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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PhoTasia
Parkview CenterFull-Service, Noodles, Pho, VietnameseSavor authentic Vietnamese flavors at Photasia, where fragrant broth, tender meats, and fresh herbs come together in a symphony of taste. Make sure to also order a side of egg and spring rolls!
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Junbi Matcha & Tea
Culver PlazaBoba & Bubble Tea, Coffee & Tea, Specialty FoodKnown for its signature sunshine yellow, Junbi Match & Tea offers an innovative matcha-centric menu, including favorites like Strawberry Matcha and Yuzu Dragon Fruit Matcha.
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J.J. Bakery-Cafe
Culver PlazaBakeries, Desserts, Specialty Food, TaiwaneseVisit J.J. Bakery-Cafe to pick up your festive mooncakes and other sweet and savory baked goods to share good fortune and tasty blessings among loved ones.
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Hui Lau Shan
Alton SquareDesserts, Specialty FoodHui Lau Shan is renowned for its mango treats, crafted daily with sweet, juicy Carabao mangoes from the Philippines. Paired with handmade ingredients like chewy balls and crystal jelly, these desserts deliver a unique and delightful mango experience.
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Robata Wasa
Irvine Spectrum CenterFull-Service, Japanese, Noodles, SushiImmerse yourself in authentic Japanese cuisine with sushi rolls, sashimi, shareable dishes, and signature entrees. Most popular dish? Sashimi platter!
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Pho Saigon Pearl
Irvine Spectrum CenterFull-Service, Noodles, Pho, VietnameseDelicious. Fresh. Authentic. Visit Pho Saigon Pearl for traditional Vietnamese favorites such as crispy egg rolls, banh mi, pho noodle soup (tip: try it with the filet mignon!), rice dishes, vermicelli dishes, and more.
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Panda Express – Newport Beach
Fashion IslandCasual & Quick, ChinesePanda Express…the Home of American Chinese Cuisine! Pro (family) tip: Order the Panda Cub Meal and visit PandaCubClub.com to access downloadable kids activities!
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P.F. Chang’s – Newport Beach
Fashion IslandChinese, Full-ServiceOften imitated but never duplicated, P.F. Chang’s famous Lettuce Wraps, which feature a secret family recipe, is one of the most copied items in the restaurant industry!
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P.F. Chang’s – Irvine
Irvine Spectrum CenterChinese, Full-ServiceToday’s P.F. Chang’s menu still features classic favorites inspired by their co-founder’s mother. Dishes like Chang’s Spicy Chicken have stayed true to her original recipe and haven’t changed since the day they opened.
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Mokkoji Shabu Shabu Bar
Cypress Village Shopping CenterFull-Service, Hot Pot, JapaneseMokkohi combines traditional Japanese hot pot with flavors influenced by Korean, Spanish, and California cuisines. Popular dishes include Toro Fatty Belly, Pork Belly Dinner, and Garlic Shrimp.
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Mochinut
Fashion IslandBoba & Bubble Tea, Donuts, Hot Dogs, Specialty FoodIn addition to their incredibly delicious and bouncy mochi donuts, Mochinut is where you’ll find Korean corndogs — the Hot Cheetos Mozzarella and Crispy Ramen “dogs” are fan favorites!
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J&G Fried Chicken
Irvine Spectrum CenterCasual & Quick, Chicken, TaiwaneseGet a taste of Taiwan classics at J&G Fried Chicken! Their dishes are crafted with Taiwan-inspired seasonings and sauces, ensuring every bite is flavorful and distinct.
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JOEY Newport Beach
Fashion IslandAmerican, Full-Service, SeafoodJOEY’s menu features globally inspired dishes like Sake Glazed Seabass from Japan, Bombay Butter Chicken from a family recipe, and Hummus made using traditional Moroccan techniques learned during an overseas journey.
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True Food Kitchen
Fashion IslandAmerican, Full-ServiceWhere “good for you” means good for your tastebuds too. Pro tip from Chef Matthew Padilla: add a side of Chili Crunch to your Edamame Dumplings for a fun zing and an extra kick of flavor!
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Hello Kitty Cafe
Irvine Spectrum CenterCoffee & Tea, Desserts, Specialty FoodDid you know? In addition to a supercute menu featuring everyone’s favorite kitty, Hello Kitty Cafe has a hidden speakeasy offering afternoon tea and evening cocktail service!
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Great Maple
Fashion IslandAmerican, Full-ServiceEnjoy Great Maple’s special Lunar New Year dish: Five Spice Sugar Doughnut Holes served in a Chinese takeout box with chocolate sauce, raspberry sauce and whipped cream for dipping.
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CHA for Tea
University CenterBoba & Bubble Tea, Casual & Quick, Chicken, Coffee & Tea, Specialty Food, TaiwaneseSip on perfection with freshly made boba and teas, customized to your sweetness preference, and dive into a world of flavor with their popular crispy chicken. Pro tip: they love treating customers with FREE samples of their delicious offerings!
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Bluefin Restaurant
Crystal Cove Shopping CenterFull-Service, Japanese, SushiWhile Bluefin is mainly about incredible sushi, Chef Abe puts his stamp on hot entrees, too — Halibut Carpaccio is a favorite! Pro tip: try the Omakase (chef’s choice) to experience multiple courses of dazzling dishes.
