Very accommodating and helpful even though we were a large party. Food was great, and staff addressed all our concerns. Very clean and welcoming, thank you Ashley, Amy, and Anette! read more

Tiff was great, told me about the portions and explained how it works. I had the beef curry rice. Good eats!

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 - Japanese 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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I had to try the pepper beef so ordered the pepper beef and the kimchi pepper beef. Overall it was just ok. Not good or bad just an average bowl with beef, veggies and butter. A 3 for me. 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 - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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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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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 - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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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Delicious sizzling rice plates. Lots of options for every palate and the presentation was beautiful. Our whole group ordered something different and we all loved what we ordered. The curry sauce was delicious and flavorful which was a great add on for the rice plates. Definitely will come back again read more

This place is so delicious. Basically everything on the menu is tasty and it makes your stomach want to have more. Me and my brother absolutely CRAVE this restaurant, and personally I get the classic beef pepper rice with the onions as an add-on. There is a server named Joycelyn and she is super nice. The decorations and the smell never disappoint, as every time I walk in I can smell the fresh food. I come here all the time, and I WILL come back. read more

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 - Japanese 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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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 - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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 - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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pepper lunch was definitely a must try for me but i can say it's definitely a gimmick, the combination of rice meat and corn and sauce is really good but when it comes down to it, the ingredients are pretty simple and not really worth the price in my opinion. the sauce isn't exceptional enough either. the amount of meat they give is genuinely criminal like i was shocked... the sizzling plate was fun and all though read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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I could seriously eat this every day, it is that good! I always get the salmon pepper rice and hubby gets chicken pepper rice. The most frustrating thing is waiting for it to cool down so I can eat! The service is great and ambience is family friendly/fast casual. I love that we can choose to eat inside or outside. Tip: ask for their frequent buyer card, after so many you get a free meal. read more

Pepper Lunch - Salmon Pepper Rice - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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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 - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Delicious sizzling rice plates! This used to be a go-to stop for my OC trips. I came on a Saturday around 8 pm and there was no line to order. There's a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating. I ordered my usual beef pepper rice and it was tasty and hot! The peppery taste is pretty prominent and I added some garlic sauce to enhance the dish. I only wish there was more beef for the price. There was a good amount of rice and the crunchy sweet corn was nice to balance out the pepper taste. I usually get the regular size but would recommend the jumbo size if hungry. Service was fast and friendly. Parking can be difficult since the plaza has so many eateries. read more

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

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 - Japanese 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 - Japanese 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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Typical Pepper Lunch experience but service was great to me! Their team was always so attentive and quick with water, to clean up our plates, and turn on the heaters for us especially as it gets colder. Highly recommend getting cheese and gravy with your order! The only issue will always be the seating, how tight it is, and not a great place for big groups. read more

Solid, casual teppankyaki rice plates! I've been to this location a few times. Came on a Saturday around 8PM and there was no line, we ordered and seated ourselves quickly. I got my usual classic beef pepper rice and it was hot and peppery as expected! I just wish there was more beef for the price, recommend the jumbo size if you're hungry. The corn is sweet and crunchy, helps balance out the rich peppery flavor. Service was fast and friendly and they quickly brought out the sizzling plates to our table. Parking can be difficult as usual in this plaza. Looking forward to their upcoming SD locations to open! read more

Pepper Lunch - Classic Beef Pepper Rice ($14.69) - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

This is not the type of food for me... Perhaps I was just cranky from the 30 minute battle for parking in Diamond Jamboree, but I was thoroughly disappointed from this restaurant. The meat quality is subpar and the seasoning doesn't help it either. I would have much rather eaten at Yoshinoya or any other beef bowl adjacent establishments. I can't complain much about the service or ambience however. The servers were kind and fast and this seems like a cute place to have a calm meal. The food is just simply not for me... read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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 - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

This was the very first Pepper Lunch location I ever visited, and after coming back several times, it has consistently delivered a great experience. I usually order the beef Pepper Lunch, and the food is always prepared quickly. The staff also make the to-go orders in real time, which was impressive to watch. The space is always clean and well organized, which I really appreciate. Overall, this is my favorite Pepper Lunch location. read more

Pepper Lunch - Classic Beef Pepper Rice with mushroom and corn - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Pepper lunch was just OK. For the price, we didn't feel the amount or quality of meat was worth it. It also was quite bland. You order yourself on kiosks so there isn't much in terms of service it's fast casual. read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

The service wasn't bad. I used a self serve kiosk, and the employees were going around keeping things clean. The wait wasn't long, which was nice. The food was very mediocre to me. I had to add a lot of the different sauces and seasonings to make the food taste better. They also didn't add much meat to either of the plates. The add ons are kind of pricey, and I don't think it's worth how much you pay. The meal just felt like something I could recreate at home. I will definitely take inspiration and try to. read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Lowkey expensive, but hey it's Irvine. The food is yummy and sooo hot. Plenty of delicious corn which is my favorite. Super quick and casual, and the lady that helped us at the counter was the sweetest. This place is great for a quick lunch with friends, and has lots of options for everyone to enjoy. Their craft lemonades/sodas are delicious. read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

The steak pepper rice is so good I'm always here and the customer service is amazing. Everyone is so nice and make u feel welcomed I enjoy coming in and enjoying this delicious food read more

I have always had mixed feelings about Pepper Lunch. The location in DJ is horrendous for parking during peak times and holidays, but coming midday left me relatively unscathed. The meals here are pretty simple, and the main joy of it all is having your food piping hot and sizzling all the tray. I really enjoyed my experience this time around, and think the cheese added a delicious flavor to my plate. I will say, I always end up having more rice than I know what to do with. It leaves you feeling warm and full though! read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Came on a Sunday afternoon and there was no wait (probably because it was summer). You order and pay first at the counter and then their staff will bring out your food. I ordered the regular sized Beef Pepper Rice and it was delicious! It came sizzling hot and my favorite part is the crunchy rice after it's been toasting on the hot plate. A plate comes with rice, medium rare beef, corn, and garnished with green onions. I love their delicious sauces available on the table, they really add a lot of flavor. I preferred the garlic sauce over the sweet sauce, but mixing both was also good. I will say that the portion sizes are smaller than other locations I've been to, so I regretted not ordering the jumbo size. There were only a few pieces of beef compared to the amount of rice. Restaurant was clean and service was friendly. They have one stall bathroom for each gender, which was clean as well. read more

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

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Came here for the personal teppanyaki experience and it's always a good time. They have broad array of meats to have in your mix of rice or salad, and it's nice to be able to sit and get your food on a sizzling hot iron skillet. My only gripe is table availability as it is smaller so there may or may not be room for parties larger than 6 as it would require the staff to rearrange table. But overall it's a fun and quick place to eat! (Food comes out fast!) read more

Pepper Lunch - Chicken and shrimp - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Located at the Irvine spectrum, parking was easy to find. The place gave fast food vibes because you order through the kiosk and find a seat. The food arrived at a reasonable amount of time. Jumbo Beef Pepper Rice was okay. We were barely able to taste any kimchi on our Kimchi Beef Pepper Pasta. Not worth the price. Overall, it was an okay experience, but not something I would be eager to repeat. read more

Pepper Lunch - Kimchi Beef Pepper Pasta - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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The food here is seriously delicious, only putting a 4 for meat quality, otherwise, 5's all around! The flavor is so incredible on everything we've tried. I've tried the 2 meat curry combo and the beef pepper lunch with rice and corn. Both meals I can't wait to try again. Service was friendly and fast. They also did a great job of explaining things to me as a first timer. The restaurant was clean and ample seating inside and out. read more