Very late to the game, but finally got to try Pepper Lunch after seeing all of their sizzling plates on my feed! We went here for OC Restaurant week and got the beef kimchi and salmon (+ kimchi) pepper rice. They were both so yummy but my favorite was definitely the beef kimchi. It was so fun to cook the meat and mix it all up. The food also came out super fast. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Salmon Pepper Rice & Kimchi Beef Pepper Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

I honestly am very in the middle with Pepper Lunch. The meals are good when you're hungry or want something different than typical fast food. If you cook, you can easily replicate these meals at home. The combo meal choices are primarily choosing a type of protein, a vegetable/garnish, and you get a scoop of rice with some extra fixings. You can also add more toppings for an additional charge. All the combos are served on a sizzling hot plate and your rice is going to have that burnt crispiness on the bottom. Your meal will come with some sort of sauce, especially the curry combos. On my last visit, I got the as-is Curry Hamburg, which is just ground beef that's like burger patty, but more dense. It came on the hot plate with steamed rice and corn. It was a decent meal, nothing too extravagant. The curry sauce was pretty good. The combo was about $16 including tax. It only kept me full for maybe about two hours and I was hungry again - and it's the same experience at other Pepper Lunch locations. I think the portions are likely just too small for me. But this location is clean and located inside the Irvine Spectrum, and very close to the Regal Theater that's just a minute walk away. read more

Pepper Lunch is located at Irvine Spectrum near the movie theater. It has ample indoor and patio seating. You can order different combos and it comes out on a sizzling hot plate. The food is delicious and well seasoned. The service was good and it was very nice to sit at the patio and people watch. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

We wanted to try something new and this place seemed to be like hot stones places I been to before. I regret going in with expectations but when the sizzlin hot stone came out I got really excited. Overall this place was a solid 3/5 and keep going to see why! You order on a kiosk to get it delivered to your table. That is always nice but the cost for the feed feels like it should be a table service experience. I got the salmon and beef pepper rice combo. You get the hot stone with the meat uncooked. Don't make the mistake I did and forget to season your meat before cooking it. My partner did that and we noticed a flavor difference but overall the flavor was not the best. For a placed called pepper lunch, and not tasting it in the dish was pretty surprising, however I was happy to see the salt and pepper shakers at each table. It gives me the feel that is may be how the place works. The salmon was pretty bland but the beef was solid. If I were to come back I would not get any type of salmon and to their beef dishes. My partner had the chicken and beef and would agree. It gets a 3/5 due to the overall flavor, taxte and cost read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Love this place in the heart of spectrum plaza. We just came from the hospital my friend passed away and we found this place in Yelp. The food was hotly delicious. Our server named Reggie was very friendly and helpful. The rest of the server and hostess are all very welcoming. The place was clean and neat. We definitely will come back here! read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Beer Batter Onion Rings - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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Was visiting the area and glad to have stumbled here. We beat all the rush of customers as the Mandalorian & Grogu movie was released that day. The smell of their dishes lured us here. Welcoming and friendly server greeted us. Great food options and even the kids meal was a great portion. Each was very flavorful. Would highly recommend this place and returning when we're in the area again. And the 2 sauces available on the tables were delicious as well. read more

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Great option for a casual dining in the spectrum. Order at kiosk, grab a number, grab a table and they'll deliver your food Great options for all, from pepper steak to salmon to curry burger patty, don't skimp on their chicken karage Overall recommend it to check out read more

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Review 54/365 Day Challenge Finally trying pepper lunch w my mommie besties. Came here on a Friday right b4 they open at 11 a.m. was waiting patiently for them to open. What i ordered Jumbo beef sizzling rice plate. I liked the bowl. Was hoping to love it since I've seen it around and a friend told mee about it. It's a bit on the bland side. Even adding the garlic soy like sauce. I added a lot too to give it some more flavoring. It's more on the peppery side and can taste the oil from the butter. Like a Peppery & buttery taste. They use Iteon brand green teas. It's good. One of our fav green teas. Associate Ashley Is friendly. Restaurant is a fast food eatery. Received our plates pretty fast but possibly since we were one of the 1st customers there when it opened at 11 am. They have an ordering kiosk where you order, put the # of your buzzer that's next to the kiosk. so associate know which table you're siting at if your dining there. Restaurant is clean with lots of table indoor and covered outdoor patio seatings. Located in Irvine Spectrum next to THE DIVE & SilverLake ramen. Lots of Parking in the parking structure or parking lot area. Highly suggest parking towards Javier's restaurant or Improv comedy side. read more

