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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Irvine

Lunch spots

A lunch break that provides a real change of scenery from your desk without taking up your entire afternoon.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Freddys Deli image 1
Freddys Deli image 2
Freddys Deli image 3
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Deli inside a business center offers a quiet atmosphere with casual indoor and outdoor seating. Friendly service creates a chill vibe perfect for lunch or meetings. Lunch options come neatly packed for easy grab-and-go and order pickup via text.

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

"The deli sandwiches here are fresh, delicious, and made to order."

"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
Dupont Centre Cafe image 1

Spacious spot near the airport offers Far East-inspired decor and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for lunch with unique menu options beyond the usual fare. Friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for all dining times.

Offers a great spot for lunch with options beyond the usual fare. Serves well for coffee, lunch, or dinner with a vibe that stands out from typical lunch places.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's burgers and fries combo is worth the price."

"I loved the breakfast burrito and crispy chicken sandwich."

"The dinner spots here have super friendly staff."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated for free and is conveniently located next door.

2

Expect 30-cent beers all day on Thirsty Thursday.

3

The cafe offers daily specials and happy hour.

03
Larry's Deli image 1

Clean, spacious deli with old school decor offers a quick lunch option with easy pickup. Menu features high quality ingredients and generous portions. Spot is known for value meals around $10 and consistently spotless surroundings.

Offers a quick lunch option with easy pickup. Serves as a reliable spot for a fast meal during the day.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are delicious and made with high-quality ingredients."

"The French dip sandwich at this Lunch Spot is amazing, with abundant meat and cheese."

Good to know

1

The meal costs around $10, offering good value for quality.

2

Portion sizes are generous, often enough for two meals.

3

Larry's Deli has a variety of sandwiches to choose from.

04
Noodle Nest 和悦 (formerly Dun Huang) image 1

Spacious spot shines with hand-pulled noodles and a bright, modern vibe. Lunch features a $21 special with cold appetizers and soup. Clean decor and iPad ordering make meals smooth and casual.

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

People are saying

"The noodles here are so authentic and flavorful."

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

"You have to try their roujiamo, the Chinese hamburger."

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.

05
949 Grill Lounge image 1

Rustic meets industrial with an open kitchen and flame cooking creating a lively vibe. Lunch offers Bento boxes with hearty mains like Hunan pork belly, perfect for workers. Bold seasoning and fresh ingredients make it a casual dinner spot with authentic Chinese barbecue skewers.

Lunch features Bento style boxes with a main, two sides, soup, and steamed rice. Options like Hunan stir-fried pork belly and kung pao chicken come in sets priced between $17.99 and $21.99, offering good value for workers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with generous portions."

"The grilled skewers here are perfectly seasoned and smoky."

"The lunch special box was very worth it."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited to 30 minutes in front of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes including skewers served after 5 pm.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the portion sizes and food quality.

06
Press & Moka image 1
Coffee shop

Large waterfall wall and outdoor seating create a calm, cozy atmosphere perfect for lunch near the art museum. Enjoy pastries and sweets while relaxing on the wide patio with a putting green and occasional live music. The blend of classical design and sunlight makes it charming and inviting.

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 coffee staff here is so kind and welcoming."

"The French food, especially the crepes, is really, really good."

"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.

07
Croutons image 1
Salad shop

Courtyard with shared outdoor seating creates a relaxed vibe. Menu highlights healthy options like BBQ chicken salad and wild rice soup. Lunch is busy with friendly service and good value meals.

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."

"I loved the BBQ chicken salad; it's delicious and fresh."

"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.

08
Haidilao Hot Pot Irvine image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Hot pot spot shines with all-you-can-eat lunch at $19.99 and an interactive dancing noodle show. Spacious, clean space feels warm and family-friendly, offering personalized sauce stations and toys for kids. Extras like hair ties and snacks make dining special.

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."

"This place is super kid friendly with gifts and games for kids."

"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.

09
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1

Narrow space with tight seating creates a loud, fast-paced vibe. Younger crowd fills the room, making it unsuitable for quiet meals. Quick seating and short wait make it a solid lunch spot for fast, filling meals.

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 thought the ramen here was the best around."

"The vegan ramen here is delicious, with a creamy broth and fresh toppings."

