the service was so good, everyone was so nice!!! thank you so much for the stickers!! read more

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

out server ash was so sweet!!! made us feel welcomed and even when we were leaving she talked w me for a couple mins. amazing food and service read more

The service here was great! This location was very clean and the staff was timely on bussing tables to seat more people as the line grew. I think we waited less than ten minutes. Our order was taken by Mel and she was so nice and super knowledgeable about the menu. I usually order the same thing (kimchi beef pepper rice) but my friend asked her a couple of questions and she had great recommendations. She came to check on us a couple times throughout dinner to see how everything was going. Overall, food and service were top tier at this location! I would definitely come back again. read more

We used to LOVE Pepper Lunch! But lately the lack of lead/managers shows in the unorganized kitchen and stressed staff. We came in on a Friday night and we thought it would be a quick meal, there was no line at the entrance. AFTER we ordered at the self serve kiosk we were the kitchen was backed up. Normally orders come out as quickly as 15 minutes, we expected 30 minute wait. Our order took 50 minutes! When our order finally arrived the onion rings and tempura shrimp came out burnt. When we mentioned it the server Mari said "yeah they look toasty, do you want them or not". She did not to remake them saying our order will go behind the cue. We tried to eat them but they were too burned. We requested a refund for the uneaten onion rings and were told they would need to refund the entire amount, and charge us again. There was no manager onsite on a Saturday night to resolve the issue. Two stars because the meal itself was good as always.Not sure its worth the stress! read more

Pepper Lunch - Not edible. - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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Aug '26: + Given it's been 2 yr since my last update, the $18.19 total for my lunch seems reasonable. - Still crowded parking as ever. Manageable though. + Still love me some sizzling JP curry~ *drools* Nov '24: Likes: + Variety of exotic, delicious dishes. + Highly recommend experiencing the curry menu. And if you've never had chicken karaage sizzling curry, it's a must-try at least once in your life. + Polite, helpful staff. + Decent amount of indoor and outdoor seating. + I like how the curry comes in a gravy boat (aka saucière). Then, they bring out the sizzling meal on a hot stone plate. You wanna drape your meal in that curry while it's hot to enjoy that sizzling phenomenon. + Pleasant ambience. Non-likes: - Price gouging outta control. See attached image for detail. Beef curry used to be $12.80. Their new menu now says $13.99, but that's not even the true price. Today the pre-tax price turned out to be $14.89! Karaage curry used to be $16.80. Now the menu says $19.09, but on Grubhub it's a whopping $23.39! (Approaching a $10 price increase!) Makes the Rakuten 4% cash back seem like a joke. This Rakuten saving would reduce the GH price from $23.39 to $22.45, but that's still on the exorbitant side. I mean, if your cash back is gonna be too cheap to cover the price hike, why have it at all? What I'm requesting is for PL's Rakuten-Grubhub to offer a cash back equal to or greater than the price increase. In this case, since a 19% cash back would offset the price increase that's occurring from $19.09 to $23.39, R-GH should offer a cash back of at least 20% to justify the use of online ordering. (Otherwise I'd just order by phone call.) Out of all the restaurants I've seen, prices rise at Pepper Lunch the fastest. Their new menu belies the actual prices. - And of course the chicken pasta: $13.80 became $15.99 (which is $17.23 post-tax) within the past couple years. Prices rising rapidly! - They removed the Yelp check-in offer for a free side if you order two dishes. I miss every lost opportunity to try to counterbalance the price hikes. I had: $16.04 Beef Curry + $17.23 Chicken Pasta = $33.27 read more

Dropped by for a quick lunch because I've always wanted to try this place. I ordered the bibimbap, and my husband got the Spaghetti Pork Cutlet. I have to say, comfort food is always the best. I was pleasantly surprised by the spaghetti--it was way better than I expected and really hit the spot. The bibimbap didn't disappoint either. It's always my go-to rice dish, and this one was fresh and flavorful. The lady who served us was also very nice and attentive. She checked on us a few times and made sure we had everything we needed. read more

