It is no surprise that in recent years Irvine’s food scene has progressed and introduced various cuisines from around the world. OC has many popular fan-favorite places such as Portos, a Cuban Bakery known for its amazing bakery items and drink selection, Gelato Paradiso, a gelato shop in Fashion Island that serves the most decadent gelato and many more.
Students often go out to eat with friends and family and try various restaurants, which can expose them to new cuisines and foods from around the world. A restaurant that has recently gained popularity is Din Tai Fung, a Taiwanese restaurant that is popular for serving up delicious noodles, dumplings and more. Junior Kaelyn Asper shares her experience and opinion about the restaurant.
“I like [this] restaurant because [it’s] really good and gives me a sense of appreciation for different foods from different cultures and countries. My favorite foods are anything very savory or sweet like either different desserts or a yummy flavorful meal,” Asper said.
She mentions some of her favorites from the restaurant’s diverse menu items.
“My favorites are the wontons with chili oil and their chocolate mochi xiao long baos,” Asper said.
Din Tai Fung has several options ranging from their crispy and crunchy cucumber salad to their famous chocolate dumplings with sea salt cream foam, ensuring an option for all.
In addition to a restaurant’s food options and quality, their ambiance also plays a role in the overall experience of eating there. The ambiance of the Din Tai Fung is relaxed yet elegant, creating a high-end feel that is perfect for special occasions.
Senior Ruby Huang adds her take on the importance of a good ambiance in addition to delicious food and drink options. She shares her favorite restaurants, emphasizing the importance of a good environment.
“I look for restaurants with a good atmosphere, then I look at the menu. I love [it] when waiters are chatty [because] I love talking to people who are passionate about their job. There is this restaurant at Culver Drive. It’s called Ever After Tearoom and Eatery, you can get ramen, porridges and beef noodle soup there for a decent price. Also they have this Taiwanese dessert, and it’s like shaved ice with juice/jam that is topped with fruits/ice cream/red bean [..],” Huang said.
Ever After Tearoom and Eatery offers a diverse range of meals and drinks, from fried rice to kale salad, creating a menu fit for all types of diets while maintaining affordable prices. A bonus to this
charming restaurant is its separate, specialized menu dedicated to food for dogs. They encourage everyone with a pet to bring them along for a great time and treat.
Many restaurants recently have been actively trying to offer items that are inclusive for all types of diets. In the past, vegans and vegetarians often struggled to find options at restaurants However, with more efforts to address the diversity of dietary needs, restaurants have started to make positive changes to their menus. For example, Spanish teacher Matthew Perez, a true Californian at heart due to his unwavering love for In-and-Out, shared some of his favorite places to grab a quick bite that not only offer traditional options but have also introduced options for vegans and vegetarians.
“ I [really] love nachos. The nachos from Yard House are so good to share with a few friends,” he said.
Although the nachos have meat, they can easily be customized to become just as delicious without the meat. Aside from their customizable options, they also have pure vegetarian options, such as Avocado Toast, Garlic Noodles, Margarita Pizza and more.
Last but not least, this Irvine food guide would not be complete without mentioning In-N-Out. Although known for its juicy burgers, In-N-Out also offers options for vegetarians. Perez stated.
“One of my favorite restaurants is In-N-Out. I am biased though because I worked there for over 10 years. I worked there throughout college and continued to work there on the weekends when I became a teacher. Every time I worked, I got a free burger, and I still crave them!” he said.
Although not as popular, their delicious vegetarian options are worth a try, regardless of whether you are vegetarian. Introducing the “Animal Style – grilled cheese” with all the favorite burger toppings, such as the grilled onions and loads of the animal style sauce, just without the beef-based burger patty.
To conclude, Irvine is filled with many diverse and delicious restaurants that are serving up something for everyone. This makes it a fun and adventurous chance to learn about a new place through the heart of its culture: Its food.
