Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Irvine

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

20 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.
A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant
2. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
4.6
Exceptional(710)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 28 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
3. Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine
4.4
Awesome(2273)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Irvine
Booked 49 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. 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 Javier's Crystal Cove restaurant
5. Javier's Crystal Cove
4.7
Exceptional(175)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 294 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
6. Mastro's Ocean Club - Newport Beach
4.7
Exceptional(8611)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Newport Beach
Booked 122 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
7. Bluefin Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1205)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Newport Beach
Booked 19 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
8. Palmilla Newport Beach Cocina y Tequila
4.8
Exceptional(113)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 21 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
9. Great Maple - Fashion Island
4.4
Awesome(2088)
Price: Moderate
• American • Newport Beach
Booked 104 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
10. Sushi Roku - Newport Beach
4.8
Exceptional(1289)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Newport Beach
Booked 73 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
  • Thomas
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •8 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Hadn't eaten at Del Frisco's since many years ago in Dallas, TX. Spectrum Center location is well appointed and inviting. Food was very good, but pricey. Dinner for 4 with minimum drinks ran $300.00; so definitely not for the faint hearted :)
    More info
    Del Frisco's Grille - IrvinePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Irvine
    •
    4.4
  • mike
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful staff, good food! Great ambience. Totally enjoyed the experience.
    More info
    Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
    •
    4.6
  • 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.
    More info
    CUCINA enoteca - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    •
    4.6
  • Jeff
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Looks awesome after remodel. Will be back! Family loved it.
    More info
    Javier's Crystal CovePrice: Expensive• Mexican• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7
  • 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.
    More info
    Ocean 48 - NewportPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Newport Beach
    •
    4.9

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo