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Apr 20, 2024

Where to Eat Around the University of California at Irvine (UCI)

The best things to eat in or around campus, from Korean sundubu to açai bowls Though Irvine may be known as a quiet, sleepy Orange County suburb, the area around UC Irvine has an unexpectedly

The best things to eat in or around campus, from Korean sundubu to açai bowls

Though Irvine may be known as a quiet, sleepy Orange County suburb, the area around UC Irvine has an unexpectedly burgeoning and dynamic food scene. The expansive plazas and strip malls near campus — like the University Town Center and Diamond Jamboree — offer local residents, students, faculty, and visitors an eclectic array of restaurants, ranging from old-timer sandwich delis and pizza shops to newcomers like açai bowl cafes, brunch spots, and even Korean street food.

These are essential spots near the UCI campus that stand out among the bounty. Zot Zot Zot.

For some Thai street food fare just a short distance away from campus, Siam Station has got you covered. With large, filling portions of classic favorites like papaya salad, pad see ew, and panang curry, it’s a solid stop for a casual meal or a night of takeout. The khao soi — egg noodles served in a hearty coconut curry broth — is a crowd favorite. And don’t forget to finish the meal off with the mango sticky rice.

For late-night Korean food cravings, BCD is the place to be. Even with 11 locations across Southern California, the restaurant still relies on its original family recipes for its spicy, piping-hot bowls of silken tofu stew made with organic, non-GMO tofu. The combo options make for a hefty meal and are perfect for those who want to complement their soon tofu with grilled marinated meats like bulgogi or galbi.

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Get those bibs ready at Kickin’ Crab, a lively Cajun seafood house located in the Diamond Jamboree plaza. The set combo deals are ideal for groups, as they offer a comprehensive seafood boil experience — complete with staples like shrimp, clams, crawfish, mussels, crabs, and lobster, along with sides of corn, potatoes, and sausages. The oysters and garlic noodles also make for great accompaniments to the flavorful, hands-on feast.

HiroNori may have made its way across California, but this original location is where it all started six years ago. The restaurant’s specialty of tonkotsu ramen comes served with hand-crafted noodles and prepared with pork bone broth simmered for over 24 hours. Notably, this bowl of noodles does not skimp out on the toppings, which include bean sprouts, green onion, spinach, egg, seaweed, wood ear mushrooms, and chashu pork. The vegan ramen is also a hit for its umami sesame miso broth.

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Exercise your creative muscles at Duck Donuts, where there are practically endless options to donut flavors. You won’t find a display case here, as these cake donuts are made to order, which results in a warm, fluffy interior and a slightly crispy exterior. Though there are set boxes and assortments to choose from, the fun comes from customizing your own, with the desired coating, toppings, and drizzle. There are even vegan donut bases, which are just as decadent as the regular ones.

Bistango is the spot to visit for elevated dining near campus. The restaurant, which opened in 1987, serves upscale French and American cuisine in an expansive space that consists of a bar lounge and a lush outdoor patio – made complete with classy decor. Among the menu’s many options, the seabass, steak, and pasta dishes are the most beloved entrees. Bistango also regularly has live music performers, which is the cherry on top to the experience here.

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Near John Wayne Airport and just a short drive off campus, Avocado Cafe is a quaint spot that will satisfy sandwich cravings and is a great option if looking for a quick, nutritious meal. Though all the sandwiches are filling and fresh, the standouts are the Tower 9, Kissell, and Chuy. Pair them with a smoothie or juice, or turn it into a combo meal to enjoy with a cup of soup or a side salad.

For some quality pizza near campus, look no further than Ray’s. Since 1989, the pizza shop has been cranking out fresh, thin-crust New York-style pizza slices. The dough is crisp, chewy, and light, and is made from a milled blend of wheat flour that is fermented 48 to 72 hours before it’s baked. Though all of their pizzas are relatively simple, you can’t go wrong with the classic cheese, or the “Freshman,” which comes topped with pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom.

Cha for Tea is one of the most beloved boba spots in Orange County and for good reason. With refreshing teas and drinks that are highly customizable with the toppings, fruit flavors, sweetness, cream and milk additions, and the amount of ice, both the fruity and milk-based beverage offerings run the gamut. The crispy chicken makes for a fantastic accompaniment, while diners also frequently order dumplings, beef stew, and curry chicken from the food menu.

Breakfast Republic has locations throughout Southern California, where they’re serving classic brunch dishes — like benedicts, omelets, pancakes, and french toast — with a twist. The Oreo cookie pancakes come with a decadent cream filling and Oreo crumble, while their shrimp and grits breakfast plate consists of gouda cheese-infused grits and shrimp cooked with hot sauce, sweet corn, chives, and eggs. The drinks are also crowd pleasers, as Breakfast Republic offers an array of local craft beer and kombucha on draft.

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Since opening in 1994, Le Dip has made a name for itself among regulars at the University Town Center. Out of their many made-to-order, hot-pressed French and Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches, the garlic chicken and the chicken broccoli mushroom are consistent fan favorites. Go heavy on the infamous savory garlic sauce, which pairs well with their crispy 5- or 9-inch baguettes.

Hen House Grill is one of the most long-standing restaurants in the Irvine area. Established in 1988, the spot serves classic Iranian dishes, in which the flavorful, juicy meat is the star. Diners rave about the ground beef skewers and rotisserie chicken, which are served with rice, vegetables, herbs and nuts. The massive portions and affordable prices are notable perks, while the complimentary tea and late-night hours are additional pluses.

Hailing from Seoul, Korea as one of the most popular street food spots, Yup Dduk currently has outposts in both LA’s Koreatown and Irvine. The restaurant is known for its ultra-spicy rice cakes that are made with ttangcho chili peppers sourced from Korea. First-timers should opt for the “extra mild” spice level but don’t shy away from loading up on the toppings and sides. The large bowls are enough to feed up to three and come with an amalgam of rice cakes, fish cakes, sausages, cabbage, and green onion, and are topped with mozzarella for that iconic cheese pull.

Though acai bowls are common fare in Orange County, Blue Bowl is known for its highly customizable approach, with bases that transcend beyond the typical acai berry blend, like blue coconut, matcha, cold brew, or chia pudding. Each bowl is then topped with an assortment of granola, fruit, and toppings, and then drizzled with a nut butter of choice. The result is a visually stunning, rainbow-colored, layered bowl that doesn’t shy away from refreshing, fruity flavors and loads of superfoods.