Last updated: 2025-05-06
Irvine’s culinary landscape boasts an impressive array of sophisticated dining destinations that elevate Orange County’s gastronomic reputation. From innovative California cuisine to international flavors, the city’s upscale restaurants offer epicurean experiences that transform ordinary meals into memorable occasions.
Nestled within the Irvine Spectrum and surrounding premium districts, these refined establishments showcase exceptional culinary craftsmanship. Restaurants like Knife Pleat, Vaca, and Bistango represent the pinnacle of local dining, delivering meticulously prepared dishes that celebrate both technique and regional ingredients.
Discover Irvine’s most extraordinary dining experiences now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Irvine
- Vaca
- Knife Pleat
- Bello by Sandro Nardone
- Bistango
- Hana re
- CHAAK Kitchen
- Lola Gaspar
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- Agora Churrascaria
Agora Churrascaria
What to Expect
Traditional Brazilian rodízio meat service with continuous tableside carving
Description
A Brazilian-style steakhouse offering an authentic rodízio dining experience with continuous tableside meat service. Carved meats are brought directly to guests' tables by passadores, featuring premium cuts ranging from picanha to lamb. The restaurant's sophisticated dining room creates an upscale atmosphere for meat lovers seeking a high-end Brazilian culinary tradition.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Agora Churrascaria
Bello by Sandro Nardone
What to Expect
Michelin-recognized seasonal chef's table tasting menu
Description
A Michelin-recognized Italian fine dining destination featuring an intimate chef's table experience. Chef Sandro Nardone crafts seasonal tasting menus in a sophisticated, art-driven kitchen that reimagines authentic Italian cuisine with creative culinary techniques and meticulous presentation.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Bello by Sandro Nardone
Bistango
What to Expect
Art-accented contemporary dining room with seasonal California cuisine
Description
Nestled in Irvine's upscale dining scene, Bistango offers an elegant fine dining experience with sophisticated contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant features an intimate, art-filled dining room with soft lighting and carefully curated seasonal menus highlighting locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy refined plating, expert wine pairings, and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Bistango
CHAAK Kitchen
What to Expect
Yucatecan cuisine with modern culinary techniques
Description
This fancy restaurant celebrates Yucatecan cuisine through refined, modern interpretations of traditional Mayan dishes. Chef Gabbi Patrick's kitchen crafts intricate plates featuring complex regional flavors like smoked meats, exotic spices, and innovative seafood preparations. The menu explores the Yucatán peninsula's unique culinary heritage with dishes like cochinita pibil, pato ahumado salbute, and ceviche Campeche, served in an elegant, contemporary dining environment.
Where: Irvine | More Info: CHAAK Kitchen
Hana re
What to Expect
Chef's counter omakase experience with artisan Japanese seafood preparations
Description
An intimate omakase sushi bar where Chef Atsushi crafts exquisite Japanese cuisine, featuring rare ingredients like gizzard shad nigiri and A5 Wagyu beef. The chef's counter offers a front-row seat to precision seafood preparation, with seasonal appetizers and delicate marine-focused dishes.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Hana re
Knife Pleat
What to Expect
Contemporary French cuisine by Michelin-trained chef Tony Esnault
Description
Nestled in South Coast Plaza's penthouse, Knife Pleat offers an intimate contemporary French dining experience with chef Tony Esnault's meticulously crafted seasonal menus. The elegant restaurant features refined tableside service, artfully composed dishes showcasing French culinary techniques, and an intimate dining room with sophisticated urban views.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Knife Pleat
Lola Gaspar
What to Expect
Mezcal and tequila cocktail program highlighting Mexican culinary traditions
Description
Nestled inside the historic Santora Building in Downtown Santa Ana's Artist Village, Lola Gaspar offers an intimate cocktail bar and taqueria experience. The venue specializes in mezcal and tequila cocktails, showcasing Mexico's rich culinary heritage through carefully crafted drinks and a thoughtfully curated menu that celebrates traditional flavors.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Lola Gaspar
Ruth's Chris Steak House
What to Expect
500-degree sizzling steak presentation technique
Description
Ruth's Chris Steak House delivers an upscale dining experience centered on perfectly prepared USDA prime steaks served sizzling hot on 500-degree plates. Their signature broiling method, developed by founder Ruth Fertel, ensures each steak arrives at the table expertly seasoned and dramatically seared, creating a distinctive fine dining atmosphere with warm hospitality and premium culinary expertise.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Ruth's Chris Steak House
Vaca
What to Expect
Spanish-inspired cuisine by Top Chef contestant Amar Santana
Description
Vaca delivers an authentic Spanish dining experience in Costa Mesa, featuring innovative tapas and modern interpretations of traditional Spanish cuisine. The restaurant boasts an energetic atmosphere inspired by Spain's diverse culinary regions, with a sophisticated beverage program highlighting Spanish cocktails, wines, and craft drinks. Award-winning Chef Amar Santana creates dishes that transport diners through the flavors of Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalucia.
Where: Irvine | More Info: Vaca
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