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

Came here for lunch with my friend before we headed to SKZ Concert in Inglewood. Great area to stop in because they had many different stores and restaurants nearby (Meet Fresh, 7Leaves, etc!). The parking lot was packed, but luckily we were able to secure a parking spot. The menu inside was easy to follow along and order from. Workers were kind and helpful as well. The interior was clean and they offered inside or outdoor seating. I paid $33.92 + tip = ~ $39.01 for 2 Sizzling Plates. My friend got the Kimchi Beef Pepper Lunch and I got their basic Beef Pepper Lunch. It came with corn & green onions as well. Lots of black pepper, next time I'd ask for extra corn to balance that. Overall, great lunch-- but a little too much rice to beef ratio, for me at least! They also have teriyaki choices, steak, seafood, curry, veggie, pasta, and sides. So the menu is very diverse and should have something for everyone to enjoy! I'd wait a few minutes before diving in since the plate the food is on literally comes sizzling! read more

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

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The food is fresh and delicious. I wish I had more when I was done. That means I loved the food so much but there simply wasn't enough. I had the beef teriyaki. The only real big issue I have and also why it's not five stars is the seating area isn't big enough to accommodate. The only seat open at the time I needed to sit was near the bathroom so there was constantly a flow of people needed to use it. Next time, I'll prob get my food and take it outside to eat. There's plenty on the menu so everyone should be able to find something they like! I recommended the food here. read more

Pepper Lunch - Teriyaki Beef - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

I like this concept. The food comes out so sizzling hot on cast iron. It seems the meet is partially cooked but in a few minutes it gets cooked throughout. A very tasty meal and the people who.work here are all super freindly. read more

I have always loved Pepper Lunch. I've had it in Hong Kong and in Irvine Diamond Jamboree and now here. They also have one in Artesia. Me and my friends went on Sunday, February 11th during their grand opening weekend, and we were first in line! This restaurant is more of a fast food restaurant and is not a place to chatter for hours. I say this because it has limited seatings and it's smaller than the Diamond Jamboree location. Also, if you do order pepper lunch plates, please flip your meat to cook to your standards and mix up the garlice butter in the rice. If you don't, it'll be crispy and possibly burnt. Please don't eat it right away as it is very HOT! The reason I gave it five stars is because the food is always consistent, hot and delicious. They have sauces and condiments as well to enhance the flavors. I used to be a local Irvine resident and I've worked at this shopping center. There are two free parking garages nearby, one by the theater and the other by Fogo De Chao. There are also free outdoor parking nearby as well. This is a very popular tourist destination, so plan wisely, be patient and explore all the free parking they have. Busiest time of the week is Friday nights and Saturday & Sunday. read more

A simple fast food that feels semi healthy and interesting! Love the hot plate and prices are great. Theres plenty of space and we didnt have an issue finding seating. Just order at the counter, take a number, and find a chair! read more

Pepper Lunch - Beef & Chicken Pepper Rice - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

came here with a bunch of my friends, we got the beef pepper rice combo, chicken salad, and beef kimchi pepper rice. I really enjoyed the beef rice combo, the presentation was good. However, the ratio of meat to rice was not so good. You can definitely tell that there is more rice than beef for both the beef pepper, rice combo and the beef kimchi pepper rice. The flavors were all good, however, and the egg was a nice touch. The salad was just all right, my friend ended up getting it cause she's on a cut, but when I tasted it, it was just like any ordinary chicken salad. Still, the service was all right, and the ambience was pretty chill and clean. read more

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First time trying pepper lunch! Will definitely go back. Tried pepper beef rice with kimchi on top. Great food and service. We are looking forward to going back. read more

Ate here a couple of times in the past years, I was in the area recently so I decided to stop by. I remembered liking this place the first few times when I had it, but recently with my visit, I was disappointed. The food here is so mid to me now. Lack of flavor, protein portion is small and too oily. Tables are sticky and sauce bottles are sticky as well. Anyways, the girls here are sweet and I appreciate their kindness. read more

Food will never come out cold here, that's for sure! This is always a good spot for a quick meal, especially when Diamond Jamboree is super crowded. The only thing is that it's pretty oily/buttery and can leave you feeling heavy. read more

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

If I had just tried the classic beef pepper rice, Pepper Lunch honestly would have gotten a 5/5 from me, because I wouldn't see any reason to dock it points. The beef pepper rice is pretty flavorful for what it is, and as someone who likes their food to be the most optimal temperature, I love that the sizzling plate keeps it hot for the whole meal. But I ordered the tofu, veggies, and kimchi pepper rice and it was a big letdown! The carrots and green beans, which made up a big portion of the dish, were steamed from frozen. If they had been fresh veggies it would have been great, but I just couldn't enjoy the meal with limp green beans and soggy carrots. The kimchi flavor was pretty good and the mushrooms were fresh which is a plus, but the rest of the veggies were really ruining the whole dish. So my tip to you is...skip any of the plates with vegetables in it! They won't be fresh. The tofu veggie kimchi pepper lunch is like a 2/5. But the beef pepper rice is a 4.5/5 simple and casual meal. read more