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I had no idea what "hot plate teppanyaki" was, but now that I have been introduced to this exceptional Japanese cooking style, I will never be the same! There aren't enough words to describe how utterly fantastic this place is. While the dishes are a bit pricey ($17.89 for my Two Meat Sizzling Curry), it's worth the cost. Each plate comes with a warning label around it, to remind you of how hot it is. On the plate is a fluffy rice patty with a divot you can fill with corn, but I ordered an egg instead. Next is your protein. I chose beef and shrimp. Then you add your veggies, and for me that was onions and carrots. While the rice is cooked, everything else is raw. Once at your table, you do the cooking to your liking! Then you top it all off with their rich and creamy curry. There's a bit of spice to the sauce, but if you're a fan of curry, it's nothing you can't handle. There is seating both inside and out, and seats fill up fast. If you live in the area, you can benefit from the stamp card they offer, which gives great benefits once complete. Service was quick, and our server very helpful. This was my first time here, but I would go back in a heart beat. A great dining experience that felt like an adventure. read more

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This is one of the two restaurants that I think are worth the parking situation at diamond jamboree because of how good it is. Although it is a simple dish, the preparation and speed of the service make it worth coming back. With that said, it is quite pricey for a simple dish, but I think it coming out on a stone plate speaks for itself. There usually isn't really a wait here as it's an order first table side service. there's always room and it's clean inside. read more

Pepper Lunch - Cream Teppan Pasta - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

steak with curry sauce, and I was seriously impressed. The patty came out hot, juicy, and full of flavor. The curry sauce was rich and delicious, with a nice little kick that stayed with you after every bite. So satisfying. This is definitely a new favorite on my list of sizzling curry dishes. If you're a curry fan, I highly recommend giving it a try. The service was okay, it's more of a grab-and-go type of place, but the staff were friendly and helpful. If you're looking for a quick lunch that's packed with flavor, this spot won't disappoint. read more

Pepper Lunch - Half Classic beef half hamburg curry - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Pepper Lunch is always such a yummy and filling meal! I love how big the portion is and how many toppings there are that you can choose from. I love to add corn because it adds that extra crunch to the plate. Everything is always quick and fresh, as when they bring the plate out to you it's still sizzling. I also love the garlic soy sauce they have at the table. Only thing is that the Diamond Jamboree plaza can be crazy in terms of parking but imo it's worth it for this spot! read more

Pepper Lunch - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

One of my favorite spots for lunch out in the Diamond Jamboree. By far my favorite is the Sizzling Curry! Such good flavor and a great portion. I love the option to eat inside or outside to pick an ambiance and the staff offered great suggestions! If you get a side, the sweet potato wedges dipped in the curry are next level! read more

Pepper Lunch - Sizzling Curry - Hamburg and Shrimp - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

The food was amazing, the pepper rice definitely met my expectations. I loved the style of food they offered and the meat was perfectly tender. I ordered the new Brisket Pepper Rice which I would definitely order again. The food was really oily and a touch too salty especially if you added their sauces. I personally thought the entrees were better without sauce. The presentation was also underwhelming because I pictured meat piled on and surrounding the rice. In reality, there is only a few pieces of meat scattered around the rice. It's not to say they did not portion correctly; after mixing, there was a perfect combination of rice and meat. Just a warning that the food does not look like the menu pictures is all. Service was amazing. Tip your servers! Though kiosks are used to pay, workers brought out the food, checked in frequently, and cleaned all the tables in a timely manner. All in all, great experience, 9/10! read more

Pepper Lunch - Limited Time Brisket Pepper Rice $15 - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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It was my first time trying Pepper Lunch, and highly recommend trying it out! We waited about 30 minutes to get seated, but it's totally worth the wait. Highly recommend trying their most popular pepper beef meal or one of their curries. I love that the food is on a sizzling plate, and the serving portions are huge. I can't wait to go back! read more

Pepper Lunch - Steak and salmon - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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Our food (beef and rice, hamburger curry) came out really fast and sizzling, the ordering tablets were fast to use and I like the indoor/outdoor space. The employees were also ready with water cups since it was a really hot day. read more

Have heard lots about Pepper Lunch and was looking forward to trying when I was in Irvine but it was underwhelming, especially for the price. Both the steak my husband got and my combo with beef and salmon were underseasoned, lacked any flavor besides butter, and was overall very bland. We did see a cart of some sauces that we could add ourselves about halfway into the meal but it was still nothing memorable. We ordered a side of fries which were very crispy that were great. Tables were also really sticky and the sauce bottles on the table were dirty. Located in Diamond Jamboree so parking is always hard to find. For the price, portion, and flavor, we probably would not come back. read more

