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    Gelson's Irvine

    3.7 (300 reviews)
    ModerateGrocery, Delis
    Open 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Gelson's Irvine Photos

    GELSON'S IRVINE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Gelson's Irvine

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    Reviews With Photos

    Small Batch Chocolate Bars, McConnell's Ice Cream, Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee - Irvine, California
    Justin L.

    This is a gourmet grocery store that sells name brand goods at a premium. BUT they do have a handful of specialty products that I won't find at Ralph's across the street. Gelson's can be found at the Oak Creek shopping center near Alton and Jeffrey. Parking is ample, they share the lot with other businesses but I never have trouble finding a close spot. This location was recently remodeled. They added a new hand-rolled sushi bar and wine bar, which is nice. Like most Gelson's, their prepared foods and cheese selections are top notch. I've given their poke a try before, but I prefer getting that elsewhere. The bakery inside is Viktor Benês, and they always have tasty pastries. The Stumptown Cold Brew with Oatly! looked interesting, so I bought one to try. It was smooth with a slight hint of chocolateness, I wouldn't mind getting it again. The Gelson's Peanut Butter Filled Dark Chocolate Bar was a one time purchase though. It could be a bit creamier inside, the filling was dry. As a UCSB alum, they get bonus points for having a large variety of McConnell's pints and single serve cups. The Salted Caramel Chip tasted just as good as it did when I was a student. You won't find me here often. Why spend $7.29 on a box of Cheerios or $11 on a pint of Jeni's when I can drive to another grocery store down the road and get it for less? Nonetheless, their products can fulfill all your household and kitchen needs, if you look beyond prices. So 3.5 stars, rounding up because I like McConnell's.

    Morgan B.

    Last night, I bought a water and cracked it open right away in the parking lot and proceeded to chug because I was thirsty after a long day. Next thing I know I feel a scratch in my throat and notice some sandy, grainy texture in my mouth. I check the bottle and find that the glass had several chips at the top of the bottle under the cap. I literally drank fucking GLASS bro. Never coming back again.

    Anne K.

    5 stars for the selection, and that's why I started coming to this location. Normally it's always great service and everyone is so helpful. Today, was different in the areas of the deli and checkout. I buy my groceries on my way to work. I understand that dealing with the public can be trying as I work with the public. Today, the deli staff could not be bothered and acted so sarcastic when an elderly woman asked a question. I almost walked away at that point. The worst offense was towards your own employee, an elderly man bagging the groceries. He quietly asked the checker, "How long?" She snapped at him, "I don't know, you have two minutes left." He quietly bagged my groceries then walked away. Even if he had asked her a few times and she was annoyed, she shouldn't snap at him and especially in front of customers. It was shocking and I felt so sad for the man. Do better. Smiles and friendliness goes a long way. We all feel the stress of life, but this was so unnecessary.

    Tri-tip sandwich/dip

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    6 months ago

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    1 month ago

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    1 year ago

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    Nic N.

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    1 month ago

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    8 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Nic N.

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    8 months ago

    We ordered dinner and got bad service that's all I have to say very disappointed with our service

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    2 years ago

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    Nic N.

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    8 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    6 months ago

    One of the best delis in the area. Highly recommended!" I always buy lunch here and enjoy it a lot .

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    6 months ago

    Top products including produce, helpful and friendly employees. Good bakery and prepared food.

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    2 years ago

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    Yvonne M.

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    2 years ago

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    Nic N.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Nic N.

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    10 months ago

    Always long lines. Understaffed. No point buying lunch and then wait forever. High prices plus poor service is a losing business model

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    1 year ago

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    Nic N.

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    2 years ago

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    Nic N.

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    2 years ago

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    Nic N.

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    4 years ago

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    Yvonne M.

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    1 year ago

    Love this chain grocery shop. Always clean, helpful staff and food buying choices. Attentive Customer service.

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    Nic N.

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Nic N.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Nic N.

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    5 years ago

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    Gelson's Customer Service T.

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Save the auto responses. You don't care about customers when you post a reply that doesnt address the problem

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    Nic N.

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 8

    Gelson's Irvine Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Gelson's Irvine

    Is apple pay accepted?

    Yes, Apple Pay is gladly accepted!

    Do the store deliver party size catering order? I'm ordering for 30 ppl for irvine community center. I need desserts and appetizers thanks

    Thank you for your question. Please contact our store director, Sharon, to see what we might be able to work out. The contact number is +1 (949) 551-6093.

    Hi, Can owners bring their pets in if they are carried or in a back pack?…

    Hello, This is only allowed if they provide a medical service to the owner, and that excludes… Read more

    Can I order prepared Thanksgiving Turkey dinners?

    Joe, thank you for your question. You can order them at www.gelsons.com. Sincerely,… Read more

    Does anyone know if the meat section has veal? Whole Foods didn't have any!

    Jessica, Thank you for reaching out with your question! Yes, we have lots of different options… Read more

    Does this location have the poke & wine bar?

    No.

    View All 9 Questions

    Review Highlights - Gelson's Irvine

    Sherine created the bridal bouquet, the garland for the arch and four centerpiece arrangements.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Freddy's Deli - Grilled Pesto Chicken Sandwich and Ginger Soda.