Pepper Lunch - Tofu and Veggie Kimchi Pepper Rice - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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food is AMAZING , i come from san diego just to eat here . the employees are super nice and helpful and get the food out quick. the place is clean as well as bathrooms ! only thing that sucks is parking but waiting is worth it read more

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It has a slight beefy smell, but I think it tastes the same as the Pepper Lunch I used to eat in Japan. My recommendation is to add the cheese topping. Even if the flavor feels a bit light, you can adjust it to your taste with the sauces and salt and pepper on the table. read more

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This is my second time going to this location as it is nearby work and always hits! I had never been until the first time and the quality is great. I also think the portion is good and keeps you full. Both times I've had their pepper lunch option which I love. This most recent time I added garlic chips, egg and bacon bites which was perfect! Definitely a great lunch option. The service is always great too. Just be advised that there usually is a line during lunch! read more

Pepper Lunch - Pepper rice (added egg, bacon bites, garlic chips) - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

I was honestly skeptical of getting salmon because I thought it would be underseasoned or fishy. But it was decently good! The kimchi also really helped. read more

Pepper Lunch - Salmon Pepper Rice with side of kimchi - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Quick service, delicious food! I like the eel option because you don't find eel everywhere! Ambiance is very casual and we like to bring our dog and sit outside! Been here multiple times and it's a fun different quick fast casual option. No complaints here! read more

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

Solid amount of food for the price. The food stayed really hot, almost too hot. Even after 10mins, I managed to burn my tongue. It lacked some sauce to add flavor, but overall a solid choice. read more

Pepper Lunch - Beef & Chicken Pepper Rice - 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

We got here a few minutes before they opened and there was already a line! However, we ordered, sat and got our food within just 10 minutes of opening. I got the tofu and veggie kimchi pepper rice which was delicious! I decided to add an egg and it made it even yummier. Next time I'll try the beef pepper rice but we will definitely be back. read more

Pepper Lunch - Tofu and Veggie Kimchi Pepper Rice - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

We were here around 1pm on about Saturday. We only stood in line for about 5-7 minutes. We ordered and seriously as soon as I got back from washing my hands, my food was there! Be careful food stays hot for awhile! I love how my rice got crispy the longer I left it on the skillet. We sat closer to the entrance so I was able to look at the interactive menu. Try the two sauces on the table. They are both good. One was a garlic and the other was a brown sugar. Can't wait to go back again. My first experience was in Japan...I was shocked to see they had one here. They need one in San Diego. read more

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

Have had pepper lunch a few times and it's nothing special, but worth a visit if you're looking for something simple to eat or have never tried it. Portions are a little small for the price and the food is incredibly salty. The sauce is alright as well. Service was okay. read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

False advertisement. It said buy one get one free on uber. I'm not spending $20 on rice with 4 pieces of meat. I called to talk to Francis and she was extremely unhelpful. I order on Uber Eats all the time. Last time I will from this place. read more

Finally tried this location a few months after its opening @ Spectrum. It's pretty similar to the DJ location. They were very quick with their service, the only thing was my chicken was over fried. The food was good per usual and would return if I was craving! read more

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I brought my stepsister from Mongolia here for lunch as it was her first time in the U.S., and I wanted her to try something simple yet delicious. Pepper Lunch didn't disappoint! The ambience is warm and welcoming, and the service was excellent and everyone was super nice. The food came out sizzling on the hot plate, which added to the experience. Everything tasted homey and comforting, simple yet full of flavor. The sauces paired perfectly with the meat, and it really hit the soul. Definitely a great lunch spot! My only complaint is that the meat portions felt a little small for the price and I just wish there was a bit more. Otherwise, everything was great, and I'd definitely come back! read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Amazing fast food chain Pepper lunch is your typical fast food chain in Japan. You will order at the counter and they bring food to you. The food was served very fast, within 5 minutes. I ordered a beef and shrimp pepper rice. I think the beef tastes good but shrimp was flavorless. 4/5. The table has sweet sauce and garlic sauce which complemented well with the dish. The tables are first come first serve. The service is outstanding and I have no complaint. I will definitely go back. read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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JUMBO BEEF PEPPER RICEEEE SOO GOOD. Exactly what I crave when I want KBBQ without committing to the whole KBBQ outing. The beef comes out sizzling, mixes in with the rice, corn, and that peppery sauce... buttery, savory, and absolutely delicious. Every bite just hits the spot. Lowkey think some pickled radishes on the side would take it to the next level, but even without, it's already perfect comfort food. Lots of seating, the servers were really nice! Only complaint? WHY ISN'T THERE ONE NEAR ME RAHHHH read more

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

Have not been here in a long while so decided to grab a quick dinner. Used to be a regular spot for our family. Always ordered the classic beef pepper rice. Maybe it's just me but the portion size seems to have changed. Less protein than before and the taste is different as well but can't seem to figure out how. Food came out fast, it wasn't too busy. Maybe others can tell me, have they reduced their quantity with their protein? read more

