Savor the
Flavors
During Lunar New Year families and friends come together to strengthen relationships and build a deeper sense of community, while sharing traditional foods that are rich with symbolism. Golden brown dumplings, which resemble gold coins, often represent good fortune, while noodles symbolize longevity. From upscale Asian bistros to family-friendly dining rooms, we are here to help you set the table with tastes of good fortune.
Explore Restaurants
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Zentrl Kitchen + Bar at THE LOT
Fashion IslandAmerican, Asian, SushiDiscover ZENTRL Kitchen + Bar at THE LOT Fashion Island, where California-Asian fusion meets Mexican flair. Indulge in signature dishes like Grilled Miso Salmon, Adobada Pork Belly Bao Bun, and Ahi Poke Tacos, all in a stylish, inviting setting.
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SomiSomi
Irvine Spectrum CenterDesserts, Specialty FoodSomiSomi offers a creative twist on traditional Korean treats with its iconic “Ah-Boong.” Guests enjoy artisanal soft serve in goldfish-shaped waffle cones, featuring a tantalizing swirl of unique flavors and a beautifully crafted dessert experience.
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The Alley
Irvine Spectrum CenterBoba & Bubble Tea, Coffee & Tea, Specialty FoodThe Alley offers a premium tea experience featuring artisanal flavors and distinctive aromas. Guests can enjoy signature must-try drinks like the famous Brown Sugar Deerioca, refreshing Royal No.9 Milk Tea, and the vibrant Aurora Series.
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World Market
The Market PlaceJapanese, Korean, Specialty FoodShop a curated treasure trove of sweet and savory imports, primarily featuring popular Japanese and Korean treats like various flavors of Japanese Kit Kats and Pocky, along with Korean instant ramen (like Buldak), rice cakes (tteokbokki), and other unique global candies and drinks.
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Northern Cafe
University CenterCasual & Quick, Chinese, Dumplings, Hot Pot, NoodlesNorthern Cafe brings the heart of Northern China to Irvine with a focus on traditional comfort. Specializing in handmade dumplings and freshly pulled noodles, this lively spot is a go-to for authentic Xiao Long Bao and savory scallion pancakes.
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Northern Cafe
Westpark PlazaCasual & Quick, Chinese, Dumplings, Hot Pot, NoodlesNorthern Cafe Westpark offers a bold take on Chinese street food, staying open late for the midnight crowd. Alongside classic dumplings, this location features traditional charcoal-grilled skewers, savory BBQ, and spicy “Golden Soup” beef noodles.
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Happy Lemon
Fashion IslandBoba & Bubble Tea, Specialty Food, TaiwaneseHappy Lemon delivers a vibrant tea experience, specializing in freshly brewed cups and hand-mixed slushies. Guests can enjoy world-famous Salted Cheese Tea, fresh fruit smoothies, and their iconic, crispy bubble waffles for the perfect snack pairing.
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HN Tea
Alton Retail CenterBoba & Bubble Tea, Coffee & Tea, Specialty FoodHN Tea brings a creative twist to organic brewing, where their unique logo actually forms the Chinese character for “tea.” Guests love their signature Cheese Cap drinks—featuring a thick, savory-sweet foam—and vibrant, freshly blended seasonal fruit teas.
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Home Baking Day
Culver PlazaDessertsHome Baking Day = Home + Baking environment. Whether you are new or experienced on baking, you will find everything you need to make delicious desserts at the Home Baking Day studio.
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Kiyoraka
Parkview CenterDesserts, Specialty FoodKiyoraka offers a refreshing, health-conscious take on shaved ice by blending the vibrant taste of fresh fruit with natural aromatics. Each bite delivers a flavorful, better-for-you indulgence that redefines the traditional dessert experience.
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Manaao Thai Comfort Food
Irvine Spectrum CenterCasual & Quick, ThaiOpening soon at Irvine Spectrum, Manaao Thai Comfort Food showcases authentic flavors from central Thailand. Using premium ingredients, they serve up must-try dishes like Khao Soi, Pad Thai, and Drunken Noodles, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.
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Sushi Rev
The Market PlaceCasual & Quick, SushiSushi Rev is a high-energy revolving sushi spot famous for its conveyor belt system that delivers affordable plates of fresh fish. Guests can grab their favorites or try creative rolls as they pass by for a fun, interactive dining experience.