"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.

10
Tuk Tuk Thai Street Food image 1

Outdoor food court offers casual vibes with clean, comfortable seating. Busy during lunch, it serves as a quick lunch option for nearby workers. The atmosphere stays cool and relaxed, perfect for a fast, easy meal.

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."

"The Thai food here is spicy and has great flavor."

"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.

11
Oishi Shabu Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Robot servers add a playful tech touch to a modern, clean space with an authentic Japanese vibe from individual induction cookers. Lunch specials run about $25 with fresh, quality food. Open kitchen and upscale decor make it great for quiet conversations.

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 bottomless prime meats and vast buffet were amazing."

"The Wagyu beef menu here is so tender and delicious."

"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.

12
Youngdabang image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean spot offers a quiet atmosphere with soft K-pop tunes. Lunch is quick and cheap, featuring the 11.59 ramen kimbap special. Modern interior feels clean and cozy, perfect for casual meals.

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 loved the Korean food, especially the tteokbokki and kimbap."

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

"I found their Tteokbokki to be the best I've ever had."

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.

13
Punjabi Tandoor -Irvine image 1
Punjabi restaurant

Small spot in a strip mall serves authentic Punjabi cuisine with rich curries and fresh naan. Known for best Saag Paneer, it offers lunch combos at $12.99 that make a solid midday meal. Atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for lunch.

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 naan here is freshly baked and wonderfully soft."

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

"I loved their delicious Lamb Curry."

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.

14
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Irvine image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Modern space offers a cozy vibe and friendly staff that make lunch smooth and welcoming. High-quality wagyu and a self-serve sides bar create an engaging meal. Cramped layout adds energetic atmosphere with lively movement.

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

"Our server helped us cook the steak and gave great recommendations."

"The Wagyu here is melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

"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.

15
Bao Chick image 1
Chicken restaurant

Food hall offers a lively atmosphere with shared seating and a modern vibe. Enjoy high-quality fried chicken and unique dishes like soup dumplings. Late lunches have no wait and plenty of seating, perfect for a flavorful, casual meal.

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 Chinese food here is so crispy and juicy."

"I thought the chicken sandwich was the best I've ever had."

"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.

16
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Large fast food spot shines with friendly staff and clean environment. Perfect for quick work breaks with budget-friendly prices and classic burgers. Outdoor tables add a nice touch for a relaxed lunch.

Staff greet customers even during busy lunch hours. Prices stay budget-friendly for quick work breaks.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and satisfying."

"These burgers have a unique, char-broiled flavor that's just delicious."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot is so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is always spotless and clean.

2

Expect a wait time of about 10-15 minutes for food.

3

Combo meals are priced around $8, with larger combos costing more.

17
Farmer Boys image 1
Fast food restaurant

Old fashioned diner style creates a cozy vibe with a quiet atmosphere perfect for relaxed meals. Quick service shines during lunch rush, offering a chef salad that fits a busy day. Hot, crispy fries add a tasty touch to this family-friendly spot.

Quick service handles the lunch rush well, making it easy to grab a meal during work hours. The chef salad stands out as a solid lunch option in a busy, friendly atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be amazing."

"This lunch spot is great for a quick bite during work hours."

Good to know

1

Farmer Boys has limited parking and no drive-thru available.

2

The dining room and restroom are very clean.

3

They charge $7 for a sandwich combo.

18
Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse image 1

Spacious Brazilian steakhouse shines with tableside meat service and a showy cocktail experience featuring flaming drinks. Lunch feels special with attentive service and a great salad bar, though prices are high. Sports games add lively energy to the elegant setting.

Lunch offers a high-end dining experience with attentive service. Meals can be costly, with two people spending nearly $200, but the food and atmosphere support a special occasion vibe.

People are saying

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

"This is the best Brazilian Steakhouse I've ever visited."

"This Lunch Spot's food is amazing, especially the candied bacon."

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.

19
Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar image 1
New American restaurant

New American restaurant shines with a clean, modern interior and a comfortable outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. Friendly staff make it a welcoming lunch spot near business complexes. Bright, airy space suits both work lunches and relaxed dining.

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."

"This lunch spot's menu changes seasonally with fresh ingredients."

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.