Came here on a Saturday evening. Parking was super bad but it's in a small plaza. Food was delicious! I didn't know there was a location in US. I tried their location in Singapore for the first time--hence why I wanted to come here again! The counter where they took our orders had soooo many flying bugs, it was disgusting!! The employee tried to clean it while taking my order and even though it didn't touch me, I can feel it. Hopefully they learned to clean the counter thoroughly before helping guests. The meal was good and Mom approved too! read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Food is very good, service is fast, comes hot and stays hot due to the 260C plate food is served on. Everything was fresh and very flavorful, staff is friendly and attentive. Just under $80 for 3 including tax and tip. Had the chicken curry and pepper chicken, the egg is a nice addition to the pepper chicken. Highly recommended. read more

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The place isn't bad. It's a good spot for a quick lunch and I love that the food comes on a sizzling platter. But lacked flavor and my curry was on the cold side when it was served. read more

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This place is amazing! Besides the great food, I had an INCREDIBLE server named Ashley. She was warm, professional, and made the entire experience well worth it!! read more

This restaurant completely lived up to my high expectations and the beef & shrimp pepper rice I had was so amazingly delicious that I ate every last grain of rice possible from the sizzling hot bowl. The sauces available at the table are both fantastic. This place really hits the spot, especially when it's colder outside! read more

Pepper Lunch - Shrimp and beef - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Pepper Lunch delivers a unique sizzling dining experience, with rice developing a good pan crispiness and meat that cooks incredibly fast on the hot plate, ensuring a relatively quick meal. However, don't expect a burst of flavor straight from the kitchen - seasoning is definitely needed as it can be quite bland. I took off one star due to the pricey add-ons and the meal can be a bit on the greasy side. Staff were very attentive to keeping the tables clean for the next party. read more

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

Walking up to the open doors of Pepper Lunch greeted me with amazing smell of its sizzling beef. You can either order to eat there or to go but still order at the front desk and they'll give you a number to choose your own seating to eat there. There were mostly indoor seatings with the option of sitting outside I believe. I ordered the classic beef pepper rice. I thought there should have been more protein to rice ratio but it was still delicious and filling! Tables also had garlic sauce and a spicy sauce but if you love garlic be careful as my mouth did have a strong garlic aftertaste (I still love the sauce). read more

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

Came here for lunch today with some friends. It was their first time at Pepper Lunch. The lines were long but the once seated, I'd say our food came pretty quick. I got the jumbo beef with egg, cheese & onions. Delish. We also got chicken karaage, fries & sweet potato wedges. Everything was really good. Parking is horrible here but if youre lucky and snag a spot, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out. read more

Prices have gone up over the years but I still love the flavor of the delicious signature beef pepper rice. I sometimes add garlic chips as a topping. The onion rings are a really good premium side. There's a Yelp check-in offer if you purchase 2 entrees. Service is friendly and no nonsense. You go to the counter to order and they give you a number for your table and deliver the food to you. There's a soda fountain to get your own drink with free refills. read more

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portion was perfect, food was perfect, everything was amazing here. pepper lunch is consistently top tier here, really have to give it major props. its just so good every time and i dont even feel bloated afterwards. love it. very cozy place too, i always enjoy coming here even while im waiting for the food. food usually doesnt take long, today the wait at the table was a bit longer than usual though. regardless, i will always come back here for more pepper lunch. read more

Pepper Lunch - Kimchi Beef with Cheese Pepper Rice - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

A one of a kind experience as you choose your items and they are served still cooking in a sizzling cast-iron skillet. As the flavors blend and meld, you can add your sauces and participate in the process of alchemy. I had the steak and my dad had the teriyaki plate which was better than the steak. But it was super fun and we will come back. Very casual and low-key in a center with lots of great food choices though parking is a bit of a challenge. read more

Pepper Lunch Irvine is honestly really good. The sizzling plate hits, the sauce is addictive, and the whole mix it up yourself thing is fun and comes out fast. Flavor wise, no complaints. But fuck man, the portions are not built for anyone who eats like a normal human. One meal is not filling. If you actually want to leave full, you're basically adding extra meat, egg, sides, maybe a drink, and suddenly you're around 50 bucks just to be half full. The food is great, the value is kind of painful. Worth it for the taste and the craving, just don't come expecting it to be a "one plate and I'm done" type of spot. Ok yallah. Pepper Lunch Irvine is genuinely tasty. The sizzling plate is fun, everything comes out quick, and the flavors are on point. My only issue is the portion to price ratio. One dish didn't feel filling, and if you add extras to make it a full meal, the total climbs fast. Great food, but it's easy to spend a lot and still leave wanting more. I'd come back for the flavor, just not if I'm trying to get full on a budget. read more

Came here for dinner saw this spot and the sizzling smell drag us to this place. Great automated ordering food tastes good and good ambiance read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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