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Tigawok
Walnut Village CenterCasual & Quick, ChineseUsing automated robot woks to prepare each mini bowl, Tigawok features a mix of familiar and regional dishes, including orange chicken, kung pao chicken, Hunan spicy beef, mapo tofu, wagyu beef curry and steamed soup dumplings. Oh, and each dish is priced from $4 to $7!
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Soup Shop
Los Olivos MarketplaceFull-Service, Noodles, VietnameseSoup Shop brings the soulful flavors of Vietnam to Southern California. Enjoy slow-simmered broths and family recipes that blend tradition with fresh, modern touches to deliver comfort and connection in every bowl.
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Silverlake Ramen
Irvine Spectrum CenterFull-Service, Japanese, Noodles, RamenBorn in the heart of the City of Angels, Silverlake Ramen captures the effortless, free-spirited energy of Los Angeles. Founded by two chefs obsessed with the craft, the brand delivers authentic, traditional ramen without the ego. It’s serious flavor served in a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere.
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Silverlake Ramen
CrossroadsFull-Service, Japanese, Noodles, RamenSilverlake Ramen serves up customizable classics like Tonkotsu and Shoyu alongside bold hits like Garlic Truffle ramen and crispy Chicken Karaage. Simple, unpretentious, and authentically LA. Slurp away—because Good Ramen. Good Day.
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Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House
Westpark PlazaFull-Service, Hot Pot, JapaneseMikiya Wagyu Shabu House offers an unlimited Wagyu journey featuring premium cuts from Japan, Australia, and their own Oregon farm. Guests can pair marbled beef with fresh seafood and rich broths for a lavish, high-end shabu-shabu experience.
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I Can Barbecue Korean Grill
Oak Creek Shopping CenterBarbeque, Full-Service, KoreanI Can Barbecue offers a modern all-you-can-eat Korean grill experience featuring premium meats like LA Beef Short Ribs and Bulgogi. For a fun, tech-forward twist, your meal is delivered by robotic servers, and they offer a full Halal-certified menu!
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Gurume Sushi
Walnut Village CenterFull-Service, Japanese, SushiGurume Sushi offers a gourmet Japanese experience featuring everything from artistic Omakase and fresh Sashimi to traditional grilled specialties. Guests can explore a wide-ranging menu of creative rolls and authentic hot entrees perfect for any occasion.
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dPot
Woodbridge Village CenterFull-Service, Hot Pot, KoreandPot offers a modern, all-you-can-eat Korean-style hot pot experience. Within a sleek, state-of-the-art interior, guests can customize their own Shabu Shabu using the finest meats and fresh ingredients for a personalized and interactive feast.
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Din Tai Fung
Irvine Spectrum CenterChinese, Dim Sum, Full-Service, TaiwaneseComing soon to Irvine Spectrum Center, global icon Din Tai Fung showcases the artistry of handcrafted, 18-fold Xiao Long Bao. Beyond soup dumplings, the menu features favorites like Spicy Wontons, Cucumber Salad, and the viral Chocolate & Mochi Xiao Long Bao.
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Crazy Rock’N Sushi
Alton SquareFull-Service, Japanese, SushiCrazy Rock’N Sushi serves up high-energy Japanese fusion with a side of fun. Guests can dive into creative, fresh specialty rolls—like the Baked Lobster and Dynamite—all featuring bold flavors and artistic flair. It’s a rockin’ sushi experience!
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Bopomofo Cafe
Alton SquareBoba & Bubble Tea, Casual & Quick, Chinese, Specialty Food, TaiwaneseBopomofo Cafe serves a creative Taiwanese-American menu featuring fresh, real ingredients: real lactose-free milk, no powders, no artificial flavored syrups, and no high fructose corn syrup. Guests can enjoy the bestselling Ba-La Matcha with guava nectar alongside bold dishes like the Honey Walnut Shrimp Burger and Braised Pork Belly.
