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Best Authentic Restaurants in Irvine

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77 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4640)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Irvine
Booked 85 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 Oliver’s Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(322)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 32 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 Puesto Park Place restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1087)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Irvine
Booked 10 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. 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(1763)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 23 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 Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3972)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 41 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 Little Sister - Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1217)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Irvine
Booked 43 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 Sauced BBQ & Spirits - Irvine restaurant
4.3
Awesome(39)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Irvine
Booked 24 times today
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 Prego Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1415)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 9 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 O Fine Japanese Cuisine - Irvine restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(467)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Irvine
Booked 3 times today
Welcome to O Fine Japanese Cuisine, the restaurant serves contemporary Japanese cuisine and traditional sushi in an elegant and comfortable setting. Explore beyond the sushi and sashimi such wonderful dishes as Chillean Sea Bass Misoyaki, Garlic Beef or Lobster Tail Dynamite with Snow Crab. There is something for everyone from our one item entree to a variety of sushi, sashimi and fusion cuisines. We are conveniently located inside the Albertson shopping center with plenty of parking spaces for local residents or visitors. Please join us for the wonderful, exciting, O experience. We look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of Brio Italian Grille - Irvine - Spectrum Center restaurant
3.6
Very Good(1970)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 29 times today
Brio Spectrum is a premier Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant in Irvine, CA serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine, luxury wines & cocktails-our specialties include premium quality steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pasta and flatbreads. If you're looking for the best holiday party venue or restaurant for Thanksgiving, Brio offers easy reservations and catering services to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Brio Spectrum is the place to eat in Irvine, CA for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nicole
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I was celebrating my girlfriend‘s 40th birthday, the waiter was excellent highly recommend Tony V., he was so funny and entertaining.
    More info
    Habana- Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Irvine
    4.5
  • Marie
    California Central Coast •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Be adventurous and try there beef carpaccio delicious! I ordered the lasagna filling but delicious. Husband ordered the chicken Parmesan generous, juicy perfectly seasoned chicken. Our son ordered the ravioli, stuffed with beef rib in a smooth creamy sauce. We had all agreed we would leave room for their dessert and we were happy we did so.  We shared their lava cake with carmel gelato and the strawberry cheesecake. What a fun night and thank you to our server Nicole . 
    More info
    Il Fornaio - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    4.6
  • Kellyvip
    California Central Coast •59 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Beautiful restaurant, they were very busy the night we went, huge party going on, so service was a bit slow, but very understandable. We had the octopus appetizer, it was ok, not enough flavor for me. I had the cacio Pepe pasta, homemade pasta was so good, sauce was tasty , a bit dry, but yummy, hubby had the lobster pasta with a red sauce, so good, we ate every bit! Cheesecake was delicious, espresso martini was very strong and good! We’ll definitely go back!
    More info
    Oliver’s TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Irvine
    4.8
  • maureen
    Orange County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    Fantastic, fun time at Puesto Los Olivos again. Food was delicious! We had the salsa bar (all the salsas were fantastic. The table's favorites ended up being the sweet, smoky pineapple and the smoky tomato), classic guacamole and various tacos for Taco Tuesday. I had the Verduras taco with no cheese because I'm vegan. I appreciate that they always accommodate that request. It is delicious! Other people at the table had the filet mignon, short rib and carnitas tacos. The favorite was the short rib taco. The ambiance is fantastic at this location. We sat out on their beautiful, festive patio, with hanging lights and heat lamps. This is always a favorite!
    More info
    Puesto Los OlivosPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Irvine
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    Little Rock •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 12, 2024
    Had to wait quite a while, like an hour for food, which wasn’t super comfortable on the wooden bench but the ambiance was fantastic and music selection fun and hip. I ordered the chicken mole enchiladas and just about died it was the best mole I’ve had in the states! Phenomenal!
    More info
    Puesto Park PlacePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Irvine
    4.5

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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