5 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Irvine, California to Try

Irvine, CA, known for its beautiful parks and high-tech industry, also boasts some remarkable hidden dining spots.

Here are the five best hidden gem restaurants in Irvine that you need to discover.

Puesto

Puesto offers contemporary Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and inventive flavors in a vibrant setting.

Try their Mahi Mahi Tacos, featuring perfectly grilled fish with a tangy lime crema.

Order the Carnitas Plate, tender and flavorful pork with a rich salsa verde.

Their Tres Leches Cake, sweet and creamy with a hint of cinnamon, is a delightful dessert.

Puesto’s refined dishes and lively atmosphere make it a standout.

Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails

Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in a chic environment.

Try their Seared Scallops, perfectly cooked with a tangy citrus beurre blanc.

Order the Braised Short Ribs, tender beef with a rich, savory jus.

Their Orange Olive Oil Cake, sweet and moist with a hint of citrus, is a delightful dessert.

Andrei’s refined dishes and stylish ambiance make it a local favorite.

Bistango

Bistango combines contemporary American cuisine with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a fantastic wine selection in an elegant setting.

Try their Roasted Duck, featuring tender duck with a rich port reduction sauce.

Order the Filet Mignon, perfectly cooked with a savory herb butter.

Their Crème Brûlée, creamy and rich with a crisp caramel top, is a delightful dessert.

Bistango’s refined dishes and sophisticated ambiance make it a top choice.

Mad Dumplings

Mad Dumplings offers a variety of creative dumpling dishes with bold Asian flavors in a casual setting.

Try their Pork Belly Bao, featuring tender pork with a tangy hoisin sauce.

Order the Spicy Chicken Dumplings, perfectly balanced with a zesty soy chili sauce.

Their Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream, sweet and chewy with a touch of matcha, is a delightful dessert.

Mad Dumplings’ inventive dumpling dishes and relaxed vibe make it a hidden gem.

North Italia

North Italia serves traditional Italian fare with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and homemade pasta in a vibrant setting.

Try their Tagliatelle Bolognese, featuring tender pasta with a rich meat sauce.

Order the Margherita Pizza, perfectly cooked with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Their Tiramisu, creamy and rich with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, is a delightful dessert.

North Italia’s hearty dishes and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit.