Pepper Lunch

great place. and not crazy crowded. such a fun date night. the food is amazing!! love itread more

We've been coming here for years. My little nephew loves celebrating his birthday here. You use…read moreto get a free family photo but now, you have to pay extra for the birthday package. I get it, I guess, costs are up. The food is always good but the show varies depending on your chef. We've had some good ones and some that are just ok so it's really just up to where you sit and who you get. Overall they try to make it a good show and fun for the birthday person. My nephew does prefer this over Benihana since we've taken him to both.

NEW HOURS *Reopen for lunch (only Friday)* 11:30 am- 2:00 pm **Extended dinner hours** SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00 pm- 9:00 pm (Dinner menu)

We are open!

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Our patio dining

Tabi-Ji Japanese Cuisine

4.6(1.3k reviews)

11.3 mi

Family-owned & operated

48 years in business

Honestly had the best time and experience here! It was our first time after doing some searching…read morearound. Had so much fun celebrating a birthday here. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed. The initial host/server was friendly, funny, nice, and efficient. He got us started with our orders, drinks, and everything else in between. Then the chef came out and prepped and cooked our food/show. He had a calm, yet fun personality about him. He was mindful of everyone at the table and their needs and what they ordered. The food was delicious and the show made it a fun and exciting. It's awesome watching our food getting cooked right in front of us. We didn't expect the birthday person to get an ice cream surprise at the end. That was such a pleasant surprise and thoughtful touch. We had a blast and look forward to coming back here again!

3.5/5 Stars - Nice Experience, But Some Service and Timing Issues…read more We visited Tabi-Ji Teppanyaki for my husband's birthday and had an overall decent experience, though there were a few things that would make us think twice before returning. We chose the dining room seating rather than the teppanyaki tables. The staff did offer us the teppanyaki experience, but since we don't eat red meat or chicken from certain places and weren't sure how the food preparation process worked with mixed ingredients, we opted for a regular table instead. One downside was the seating arrangement. We were seated away from most of the other guests, and it often felt like the staff forgot we were there. Our original host/server was attentive and friendly, but once they were busy with other tasks, it became difficult to get assistance. It was also not busy for a Tuesday evening. We found ourselves waiting for long periods or having to wave someone down, which wasn't ideal, especially for a birthday dinner. As for the food: * Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll (4/5): Fresh, good quality fish, and a generous portion. A solid sushi roll. * Garlic Edamame (4/5): Flavorful and exactly what you'd expect from a good appetizer. * Lobster Duo with Miso Soup, Salad, and Fried Rice (3/5): Unfortunately, the lobster was quite chewy and seemed overcooked. The miso soup and fried rice were both enjoyable and helped make up for it. * Unagi Donburi (4/5): My husband's meal came with white rice, miso soup, salad, and fried rice. It was his first time trying eel, and he really enjoyed the soft texture and flavor. He said he'd definitely order it again. Our biggest disappointment was the timing of the food. The Unagi Donburi arrived significantly later than everything else. By the time it came out, we had already eaten most of the appetizers and other dishes and were pretty full. It's unfortunate because it seemed like a dish that would have been much better enjoyed fresh, but we ended up taking most of it home. Overall, the food ranged from good to very good, and being able to reserve through Resy and use our Amex dining benefit definitely helped offset the cost. However, considering the price point, we expected more attentive service and better pacing of the meal.

Tabi-Ji trio family meal (4 people ) $99.95 + tax

Assorted sashimi

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Sashimi dinner

Mac Noodlez' Hibachi Grill

5.0(37 reviews)

10.1 mi

We had a great time with Mac Noodle and DLove last night. The food was absolutely delicious and…read morethey were true entertainers. I highly recommend them and look forward to having them for a party in the future.

Mac is the best!! We hired him for our daughter's 13th birthday and it was such a fun and memorable…read morenight! He made GF options for my son who has celiac disease. He is high energy and entertaining and kept our crew of 15 teenagers engaged and happy. The food is SO delicious... from his salad dressing, to dipping sauces and the quality of ingredients he uses!!! Everyone cleaned their plates! We can't wait to have Mac and G Love over again!! Highly recommend!

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Table set up

Benihana - Newport Beach

James the chef and Ramon were amazing. Very professional…read more Food was good. Hosts were kind and accommodating. Only giving review about service and chefs because I used to work at Benihana so none of the show or taste of food impresses me.

