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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Irvine

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62 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(724)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 56 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 Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1781)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 45 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 Warehouse 72 - Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(53)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 19 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 Fogo de Chao - Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.1
Excellent(2306)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Irvine
Booked 104 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 Oliver’s Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(350)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 43 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 The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2649)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Tustin
Booked 29 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
4.4
Awesome(2956)
Price: Expensive
• Prime Rib • Irvine
Booked 20 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 Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4026)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 85 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 Ruth's Chris Steak House - Irvine restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4329)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Irvine
Booked 108 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 The Goldfinch restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(210)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 37 times today
California Cuisine and an extensive Beverage and Craft Cocktail program while focusing on only the best and freshest quality ingredients.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rosa
    Los Angeles •35 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food quality is perfect, very generous portion and nicely presented. My waitress Michelle is super nice a d professional, with the tentative and caring service provided by Michelle made my lunch a very pleasant Dino g experience. I will definitely come back for more!
    More info
    Gulliver's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Prime Rib• Irvine
    4.4
  • ValerieVIP
    Orange County •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    As usual the food and the service was wonderful! I took a great friend out her birthday lunch today. We both had the Seasonal Special, halibut, with an amazing wasabi buere blanc sauce, perfectly cooked asparagus and almond rice. My friend asked for mashed potatoes instead of the rice and they gladly accommodated her. We finished with the best, I mean the key lime cheesecake!! Everyone we were in contact with were friendly and efficient. Looking forward to going back!
    More info
    Tommy Bahama - Newport BeachPrice: Very Expensive• American• Newport Beach
    4.7
  • Alicia
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Bosscat is an amazing experience. Great food, drinks,service and ambiance.
    More info
    Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
    4.7
  • LaurenVIP
    Orange County •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 1, 2025
    Always a great time eating here. My husband and I LOVE this place. Shout out to Juan for being absolutely amazing every time we eat here. He is the real MVP of this place!
    More info
    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    4.5
  • DianeVIP
    Orange County •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Food is always great, ambiance for the holiday was beautiful, the service impeccable and management as attentive as needed. A wonderful dining experience!
    More info
    Prego RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Tustin
    4.6

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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