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Our first experience at Pepper Lunch was a great experience! The staff was very friendly and Nate was great! Since it was our first time here, Nate took the time to suggest their most popular dishes or to choose a combo if you can't decide which protein you want to try. We opted to order the beef and salmon combo. When the sizzling plate was delivered to the table Nate gave us some instruction and explained the sauce options on the table. We appreciated him taking the time to do this. Initially we tasted the beef without the sauces and it was a little bland. After adding a LOT of both sauces, salt and pepper there was more flavor. I am actually surprised there was very little pepper taste given the name of the restaurant. It would be nice if the proteins were marinated in a sauce of choice to give it more flavor. I now understand why add ons like garlic chips and onions are available at an extra cost of $1.99 each as it would add more flavor to the dish. It's just a shame you have to pay for the extra flavoring. You also want to make sure you start stirring the proteins as soon as the sizzling plate comes to the table to avoid overcooking the proteins since we like our meats and fish cooked to a perfect medium. All in all we enjoyed our first experience of cooking our lunch on a sizzling plate, we really had a nice lunch and will be back! read more

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Food is honestly so smelly and disgusting I came here with my brothers heard it was good after trying it it tasted so bad I just felt like throwing up. It's a clean area service is good. But food is honestly horrible. If you're looking for a good place to eat ramen I wouldn't consider this place. read more

I had Pepper Lunch once 2years ago when I was in Bangkok. The restaurant was located inside the big Princess Hotel where we stayed. But it's pretty popular in the Asia, mostly in the malls and at the food courts. All locations appeared to always being busy with long wait. When I saw it at the Irvine Spectrum, thought I'd give it a try and see if it's any different here at our hometown. Had the beef pepper rice, their main item and most selling on the menu, I think. It's good but too basic for me (just beef and rice). I wouldn't go out of my way to find it but it's convenient while you're shopping but don't have much time and just wanted a quick bite. read more

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Definitely recommend this place! It was our first time going so we weren't sure what to order. Ashley, one of the servers, took the time to explain the menu and give us excellent suggestions. The food was delicious. The staff were helpful and friendly. Not to mention the restaurant was clean, spacious, with a relaxing ambience.. read more

Located near Regal and Silverlake Ramen, this spot is great for a quick bite. There's plenty of seating both inside and outside, and ordering through the self-service kiosk makes everything fast and easy. Service was quick and smooth. We ordered the regular and jumbo beef pepper rice ($36 total). The dish itself is flavorful and the meat is tasty, but I do wish there was more protein for the price. Still, a solid option when you want something quick and satisfying. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Beef Pepper Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

This was our first time visiting Pepper Lunch at the Spectrum (near the theaters) Orders are easily placed using either of their two kiosks. We ordered the beef pepper rice jumbo with one egg thinking the portion was big enough to share. Apparently, we were wrong. For the price point (nearly $20), it was incredibly expensive for the disappointing amount of food we received. Since it was busy from the Memorial Day weekend crowd, I wonder if there was a mix up and we were served the regular size instead of jumbo portion. Staff were nice and did their best to clear and clean the tables for other customers. read more

Quality was decent, about what I usually expect here,it was my first time at the spectrum location and the service was very friendly. The main reason for my review is the portion size it was surprisingly small and barely covered the bottom of the skillet, which felt pretty underwhelming for the price. Keep in mind the dish pictured doesn't come with mushrooms and I added them on for an additional (1.99) which is the price for any additional topping such as green onion, corn, egg, cucumber, onion. So if I didn't add a topping even more of the skillet would be showing. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

It's been such a long time since I've had Pepper Lunch--I really missed it! You order on the iPad, take a number, and find your seat. Service was great; water was brought out right away as soon as we sat down. The location at Irvine Spectrum adds to the fun ambiance with so many restaurants nearby. Everything came out piping hot! I ordered the curry beef with hamburger meat and mixed the rice right into the sizzling plate--so good. I also added cheese and it made the dish even more delicious. My mom ordered the salmon and beef, and surprisingly, everything on her plate was also perfectly hot and fully cooked. My husband ordered the same as mine, just without the cheese. Overall, such a satisfying and nostalgic meal--I can't wait to come back again! read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Hamburg & Beef Sizzling Curry Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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Quick service meal - fast paced, order and sit down. This location's flavor was lacking. I'm used to having more umami in the meat/sizzling plate, but even after adding the table sauces it was still unfulfilling. I missed having a pepper lunch around us but this one didn't hit the spot at all. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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This might satisfy some people, but to us it was a pretty mediocre meal with lack of flavor in the meat and the overall meal is that of a weekday quick meal you whip up in a pinch. You order at the counter and it took awhile for our food to come, and the ambiance is just a quick fast food place at the spectrum mall. One of the handful they they have. Glad to try it, but will not be returning read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Beef Pepper Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

