Best Restaurants for a Quick Bite in Irvine

From the moment we stepped into Pelican Hill, everything exceeded our expectations. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with just the right balance of elegance and comfort. The service was outstanding—our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. Every recommendation they made turned out to be a hit! The food? Simply phenomenal. We just tasted wild mushroom Risotto, which was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Also Pizza was a standout—cooked to perfection and seasoned impeccably. Even the dessert, special for my husband birthday, was a masterpiece that we’re still dreaming about. It’s clear that Pelican Hill prioritizes quality, from the fresh ingredients to the thoughtful details in every dish. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a celebratory gathering, this place is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back soon!

It’s been a while since I’ve been here and I was pleasantly surprised they now have house-made pasta, prepared perfectly Al dente too. Squid ink pasta and short rib pasta are the go-to’s. Prior experience with their bolognese made me not want to come back because it’s really hard to mess up bolognese. I think you just have to know what to order. Italian chopped salad also another great one to try.

This is real, authentic Italian pasta, the best you’ll find in the south coast area. It seriously tastes just like pasta you’d find at a nice place in Italy. The ragu is my favorite. In my opinion the prices for pasta are a little high for such a casual place, but I keep coming back, so clearly it’s worth it. The service is always very good as well. The patio is nice with a fire pit and good heaters. It’s in the camp which provides nice ambiance, but parking is a nightmare. It took us 15 minutes to valet.

The food was delicious at The Lot and so convenient to be able to eat and not rush to make the movie. The theater, seats and experience was excellent. Highly recommend for a comfortable evening!