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    A & J Restaurant

    4.1 (2.8k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    A & J Restaurant Photos

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    A & J RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - A & J Restaurant

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    Pan Fried Pork Dumplings ($13.95)
    Allison L.

    Yummy Taiwanese spot! My sister and I came around Saturday at noon and were quickly seated but it was pretty full inside already, and parking was busy! Service was fast and friendly and the food came out quickly! Beef Noodle Soup Clear Broth (3.5/5): large portion with plenty of noodles and beef. The broth was a little too light for my taste, granted it is a clear broth. I might try the spicy one next time Spicy Wonton (4/5): flavorful and not too spicy! There was a good amount of wontons but each one was a little small in size lol Pork XLB (4/5): plenty of soup inside and it was hot and aromatic Pan Fried Pork Dumplings (3/5): they were thick and lots of filling, but I would've liked it to be crunchier and it needed soy sauce

    Allison M.

    We went on a Saturday and it was packed! We were able to be seated in 5 minutes which was great. We got the beef noodle soup, turnip pastry, beef roll, green onion pancake, vegetarian delight, pork chop, and beef pan fried dumplings. Everything was super tasty. I will say that the green onion pancake had so many flakey layers but was very drying. I might just be used to the thinner pancakes. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and food. I felt like I ate my way around Taiwan for a bit. Will be coming back!

    Minced Pork on Rice
    Bubu N.

    It wasn't bad but it wasn't anything special. I liked how there wasn't a wait. Service was good. Too much rice to meat ratio. The pig ear had a very jelly texture not like a crunchy one you'd expect. I'd probably eat here again for the convenience

    Beef Noodle Soup (Clear Broth)
    Kaylee S.

    A wide selection of menu items that is worth exploring each visit. Came on a weekday night and it was not busy. The wontons and beef roll were both flavorful in the chili sauce and the beef marination. I enjoyed how all the dishes were not too salty. I did wish though that the beef noodle soup was hotter and it was a little bland. The service was accurate and quick, but as I was about to pay on the card reader, the waitress took the reader away to assist a different table. The inside is bright and there's plenty of seating.

    Beef tendon with wide noodles
    Krys N.

    Decent enough Taiwanese restaurant in Irvine. The locals love this restaurant and it's always high on their recommendations lists if you ask about Taiwanese food. I think their stars are their appetizers. I wasn't particularly hungry today so getting some cheap appetizers is the way to go. My husband really enjoyed the beef tendon noodle soup he ordered. I tasted the broth and it was a bit too herbal for me. They also don't give any pickled vegetables with the noodle soup, which I think is a must for any classic beef noodle soup! I've been here multiple times now and have never been wowed. It's just subpar in terms of taste. I've definitely had way better Taiwanese food outside of Irvine.

    Scallions pancake and I call it paratha with scallions
    Sadaf A.

    The ambiance is regular but the staff and the food continues to be remarkable. We have been coming here for more than two decades now. It never disappoints you.

    beef roll, spicy beef noodle soup, minced pork on rice, sour noodles
    Jin H.

    A&J is an Irvine institution!! Can't even remember how much times I've visited in the last ten years because it's probably my favorite Taiwanese spot in the area. It's about time I reviewed them! My number one dish goes to the minced pork rice- it's a pretty simple dish, but it's sooo good here for some reason. I've ordered this dish at other Taiwanese restaurants and nothing compares to the one at A&J- the pork is always SO flavorful, never dry and enough to coat all the rice, the egg is perfection, and all the little garnishes compliment the dish so well. It's also just as amazing takeout which I always appreciate. Other go-tos are the spicy beef noodle soup- the beef in it is always so tender and I love getting the thick noodle option because of the rough texture it adds. Beef roll and pan fried dumplings are always a good option for sharing. Have tried a lot of things on their menu and nothing so far has disappointed!

    Daniel L.

    Very delicous food. I had the beef noodle soup and the potstickers. The food came out really fast and the waiters were very nice and comforting. I loved the texture of the potsticker skin and the noodles were to die for.

    Condiments
    Janet T.