AMAZING SERVICE !!! Annette and Amy were super accommodating as we had a big party yet they were able to make it work and have our party of 10 sit together!! The food is great like always and the portions are epic too. Definitely will return SHAKAAA read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Been a Pepper Lunch fan ever since highschool and I would mob all the way from South San Jose to Milpitas. Was going to get dinner with a friend and we decided on Pepper Lunch and I was so happy. Such a great spot to get a sizzling plate of beef with rice that soon becomes crispy when it cooks. Comes with some corn and onions on top and has garlic butter under the meats. I recommend getting the Jumbo beef because the normal meat doesn't fill me up and it isn't that much meat. Highly recommend this spot if you are in a rush or just wanting to get that fun experience of cooking your meats. Pepper Lunch is a new spot in the Irvine Spectrum center and was hard to find at first so we called the restaurant! read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Food is GREAT!! Will definitely come back! Please open one near Disney! We'll sure to get our grub and sizzling fix! read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - .... The aftermath.... - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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Visited this new location in the Spectrum. It's a great place to have dinner with friends. Orders are taken via the kiosk and the food is delivered to you at the table. Sizzling plate that Kees your food cooking while you eat. They had a promotion for the original beef plate when I visited. Added an egg with the beef plate for added richness. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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I've had pepper lunch before at the diamond jamboree location and had to try this new location at the spectrum! There was a bit of a wait when my bf and I got there. I think it was about a 10-15 mins wait so not too bad. The wait staff had us select an open table for two and then we could order via their large digital screens. The food came out fairly quickly and looked delicious! I got the kimchi beef pepper rice and my bf got the beef pepper rice. I really enjoyed mine and it was the perfect portion for me! My bf however felt that the meat portion wasn't justified for the high price tag. I would definitely come back and try their other dishes!! read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Kimchi Beef Pepper Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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i got the beef jumbo plate and it was underwhelming. O did not taste the garlic butter at all... could be better.

Food is just ok, I think chain is trying to cut cost by giving less beef. I order the double beef but there was. Barely enough beef to go with the rice. read more

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I always love pepper lunch, but I got more impressed by the customer service, specifically Ashley! She demonstrated great patience and service when I had questions about my order. She went above and beyond to make sure we were satisfied with our food . Really great employee! read more

I came here with my wife on a random day and we both really enjoyed this place. I got the beef pepper rice, she got the kimchi beef pepper rice, and we shared a side of onion rings. Simple, straightforward dishes (literally beef, rice, corn, green onions, and pepper) but the flavor was spot on and it was very satisfying. We've tried to come here a couple times before (but failed miserably due to the long lines during rush hour) but we came at an off time and were able to seat ourselves very quickly. Ordering is done through a kiosk and the portions are generous for the price. Inside, there are plenty of tables and seats thought it definitely fills up quickly during peak hours. Parking isn't an issue since it's at the Spectrum. Overall, tasty food, quick service, and a great spot! We'll definitely come back again. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Beef pepper rice, kimchi beef pepper rice, and a side of onion rings - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Literally so amazing! Food was piping hot, fresh, and packed full of flavor. An experience and a delicious meal. I had the pepper steak and it was one of the new favorite meals. The staff were so attentive and kind -- explaining how to mix the food and giving drink refills such a cute place with amazing vibes! read more

A newer Pepper Lunch location in the Irvine Spectrum. Was super happy to hear they opened one nearby. Can get crowded around lunch time so good to get there early on the weekdays. You order on a touchscreen kiosk and can seat yourself and they will bring out your meal. On par for Pepper Lunch. I always enjoy the sizzling beef pepper rice. I love the sweet sauce they serve with their plates. When you're in the mood for a good fried rice.... read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Beef Pepper Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

My family and I love visiting Pepper Lunch. We have been to three different locations. This location hit the spot! It's a perfect lunch spot when you need a break from shopping. It is easy to find. This location has both indoor and outdoor seating. It is clean and the food came out promptly. Our food came out on a cast iron plate with raw sliced beef or salmon and cooked rice plus cooked veggies. As it's sizzling, we stir it up with sauce of our choice. Be sure to let it cool down before eating.The protein was a good portion as well as the rice. If you enjoy the novelty of a sizzling plate like us, then come give it a try! read more

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The food was great came out quick and was hot! The service was great. Had people come and checked on me regularly. The ambiance was busy and seating can be limited, especially on a busy weekend. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Salmon & Beef Pepper Rice Combo - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Simple, delicious, and healthy. This place species in beef pepper rice and have mastered their craft. The menu is nice and simple which makes it easy to order. The beef pepper rice is affordable and delicious, but the toppings at $2 each is pretty absurd. You order at the tablet and the staff bring out the food to your table if dining in. The staff are very friendly and the interior is clean. read more

Delicious food and great service from ashley. Definitely coming back!! Beef was delicious

Food was really good and service was phenomenal. Huge thanks to Chase for serving us. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Thanks Chase for serving us! Great experience - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

I absolutely love Pepper Lunch--this place never disappoints. Every time I come, it hits exactly the way I want it to. The meat is always super soft, perfectly fatty, and cooked just right, and the rice is so flavorful, especially as it sizzles on the hot plate. I always add extra garlic and onion sauce, which takes it to another level. The whole experience is just so fun and satisfying, from cooking it yourself to that first bite. Shoutout to the workers at this location too--they're amazing. We came in about 20 minutes before closing because we were starving and seriously craving Pepper Lunch, and they were so kind and welcoming about it. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Kimchi Beef Pepper Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

The staff was super friendly. All of them were great, but Nate was the only name I remembered. Everyone was so helpful and kind and gave the best customer service. The food has a lot of flavor. I got the kimchi beef and added egg. The concept of the place is great. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

My husband and I went to dinner and a movie over the weekend. We stopped at Pepper Lunch for dinner and ordered the Jumbo Beef Pepper Rice with add-ons (egg, sliced garlic chips, cabbage & kale). We ordered at the kiosk. My husband went to grab a table while I paid and got a buzzer. I would have preferred to be seated inside but we found seating on the patio where it was quite warm. The server brought us some water cups while we waited. Our food came out on a large cast iron plate with mostly raw sliced beef, egg, and cooked rice plus cooked veggies. As it's sizzling, you are to mix it up, sauce it up, and let it cool down enough to eat it. We were Pepper Lunch novices and had never been before but it's fairly straightforward. Just remember not to touch the cast iron pan as it's very HOT. If you're a fan of fried rice, this is your mecca. I enjoyed the meal immensely. I think next time I'd add on an extra sauce because we only opted for the sauces at the table which did not have that savory oomph we wanted. The food was very hot once cooked but it was comforting. The novelty of having it presented at your table and then mixing it up is very Asian. I liked the concept, my husband was so-so. The Jumbo platter was big enough to share and we did not have any leftovers, so that was a win. Service was fine considering you're essentially cooking your food on a hot pan at the table. We enjoyed our visit and liked that it was really close to the movie theater. Check it out the next time you're at the Irvine Spectrum. read more

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Great spot for a casual dinner in Irvine spectrum. There was a line outside when we went but probably waited at most 20min. Once you're in, you order on the touch screens and then they seat you at a table. We got the chicken and beef combo, all their dishes come on a sizzle hot plate. You mix the meat rice and veggies together on the hot plate essentially cooking it at your table. The beef comes rare and the chicken is already cooked for safety. You can add-on an egg and cheese too which is good. We also got the tempura shrimp for starter which was light and fluffy. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Chicken & Beef Pepper Rice Combo - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

this restaurant was so delightful. The ordering process was easy, the location was convenient, and the food was scrumdiddlyumptious. Would totally recommend the rice. Looking forward to coming back. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Tofu & Veggie Sizzling Curry Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Special and unique beef pepper rice was sizzling, crispy and delicious. I could have added more toppings but the simple version is already so good. The staff were very nice and friendly when they bring out the hot plates. The ambiance is airy, bright and open-air indoor and outdoor seatings. Highly recommended for lunch at the Irvine Spectrum. read more

Pepper Lunch - Irvine Spectrum - Beef Pepper Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California