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Blk Dot Coffee
Crystal Cove Shopping CenterCoffee & Tea, Specialty Food, VietnameseBlk Dot Coffee is renowned for its Vietnamese coffee, known as VTM coffee, and highly caffeinated drinks, including espresso and teapresso. Customers often describe their bold brews as “crack in a cup” for their intense strength and unique flavor.
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All that Barbecue
Culver PlazaBarbeque, Full-Service, KoreanEnjoy all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue at this popular restaurant in the heart of Irvine. Pro (family) tip: kids under four (4) are FREE and kids under 8 are half-price!
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99 Ranch Market
Culver PlazaAsian Supermarket, Barbeque, Chinese, Dim Sum, Seafood, Specialty FoodThe name “99 Ranch” symbolizes longevity in Mandarin and represents freshness, “as if straight from a ranch.” The “99” also reflects striving for near-perfection, embodying the idea of continuous improvement.
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85°C Bakery Cafe
Irvine Spectrum CenterBakeries, Boba & Bubble Tea, Coffee & Tea, Desserts, Specialty FoodFor Lunar New Year, 85°C Bakery offers mooncakes in four delectable options: Taro Mochi, Golden Yolk Red Bean, Almond Lotus, and Hokkaido Milk Mochi. Handcrafted with premium ingredients, these treats showcase the artistry of their award-winning chefs.
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Le Shrimp Noodle Bar
Irvine Spectrum CenterCasual & Quick, Chinese, Noodles, Ramen, SeafoodLe Shrimp Noodle Bar features Singapore’s one-of-a-kind wok-hei shrimp broth noodle soup — a style of noodle soup that’s rich, smoky, and deeply umami. The signature broth simmers for over eight hours!
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Kalbi Social Club
Irvine Spectrum CenterBarbeque, Full-Service, KoreanKalbi, originally meaning “bone-in short rib,” is a Korean delicacy dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty. Originally enjoyed by royalty on special occasions, Kalbi Social Club presents an authentically prepared Korean Kalbi that captures this tradition.
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Panda Express – Irvine
The Market PlaceCasual & Quick, ChineseDid you know? Chef Andy Kao developed The Original Orange Chicken entree for Panda Express in 1987. The ever-popular dish features crispy chicken bites in a sweet and spicy orange sauce.
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Pacific Catch
The Market PlaceFull-Service, Seafood, SushiPacific Catch is a West Coast Fish House offering sustainably sourced seafood with Pacific Rim flavors. Their diverse menu includes poke, sushi, tacos, and bowls, all served with Aloha-inspired hospitality.
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JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings
The Market PlaceChinese, Dumplings, Full-ServiceDid you know? JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings handcrafts over 1,000 dumplings every week! Their menu is a testament to the rich heritage of Chinese cuisine, offering a symphony of flavors that captivate the senses.
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I Can Barbecue Korean Grill
The Market PlaceBarbeque, Full-Service, KoreanWhere every meal is cooked your way! This popular Korean barbecue restaurant offers an extensive all-you-care-to-eat, grill-your-own menu featuring a variety of premium meats (including Halal), chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options.
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Happy Lemon
The Market PlaceBoba & Bubble Tea, Specialty Food, TaiwaneseFamous for their Salted Cheese Tea, freshly brewed bubble tea, matcha lattes, and fruit teas, Happy Lemon creates a unique tea experience. Make sure to also try the Oreo Waffle with Taro Puff Cream dipping sauce!
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Flame Broiler
The Market PlaceCasual & Quick, Chicken, KoreanRecently added as a permanent star on their menu, Flame Broiler’s Korean Spicy Chicken brings a spicy twist to their signature charbroiled chicken. It’s a must-try!
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EverSpring Modern Chinese
The Market PlaceCasual & Quick, ChineseEverSpring bridges authentic Chinese flavors with a modern American sensibility, crafting dishes that are both familiar and exciting. Favorites include Beef and Broccoli, Rainbow Shrimp, and Chow Mein.
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BenGong’s Tea
The Market PlaceBoba & Bubble Tea, Coffee & Tea, Specialty FoodBenGong’s Tea offers a diverse menu featuring cream slushes, sparkling teas, Yakult teas, milk teas, and cheese slushes. Signature drinks include Strawberry Cream Slush, Passion Fruit Yakult Tea, and Burnt-Brown Sugar Boba Tea.
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399 Vietnamese Kitchen
The Market PlaceFull-Service, Noodles, Pho, VietnameseHong Nguyen, founder and head chef of 399 Vietnamese Kitchen, brings her family’s traditions to life, using cherished recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother. Fun fact: the name “399” honors the address of the owner’s family home in Saigon.
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Meizhou Dongpo
Culver PlazaChinese, Full-Service, SeafoodMeizhou Dongpo’s menu includes fan-favorite roasted duck and dim sum brunch items such as dan dan noodles, Meizhou pork buns, and Sichuan dumplings. Dinner favorites include mapo tofu, wok-fried string beans and kung pao chicken.
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Sushi Roku
Fashion IslandFull-Service, Japanese, SushiSushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art.
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Little Sister
Irvine Spectrum CenterFull-Service, VietnameseEast-Meets-West dishes that inspire and evoke a feeling of being welcomed into Chef Vuong’s home. Little Sister’s menu showcases Chef Tin’s take on one of the more interesting and rich collisions of Vietnamese and French cuisine and cultures.
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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