    My husband YELPED this place and it has really high ratings and reviews so we decided to give it a try! It was 20 minutes away from the Pacific View Mortuary so we decided to come here after my husband visited his dad... GREETED UPON ENTRY! Quite nice and loudly by a nice lady! I believe I only saw ladies working in the restaurant which is pretty cool! Women power!! SPICY BEEF NOODLE SOUP: 10/10 I love the TENDONS so much!! They were nice and TENDER!!! Not chewy at all! The flavor of the broth is good and not too SALTY or SPICY so you can easily adjust it if you need more Salt or Chili oil...Better than SHANGS in Las Vegas in my opinion!!!... SPICY WONTONS: 9/10 The wontons were small and fell apart easily but, the sauce was DELICIOUS!!! It was such a TEASE because it was a small dish that was PACKED with so much flavor so I finished it as REVENGE!!! Mwahahaha!!!!... BEAN CURD WITH ASSORTED MUSHROOMS: 9/10 Loved the bean curds!!! I finished it too!!! There was only ONE MUSHROOM though so that's why I took off a point... SCALLION PANCAKE: 8/10 In not usually into it. My husband loved it and it reminded him of ROTI... PAN FRIED PORK DUMPLINGS: 9/10 It was nice and juicy! The portions were HUGE!!! Definitely had to pack this one home to finish it later... SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT!!! AMBIANCE was nice! The tables were set per close to each other towards the front of the restaurant so there wasn't much room to walk in between tables. It reminded me of the walkway that's similar to being on an AIRPLANE!!! If you are a Big person I would recommend sitting at the tables towards the back because there's more SPACE there!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRYING THIS PLACE !!! A & J RESTAURANT MAKES YOU WANT TO COME EVERYDAY!!!!

    Willie L.

    I have been coming here for many years. My go to dish here is the beef noodle soup, chicken rice, beef bing, and spicy wontons. The restaurants is loud and super busy with the seatings always packed. Restaurant staff have been there for years and is always hustling around to deliver food. These days it's more efficient to take my order as take away instead of dining in. I can call in my order and pick up on my way home.

    101 Spicy Beef tendon Noodle Soup (Szechuan Style)
    Chloe N.

    The best beef noodles in OC. They have amazing pancakes, dumplings and side dishes. Lots of other rice and noodle dishes but everytime I ended here I still order 101, beef and tendon spicy noodles. Tried both wide and thin noodles, they are good in their own ways. Thin noodles grab onto broth better and it's delicious. Wide noodles are more authentic, I think that's how Taiwanese people like to eat at least from what I have seen from my friend's preferred choice. The service is fast and they bring food within minutes. Inside is extremely loud, idk what it is about the Chinese culture but ifi it's impossible to be quiet lol

    Spicy Beef Tendon Noodle Soup (Szechuan Style)
    Shirley H.

    Was craving hand-pulled noodles and decided to try this popular Taiwanese restaurant in Irvine. The interior and service felt very traditional. The spicy hand-pulled noodles soup dish was decent but not memorable. We've had better at other spots. The broth has good flavor but it doesn't pack a punch. The noodles are nice and chewy. Overall, a solid 4/5 but probably would not return again.

    Minced Pork on Rice
    Emily H.

    Went to A&J with a few friends on a Friday night. There was about a 15-minute wait. We checked in, told them our party size, received a numbered ticket, and were seated shortly after. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the beef noodle soup, minced pork over rice, spicy wontons, fried pork chop, and scallion pancake. At first, the portions looked smaller than we expected, but the prices were reasonable and the food ended up being more filling than it appeared. We actually thought we'd need to order several more dishes for our group of four, but by the end of the meal we were completely satisfied. My favorite was definitely the spicy wontons. The wontons themselves were great, but the sauce was flavorful, slightly spicy, and addictive!

    The most delicious Pan Fried Beef Bun in Orange County... yummm.....

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    Page 1 of 71

    A & J Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - A & J Restaurant

    Do they take reservations for larger groups?

    They don't take reservations at all

    Do they still sell fan tuan on the weekend? I tried asking but was confused since she told me no. I was there on Saturday before 12pm.

    They don't sell Taiwanese breakfast anymore :( you have to go to four seas for that

    Do they use MSG?

    Not so sure but some taiwanese or Chinese restaurants uses MSG.To be honest with you MSG is Umami it was invented by a japanese chemist Mr.Kikunae Kukida.It enhance the flavor if you add MSG on any types of cooking.Its safe and consumable.… 

    Do you still serve the noodles with the peanut sauce?

    Yep 👍🏼

    What are the vegetarian options here?

    They don't have a special seperate vegetarian menu, but you can easily find some non-meat food in any Taiwan restaurant. Like Fried Green Onion Noodles, The Cold Noodle is with ham but you can ask for removing, Fried Tofu, Scallion Pancake,… 

    Is it opened for Dine-In?

    Yes indoor dining is open

    What are the hours now? The past few days no one picks up the phone?

    We drove by there last week and the restaurant was completely dark with no one inside at 5:30 on a Friday. Looks like they shut down at least temporarily.

    Been calling them all day and the line is just busy. Are they still open? Looking to buy some Chinese breakfast Sunday morning.

    Yes. Still open. Ordered from them tonight.

    Here on a date years ago & he ordered everything for me since I couldn't read the menu. I loved the food. What cold noodles can I order if I'm vegetarian (no fish…

    Bean curd rolls with assorted mushrooms Bean curd rolls with mustard green and soy beans Vegetarian… 

    Do you accept cryptocurrency, and if so, what types?

    No. They literally just started taking credit cards a few months ago after being cash only for a billion years.

