Best Californian Restaurants in Irvine

Dining at the Beachcomber is always an outstanding experience. The food is absolutely delicious from the clam chowder to the lobster roll or mahi mahi tacos to the beignets. All the staff are welcoming and friendly. They take the time to make sure everything is what you expected. Beyond that, you can’t find a better ambiance or view than on the beach in Crystal Cove. The Beachcomber is one of my absolute favorite places to dine in Orange County.

I absolutely love the ambience of this restaurant. The food is like artwork, beautifully arranged, and taste scrumptious. I love bringing friends and family here for celebrations.

This is one of my favorite places to go. Absolutely my favorite restaurant at Irvine spectrum. The foods here never disappoint. The ambience is unique and tasteful.

During our recent 3-day weekend getaway, we stumbled upon Citra Bar & Kitchen at the newly renovated Hotel Zessa, and it quickly became our go-to spot for nearly all our meals. This place is truly a hidden gem! From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the modern yet cozy ambiance. The highlight of our experience was undoubtedly the drinks. The Citra Margarita was refreshingly perfect, and my wife couldn't get enough of the Hibiscus Cooler. We also indulged in the Casamigos Flight, which was a delightful treat. Following our server’s recommendations turned out to be the best decision. We tried nearly everything on the lunch and dinner menus, but the Chicken Taquitos stood out as our favorite appetizer—we ordered them multiple times! As for the entrees, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but our top picks were the Chicken A La Brasa, Blackened Mahi Mahi, and Salmon Salad. Each dish was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. Being gluten-free, I was thrilled to find that Citra Bar & Kitchen had plenty of options that catered to my dietary needs without compromising on taste. Overall, our experience at Citra Bar & Kitchen was outstanding. The revitalization of Hotel Zessa and the exceptional dining experience here is a testament to Santa Ana's commitment to enhancing their community. We can’t wait to return, and I highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting the area. You will not be disappointed!

Food was good but feels like a hotel dining spot, not a restaurant. Service was slow. Would prefer more ambiance for the price point.