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Blk Dot Coffee
Irvine Spectrum CenterCoffee & Tea, Specialty Food, VietnameseBlk Dot Coffee delivers a bold caffeine kick with its signature slow-dripped Vietnamese Coffee. Beyond the “VTM,” guests can enjoy premium Uji Matcha lattes and VTMatcha fusions, paired with fresh avocado toasts for the perfect morning pick-me-up.
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Bag of Cakes
Cypress Village Shopping CenterBakeries, Coffee & Tea, Desserts, Specialty FoodBag of Cakes delivers a premium homemade experience with artisanal pastries like blueberry brioche and pistachio croissants. Committed to natural ingredients free from additives, they offer high-quality cakes and treats that pair perfectly with coffee.
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Sagami Japanese Restaurant
CrossroadsFull-Service, Japanese, SushiSagami Japanese Restaurant specializes in authentic Nagoya-style cuisine and high-quality sushi. Guests can enjoy seasonal fish imported directly from Japan alongside a variety of traditional Izakaya tapas and a curated selection of sake.
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Rooster & Rice
Alton Retail CenterCasual & Quick, Chicken, ThaiRooster & Rice specializes in the ultimate Thai comfort food: Khao Mun Gai. This simple yet iconic dish features organic poached chicken and fragrant ginger rice, served with a signature spicy soybean sauce and a side of savory bone broth.
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Pepper Lunch
Irvine Spectrum CenterCasual & Quick, JapanesePepper Lunch offers an interactive DIY Teppanyaki experience where guests “Sizzle, Stir, and Savor” signature dishes like Beef or Salmon Pepper Rice on proprietary 500°F iron plates. Complete the meal with a gluten-free Yuzu Cheesecake or Chocolate Torte.
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Panda Express – Irvine Spectrum Center
Irvine Spectrum CenterCasual & Quick, ChineseAs America’s favorite Chinese kitchen, Panda Express serves up bold, world-famous flavors. From the legendary Orange Chicken to award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp and Shanghai Angus Steak, every dish is wok-fired to fresh, savory perfection.
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Palette Dim Sum
The Market PlaceChinese, Dim Sum, Full-Service, SeafoodNow open at The Market Place, Palette Dim Sum offers an upmarket take on Cantonese dining. Guests can enjoy a vibrant menu of colorful, handcrafted dim sum, seafood, and authentic wok-fired dishes paired with curated craft cocktails.
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Nara Thai Kitchen
Orchard Hills Shopping CenterFull-Service, ThaiInspired by traditional flavors, Nara Thai Kitchen offers a fresh, creative, and respectful interpretation of Thai cuisine.
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Mad Dumplings
University CenterCasual & Quick, Chinese, DumplingsWinner of the Food Network’s “Big Food Truck Tip,” Mad Dumplings serves up unique flavors and creative dumpling fillings. Check their website for daily deals!
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Class 302 Tea Cafe
The Market PlaceBoba & Bubble Tea, Casual & Quick, Coffee & Tea, Desserts, Noodles, Specialty Food, TaiwaneseVisit this popular Taiwanese snack shop for all your favorites: shaved snow dessert, self-serve bubble tea, popcorn chicken, stinky tofu, bento boxes, and so much more!
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Nice To Meet You Hot Pot
Culver PlazaChinese, Full-Service, Hot PotExperience all-you-can-eat (AYCE) Sichuan-style hot pot, starting at only $29, and choose from signature skewers, premium meats, nine soup pases, and more.
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Capital Noodle Bar
CrossroadsChinese, Full-Service, NoodlesCapital Noodle Bar brings familiar Southeast Asian flavors to Irvine with their menu of wok-tossed entrees, noodle soup, stir fry noodles, rice dishes, and more. Pro tip: add You Tiao (Chinese Donut) to your meal!
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Shin-Sen-Gumi
Woodbury Town CenterFull-Service, Japanese, Noodles, RamenExperience the rich flavors of Hakata Ramen and Udon at Shin-Sen-Gumi where authentic Japanese noodles promise a delightful culinary journey. Make sure to also order Spam Musubi!
CELEBRATION GUIDE
A Beautiful
Journey Awaits
Explore our Lunar New Year Celebration Guide — your roadmap to all things festive. From artisan gifts and symbolic décor to zodiac-inspired activities and special dining moments, celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse through the beauty of culture, flavor, and connection.
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