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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Irvine

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2728)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 51 times today
CUCINA enoteca is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum! Owner Tracy Borkum's flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento bring their artistry to the table as guests enjoy an open kitchen. The menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Along with a diverse selection of wines by the glass, guests may visit the restaurant's retail area to select from over 200 bottles for dinner (corkage fee of $10 applies) or purchase wine to go. The energetic space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the comfort of an old rustic farmhouse.
A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(714)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 33 times today
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations perfectly meshes upscale and casual dining with an expansive whiskey selection and unique offering of American comfort food. It offers high energy, open spaced concepts to promote a lively dining experience. With the rustic industrial aesthetic, brick metal and barrels are prevalent in the space. One of its most coveted attractions is the famous whiskey room, that houses hundreds of whiskies from several countries. From high end whiskies like Pappy Van Winkle, to a shot of Jameson with a Coors Light, there is something here for everyone's taste; and Bosscat prides itself on being this type of environment. Each season new flavors and recipes are brought into the kitchen. The culture and staff are encouraged to foster the fun and unique dining experience they so strongly emulate. Bosscat is open all week for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is available on weekdays, and a fun, boozy brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
A photo of Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2280)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Irvine
Booked 30 times today
Del Frisco's Grille is a modern and stylish spin on the classic bar and grill, drawing inspiration from bold flavors and market-fresh ingredients. Our menu is a tempting mix of prime steaks, fresh seafood and twists on American comfort cuisine.
A photo of Ocean 48 - Newport restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(579)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Newport Beach
Booked 196 times today
The Ocean 48 menu is designed with fresh seafood and quality ingredients in mind. The Mastros provide ultra-grade seafood, salmon, lobster, crab, oysters and more. Much of the menu is served a la carte, letting each guest personalize their experience. Ocean 48 is seafood reinvented in a vibrant upscale atmosphere specializing in world-class seafood & great steaks. Different than anything we have done in the past, the fine dining atmosphere blends dramatic and intimate settings. At the core of Ocean 48 is chef sourced, highest graded sustainable fresh seafood from around from the world, enhanced with unique and interesting appetizers and side dishes that go beyond the traditional seafood menu. Newport's best seafood & romantic restaurant.
A photo of Javier's Crystal Cove restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(200)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 358 times today
Artistically designed with unique sculptures, Javier's Crystal Cove provides guests with ocean views in a cozy, contemporary atmosphere to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. It opened its doors in 2008 on Newport Beach and is conveniently close to the Crystal Cove Shopping Center. This restaurant offers guests an upscale dining experience with such entrees as the Maine lobster enchilada topped with Monterey jack cheese and grilled chicken breasts braised in chipotle sauce. Javier's Crystal Cove serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes, appetizers and delicious desserts. It has a full bar that features numerous tequilas, cocktails, beers and wine. Javier's Crystal Cove also offers outdoor dining. It accepts reservations over the phone and online.
A photo of Mastro's Ocean Club - Newport Beach restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8627)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Newport Beach
Booked 137 times today
Mastro's collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.
A photo of Bluefin Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1206)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Newport Beach
Booked 20 times today
Classic and creative sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes, many showing international influences, in a stylish contemporary setting, from Nobu Matsuhisa alumnus Takashi Abe.
A photo of Palmilla Newport Beach Cocina y Tequila restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(117)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 16 times today
Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila features home-style Mexican cuisine featuring the freshest seafood and the finest cuts of beef, along with an amazing selection of premium tequilas, mezcals and globally inspired wines. Both Palmilla Hermosa Beach and Palmilla Newport Beach feature lovely outdoor patio areas, perfect for soaking up the sea breezes from the Pacific ocean just footsteps away. Palmilla’s sophisticated, yet inviting dining rooms showcase imported, custom-made furniture and decor that transports guests to Mexico’s luxurious coastal landscapes. When dining at Palmilla, you will feel as if you’ve been transported to an upscale boutique hotel in beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, which is where much of the inspiration of the design came from.
A photo of Great Maple - Fashion Island restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2090)
Price: Moderate
• American • Newport Beach
Booked 57 times today
With stylish, midcentury modern-inspired spaces, Great Maple serves elevated American comfort food made from scratch with the highest quality of seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients. A full bar and unique All-Day Menu allow customers to order brunch, lunch, dinner, and craft cocktails at any time of day.
A photo of Sushi Roku - Newport Beach restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1293)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Newport Beach
Booked 72 times today
Sushi Roku combines the finest, freshest fish from pristine waters around the globe with the kind of artistry that can only be provided by a mature sushi chef ensuring superlative traditional sushi, together with a splash of California innovation. Sushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art. This unique culinary experience that bridges past and present is the result of an eagerness to embrace new ideas and a profound respect for tradition. Sushi Roku’s bold and diverse menu also offers an array of hot and cold specialty appetizers and an extensive selection of exotic entrées.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Caitie
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    My husband and I came here to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. Our server, Gojko, was very attentive and made our experience great, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. We both got the 16oz ribeyes with brussel sprouts and truffle Mac and cheese. Our steaks were cooked perfectly and the sides were delicious! I would highly recommend this place - our night and meal was perfect! Thanks Gojko!
    More info
    Del Frisco's Grille - IrvinePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Irvine
    4.5
  • Eboni
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    I had the pleasure of celebrating my 38th birthday at Ocean 48, and the experience was absolutely unforgettable. I was joined by a friend who was also celebrating a birthday, and the restaurant went above and beyond to make our evening special. From the moment we arrived, the staff’s thoughtfulness and generosity stood out. One of the highlights of the evening was receiving personalized birthday cards from the team—a small but incredibly touching gesture that warmed our hearts. To our surprise, the thoughtfulness didn’t end there. The restaurant even called the next day to check in and ensure everything had gone well, which truly reflects their commitment to exceptional customer service. The food was nothing short of phenomenal. We indulged in several dishes—almost the entire menu—and everything was absolutely delicious. Every bite showcased the chef’s expertise and attention to detail, making it difficult to pick a favorite. The manager and staff were the epitome of hospitality, setting a gold standard for customer service. Their attentiveness and genuine care turned our celebration into an extraordinary experience. I’m already looking forward to returning, this time with my mom, so she can also enjoy the amazing food and service. Ocean 48 is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place that knows how to create lasting memories. If you’re looking for a special dining experience, this is it.
    More info
    Ocean 48 - NewportPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Newport Beach
    4.9
  • Paula
    Orange County •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    DELICIOUS. Wonderful cocktails, tantalizing appetizers, and each of our 4 entrees were fantastic. Highly recommend the country bread shareable, the crispy fried chicken sandwich, and the butcher cut pork chop. Can't wait to go back - thanks for a delightful dinner!
    More info
    Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
    4.7
  • Radel
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went there for a little holiday/birthday dinner with friends. I hadn’t gone since before the renovations and the restaurant looks beautiful! Amazing service from the check in staff to those clearing the tables! For some of my friends being their first time there, they loved it and will go back! Thank you!
    More info
    Javier's Crystal CovePrice: Expensive• Mexican• Newport Beach
    4.7
  • Sijia
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    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.
    More info
    CUCINA enoteca - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    4.6
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