We went for my partner's birthday and it was a fun experience. I've only been to Benihanas once but…read morethat was years ago. We made a reservation ahead of time and we were able to be seated right away which was nice. When we walked through the main room we noticed how hot it was in there! It makes sense with all the cooking but we were grateful to be seated in the back corner room where it was slightly cooler. Sam was our server and she was nice, attentive, and communicative. At the beginning of our meal she did let us know about the most expensive meat options and signature butter blends that could be added to anything we ordered for an upcharge. After every person ordered, she asked if they wanted to add a butter on. I know this is likely something set that she has to do by management but it felt a little pushy. I ordered the 5 course hibachi chicken with teriyaki chicken. It may have just been a bad selection on my part but the chicken didn't seem like anything special for the price. It lacked flavor even with the teriyaki sauce. I will say, Sam did convince we to get the garlic butter which was actually worth it, especially with the chicken fried rice. One note, the parking lot fills up quick, especially because they have half of it blocked off for valet. This really leaves you with no choice but to valet as I'm not sure where else you would park around there. Overall, I personally wouldn't choose to come back because it was too loud for me and I didn't think the food was worth the money. But if someone invited me for their birthday again, I would go.

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Habachihana Grill

4.4(482 reviews)

14.6 mi

I get takeout from here pretty often, but I need to go in person one of these days. I'm just so on…read morethe go this year. I usually get the 2 item combo with steak and chicken, with fried rice and the garlic noodles. I love the two sauces- garlic butter, and the ginger sauce. It is SO good, and the portions are pretty big, which can usually last me for 2-3 meals. It is pretty expensive, but worth it. The food is delicious!

Had a fantastic experience at this hibachi restaurant! The food was absolutely amazing. It was…read morefresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The portions were huge, so come hungry because you definitely get your money's worth. Miguel provided great service from start to finish. He was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome the moment we arrived. His positive attitude and inviting personality really added to the overall experience. Between the delicious food, generous portions, and exceptional service, this is a place I would highly recommend. We'll definitely be back

More inside

Chocolate, Cheesecake, Double Chocolate

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Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice

Miyabi Shabu And Grill

4.3(1.6k reviews)

2.8 mi•Oak Creek

I don't normally write reviews, but I had to come back and write one about our server Ben Choi from…read morewhen my family and I visited a couple of weeks ago!! It was our first time eating here and my family doesn't speak English very well, so I was expecting to have to translate the whole menu for them. But to our surprise, Ben actually started speaking Vietnamese to us!! My whole family was genuinely shocked, especially my parents. We all looked at each other because none of us were expecting him to know Vietnamese. What surprised me the most was how good his Vietnamese pronunciation was. Usually when someone who isn't Vietnamese tries speaking our language, it's pretty easy to tell because of the tones, but Ben's pronunciation was surprisingly accurate and easy to understand!! My parents were especially impressed because they could actually understand what he was saying. He took the time to explain the menu and how everything worked in Vietnamese so my family could understand, especially since it was our first time. He was extremely patient, friendly, and attentive throughout the entire meal. He made sure everyone was comfortable and understood everything without making my parents feel awkward about the language barrier. My family was still talking about how surprised they were that our server could speak Vietnamese afterward, haha. It's not often that we come across someone who makes that kind of effort to communicate with our family in our own language.Ben Choi really went above and beyond, and it's honestly one of the most memorable experiences we've had at a restaurant. Thank you, Ben, for making our first visit so welcoming!! We'll definitely be coming back!!

Shabu and BBQ best of both worlds! Decided to stop in. Perfect timing with the cooler fall weather…read morecoming in! Food & Selection: 5/5 - Great quality food with a nice variety of broths to choose from. There's also a sauce bar, unlimited veggies, and a great selection of appetizers and desserts to finish off the meal! Loved being able to enjoy both shabu and BBQ without having to choose one over the other. Value: 5/5 - Went with the Bronze Tier AYCE, which was perfect! Plenty of options to choose from without needing to upgrade. Definitely worth the money, especially considering the quality, variety, and everything included. Customer Experience: 5/5 - Special shoutout to Ben for always being so personable and accommodating throughout dinner! Really appreciated his hospitality and how welcoming he always is! Parking: 5/5 - Easy and large parking lot. Does get busy but have always been able to find a spot. Overall, great food, plenty of variety, and service!

Part of the AYCE - Wagyu fried rice, yum!

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Cheers to delicious shabu and more of it! :)

The Unruly Grill

5.0(76 reviews)

3.5 mi

3rd time hiring Unruly Grill. That should say it all! We absolutely loved having them in our home…read moreagain to celebrate our friend's anniversary. Not only is their food top quality but so is their service! 10/10 recommend!

The chefs came to our house for an Epic Christmas Eve dinner ! Set EVERYTHING UP MADE GREAT FOOD ,…read moredid an awesome show for all our kids & grandkids ! They were Awesome !!

Setup

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The aftermath

Teppanyaki Grill Supreme Buffet

3.0(909 reviews)

15.2 mi

Thanks to doing some furniture shopping in this plaza, my wife and I randomly stumbled across…read moreTeppanyaki Grill Supreme Buffet and knew it was somewhere I needed to try. The second I walked into this place I felt like I was walking into an early 2000's buffet and I sincerely mean that in the best possible way. After being seated we headed over to the food stations and this place had such an insane amount of food that I was actually shocked. I could be wrong here, but there was at least 10 different spots to get food from all the meats, sushi, and salad bar to the dessert area, side dishes, and even a hibachi area I did not get to take advantage of. Now, I can't review everything I ate in detail because I tend to turn into a ravenous bear at these types of places but I ate everything from pizza (which was bad, I mean, it's buffet pizza), bao buns (surprisingly good), every type of chicken (legit at least one piece of every single one, pretty much all of them were solid), sushi (I mean, it's buffet sushi but still not bad), and so much more that my brain can't process or remember correctly. Overall, Teppanyaki Grill Supreme Buffet was such a fun time and we both left full and happy. Once in a while, going to these places is fun and it's even better when you actually get to eat some good food on top of it.

We finally made it to the restaurant to try Teppanyaki Grill Buffet…read more We were all surprised with the selection and variety of dishes. Unfortunately, they do not serve crab legs on the buffet stations. I called to confirm before we came so were aware of it and not expecting it. Foods were tasty and plentiful. I would say 4.5/5 because no crab legs, but everything was great. Of course, I didn't try the Mongolian grill nor the sushi station but all the cooked food was fine and my sisters and their husbands loved it. The place was super busy on the weekend and table spaces are tight.

NOV. 2025

Assortment of sushi

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Food

HONDA-YA Tustin

4.0(3.7k reviews)

7.6 mi

I've been to this place so many times! It's absolutely authentic! I'll come here whenever I have…read moretime!

Rounding up from a 4.5! :)…read more Overall, a super solid spot with a fun, lively ambiance. The decor is cute and whimsical, and the place feels very authentically Japanese. We ordered a wide variety of dishes, and everything was good quality and a solid representation of what it was meant to be. The yakitori skewers are some of the best I've had in the US, and I would highly recommend ordering them! The chicken breast with wasabi was juicy, and the fresh wasabi added a wonderful flavor and texture to the dish. I'd also recommend the beef tongue if that's something you typically enjoy eating. The sukiyaki was good, but not the best I've had. Same goes for the chazuke. Overall, this is a authentic and fun place. I highly recommend coming here to try a variety of dishes and gain a greater appreciation for the nuances of Japanese cuisine. That said, while everything was solid, the individual dishes weren't necessarily the best I've had, which is why my genuine rating is 4.5/5. Service was fast and friendly, too! And the wait to get in was around 15 min. Would definitely come back!

Samurai

Skewers (yakitori)

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【Spring special】 Vegetables Tempura w/curry salt $7.95 Cooked Bamboo shoots w/seaweed and dried bonito $4.50

Hanami Teppanyaki Grill

I ordered the fillet and jumbo shrimp plate and upgraded with chicken fried rice and garlic…read morenoodles. I wanted to try a lot of things she did not want to waste of space for the veggies although they did look good. I ordered the chili oil and the garlic butter. The garlic butter easily was shared between the fillet and the shrimp adding a nice umami flavor. The garlic oil was smoky and not too hot. The chicken fried rice in my opinion was better than Benihana's or just as good. Although the garlic noodles were a little sweet from my liking, I was evil easily able to alter them to something. I enjoyed with some chili oil and soy sauce. It tone down the sweet. Simple, clean decor. Several ways to see the menu on the wall LCD or by the counter. The service was very good, quick and kind. The quality of the product was very good. The fillet almost melted in your mouth, and the shrimp was cooked well without being rubbery. I spent $52 here to upgrade two chicken fried rice and garlic noodles. They have plenty of parking a huge parking lot, limited seating, maybe eight tables or so, mostly four tops.

