Parking can be difficult on weekends, so arrive early.

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Outdoor food court setting offers casual vibes with sun shade but no rain cover. Seating is clean and comfortable, suited for quick meals near busy businesses. The atmosphere stays cool and relaxed, surrounded by various food stalls.

Authentic Thai flavors shine in dishes like Pad See Ew and drunken noodles. The food stays consistently fresh and delicious, with chicken fried rice standing out as a solid choice.

Busy during lunch hours, this spot serves as a quick lunch option for nearby businesses. Despite the crowd, it remains a reliable choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be super delicious and fresh."

"This lunch spot's Thai food is super delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a challenge during lunch hours in this plaza.

2

Expect the restaurant to get busy during lunch, so plan accordingly.

3

The menu is in Thai, which may be difficult to pronounce.

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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.

Food here offers delicious comfort with a great variety. Service stands out, especially near closing time, with generous portions and attentive staff.

Late lunches have no wait and plenty of seating. The spot draws many first-time lunch customers in a lively area and serves notable lunch dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is so good, especially the chicken."

"The crispy chicken sandwich at this Lunch Spot is juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Free 90-minute parking is available near the food hall.

2

Expect a wait time of about 24 minutes during peak hours.

3

Prices for meals range from $8 to $9 for generous portions.

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Casual Korean restaurant with a homey atmosphere and bright fluorescent lighting. Offers unlimited side dishes and complimentary bone broth served in stainless steel tumblers. Busy during lunchtime, it attracts those seeking authentic Korean flavors in a simple, comfortable setting.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and perfect portion sizes. Korean dishes come with reasonable prices and consistently deliver great taste.

Lunch draws a steady crowd with dishes like Sundubu, Galbi, and Dolsot Bibimbap. Arriving just after lunch hours helps avoid waiting since the spot stays busy.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is so authentic and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's Korean stews and bibimbap are authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Yoo's place is very busy during lunchtime, expect longer wait times.

2

The menu at Yoo's place is extensive, featuring many popular Korean dishes.

3

Expect to pay a bit more, as some find the food expensive for the portions.

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Brick building opens into an old world tavern with a quaint and exotic vibe. Decorations are festive and elaborate, especially for holidays, creating a fun atmosphere. Prime rib and steak draw a steady crowd, complemented by a limited but thoughtful drink selection.

Massive portions come on giant plates, especially for entrees like duck. Food is consistently spot on with excellent service and a solid lunch deal offering plenty of food.

Lunch offers a varied menu with reasonable prices. The prime rib sandwich stands out as a filling option during business meals.

People are saying

"The food here is really flavorful and delicious."

"I loved the prime rib sandwich at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant tends to be busy.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and free munchies from 4-6pm.

3

Parking is ample and free for all guests.

15
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Small noodle shop with authentic Chinese flavors and affordable prices offers both indoor and outdoor seating in a simple setting. Atmosphere ranges from calm and relaxed when not crowded to cluttered and unwelcoming at busy times. Known for traditional northern Chinese dishes and careful to-go packaging that keeps noodles fresh.

Food features authentic northwest Chinese cuisine with large portions and good ingredients. Delivery is very fast and the quality stays consistent across visits.

Lunch hours get very busy with a long wait, sometimes pushing quick meals to takeout. They offer lunch specials and serve food that ranges from okay to good.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and reasonably priced."

"This Lunch Spot has great hand-cut noodles."

Good to know

1

For to-go orders, they separate the noodle and broth so the noodle doesn’t get soggy.

2

Parking is very limited with a 30-minute time limit.

3

There was a free parking structure nearby.

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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.

Food features freshness and authenticity with dishes that are fragrant and flavorful. The baked BBQ pork buns stand out as a signature item with a rich taste.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"This Lunch Spot's dim sum, especially the lava bun, is elevated and delicious."

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.

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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.

Hotpot dining features a buffet-style variety with fresh ingredients and top-notch service. Food quality stays consistently good and offers an excellent Shabu Shabu experience.

Lunch offers a weekday special price around $25 to $26, including Fridays. Food comes fresh with good quality at a reasonable price for about thirty dollars per person.

People are saying

"The food here offers so many fresh, high-quality protein choices."

"This lunch spot's all-you-can-eat hot pot has amazing meat selections."

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.

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Small restaurant inside a strip mall food court offers authentic Punjabi cuisine with rich, flavorful curries and freshly baked naan. Atmosphere is welcoming and casual, making it a solid spot for lunch. Known for best Saag Paneer in the area, it stands out despite modest portions and higher prices.

Food comes out hot and spicy with perfectly cooked dishes. Portions are generous, offering great flavor and value especially in Daal and Tikka.

Lunch combos cost $12.99 plus tax and offer a good deal. This spot is convenient and solid for a midday meal.

People are saying

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

"The saag at this Lunch Spot is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Lunch combo is priced at $12.99 plus tax.

2

The meal for two provides enough food for three people.

3

They have recently decreased items in their combo packs.

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Sandwich shop offers quick service with fresh, tasty sandwiches and healthy options. Atmosphere feels nice and welcoming with easy parking nearby. Specials appear regularly, providing variety beyond standard menu items.

Food comes out quickly and pairs well with easy drink orders. The menu offers consistent quality and reliable service that fits well for a quick lunch break.

Offers solid lunches suitable for group orders and client events. Serves as a reliable spot for lunch breaks with consistent options.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the food here; it was amazing."

"I thought the sandwiches at this lunch spot were the best ever."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy in this area.

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a sandwich.

3

The service is quick for a fast meal.

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Irvine Business Complex, Irvine

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