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

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I had Pepper Lunch for the first time and can't believe I was missing out on it this whole time! Pepper Lunch is a good restaurant, with ample seating located in Diamond Jamboree. I came on a Friday night, so if you know this area - parking was a mad house! The food was delicious; I ordered the Jumbo Beef Pepper Rice and boy was it good. It came out sizzling on a hot plate and the taste was amazing! The experience reminded me of Benihana just with my own plate lol. The food plate is basic (meat, corn, rice), but you have the options to spice it up more with add-ons like egg, cheese, kimchi, etc. Yes, the ingredients are basic but the flavor is still yummy! I especially liked when I let the rice crispen a little on the plate! The tables are also set with a sweet brown sauce and a garlic soy sauce, just in case you want extra flava. Service was relatively quick after ordering and the servers are nice! The restaurant is self-seating with self-serve drinks so you can stay and leave as you please. I will say they also have some tasty tea's that I enjoyed! I will definitely will be coming back. read more

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Pepper Lunch is not about fancy decor--it is all about hot, fresh, flavorful food with fast service. The real star is the signature sizzling hot plate, arriving at your table steaming and crackling with an aroma so strong it could turn heads from miles away. I ordered the sizzling curry with shrimp, and it was such a fun experience because the shrimp arrived raw and cooked right on the hot plate. The rich curry gravy was the perfect finishing touch, especially poured over the rice for every savory bite. We often come here when we drive up from San Diego to visit our uncle. read more

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This place brought back childhood memories for my wife of eating at Pepper Lunch in Japan, so we had to give it a try. We ordered two Pepper Beef plates -- one with cheese and one with an egg. The food came out fast and piping hot (seriously, be careful -- that skillet is no joke). Everything was cooked fresh right in front of us, which we liked. Flavor-wise, it was a little on the bland side at first, but they have sauces on the table so you can season it exactly how you like. Once we added a bit more sauce, it really came together. We also ordered the onion rings. They were nicely fried and crispy, but the seasoning was a bit heavy for our taste. Overall, it's a solid spot for a quick and easy meal, especially if you're craving that nostalgic Pepper Lunch experience. Would definitely come back when we're in the mood for something fast and satisfying. read more

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We came in around 2PM on a Sunday and were pleasantly surprised that there was no wait. It's a casual setup - you order at the counter and seat yourself. The worker also gave us a stamp card that offers free items and a free meal after 10 stamps (valid for six months after the first stamp), which was a nice bonus. FOOD We ordered the Hamburg & Beef Curry and the Beef Aglio Olio Pasta. It was satisfying watching the dishes arrive sizzling on a hot plate. Both dishes were flavorful, though I personally preferred the sliced beef over the hamburg. Next time if I'm craving curry, I will probably order the Beef Sizzling Curry instead. I'd recommend mixing the noodles right away while they're still sizzling. I spent a little too long taking photos and the noodles ended up getting crispier than I would've liked. SERVICE The worker was friendly and helpful. Our food came out quickly after ordering, which made the experience even better. OVERALL Even without the stamp card, I'd definitely come back to try more dishes. read more

Pepper Lunch - Beef Aglio Olio Pasta - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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Tried this place out for the first time at the location in Diamond Jamboree and got the Classic Beef Pepper Rice. For $15, I'd say it's definitely worth stopping by for a quick lunch. read more

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

My first time and I thought this place was fun and yummy. The server was very helpful and came from the counter to help me place my order. I was questioning the menu but good to know they are willing to help those that are not tech savvy. I tried the Beef Aglio Olio Teppan Pasta I added an egg and kimchi and it was delicious. My friends ordered their signature Beef Pepper Rice and Salmon Cream Teppan Pasta. We ate it all. I added a side of Onion Rings and they were done well. However the Karaage Chicken was a bit overcooked. It was the only item we didn't demolish. I would definitely come back to try the dish with rice and curry, read more

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Pepper lunch used to be a staple restaurant of mine when I was a student and I still enjoy getting it every now and then. Parking here can be very difficult because this plaza gets crazy packed so if you're coming on a Friday or weekend night expect to search for parking for a few minutes. The inside is clean. You walk up to order your food and then assigned a table number. The staff here is always friendly. I got a beef pepper rice with egg and cheese. Beef Pepper Rice 6.5/10 - The plate comes out sizzling and you can tailor the flavor to your liking with the sauces at the table. Pretty solid dish. My only critique is that I'm convinced over the years the amount of meat they give you has gotten smaller and smaller but for the same price. I still enjoy it, but for the price and amount of meat you get, I would only consider getting this if I'm already in the area. read more