This place is quite small but it can hold a group of 6,7 people if it is not busy…read more The service was ok. Just know it takes about 30-45 minutes to get your food. The food is actually really really flavorful the lobster I had was very tender and juicy and the jumbo shrimp were a good l size. I would have ordered the chowmein though instead of the rice because the chowmein was way better! After discussing with the family we enjoyed it but it is 4 stars since it does take quite a while to have your meal and the customer service could be better. The food itself carries this place but 5 stars if they can improve service!

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247 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Ethan T.

1 year ago

At Pepper Lunch, the sizzling plates and savory meals are what draw customers in, but it's the service that keeps them coming back. Among the servers, one name stands out: Reggie. Known for his warm personality, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, Reggie has earned the reputation of being a true 5/5 server. His presence elevates the dining experience, making every guest feel valued from the moment they walk in. Reggie's work ethic is second to none. He approaches each shift with energy and focus, ensuring that every customer receives not just their meal, but also a memorable experience. Whether it's greeting guests with a genuine smile, recommending the best dishes, or checking in at the perfect moment, Reggie shows an instinct for service that can't be taught. His ability to anticipate customers' needs reflects not just skill but care, and that's what makes him stand out in a fast-paced restaurant environment. What truly sets Reggie apart is the way he balances efficiency with personality. Pepper Lunch thrives on speed--hot plates served quickly, sizzling to perfection--but Reggie never lets the rush compromise his attention to detail. He remembers regulars, personalizes his interactions, and makes every table feel special. It's this consistency that has earned him glowing reviews from customers and respect from his peers. Being a 5/5 server means more than carrying trays or taking orders; it means creating an atmosphere of comfort, trust, and hospitality. Reggie embodies all of this and more. His role at Pepper Lunch isn't just a job--it's a reflection of his dedication to service and his belief in treating every customer like a guest of honor. In the end, Reggie isn't just a server; he's an essential part of the Pepper Lunch experience. His professionalism, charm, and care transform a simple meal into something greater. That's why he is, and will continue to be, a true 5/5 server. read more

Gunner M.

5 months ago

I had an amazing time enjoying my luncheon with my confidants at Pepper Lunch this afternoon. The chicken pepper lunch was very delicious. I enjoyed the deep flavor and experience of mixing and enjoying the meal to my tastes as it sizzled on the hot plate. Indeed, it lives up to its name: it truly was a pepper lunch. The pepper provided an amazing and distinct flavor to the profile of the meal. I also particularly enjoyed using the garlic soy sauce--it undoubtedly enriched my experience. However, as good as the food was, the real part that made my excellent experience at Pepper Lunch was the service. Thanks to Ashley, my and the meals of my companions arrived quickly. Ashley was very friendly, and gave us waters the moment we sat down. This was perfect in the sweltering heat of the day. She was very attentive, too--and made sure that we got more water when needed. Her kind attitude and shining performance in service inspired me. I am a young man, planning to attend college after this summer, but I hope that in whatever career I find myself in I will be like Ashley. So to her, I say thank you. read more

Minh T.

407

1 year ago

Pepper Lunch is a sizzling sensation that delivers an unforgettable dining experience! I tried the signature Beef Pepper Rice, and it was pure comfort food magic--tender beef slices, fragrant rice, and a punchy pepper paste all cooked to perfection on a 570-degree iron plate. The DIY teppanyaki concept is so fun; you get to stir and season with their garlic or sweet sauces to craft your ideal bite. I also loved the Tofu & Veggie Kimchi Pepper Rice--spicy, tangy, and packed with crunchy veggies, it's a fantastic vegetarian option. The vibe is lively and trendy, with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a casual meal. Service was quick and friendly, despite a busy grand opening weekend, and the staff made sure every plate came out sizzling hot. At around $15-$20 per dish, the quality and interactive fun are well worth it. The only hiccup was a slightly long line, but it moved fast. Pepper Lunch is a must-visit for bold flavors and a unique twist on Japanese cuisine--5 stars for a meal that's as entertaining as it is delicious! read more

kevin t.