    Do they serve beer?

    No alcohol.

    Do they use MSG?

    Everyone should Google MSGs effects before listening to what you've heard from others. READ about the history and actual negative effects of which there are none.

    Do they accept Amex?

    Cash only

    What are the vegan options?

    Yes, there are! My favorites are the bean curd strips and cucumber salad!

    Do they only accept cash?

    They take credit card too!

    Do they sell chop suey?

    They specialize in authentic Chinese food, better known for their beef noodle soups. Chop Suey is found in Americanized "Chinese" food and fast food/restaurants

    View All 20 Questions

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    Some of the BEST Taiwanese food we've had in Orange County! King Chops absolutely impressed us, and…read morewe'll definitely be coming back. The crispy pork chop plate is a MUST-ORDER. The pork chop was perfectly seasoned, super crispy on the outside, and incredibly satisfying. They also give you a generous portion, so you definitely get your money's worth. The braised pork rice was another favorite. The pork was so tender that it practically melted in your mouth, and it paired perfectly with the rice. But the biggest surprise for us was actually the cucumber salad! It reminded us of a kimchi-style cucumber, but we thought this one was even better. It was super fresh and crunchy, with the perfect amount of garlic and a great balance of flavors. The service was also quick, polite, and friendly, which made the whole experience even better. Their teas were great too! Overall, King Chops is definitely a spot we'd recommend if you're craving Taiwanese food. We'll absolutely be back!

    Kingchops Irvine is one of those places where you get there for nostalgia, the place is small but…read moreinviting. The decor is simple, and the woman inside just keep moving around making sure you're doing fine while enjoying your food. Service is friendly, and attentive - it also feel very homey. In the early 2000's I do remember some similar cafe in SGV and they are just a delight, these small bowl portions especially the porkchop rice! Well this place is pretty similar, they have your typical pork chop rice with all the fixins, the pork is on the thinner side but it does taste good! Crispy on the outside, and a hint of slight savory sour taste to it. I tried the pork noodle, and it was good as well! It would not be the best experience I had, but the flavor is enough to invite me to come back for more!

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    Seven Grams

    Seven Grams

    4.5
    (1.4k reviews)
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    The XLB was really good the original and spicy. I wasn't a huge fan of the ham fried rice but it…read morewas still good. Service was good and atmosphere was good

    7 Grams is such a hidden gem. I can't believe I'm only discovering this place now. Their wontons…read moreare honestly better than Din Tai Fung and Paradise Dynasty, and I say that as an OG fan of both, especially after living in the Irvine area. Their xiao long bao is also really good and definitely comparable to Din Tai Fung and Paradise Dynasty. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, and the dumplings and wontons were so moist and flavorful. The beef roll is a MUST. Unlike some places where it can be dry, theirs had the perfect amount of sauce and was so good. Also get the lava egg yolk steamed buns. So soft, moist, fresh, and delicious. But surprisingly, one of the biggest standouts was their drinks. They use real tea, and their taro milk tea completely changed my mind about taro drinks. Fresh taro mixed with real tea, perfectly balanced, and not overly sweet. I would literally come here just for the drinks. If you love boba, you need to try them. Just be prepared to wait because this place gets BUSY. Lunchtime was packed, and we came around 3 PM and were lucky to get a spot. Everything was so satisfying without feeling overly heavy afterward. Definitely one of my new favorite finds and a place I'll be coming back to again and again.

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    Noodle Nest

    Noodle Nest

    4.1
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    3.6 mi
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    This is probably the most underrated spot inside Diamond Jamboree. The menu is beautifully diverse,…read moreshowcasing Chinese comfort food and hand-pulled noodles at their finest, with something for everyone. Everything I've tried here has been delicious. The flavors are robust, well-balanced, and consistently satisfying. It's tucked around the corner between some of the more heavily trafficked spots, but in my humble opinion, this place is the real star of Diamond Jamboree. Can't recommend it enough.

    Came here on a Saturday evening for dinner with a friend. Be warned that there's no parking!!! Not…read morein the main lot nor a single spot open in the parking structure - then I had to 3 point turn at a dead-end and no spots coming down either. I got extremely lucky with a spot right in front - with a car leaving just as I was getting extremely frustrated with constantly driving around and no open spots. Great location & great plaza though with so many options and so much going on here - that's why it's so crowded! Ambiance - interior is beautiful and vibes are nice. Most restaurants had a long wait - but this one, we could get seated at an actual booth immediately. Service was good, very friendly and attentive. My friend and I ordered Beef Skewers, Chicken Skewers, & Mapo Tofu & Ground Pork with Rice, Orange Chicken, & Black gold molten custard buns. Food was great - good value for good portion sizes. But orange chicken was a little too sweet. Would definitely recommend and would likely come back!

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    A & J Restaurant - taiwanese - Updated August 2026

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