Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Irvine

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant

1. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(2722)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 66 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.

2. Benny & Mary's

4.5

Awesome(373)

Price: Expensive

• Fusion / Eclectic • Irvine

Booked 17 times today

Please join our restaurant, the home of Benny and Mary, world travelers with diverse menu items, and acquired decor. Featuring eccentric cuisine and craft cocktails, (including a wide selection of spirits and wine) served in our various spaces from our full-service bar and cocktail area to our picturesque Library featuring our bookcase and high ceiling chandeliers. We are hosting a party every lunch and dinner, and you're invited!

A photo of Ocean 48 - Newport restaurant

3. Ocean 48 - Newport

4.9

Exceptional(547)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Newport Beach

Booked 134 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 Water Grill - South Coast Plaza restaurant

4. Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

4.8

Exceptional(8236)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Costa Mesa

Booked 154 times today

Water Grill South Coast Plaza is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. Located across from South Coast Plaza - just steps from the Segerstrom Center of the Arts - Water Grill South Coast Plaza is the perfect place to dine, celebrate and host an event for business or pleasure. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of Orange County’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill South Coast Plaza also offers multiple, customizable private dining rooms for your business meetings and special events.

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Newport Beach restaurant

5. CUCINA enoteca - Newport Beach

4.7

Exceptional(2770)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Newport Beach

Booked 86 times today

CUCINA enoteca is located on the west side of Fashion Island, Orange County's most sophisticated retail experience. 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 a rustic farmhouse.

A photo of Buona Forchetta Newport Beach restaurant

6. Buona Forchetta Newport Beach

4.7

Exceptional(57)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Newport Beach

Booked 31 times today

Experience a piece of the Buona Forchetta San Diego heritage through authentic Italian recipes handed down through generations. Today, there are five locations around San Diego and our newest in Newport Beach and San Clemente . Buona Forchetta’s seventh location is open now in Peninsula Village near the Newport marina. Buona Forchetta’s Italian wood-fired pizzas—with their perfectly soft-yet-crispy crusts—continue to garner awards, including San Diego Magazine Best Pizza 2023 Critic’s Choice, Gambero Rosso Best Pizzeria, Gayot Best Italian Restaurant San Diego, OpenTable Diner’s Choice, and more. Our handmade pasta dishes bursting with rich flavors, fresh seafood specialties, and decadent desserts will all leave you craving more. All Buona Forchetta locations also offer gluten-free Italian options and rotating specials.Explore our menu, discover our story, and reserve your table online.

7. 230 Forest Avenue

4.9

Exceptional(2843)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Laguna Beach

Booked 23 times today

Don't be fooled by the crowds and the noise; they are all part of the scene here at Laguna Beach's sexy and intense 230 Forest Avenue. The lean deep room seduces you to the open kitchen, bustling bar, and concrete floors, creating a space that is part modern bistro, part martini bar, and part art gallery. It's the perfect spot to see and be seen, laid back Laguna-style. Executive Chef Marc Cohen is consistently recognized as one of The OC's top chefs. You'll be ready to award him a medal, too, after tasting his flashy-to-the-eye, tickle-the-taste- buds fusion appetizers and entrees. His dishes are often so stunning that they compete with the artwork on the walls, making for a thoroughly satisfying "artistic" experience.

A photo of Bluewater Grill- Newport Beach restaurant

8. Bluewater Grill- Newport Beach

4.5

Awesome(841)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Newport Beach

Booked 45 times today

Bluewater Grill offers fresh seafood and American fare in a historic location overlooking the Newport Beach bay. Whether looking for classically prepared seafood or something specially created by Executive Chef Albert Serrano, diners at Bluewater Grill will find an extensive menu and fresh ingredients to keep them hooked. Guests may even see catches made by the restaurant's Pilikia, a harpoon boat. Walk into the Bluewater Grill and sample shellfish options or a favorite like the Chipotle Blackened Swordfish. If you're out and about, tie your boat up at the dock and enjoy freshly cut Today's Fish offerings, or a simple crabcake appetizer. For those looking for something from the land, a Bluewater Burger or Chicken Under a Brick are sure to hit the spot, while the Key Lime Pie or Java Mud Pie add the perfect finishing touch.

A photo of Da Bianca Trattoria restaurant

9. Da Bianca Trattoria

4.9

Exceptional(1851)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Orange

Booked 8 times today

For over 35 years, Da Bianca Trattoria has earned a reputation as a beloved local restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine. Founded by Bianca Cangelosi Bavand, Da Bianca was a dream come true for the Sicilian native. Her inspiration and the secret to the restaurant's continued success is serving simple food using only the freshest ingredients-- just like the food she served her family. Daughter Marjan Bavand Dunn continues the family legacy of welcoming our neighbors, as they celebrate milestones, meet friends and share family dinners.

A photo of Bazille - Nordstrom Fashion Island restaurant

10. Bazille - Nordstrom Fashion Island

4.6

Exceptional(108)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Newport Beach

Enjoy a view of the exhibition kitchen in a vibrant cafe that delivers our interpretation of bistro cuisine, including soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza and desserts. Beer and wine are available. Bazille – Nordstrom Fashion Island is a full service restaurant located on the first floor of Nordstrom Fashion Island in Newport Beach, at the intersection of Santa Barbara and Newport Center Drive. Our casually sophisticated atmosphere features bistro cuisine and a dynamic wine list.We are open for dine-in service, outdoor patio dining and to-go orders with Curbside Pickup. Call (949) 610-1610 to place your order.Join us for Brunch on weekends.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

I
IanVIP
Los Angeles •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Benny and Mary's gave us an absolutely world class experience. From their thoughtful, hand-written "Happy Anniversary" note, to the exceptional food, to the premium care and service their staff provided, our night was so memorable. This will now be our go-to restaurant for special occasions. Our only regret is that we didn't discover it earlier. Thank you Benny and Mary's for making our anniversary night so special!
More info
Benny & Mary'sPrice: Expensive• Fusion / Eclectic• Irvine
•
4.5
V
Varuni
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and drinks were amazing. Ingredients were fresh and you can tell they took pride in plating the meals. I had the half roasted chicken and it was juicy and tender. The drinks delicious and so are the sweets! Service was top knotch and friendly. Gave great recommendations. Over all great ambiance, music and service.
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CUCINA enoteca - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
•
4.6
T
Tracy
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I've been going here for years because it's always reliable with great food. It was very busy last night because the theater had 2 shows. When it is that crowded, it is very noisy. Bottom line, reliable and great, especially if you're going to the theater.
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Water Grill - South Coast PlazaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Costa Mesa
•
4.8
J
Judith
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
A++++ Last night was my second visit, and it will not be my last. We requested the bar area. It was perfect for my two sons. It was her first visit.. I appreciate that the restaurant has different seating areas that you can try out and decide which is best. Food was amazing. Scallops and Chilean Sea bass wee cooked to perfection. My son’s medium + rib eye was right on point. We both wish they would offer the Porter house option. Their cookies and cream gelato cake was a perfect ending. I believe our waitress had too many tables,therefore it wasn’t the service level i experienced on my first visit. definitely the best seafood and steakhouse. I believe in Orange County.
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Ocean 48 - NewportPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Newport Beach
•
4.9
M
MargaretVIP
Orange County •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We had a great meal, accompanied by great service and lovely ambiance, at the Newport Beach location this evening. Highly recommend!
More info
CUCINA enoteca - Newport BeachPrice: Moderate• Italian• Newport Beach
•
4.7

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Irvine

Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Irvine

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

2. Benny & Mary's

3. Ocean 48 - Newport

4. Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

5. CUCINA enoteca - Newport Beach

6. Buona Forchetta Newport Beach

7. 230 Forest Avenue

8. Bluewater Grill- Newport Beach

9. Da Bianca Trattoria

10. Bazille - Nordstrom Fashion Island

See what locals rave about

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