1 year ago

I forget about the review but yesterday I had the pleasure of dining at Pepper Lunch recently, and I must say, Nate truly made the experience unforgettable. From the moment I walked in, his welcoming smile and friendly demeanor set the tone for a great meal. He was attentive without being intrusive, checked on us regularly, and offered excellent recommendations that turned out to be spot-on. Nate's knowledge of the menu and his enthusiasm for the dishes made our lunch even more enjoyable. He went above and beyond to ensure our needs were met, making us feel valued and cared for. The food itself was delicious--fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection right at our table. Thanks to Nate's outstanding service, I'll definitely be returning to Pepper Lunch and recommending it to friends. If you're lucky enough to have him as your server, you're in for a treat! read more

Natali E.

1 year ago

I had an amazing experience at Pepper Lunch a few days ago, and I just had to share how exceptional the service was. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, but what truly made the visit memorable was our server, T. T went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. She was incredibly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. she also made great recommendations, checked in at just the right times, and made sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. It's rare to find someone who genuinely enjoys what they do and brings that energy to their work, but T absolutely did. Thank you for your outstanding service! Pepper Lunch is lucky to have someone like you on the team. I'll definitely be coming back, and I'll be recommending this place to friends and family. read more

Esmerita B.

1 year ago

It was my first time here, and I was extremely impressed. The food is delicious, and the ambiance is perfect. It felt very welcoming and cozy yet stylish. It is the perfect place to eat such a delicious meal. The service was great! The staff is friendly and attentive which made this experience enjoyable. I was so indecisive about trying a meal, but the manager Melissa helped me out. She is so kind, she put me at such an ease as she talked about each of the options, then provided me with recommendations with a contagious smile. I was confident that I was going to love the dish and once I tried it, it was incredibly delicious. She went above and beyond to make sure everyone was taken care including myself. I will definitely be back with my friends so they can try it, it is now a new favorite! read more

Miles K.

1 year ago

I was honestly hesitant to try Pepper Lunch at first because the menu shows raw meat, and I wasn't sure how it all worked. Thankfully, Roberto was super helpful and explained the whole concept to me. He let us know that the food is served on a sizzling hot plate that cooks everything right in front of you, kind of like when you get fajitas at Chili's. Once I understood that, I was excited to give it a try. Addy was also incredibly kind and patient while helping my girlfriend and I place our order. She made sure we got exactly what we wanted and made us feel really welcomed. The food turned out to be delicious and the experience was fun and interactive. It's not your typical fast-casual spot, and I really enjoyed trying something new. We'll definitely be coming back again! read more

Alex P.

2 years ago

Great First Visit to Pepper Lunch! Checked out Pepper Lunch in Irvine for the first time, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The whole sizzling plate experience is pretty cool--you get your food fresh and hot, and mixing everything together yourself just makes it better. I went with the Beef Pepper Rice, and it was solid. The beef was tender, the rice had a nice crisp. I really enjoyed the garlic sauce. The staff was really friendly and made sure I knew how to get the best out of my meal. Even though the place was busy, service was quick, and everything ran smoothly. The owner was also friendly and checked in with everyone waiting in line. Overall, a great spot if you're looking for something flavorful and a little different. Definitely coming back to try more! read more

Jose J.

9 months ago

Everything here is amazing and different from I'm use to going out to get. If you are looking for great food and service this is a place I would definitely recommend to go out with a group or even a date everything here is delicious from the sides and the entrees definitely have to come back and try the other stuff. The experience is also amazing the sizzle off the pan speaks for itself everything smells great. So many options for your desired taste. Located in a pretty nice spot love how the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable I would like to thank every single one of them thanks Melissa for making my first time and my friends more yet to come the best experience. Definitely will be coming back for more. The chocolate dessert is a must if you love chocolate. read more

Daniel M.

21 days ago

Another spectacular dinner I had at pepper lunch. Service great as always with great staff. First off I'd like to thank Rob one of the managers there. Always treating everyone with respect and kindness. Making sure everything is ready and fully there for the customer. Second I'd like to thank Darren one of the workers there as well. Making sure my meal was ok and what I asked for. As well making sure I had everything I needed to enjoy my dinner. When you have great staff at such a busy location it's great to see. It's always good seeing families with great energy come to pepper lunch. Then the staff treating everyone like one big family. I'll always recommend pepper lunch to everyone I know to not only having a great dinner but as well a great ambiance too. read more

Edward H.

