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Best Authentic Restaurants in Irvine

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81 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4665)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Irvine
Booked 95 times today
Habana- Irvine Spectrum is authentic because it offers a genuine Cuban experience with its cuisine and cocktail program. Reviews rave about its 'authentic and very delicious food', 'great Cuban vibe' and 'immersive atmosphere as if you're in Cuba'. It's been a favorite culinary destination for 20 years, further testifying to its authenticity.
A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(5415)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 195 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Oliver’s Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(337)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Irvine
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 Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3998)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 31 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 Puesto Park Place restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1093)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Irvine
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. We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include the Michelin Guide, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, Huffington Post, Eater, Refinery 29, Insider, Zagat, Thrillist, and Food and Wine.
A photo of Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1775)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 33 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 Little Sister - Irvine restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1225)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Irvine
Booked 49 times today
Little Sister in Irvine is authentic Vietnamese, with dishes that blend the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia with French techniques and Dutch and British colonial influences. The menu is continually evolving, reflecting inspiration and the seasons. As one reviewer said, 'edgy Vietnamese food while maintaining authenticity' and another praised it as 'authentic Vietnamese cuisine' with 'exceptionally fresh and tasty dishes.' The restaurant also features an excellent wine and beverage program, curated by Chef Tin.
A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1424)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 15 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.
A photo of Sauced BBQ & Spirits - Irvine restaurant
4.2
Awesome(42)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Irvine
Experience authentic Southern BBQ right here in Southern California. Start your meal with our mouthwatering appetizers like our Rednexican Nachos, Hand Grenades (our take on jalapeno poppers), or our delectable brisket eggrolls known as Bumpkins. Complement these with our house brews, craft cocktails, or classic whiskies. Then, dive into our slow-smoked St. Louis style ribs, savory brisket, or tender smoked pork. No matter what you choose, you're sure to Get Sauced! Located in The Market Place Shopping Center - Full Bar, Sports TV's, Indoor and Patio Seating.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Tustin, CA | Newport Ave restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(653)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Tustin
Booked 28 times today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Erika
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had an absolutely fantastic experience at Habana! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere great and inviting, with a perfect balance of fun energy and sophistication. The food was exceptional—every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. What truly made our visit unforgettable, though, was our server, Beto. They were incredibly attentive without being overbearing and made us feel so welcomed. His friendly demeanor and attention to detail made my husband's birthday celebration seamless and enjoyable. I can’t recommend Habana enough, and I’ll definitely be back. Thank you to the entire team for such a wonderful experience!
    More info
    Habana- Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Irvine
    4.5
  • Brittani
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was our first time dining here and it was such an amazing experience! We had a cozy table outside on the patio and the food was excellent. The staff was warm and welcoming and we experienced a high level of hospitality from the moment we walked into the restaurant and were greeted by the hosts! The bartender, Eric, and our server, Matthew, really made the night special for us and the birthday we were celebrating!
    More info
    North Italia – IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    4.5
  • EliseVIP
    Orange County •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    El Fornaio has the most delicious food…especially the fish. The ambiance is lovely and lively but never loud…..one of my favorite restaurants!!!
    More info
    Il Fornaio - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    4.6
  • Matthew
    South Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Went there on a Tuesday night and had an absolutely great experience! Wonderful service and freshly made food, immaculate atmosphere, cannot recommend this place enough!
    More info
    Puesto Park PlacePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Irvine
    4.6
  • AmyVIP
    Los Angeles •417 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    3 of us went for lunch. We shared the speck pizza and it was delicious! The crust was crisp and chewy - so good. My friend had the lasagna. It was a huge portion and was so good. My husband had the salmon. He loved it! It came with veggies and potatoes. I was not that hungry so ordered the soup of the day which was lentil soup. It was a nice portion and was also very tasty. Service by Victor was excellent. He was very efficient and had a great sense of humor. Great restaurant !
    More info
    Oliver’s TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Irvine
    4.8

Discover best authentic restaurants in Irvine

Discover the essence of authenticity in Irvine's vibrant dining scene, where eateries offer an immersive culinary journey through various cultures. In South Orange County's Irvine, you'll find a selection of restaurants celebrated for their genuine and traditional approaches, perfect for those searching with the keyword "authentic." Each establishment boasts unique culinary stories, deeply rooted in their respective cultures, ranging from Cuban to Mediterranean, Vietnamese, and Californian cuisines, all expertly prepared with authentic flavors and techniques. The dining scene in Irvine is diverse and dynamic, catering to food enthusiasts who appreciate not only the taste but also the authenticity and story behind each dish. These restaurants are renowned for their commitment to excellence, showcasing high-quality ingredients, and providing a delightful dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of Eastern Mediterranean fare or the delicate balance of Vietnamese cuisine, Irvine's eateries stand out for their ability to deliver authentic, culturally-rich dining experiences. Each restaurant in Irvine prides itself on creating dishes that honor their culinary heritage while also embracing local influences and sustainable practices. This not only enhances the dining experience but also supports the community and environment, making each meal not just delicious but also responsible. Dive into Irvine's authentic dining offerings and discover why this area continues to be a top destination for genuine, high-quality culinary adventures.

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