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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Irvine

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64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Warehouse 72 - Irvine restaurant
1. Warehouse 72 - Irvine
4.3
Awesome(79)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 25 times today
Located in Orange County’s Hyatt Regency Irvine, Warehouse 72 is an elevated, upscale restaurant and bar concept featuring Modern American cuisine with 3-hour validated parking or $9 hotel valet for 4 hours. Now Open, Warehouse 72’s 6,200-square-foot dining space is anchored by a 30-foot 3D digital art installation and features a massive indoor-outdoor bar, expansive patio, lounge areas, and private dining rooms. Inspired by the 68th Angel of Healing, the restaurant was conceptualized to captivate and entertain guests in an environment that invites guests to relax and soak in the scenic beauty of Southern California. Once open, Warehouse 72 is open seven days a week for happy hour, dinner, and late night. Reserve your table today! For more information, visit warehouse72.com.
A photo of Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
2. Puesto Los Olivos
4.6
Exceptional(1798)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 43 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, MSN, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, and LA Times.
A photo of Fogo de Chao - Irvine Spectrum restaurant
3. Fogo de Chao - Irvine Spectrum
4.0
Excellent(2357)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Irvine
Booked 73 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.
A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant
4. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
4.6
Exceptional(746)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 37 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 The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin restaurant
5. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin
4.5
Awesome(2662)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Tustin
Booked 14 times today
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is the newest addition to The District in Tustin. The interior promises a hip, lively & sophisticated atmosphere, with dark woods, leather and velvet bar stools. The state-of-the-art 7,500 bottle cellar IS one of the largest in Orange County. The Winery Restaurant & Bar is open daily for lunch & dinner & features a wine tasting bar with a full bar menu and cigar patio.
A photo of Gulliver's Restaurant restaurant
6. Gulliver's Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2968)
Price: Expensive
• Prime Rib • Irvine
Booked 9 times today
In the last four decades Gulliver’s Restaurant has became one of the most popular Prime Rib Restaurant in Southern California. Gulliver’s hand-selected beef (corn-belt) is slow roasted in a unique patented oven system to assure flavorful, tender and juicy Prime Rib dinners. Gulliver's Restaurant is well known also for its other specialties as in-house aged Prime Steaks, Chateaubriand, Salmon, Rack of Lamb, Baby Back Ribs and roasted Long Island Duck. As you walk into a Gulliver's you will feel as though you have entered back in time to 18th century England. Guests at the Gulliver’s are surrounded by a veritable museum of leaded glass pieces, pewter and ceramic objects, and a collection of prints from Hogarth, Rowlandson and other Gulliver’s Travels illustrators. The Portions are huge, the service is gracious and friendly, and most importantly, the beef is cooked to perfection.Gulliver's is place where memories are created.
A photo of Oliver’s Trattoria restaurant
7. Oliver’s Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(383)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 28 times today
Opening December 10th, 2023! Chef Erik De Marchi is excited to bring his cuisine from Emilia-Romagna to Irvine with Oliver's Trattoria. Featuring homemade pasta and pizza and a full bar. Enjoy our outdoor patios, catering, and private event spaces. We can't wait to serve you at our second location Oliver's Trattoria.
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Irvine restaurant
8. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Irvine
4.7
Exceptional(4364)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Irvine
Booked 66 times today
Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.Ruth's Chris Steak House in Irvine, CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant
9. Il Fornaio - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(4045)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 41 times today
Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.
A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
10. Prego Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1447)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Tustin
Booked 11 times today
Prego's ambiance blends the warmth & rustic charm of old-world Italy with the electricity and vibrancy of a cosmopolitan restaurant. A lively exhibition kitchen with corner Raw Bar allows diners to view the artful chefs creating delicious dishes. Our restaurant seats up to 300 guests, with small scale options too, perfect for private events & catering services.Prego offers daily lunch & dinner, and weekly food & drink deals such as Small Bites Tuesdays, Hospitality Night on Wednesdays, Tequila Thursdayas, and a Raw Bar on Friday & Saturday nights.The menu emphasizes regional Italian cuisine, featuring authentic pizza, freshly made pastas, grilled fresh fish, spit-roasted meats, fowl, cocktails, and an extensive list of wines from Italy and California. Our homemade desserts & pastries make a perfect ending to an unforgettable dining experience.Prego has received fine-dining awards from the Restaurant Writers Association, the Wine and Food Society of Southern California, and more.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Scot
    Orange County •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The Paella was excellent. The mojitos delicious and the fried plantains wonderful. The service was 9/10 (brought the food a little too quick). And the space has a great atmosphere. Highly recommended!
    More info
    Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • Sara
    Orange County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Olea is a true gem! Their food is delicious, but their service is what truly shines. They went above and beyond for my mother’s birthday, providing a quiet area as requested. Plus, they regularly support local schools through donations. Fantastic food, exceptional hospitality, and a heart for the community—highly recommend!
    More info
    Olea Newport BeachPrice: Moderate• American• Newport Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Jaime
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Prego is a beautiful restaurant. We had reservations at 4pm and we were greeted and seated right away. Edgar our waiter was tentative and polite. The food was quick to come out! We ordered the calamari, brisket pasta and shrimp diavola which was all delicious. We would recommend this place for a date night for two.
    More info
    Prego RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Tustin
    •
    4.5
  • Renee
    Las Vegas •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great place if you like prime rib with all the trimmings. The theming is cute, with the servers in old English attire. The bartenders know how to mix up vintage and classic cocktails to add to your experience. You won’t leave hungry.
    More info
    Gulliver's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Prime Rib• Irvine
    •
    4.4
  • Michael
    Orange County •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Excellent ocean-view dining. Delicious food, high prices, and valet parking add$$. It is nearly impossible to beat the view and food quality!
    More info
    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Irvine

Discover the culinary treasures of Irvine in South Orange County, a destination known for its exceptional dining scene that caters to explorers and food lovers alike. If you're searching for restaurants "worth the drive," Irvine offers a diverse palette of exceptional eateries that stand out not just for their unique culinary offerings but also for their commitment to quality and service. From innovative Mexican artisan kitchens to enchanting Cuban spots and modern Californian cuisine with a sustainable twist, the restaurants here promise a memorable gastronomic journey. Each establishment reflects a deep dedication to creating extraordinary experiences, evident in their meticulous attention to detail, from ambiance to the plating of dishes. These restaurants not only satisfy your cravings but also turn every meal into a special occasion, making them truly worth the drive. Irvine’s dining scene thrives on creativity and passion, ensuring that every visit is both a discovery and a delight. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these culinary gems are guaranteed to offer something exciting and new, perfect for any food enthusiast seeking adventure in every bite.

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