169

1 year ago

I've been a loyal fan of Pepper Lunch for years, and was excited when this new location opened at the Spectrum. Let me just say, this one gets it right. The food is just what you'd expect: hot, sizzling, and full of flavor. But what really stood out was the service. Michael was phenomenal. Attentive without hovering, friendly without being over the top. We came with our family and he checked in multiple times to make sure everything was just right. In a fast-casual setting, you don't always expect great hospitality, but this team clearly takes pride in the experience they're creating. We'll definitely be back. And if you're lucky enough to have Michael taking care of you, you're in good hands. read more

chelsea

1 year ago

I had such a great experience at this spot! The food was absolutely delicious--everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and made with care. Whether you're craving something hearty or just want a quick bite, their menu has something for everyone. What really stood out, though, was the service. The staff was so welcoming and attentive from the moment we walked in. I want to shout out Julian for being so awesome. He checked in just enough without being overbearing and made sure we had everything we needed. You can tell he actually care about the customer experience. He was genuinely super attentive and on top of it! Big thanks to him for such a good dining experience!! read more

Boy S.

2 years ago

I recently visited Pepper Lunch, and I must say, the experience was delightful; the sizzling plates of fresh, high-quality ingredients cooked right at my table created an interactive dining experience that was both fun and delicious, while the variety of sauces allowed me to customize each bite to my liking, and I particularly enjoyed the tender beef, which was perfectly seasoned and complemented by the fragrant garlic rice, making every mouthful a burst of flavor, and the staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring that my meal was served promptly, which made the overall atmosphere warm and inviting, definitely a place I would recommend to friends. read more

Juan A.

11 months ago

While shopping at the Irvine Spectrum, I found myself craving a quick bite and stumbled upon Pepper Lunch. To my delight, they had a spacious table that comfortably accommodated all 10 of us. The food was an absolute delight, with each dish bursting with flavor. The menu offered a wide variety of options to cater to our diverse tastes. Alvin and Rob, our attentive servers, were incredibly helpful and patient throughout our lengthy ordering process. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and will definitely be returning to Pepper Lunch in the future. Thank you, Rob and Alvin, for making our dining experience so enjoyable! read more

SumoBozo

6 months ago

Amazing food and excellent service from Ashley made my experience at Pepper Lunch truly unforgettable. From the moment I sat down, everything was handled with care and attention, and Ashley went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. The food came out hot, fresh, and full of flavor, and you can really tell they take pride in what they serve. Ashley was friendly, quick, and super helpful with recommendations, which made the whole meal even better. The atmosphere was great, the service was top-tier, and I'll definitely be coming back again soon. read more

Carson C.

1 year ago

I had such a great experience at Pepper Lunch thanks to Nate! He was super friendly, attentive, and made my visit amazing from start to finish. You can tell Nate really cares about his work and the customers -- he greeted everyone with a smile, explained the menu clearly, and made sure everything came out hot and perfect. The food was delicious as always, but Nate's great attitude and service made it even better. It's rare to meet someone who works so hard and still makes every guest feel welcome. Big shoutout to Nate -- he's a real asset to the Pepper Lunch team! read more

Mahara ..

1 year ago

Our experience at Pepper Lunch was absolutely amazing thanks to Melissa! From the moment we walked in, she was so welcoming, attentive, and genuinely made sure we had everything we needed. Her energy and kindness stood out right away, and she went above and beyond to make our visit feel special. It's rare to get service that leaves such a lasting impression, but Melissa truly did that, she made our whole meal even more enjoyable. Big thanks to her for making our experience absolutely outstanding. She's a star, and Pepper Lunch is incredibly lucky to have her! read more

Koltan H.

8 months ago

I had a great experience at Pepper Lunch thanks to two employees, Ferhrt and Chase. They were both very friendly and provided excellent customer service, making sure everything with our order was perfect. What really made the visit special was that when they found out it was my friend's birthday, they took the time to wish them a happy birthday, which was a really kind and thoughtful gesture. Their positive attitude and great service made the whole experience even better, and I really appreciate the effort they put into making customers feel welcome. read more

Caeruleum

5 months ago

Ashley our server gave us such great customer service! When we came in for 5 people, she was quick to explain to us that our table would be fast. She soon sat us down and our orders were quick! Her professionalism and ability to communicate with customers, not only on just a communicative level, but the ability to make our big table feel considered for really stands out from other places. We would be pleased to come back again amd I wish other resturaunts could look up and follow Ashley in the field of customer service. Thank you Ashley! read more

allison w.

