Top 15 Affordable Restaurants in Irvine, CA

Alex Ryan We had a a great experience here sitting at the bar. Service was prompt and polite with lots of descriptions about the food and she guided us towards the best options for our party of two. Food was delicious and this is what stood out. You pay for the ambience, and food is family style so order with caution as portions are big and shareable.

Mark Fitch A really nice staff and very good food from a hotel kitchen

Ashley W We had such a great lunch at Annie’s Table in Irvine! It’s one of those hidden local spots that feels warm and welcoming the minute you walk in. The atmosphere is clean and relaxed — a perfect place to grab a delicious meal without any fuss. The staff was friendly and made us feel right at home, which made the whole experience even better. Everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. From the comforting bowls to the tasty sides and drinks, it all hit the spot. It’s also cool that they have fun drinks like boba, and smoothies if you want something extra with your meal. Annie’s Table is definitely worth checking out — we’ll be back!

Yang 10/10 experience here at NEP Cafe! We got the Crème brûlée Vietnamese coffee (elite) and the egg coffee (also delicious)! James, our waiter, was incredibly kind and helpful in navigating the menu and we ended up getting 3 incredible apps. The seafood ceviche, shrimp salad, and crab toast. All 3 were phenomenal but the shrimp salad was truly special. I wouldn’t have gone for it if it weren’t for James’ suggestion, 10/10 would recommend! It’s so refreshing, light, and flavorful and pairs really well with the butteriness of the crab toast. We were celebrating my partners birthday as well and James took care of us well. Thank you NEP & James for a wonderful birthday experience!

Andrew W Postino at Park Place is the kind of spot you walk into for a quick bite and end up staying far longer than planned. The atmosphere is upbeat but relaxed, with a stylish indoor bar and plenty of space to settle in with a glass of wine. It feels like the perfect neighborhood hangout—come for the signature bruschetta boards that Postino is known for. We ordered the bruschetta board, and every slice was a standout. The apple + brie combo was crisp and refreshing, the tomato bruschetta was bright and perfectly seasoned, the mozzarella and tomato was a classic done right, and the date + pistachio topping was rich and addictive. It’s the perfect shareable plate and surprisingly satisfying. The vibe is social and lively, but you can still hear the person across from you—always a plus. Postino is an easy place to return to again and again. It’s simply a great spot to unwind, snack, sip, and stay awhile.

Saem Lee I had such a wonderful day enjoying delicious food with great company in a modern and clean atmosphere. Since it’s an open kitchen, you can see the cooking area clearly, and the spotless and well-organized space made the whole experience feel even more trustworthy. They mentioned that the menu changes with the seasons, offering new dishes depending on the time of year. Being able to try different flavors every season is quite impressive. We ordered the Iceberg Wedge, Steak Frites, and Roasted Half Chicken, and everything was truly enjoyable. The Parker House Rolls, served warm and freshly baked, and the Churro Spiced Ricotta Doughnuts with chocolate and salted caramel sauce were especially delicious. The food was so good that I ended up enjoying everything without taking as many photos as I planned—such a shame! The staff were very friendly, and the building offers two hours of free parking, which made the whole experience even more comfortable. Just bring your parking ticket, and the restaurant will validate it after your meal.

Mo Mamaghani This little Persian gem is hands-down my favorite takeout spot in town. Everything feels genuinely homemade – no shortcuts, just bold, authentic flavors that transport you straight to Tehran. The portions are huge, the prices are reasonable, and even on busy nights the orders come out fast, hot, and perfectly packed. Whether I’m grabbing dinner for myself or feeding a crowd, they never disappoint. The standouts are the tahchin (that golden, crispy tahdig layered with fragrant saffron rice and tender chicken is pure magic), the homemade kabobs, and the kashke bademjan – smoky roasted eggplant with that tangy whey topping that I dream about. They also do amazing catering; every time I’ve ordered platters for parties, guests rave about the food all night. If you love real Persian cuisine, do yourself a favor and try this place – you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Owen Wilson The food was excellent and the open kitchen made the experience even more enjoyable. Nick and Morgan were outstanding and made us feel genuinely welcomed. Service was quick, attentive, and thoughtful. I celebrated my birthday here and could not have been happier.

Elia Rho I think they deserve better review score than what they have now. A new, thoroughly decorated Italian restaurant opened near my place. Ive been meaning to go and finally did. ​Based on the prices, atmosphere, and menu, its a direct competitor to North. ​Ive only tried the pizza and the ceaser salad so far, so its too early to say much, but the pizza was pretty good. ​Id describe it as New York style rather than Neapolitan. It was tasty overall, though it could have been a bit softer if it had been taken out of the oven about 30 seconds sooner. The ceaser salad was perfect with the right amount of dressing, cheese, crouton, and bacon pieces. ​Ill need to try other dishes to really compare it to North. It was a promising first impression. ​Oh, and their kids menu pizza was an amazing deal.

Stephanie S Absolutely amazing experience! My boyfriend and I decided to try out this restaurant after hearing great things, and it did not disappoint. Our server, Allie (Alessandra), was outstanding! She was so informative, offered recommendations, and drink parings. Our dinner and drinks were delicious, and the overall ambiance was impeccable. We will definitely be coming back & bringing friends and family along! :)

Yalcin Aslan Absolutely fantastic service! We arrived around 5:30, and despite how busy it was, the staff handled everything seamlessly. The gauchos were incredibly well-trained, always attentive, and quick to serve freshly cooked meats. I also really appreciated the thoughtful detail of having a No Pork sign for the table—such a considerate touch! The meat quality was excellent overall. The only one I didn’t enjoy as much was the gold-covered meat. It lacked flavor, possibly because the salt base made it too dry or drained the juices during cooking—but that’s just a minor issue. All in all, the service was phenomenal. You’ve got a regular customer now—keep up the great work!

G Tam (Tam) We had a wonderful experience here! Our server, Mr. K1 was amazing ,very kind, attentive, and helpful. The food was delicious with lots of different options to choose from. They even surprised us with a complimentary Tres Leches for a birthday celebration, which was such a thoughtful touch. They also brought out a very large pot of tea, which we loved. On weekends (Friday and Saturday), they have live music, adding a really fun and warm atmosphere. Overall, this is one of the Persian-fusion restaurants I truly enjoy, and I will definitely be coming back. Thank you, K1, for the great service and memorable experience!

Miguel C Food I was very impressed with the chicken. Very light and tasty. Just the right amount for one person. The paella smelled great, but I would reccomend a different type of sausauge with more flavor, with some kick in it. Service The service was great. The bartender/server kept my water cup filled. I truly appreciate the attention to detail. Atmosphere Very nice atmosphere. Since most people were at the buffet, it made it a more intimate private experience with our group. Looking forward to trying out the buffet menu in the future.

Michelle Cho I have told many friends that Cava is superior to Chipotle in many ways. The assortment and freshness of the ingredients consistently inspires me to eat healthier and in a more colorful manner. I truly want to meal prep in a way that would allow me to stimulate a Cava bowl. It is a bucket list item of mine to do. The first time I had gone to Cava I loved how you could get unique flavors from mixing the different beverages they offer. You can put together a fun concoction. Inside there’s a good amount of seating, and plenty more outside that is unique to the Woodbury Town Center plaza. Grateful for the people who make this place happen.

Alexandr Zenin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing experience from start to finish. The service was perfect, the staff was friendly and welcoming, and everything was brought out very quickly. The food was absolutely delicious — honestly, one of the best Pad Thai I’ve had in a long time (and it’s super big!!!), craft beer also super tasty. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. Highly recommend. Five stars! Thank you Annika M!!!