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
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
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.
Download the Retail Therapy App
Hundreds of deals on shopping, dining and services
Stay Connected
Get exclusive offers, news, event invites and more
