Irvine, located in South Orange County, boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a growing emphasis on healthy and sustainable dining options. From restaurants emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients to innovative cooking techniques that enhance both flavor and nutrition, Irvine offers a diverse array of choices for health-conscious diners. This guide explores some of the top healthy food restaurants in Irvine and the surrounding areas.
American Cuisine with a Healthy Twist
Paul Martin’s American Grill
Located in the Irvine Spectrum Center, Paul Martin’s American Grill elevates classic American cuisine to a higher standard. Their menu features dishes prepared with sustainably sourced ingredients, including hand-cut blackened ribeye masterfully prepared over a mesquite grill. The polished yet welcoming dining room is perfect for business luncheons, date nights, and casual gatherings.
Italian Cuisine with a Modern Approach
CUCINA Enoteca
Centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum, CUCINA enoteca combines great ambiance, award-winning cuisine, and unparalleled service. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento create Italian classics with a modern twist, using the freshest local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of wines by the glass and purchase bottles from the restaurant's retail area.
Il Fornaio
Located near the John Wayne Airport in the heart of Irvine, Il Fornaio is celebrated for its authentic, award-winning Italian cuisine, premium wine selections, and craft cocktails. Signature dishes include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, grilled entrées, and seasonal salads. The grand, elegant atmosphere and al fresco dining on the heated patios make it perfect for romantic dinners, business lunches, or special celebrations.
Oliver's Trattoria
Chef Erik De Marchi brings his cuisine from Emilia-Romagna to Irvine with Oliver's Trattoria. Featuring homemade pasta and pizza and a full bar. Enjoy our outdoor patios, catering, and private event spaces.
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Steakhouse with a Brazilian Flair
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão, an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil, offers a unique dining experience. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Located in the heart of Irvine Spectrum Center, guests can enjoy the dining room, the more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to them with Fogo To-Go or Catering.
Seafood with Sustainability in Mind
Pacific Catch Tustin
Pacific Catch Tustin focuses on sustainably sourced seafood, inspired by the flavors of the Pacific.
French Cuisine with a Gluten-Free Focus
This French/American haven whips up top-notch, scratch-made Gluten-Free delights daily in its 100% gluten-free-exclusive kitchen. Fresh bread and pastries are baked every day. The restaurant offers traditional French Onion Soup, made-to-order Omelettes, and Biscuit Brisket Benedict (served only on Sundays). The decor celebrates the Chateaus, beaches, and vineyards of the South of France. Live music is offered for Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Healthy Chains and Local Favorites
Flower Child
Located in Newport Beach, Flower Child offers countless healthy options with dietary-friendly labels, including vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and organic. Guests can choose from bowls, salads, or build their own plate with a protein and two sides. Everything is made from scratch with fresh, local ingredients, ensuring both flavor and taste.
Urban Plates
With a location in Aliso Viejo, Urban Plates offers organic, nutrient-dense, high-quality cuisine. Their menu features a variety of healthy options, including salmon, chicken, tofu, salad, and vegetables. Guests can enjoy mix 'n' match entrees, fresh salads, and a $10 Everyday Menu with choices like Curry Tofu and Vegetable Braise.
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Vibe Organic Kitchen and Juice
Located in Newport Beach, Vibe Organic Kitchen and Juice is an organic, plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free restaurant. Their menu includes flavorful bowls, such as the Roots bowl, and refreshing smoothies, like the Morning Buzz smoothie.
Tender Greens
Tender Greens believes that “food transforms lives” and provides the best, healthiest foods to the Irvine community. They offer sandwiches, veggies, and protein bowls, mix ‘n’ match entrees, and fresh salads.
Cava
Cava has mastered the art of healthy food that feels like an indulgence. This inclusive plant-based restaurant keeps things fun, hip, and culturally relevant with their pun-based menu.
butterleaf
Located in the TRADE Food Hall in Irvine, butterleaf is a vegetarian vendor that serves burgers, sides, and bowls. Their bowl features a variety of vegetables and flavorful toppings.
Other Notable Restaurants
Benihana
Benihana offers a unique dining experience where guests are seated at communal tables and watch as a personal chef performs the ancient art of Teppanyaki. The menu includes mouth-watering steak, tender chicken, and succulent seafood, as well as sushi and specialty cocktails.
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Bistango
Bistango offers artful New American cuisine in the award-winning Atrium Building in Irvine. The restaurant hosts an extensive bar and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. The ambiance is enriched by revolving modern art exhibits and nightly live entertainment.