Pepper Lunch - Classic Beef Pepper Rice with Egg and Cheese - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Me and my partner ordered two classic beef pepper rices that were absolutely covered in pepper. I am a regular at this location and order this meal every time i come here. prior to the renovation the amount of pepper was limited and the meal was consistently tasty. I am very disappointed and devastated that they have changed their recipe. My partner and I will not be coming back. read more

Pepper Lunch - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

The iconic Pepper Lunch sizzling plate is one of the greatest draws of the restaurant. We came here on a Monday lunch time and there wasn't a wait. We ordered at the counter and grabbed a seat to wait for our order. I got the regular classic beef pepper rice with an added egg (+$2). I absolutely love the combination of the sizzling crispy rice and black pepper flavor. At each table, there are some additional sauces and seasonings you can add to elevate the meal. I enjoyed the sweet brown sauce to contrast the savory dish. read more

Pepper Lunch - Pepper Classic Beef Pepper Rice w/ egg - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

the food is really good as always but i do wish the meat portion was more since the dish is a bit pricey but overall it was yummy and the service was good too read more

Pepper Lunch - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

I've been aching to try Pepper Lunch ever since they arrived in the OC. I ordered the signature dish of Pepper Beef without any extra toppings. The cashier informed me that corn and green onions are standard. You order at the front and then sit down. The tables are numbered and somehow they know where you sat. The cashier was extremely helpful with ordering and checking on me twice after my food came to explain the dish since I said it was my first time. Apparently you keep turning the meat which sits outside the mound of rice until it's cooked. Then you mix it all up so that the butter under the rice coats everything. You can add fresh ground pepper and garlic soy sauce or brown sauce if you want. It did need more black pepper so I added that. I cleaned my plate as the margarine pepper beef oil that coats everything is addictive. Somehow the dish was not oily either. Some of the rice gets a chewy crispness being against the cast iron dish. It all works but I will have to try different combinations and sizes to discover what I like here. Downsides? Well, the price is a little high considering I wasn't full when I left. You can add $5 and get the jumbo size so I'll see if that's worth it next time. read more

Pepper Lunch - The plate is hot and has a paper on it to remind you it's 500 degrees F! Which would catch paper on fire so no. - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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Service was good, fast, and kind. Food was good, a nice lunch but nothing too crazy. Would come back again for a quick lunch ! read more

Pepper Lunch - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

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Super slow service. They service online to go orders first even if people are sitting here waiting. All dine in people just waiting for their order. Be prepared to wait 50 minutes to get your in person order. Never coming here again. read more

I never really understood what the hype was about Pepper Lunch, but after going today, I get it! I came here for lunch with a friend and got the kimchi beef and cheese regular sized plate. This spot offers outdoor and indoor seating, and it's actually pretty large! There were plenty of seats to choose from, and the food came out pretty quick. When it comes out, it's sizzling, so they put the paper thing around it. You get to mix it up yourself, which makes lunch a little more fun. I didn't care too much for that interactive part, but I really liked the flavors and how filling it was! The whole dish was about $17 + tax. It's located in the Diamond Jam plaza, which is known for terrible parking, but during lunch it wasn't too busy! read more

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I have no complaints about the food. I will say it's a little pricey but you get the unique experience of getting your food served on a sizzling plate and it is extremely delicious. Service was just ok, I don't think Pepper Lunch is a place where you can dilly dally inside LOL I think it's moreso to eat and go. However, if you're craving meat and rice, Pepper Lunch is the place for you. read more

Pepper Lunch - Beef & Chicken Pepper Rice and Salmon Pepper Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Pepper Lunch is a famous fast casual chain from Japan known for their hot sizzling plates of deliciousness! This location is at the Diamond Jamboree. There is a good amount of parking in the plaza, but spots can get tight depending on the day and time you come. Inside, they have a spacious setup with a good amount of seating. You order up at the front and then you grab a seat wherever you like. For their menu, they have nice selection of different rice, pasta, and curry dishes to choose from. I ended up getting the Jumbo Beef Pepper Rice and it hit the spot. Overall, you really cannot go wrong with anything you order here. All of the staff are friendly and welcoming. There is definitely a reason why this spot has over 1,000+ positive reviews! read more