1 year ago

I want to give a big thank you to Nate for all of his help during my visit to Pepper Lunch. He was incredibly attentive, friendly, and went out of his way to ensure I had a great experience. His prompt service and willingness to assist with any questions made my meal even more enjoyable. It's clear that Nate genuinely cares about providing excellent customer service, and I truly appreciate his efforts. Thanks to him, my visit was smooth and memorable. Highly recommend asking for him if you need assistance--he's fantastic!! read more

Pepper Lunch - teppanyaki - Updated November 2026

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3.9

(4.2k reviews)

Morale of the Story: Come here for the fun experience, the friendly staff, and the variety. If you…read morehave young kids, then Kura is a must visit. This Kura has been around and popular for a long time now. Over the years, I've gone to this Kura and the old Laguna Hills Mall Kura occasionally, but hadn't been back in years. A few months ago, we brought the kids here for lunch and have been back 5 times already because they loved it and often ask to come back. The food itself is fine, but the variety is nice. Our GO TO items are: - Sweet shrimp nigiri: Has a nice snap texture. I've never gotten one that had any "fishy" taste. - Seared items: We've had various seared eel, salmon, scallops, and beef. Most of them have been very good and none were bad. - Dessert: The butter cake is actually quite good. The NY cheese cake is not bad either. We've tried a few of the rolls, but so far none of them have stood out for us. Worth it to continue trying new ones just to see though. The kids sometimes get the beef udon, which has a simple sweet/savory flavor. We now also order a bowl of just sushi rice so that our kids don't keep taking all our nigiri rice, which has been great. Even though conveyer belt sushi is more self service than your typical sit down restaurant, the staff here has always been very nice and accommodating. They use server robots (named Kur-A and Kur-B I believe from what my son tells me), which my kids are obsessed about, and there have been some times where the staff noticed and talked to them about the robots or let them activate them. Enni has helped us on multiple visits and is so perceptive and amazing with kids. She even helped calm down our younger guy when he was having a meltdown. The reservation system through the Kura app has always worked well for me. I don't think we never waited more than 10 minutes for a table even though we've only gone on weekends. I'm glad we rediscovered Kura and there are sure to be many additional visits in our future.

I come often to this kura in Irvine pretty often usually on the weekend and it's packed almost all…read morethe time... parking lot is huge but always packed also. The price per dish has increased few times. The wait is only by the inside waitlist form that u fill out when u get there, you can't do it by Yelp waitlist. When they text u to come back and check in, you wait another 15 min so there's no one to check back in with, you just wait outside until they call you. Maybe this system could be fixed? Food quality is almost always the same, it isn't gourmet but it isn't crappy either. I love the regular salmon nigiri. I also like the sweet shrimp. If they fix the wait and how they seat u, I think it will have more stars! I will prob come back here since it's just comfort food at this point. :)

Dizzy Bird

4.7

(1.2k reviews)

Excellent food and always excellent service. Plus the kids get to play in the play structureread more

I had a great experience at this restaurant I especially want to thank John for his excellent…read moreservice He was very friendly and helpful and made sure everything with my order was taken care of His great attitude made the experience even better Thank you John for the wonderful service I will definitely be coming back

Baekjeong

4.6

(6.5k reviews)

Great food mark is great man Food is good great service…read morelove food here Our favorite KBBQ spot in the South Bay/Palos Verdes neighborhood. They have the most delicious kimchi jigae and fresh cuts of brisket, short rib, and more! Highly recommend the spicy cold noodle and ban chan. We always crave their kimchi. The staff are friendly and kind.

Jonathan was our server and he was great! Everyone else helping was attentive and kind as well. We…read moregot the beef combo which was really good as well. Will definitely take note you can make a reservation on resy 2 hours ahead of time.

So Gong Dong Tofu & BBQ

4.4

(199 reviews)

was feeling under the weather and wanted some soup to help feel better, so decided to go to so gong…read moredong tofu and bbq. the restaurant is located in a plaza with other restaurants and stores, so there is a good amount of parking. we were the only ones there when we walked in, so we had to wait for a worker to come out to get seated. there are tables and booths and service was nice and fast. we got the combo with the beef soondubu and pork bulgogi and also got the kimchi pancake. everything was delicious. the soup was exactly what i needed. they also had hot tea for me to help with my throat. would recommend this place if you're looking for something hearty!