20
Otoro Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with exceptional freshness and an upscale atmosphere. Lunch offers chirashi bowls and combos under $30, perfect for variety lovers. Expect long lines and lively noise before opening.

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.

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."

"You can pick two entrees for lunch combos around $28."

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.

21
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant feels like a taco stand with a friendly atmosphere and soft oldies music. Lunch hours shine with cleanliness and a pleasant vibe perfect for a quick, healthy meal like chicken burritos or fresh salads.

Cleanliness stands out during lunch hours. The spot offers a pleasant atmosphere for a one-hour lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was excellent."

"The staff here is so quick and friendly with your burrito."

"I received the best customer service at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.

2

Expect good value with frequent coupon deals available.

3

This location is popular for lunchtime visits due to quick service.

22
Marugame Udon image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen and freshly made noodles create a lively, casual vibe perfect for families and quick visits. Fast service and self-serve tempura bar make lunch efficient and interactive. Visiting between 2 and 4 pm helps avoid crowds and enjoy regular portions that satisfy.

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 udon noodles to be perfectly chewy and delicious."

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

"Lance replaced my soup with a different one at no extra charge."

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.

23
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - Irvine image 1
Japanese curry restaurant

Japanese curry spot buzzes with service buzzers and a busy lunch crowd. Cozy but cramped seating fills fast, so come early to avoid noise and wait times. Staff clean quickly, keeping pace with the lunch rush.

Lunch hours get busy with a crowd that sometimes requires ringing bells for service. Staff focus on cleaning tables during peak times, and arriving around 11:30AM avoids the lunch rush.

People are saying

"I loved customizing my Japanese food with spice levels and toppings."

"I found the curry here to be simple and delicious."

"This lunch spot's Japanese curry is perfectly spicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy in the evenings.

2

Expect long wait times during weekends and lunch hours on weekdays.

3

The kitchen closes at 9:50 PM, despite a 10:00 PM closing time.

24
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco bar setup and fresh guacamole shine in a family-friendly space with dim lighting. Quick service and amazing staff make lunch a breeze, with free drinks and cost effective prices. Small patio offers a nice alternative seating option.

Lunch here offers quick service with amazing staff and free drinks included. Meals come at a cost effective price, making it a solid spot for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

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

"The Brunch service was so attentive, it felt like I was the only one there."

"I ordered the chicken fajita salad for lunch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily until 9 pm with great drink deals.

2

Taco Tuesday offers special menu items from 4-9 pm.

3

Reservations are recommended for holiday buffets.

25
Aria Kitchen image 1
Persian restaurant

Persian and Mexican flavors mix in a lively spot with fusion cuisine and live DJs. Street tacos shine for lunch in a quiet atmosphere. Cozy booths and a full bar add to the inviting vibe.

Street tacos stand out for lunch. The atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, good for a calm meal.

People are saying

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

"The atmosphere here is so classy and elegant."

"I loved the street tacos at this lunch spot."

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.

26
Qin West Noodle image 1
Noodle shop

Small noodle shop shines with authentic Chinese flavors and affordable prices. Lunch rush brings long waits and a shift to takeout specials. Seating is simple, shifting from calm to cluttered as crowds grow.

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 loved their Guilin soup; it had a perfect balance of flavors."

"I found the Chinese noodles here to be very authentic."

"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.

27
Yigah Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant serves huge portions with authentic flavors and a rotating banchan selection. Lunch is busy with a wait, but meals include three types of kimchi. Space is clean and open, offering great value for affordable prices.

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."

"Their kimchi is some of the best I've tasted in a restaurant."

"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.

28
Yoo's place image 1
Korean restaurant

Casual Korean spot shines with unlimited side dishes and authentic flavors like Sundubu and Galbi. Bright lighting and homey atmosphere make it cozy. Busy at lunch, but complimentary bone broth adds a warm touch.

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 home-style Korean food here is so delicious and fresh."

"The savory, comforting broth is perfect to start the meal."

"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.

29
BORJA'S Italian Restaurant image 1

Cozy spot with excellent pizza and flavorful pasta offers fast service for quick lunches. Late hours attract a mix of diners, including wealthy patrons. Affordable prices and generous portions make it a great lunch spot with a laid-back vibe.

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.

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Irvine Business Complex, Irvine

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