    Freddy's Deli

    5.0(97 reviews)
    4.0 mi
    $$

    Before I give my review on how amazing the food is, I want to give a huge shout out to Matthew…read more Matthew was very welcoming, friendly, and joyful. He knew the menu right off the bat and told me that whatever I want to include or exclude on my breakfast burrito, that he's got me. A++ Service I got the turkey and bacon breakfast burrito. The only thing I regret is not getting another one. The burrito was FIRE! The green salsa was the cherry on top. When Freddy says this is healthy food, he is not playing around. It is as healthy as it can get. Fresh ingredients and not cooked in seed oils. Ever since I changed my diet a year and a half ago, most restaurants food make my body shut down and/or make my stomach hurt. I am very glad that wasn't the case with Freddy's Deli. I will 100% be back! (Sorry I did not take a picture. It tasted so good, after the first bite I was in food heaven and next thing you know the burrito was gone.)

    Nothing remarkable honestly. Got the turkey avocado deli sandwich. It was a solid turkey sandwich,…read morebut honestly not that much better than the deli aisle at a supermarket but with higher prices. I enjoyed the sandwich but was strangely still hungry after. So how does this place have a 5-star overall rating? Signs posted all over; give us a 5-star review for free chips and a drink. Lame! Hope no one falls for it.

    Photos
    Freddy's Deli
    Freddy's Deli - Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich and Ginger Soda.

    Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich and Ginger Soda.

    Freddy's Deli - Greek Sandwich

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    Greek Sandwich

    Benjies NY Deli - The Benjies Special

    Benjies NY Deli

    3.9(1.1k reviews)
    6.9 mi
    $$

    Have you seen all the hefty sandwiches in Benjie's Yelp photo gallery???! Enticing, to say the…read moreleast! I grabbed my foodie friend and headed out to check things out first hand. Pulling into the parking lot, I knew this was a very well loved restaurant because the lot was packed ~ and it's a pretty good sized lot! Walking up to the door, it's pretty obvious, in a good way, that it's an establishment that's been around for a while. With bustling deli and pastry cases near the entrance, Benjie's instantly gives off a Cheers vibe, even for this first timer. There's a counter to sit at if you're dining solo, or if you've got more people in your party there are plenty of traditional booths and tables. The menu is extensive with all of the traditional deli/diner favorites. In order to try more, we decided to split everything. We ordered Reuben Fritters as a starter, a Pastrami sandwich on a French roll, and cheese blintzes for dessert. The Reuben Fritters were a nice take on the sandwich with a mixture of tender corned beef and the perfect amount of cheeses and sauerkraut rolled in bread crumbs and fried to perfection. The pastrami sandwich was piled high with meat and served with a side of onion rings. We were already getting full at this point, but we couldn't resist the cheese blintzes that were patiently waiting for us to give them a try. I swear I don't live under a rock, but I've never had blintzes before and these were VERY good! We went with the traditional preparation, although I read someone's review that said these could also be requested fried. Definitely worth a try next time. I'm imagining pure decadence! Our server was friendly and kept on top of keeping our beverages filled and checking to see if we needed anything. We left filled with excellent comfort food and an overall great experience. Looking forward to trying some more things on the menu soon!

    What We Ordered: * Smoked Fish Platter: (Lox, whitefish, or…read morecombo -- served with coleslaw, potato salad, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, two bagels, cream cheese & Greek olives -- serves two) * The Benjie Special: (Hot pastrami with coleslaw & Russian dressing on rye) My Thoughts: We love finding mom and pop diners, and this spot felt like such a gem. You can tell they've been around for a long time in the best way. It has that classic deli feel with a mix of diner, café, and old school market vibes. Service was friendly and helpful, even during the lunch rush. We went around 1 PM on a Thursday, so it was definitely busy, but the wait felt expected and worth it. Portion wise, they do not hold back. You really get a bang for your buck here. The smoked fish platter was the highlight for me. I genuinely loved everything on it. It's perfect for sharing (or for leftovers ). It almost feels like a DIY bagel experience you get to mix and match different toppings and flavors, which I'm obsessed with. Also... I tried an egg bagel for the first time and it lowkey changed my life. They make their bagels in house and sell them by the half dozen but they do sell out. By the time we finished eating, they were already out, so if you want some to take home, grab them as soon as you walk in. The Benjie Special was solid super flavorful and packed with a generous amount of pastrami. It did lean a bit greasy for our taste, but that really just comes down to personal preference. They also offer a variety of cold deli items by the pound, which adds to that classic New York-style deli experience. Overall: A cozy, old school deli with generous portions, quality food, and that nostalgic mom and pop charm. Definitely a spot we'd come back to.

    Photos
    Benjies NY Deli - Turn right in the entry and you enter the diner side.

    Turn right in the entry and you enter the diner side.

    Benjies NY Deli - Lox 'n Bagels w/ cream cheese and capers.

    Lox 'n Bagels w/ cream cheese and capers.

    Benjies NY Deli - The Benjie Special

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    The Benjie Special

    Gelson's Irvine - grocery - Updated May 2026

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