This is a chain that looks like it is based in Illinois. They says that they just opened earlier…read morethis year. We found it really good. The soon tofu has a very good flavor. I ordered medium spice and my wife ordered spicy. We both felt like the spice level was just right. And beyond the spiciness the broth has a really good rich flavor. I ordered the kimchi-pork and thought it was just right. The banchan were all good as well. We didn't try any of the other dishes but will next time. The combos looked good. We'll definitely come back.

HiroNori Craft Ramen

4.4

(842 reviews)

The spicy cold dipping noodles were SO good and exactly what I wanted with it being so hot out…read morerecently. Super flavorful, the right mix of crunchy chewy and jammy, and the spice level was perfect. This location can get pretty busy (like all the HiroNori locations), but it's always worth the wait. The staff is really nice and helpful with recommendations every time I come in. Definitely one of my favorite local gems in Irvine.

My go to place for a nice hearty bowl of ramen. The birth is nice and rich and the meat is very…read morenicely charred. The ramen noodles itself were nice and chewy with just the right bounce, not too hard or soft. I like that they come with sides of garlic so you can adjust the taste to your own liking! There's very limiting seating indoors but plenty of seating outdoors. They'll bring the food to you even if you sit outside so that's nice! Staff were friendly and attentive and made sure to come check in, even if you sat outdoors. A must try!

Aloha Stacks

4.0

(351 reviews)

This is a very good spot if you're looking for a delicious and filling breakfast/ brunch…read moreexperience. They close at 2pm and have great indoor and outdoor dining options. Highly recommended location. We were so delighted with our meals and will absolutely be returning! Especially great if you like Hawaiian food options. There is something for everyone! Even chilaquiles ;) The service is awesome as well. Come check em out!

I'd always walked by here, but it was always closed, and now I finally figured out why. It's a…read moreHawaiian themed breakfast place only open from 6.30am to 2pm. So, finally a relative mentioned this place, mentioned that they'd tried it before, and wanted to invite us for breakfast/brunch, so I jumped on the chance and accepted the invitation. Yes, it's a pretty small place, but coming here, I still reminisce of the days when it used to be a small Chinese restaurant, and I used to be a regular back then. But I'm glad to see this change as I actually love a good breakfast place that's not a long drive away from home. As is pretty usual these days, you simply line up, place your order at the counter, pay, take your number, place it on your table, and they bring your food to your table when ready. There are a number of tables inside, but there's Siau the option to sit outside on the public dining area, which is pretty nice too if the weather's pleasant. Fyi, I love breakfast places, and especially Hawaiian style. So, I went ahead and ordered the chicken omelet with tater tots for myself, a short stack of banana pancakes and the trio waffle... comes with banana, blueberries, and strawberries... to share. Others ordered the kalua pork omelet, avocado omelet with hash browns. Everybody loved their omelets... they were prepared prefecture, very fresh ingredients used, and tasted absolutely delicious.....I loved my tater tots too, but my wife thought they were a bit salty. Anyway, I totally enjoyed my omelet. As for the waffle and pancakes..... they tasted delicious too, but the waffle was not crispy at all... just pillowy soft throughout...I prefer my waffles too have outside and nice and light crisp on the outside and a warm fluffy delicious inside...... just a personal textural preference. My wife really enjoyed the fresh, hot, and fluffy pancakes and remarked that they were some of the best she'd ever eaten... and that she's definitely coming back again for her next craving for delicious pancakes. Overall, we were all very satisfied with our meal and nice friendly service here. So glad to have another good restaurant at the WTC as its been a while since we were impressed by any of the eateries in this shopping center.

Fantacy Lobster House

4.3

(92 reviews)

We came here for a birthday celebration and we are very pleased with the service and quality of…read morefood. Mico is our server. She has great recommendations and wonderful services. We had a great time.

Fantacy Lobster House is a newly opened, lobster-focused Chinese restaurant in OC, and the interior…read moreis definitely a highlight. Everything is decked out in gold, from the entrance to the bathrooms. They really committed to the theme. Like the name suggests, lobster is the star here, and there are so many different flavors and cooking styles to choose from. You can go more traditional Chinese-style, Western with butter, curry, and more. We went with the curry lobster to change things up, and it was flavorful and cooked well. We also got the beef dish with wraps, which was another solid choice. We also got the seafood hot pot for 2. It's a massive portion with all different types of seafood. This would be a great spot if you need somewhere to take family or a bigger group of friends. The food is good, there's plenty to choose from, and the decor is honestly out of this world. Definitely a fun addition to the OC Chinese food scene.

Pokeworks

4.1

(1.2k reviews)