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A warm hearty meal served to your table after ordering at the register. Service was quick, there were plenty of tables open at 7pm, noticed a lot of solo diners opted to come here. The food was great, since who doesn't like freshly cooked, buttery meat and rice? It can be quite pricey for what you get, especially if you want any veggie other than the included corn. There's also quite a bit of oil leftover afterwards. Overall, would come back if I weren't looking to cook for the night and felt in the mood to pay for the experience again. read more

Pepper Lunch - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

9/10 Kimchi Beef - This is my go-to item every time and it never disappoints. It's not a fancy or upscale place, more of a fast casual spot, so just keep that in mind when you visit. Cost - $18.09 in total. Wow. The price has gotten more and more expensive over time. read more

Pepper Lunch - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

I got the beef pepper lunch and it was really good' they were generous with the meats and I loved the concept of the sizzling pan because it made my rice crispy. The service was also good too. I came here for lunch so parking wasn't bad but I could see it being hard to find parking towards dinner time. Other than that, great spot for lunch or dinner read more

Pepper Lunch - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Came for a Pepper Lunch and got the Jumbo Kimchi Beef and Cheese. They serve it on a hot skillet so if you have kids be sure to have hands off the table. The sizzling food gives a delicious aroma. Once it is cooled down a bit and the beef is cooked, it is ready to be devoured. The corn burst in your mouth with every bite which gives it that extra kick to the spicy kimchi, beef and rice. It was a hot day today so we decided to eat inside which cooled us down a bit. The restaurant is overall clean and the staff is fine. read more

Pepper Lunch - Classic Beef Pepper Rice & Kimchi Beef with Cheese Pepper Rice - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

Pepper Lunch is located in Diamond Jamboree Plaza nestled in the far corner of the detached row of businesses near the main streets. You order at the counter, and someone will bring your food to your table. We ordered the Beef Pepper Rice and the Salmon Pepper Rice. They call themselves Pepper Lunch for a reason because both dishes were pretty peppery in flavor. Portions sizes seemed a bit small. I was expecting more beef, and the salmon didn't even cover the bottom of the plate surrounding the rice. It is nice that corn and garlic butter are included though. You can also get additional sauces from the squeeze bottles they have at a small table towards the front of the restaurant. I wanted both the beef and salmon, so I was considering getting a Pepper Rice Combo, but these cost more than a single protein plate, so I'd recommend just splitting two single protein plates instead if you can! read more

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

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Pretty good place for lunch if you can beat the rush. It's located in diamond jamboree, so parking can be a little tough. The hot plate dishes add a fun experience the meal. Aesthetic & Ambience:7/10 clean and modern aesthetic, the ambiance was lunchtime, so a bit more quiet. Beef Pepper Rice: 7.5/10 the beef quality was tender, the sizzle skillet is fun, and the portion size was good for lunchtime. I only wish it had less oil; since it's hot and the pops splashed on me/my clothes. read more

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First timer at pepper lunch and I was not disappointed (but how can you be with rice, meat, and cheese sizzling on a skillet) You order at the counter and your food is brought to your table. Everything arrived super quick (less than 5 minutes) and it would be silly to say "it came hot" because.... It's sizzling Restaurant seats about 20 and is cozy, not too loud, and a nice casual setting. I ordered the kimchi beef with cheese pepper rice and went with the regular size (there was a large listed as well for a couple extra bucks) for $17 They bring them out with little paper rings around the plates, which is somewhat effective in shielding the oil but, not 100% effective so don't come wearing your Sunday best lol The serving size is modest for the price point but, the ingredients were all quality which made up for it The charred crispy bits of rice that you scrape off the sizzling skillet is hands down the best part of the dish. If I could order just those scrapings I would lol Overall I get the hype, it's tasty, sizzling plates of food, and it's also a fun experience. If you've never tried pepper lunch, it's worth a try! read more

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Omg super loved this classic beef teppanyaki! I don't have Pepper Lunch where I live so this was such a nice treat since it had been years that I last had it! And it was super delicious! I ordered the classic beef plus a miso soup and a juice. The waitstaff were super nice, and one of them even helped me with my food and how to actually cook/ mix it since i couldn't remember what to do anymore when the plate came. This location looked pretty busy since it was at a very busy mall. read more

Pepper Lunch - Classic Beef Pepper Rice with mushrooms - Teppanyaki Near Me - Irvine, California

My family and I really enjoyed dinner here this evening! I had the new dish, garlic brisket pepper lunch, and it was delicious- I hope they keep it on the menu! Our server Ash was super friendly and attentive, refilling our water and drinks regularly. We will be back for dinner again! read more