Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Irvine

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

13 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant
1. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
4.5
Awesome(813)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 40 times today
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations perfectly meshes upscale and casual dining with an expansive whiskey selection and unique offering of American comfort food. It offers high energy, open spaced concepts to promote a lively dining experience. With the rustic industrial aesthetic, brick metal and barrels are prevalent in the space. One of its most coveted attractions is the famous whiskey room, that houses hundreds of whiskies from several countries. From high end whiskies like Pappy Van Winkle, to a shot of Jameson with a Coors Light, there is something here for everyone's taste; and Bosscat prides itself on being this type of environment. Each season new flavors and recipes are brought into the kitchen. The culture and staff are encouraged to foster the fun and unique dining experience they so strongly emulate. Bosscat is open all week for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is available on weekdays, and a fun, boozy brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant
2. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(2791)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 41 times today
CUCINA enoteca is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum! Owner Tracy Borkum's flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento bring their artistry to the table as guests enjoy an open kitchen. The menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Along with a diverse selection of wines by the glass, guests may visit the restaurant's retail area to select from over 200 bottles for dinner (corkage fee of $10 applies) or purchase wine to go. The energetic space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the comfort of an old rustic farmhouse.
A photo of Nick's Newport Beach restaurant
3. Nick's Newport Beach
4.8
Exceptional(343)
Price: Moderate
• American • Newport Beach
Booked 84 times today
Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our intimate restaurant features a chic island bar, walls of glass and a spacious covered patio, perfect for people watching. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.
A photo of Bluefin Restaurant restaurant
4. Bluefin Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1229)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Newport Beach
Booked 13 times today
Classic and creative sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes, many showing international influences, in a stylish contemporary setting, from Nobu Matsuhisa alumnus Takashi Abe.
A photo of A Restaurant - Original Location on Newport Blvd restaurant
5. A Restaurant - Original Location on Newport Blvd
4.8
Exceptional(2013)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Newport Beach
Booked 38 times today
Since 1922 The Arches has been the destination for fine dining in Newport Beach. Known for it’s amazing steak and seafood menu It is a place where celebrities and local customers can dine in privacy. With grand renovations and its rebirth as A Restaurant this landmark will once again be a haven for classic culinary experiences. Chef Roberto Gomez and wine director Steven Ackad have created a perfect alchemy with their creations.
A photo of 608 Dahlia restaurant
6. 608 Dahlia
4.8
Exceptional(2198)
Price: Expensive
• American • Newport Beach
Booked 49 times today
Executive Chef Jessica Roy brings her fresh interpretation and style to Garden and Farm-to-Table cuisine right inside the botanical oasis that is Sherman Library and Gardens. Daily pickings from the Gardens and local farms populate the ever changing seasonal menu that highlights the best and most flavorful ingredients of the season. Look for ingredients at their peak, stunning edible blooms and herbs right from the Sherman grounds, and cuisine that is nothing short of inspired and delicious. . Please note: we are located within the Sherman Library and Gardens, to which there is a $5.00 per person admission fee. Each admission supports the Sherman Gardens (a non-profit organization), who maintain the sweeping panoramic views that our diners get to enjoy! Come for the food and stay for the views (and insta-worthy pics).
A photo of Rothschild's Restaurant restaurant
7. Rothschild's Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1786)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Corona del Mar
Booked 6 times today
Rothschild's has been the cornerstone of Corona Del Mar for over 40 years. It has been family owned since early conception and has become a place where our customers and staff have come to call home.
A photo of The Quiet Woman restaurant
8. The Quiet Woman
4.8
Exceptional(1618)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Corona del Mar
Booked 13 times today
Serving Dinner Tuesday - Saturday from 5 pm. Music Tuesday & Wednesday 8 - 11. Thursday. Friday. Saturday 9-12:15
A photo of Lighthouse Cafe restaurant
9. Lighthouse Cafe
4.2
Awesome(600)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Newport Beach
Booked 15 times today
A beautiful waterfront restaurant located in the heart of Marina Park on Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula. With indoor, outdoor and roof top deck seating with unobstructed views of Newport Harbor. Marina Park offers a family friendly walking park, kids play area, fitness circuit and a 120 foot boat dock. For large groups, feel free to call the restaurant!
A photo of Tango restaurant
10. Tango
4.8
Exceptional(115)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • Laguna Beach
Booked 4 times today
Tango Laguna embarks on a culinary voyage blending global flavors with local dedication. Our menu boasts tapas, sandwiches, and main courses meticulously prepared with care and precision. Each dish, influenced by worldwide inspirations, is paired thoughtfully with wines and cocktails, complemented by bites enhancing the dining experience.Featuring premium meats, artisan cheeses, and fusion small plates sourced globally, our commitment to quality defines every meal, offering a unique culinary journey exclusive to Tango in Laguna Beach, CA.Join us for weekend brunch, a delightful twist on classic favorites paired with cocktails in a coastal ambiance. Wednesdays bring the International Wine Experience, presenting a curated wine selection paired with small plates celebrating diverse culinary traditions, transporting your palate worldwide from Laguna Beach.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo