I really enjoy coming to this restaurant. They have have great Indian curries. Food: Southern Spice offers offers a wide selection of various and delicious Indian curries. My favorite dishes are the paneer butter masala and chicken korma. Their naan is good as well. The portions are very good for the price. Service: The service here is good, but it can get slow at times. Ambiance: I like the decor inside the restaurant. read more

Southern Spice - Inside - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Prepare yourself, dear reader, for a tale of the worst birthday dinner imaginable, courtesy of Southern Spice, AKA, "So we're just lying Spice." I brought my wife and two sons here for dinner, as it was our oldest's birthday and he wanted Indian food. We ordered about $80 in entrees -- 1 saag paneer, 1 chicken tikka masala, 2 paneer masala (the kids' favorite), and a basket of garlic naan. You are required to pay the full bill in advance. (Never a good sign!) The misadventures would begin shortly, when maybe 20 minutes after we ordered, our saag dish came, with one side of rice. Now, dear reader, so you can properly visualize, there are four of us in our party, and one dish of rice is not enough for everyone to have a decent portion. We were like a pack of hungry jackals each staring at the single entree and dish of rice--mom is the only one who likes "the green dish", but she's too polite to want to eat alone while we're all hungry. The waiter tells us the other dishes are coming soon (lie #1). It's maybe 10 minutes later before the chicken tikka masala comes out, with one more shallow dish of rice, again, not enough for four of us to eat. By this time the first dish of rice and saag have gotten cold. No naan yet, either. Where is the paneer, you may ask? (We did.) "I gave it to the wrong table," our waiter says, motioning to the happy family eating in the corner of the restaurant. "So, are you getting us a new one?" "Yes, it will be 10 minutes." (Lie #2) Mind you, the restaurant is full and many other tables are getting their food. Baskets of naan are being delivered and we're flabbergasted. My son even jokes, "you should write a Yelp review that will take as long to read as it took for us to get our food." The minutes continue to go by. 10 minutes and nothing. 15 minutes, no sign of our cheese. 20 minutes, and the boys are wondering if this is a prank of some sort. 25 minutes, and my wife is no longer saying that it's not a big deal. "This is really not OK." 30 minutes since being told the food was 10 minutes away--nearly an hour since we first sat down and ordered, and the food still wasn't there. We try to convince the kids that we can ask for a refund and go get some McDonalds instead, but they wanted their paneer. It's about 40 minutes later, after every other table has been served and the take-out queue is empty, when the food finally arrived, alongside some plain bread (I had ordered garlic naan.) When asked what happened, the waiter blames it on the kitchen, saying that they gave him chicken instead of paneer, so he had to put in the order again. Why not come to our table and tell us? Give us an update and let us decide whether we wanted to continue waiting for the slowest birthday cheese ever? We watched the kids eat and I went to the kitchen area to talk to someone about our experience, but the manager was nowhere to be found. Our waiter had also disappeared. My wife had work to do at home and we couldn't afford to wait around any longer, so we left. Unsatisfied overall, disappointed in the service, and committed to never return. Let this be your warning, dear reader. Learn from our experience and go to Annapoorna instead. This place absolutely sucks. Happy birthday, kid. read more

I am super happy to have found this Indian food spot. Southern Spice hits on all sides. The food is amazing, the staff are really friendly and the interior is very cool and nice, outside is welcoming. Now to the food. We were there during their happy hour luckily, they have some nice deals as well as their regular menu. For happy hour we got Onion Spinach Pakora with Chutney's and Karam Podi Chicken, both only $6 and $5 each, portions were great, the Pakora was soo good and the Karam Podi Chicken had a really nice spice to it and full of flavor, great deal, so good, we had to get another order. From the regular menu, we also got a couple orders of Garlic Naan, Vindaloo Chicken and South Indian Fish Curry. I prefer the Lamb Vindaloo, but they were out of Lamb, the chicken was really good regardless and the Fish curry had big chunks of fish in it a the flavor profile was was complex and tasted great. The main dishes also came with a couple sides of rice. Everything we had was just as good as the next, personally I really loved the Karam Podi Chicken the most, the spice was perfect. Probably going back to take my wife and kids for Mother's Day. Go and support them and have some of the best Indian food you will find in the area. Enjoy! read more

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Been getting their hyderabad dum biryani for years, but lately been getting only one piece of chicken in it, from what it used to be three pieces. Blame it on inflation, right? read more

I've been here many time. Southern Spice consistently delivers bold flavors. They've got a wide variety, including lots of vegetarian options, and that goat biryani with the pickled mango note? Still fantastic. jJust like others say, it's a standout. But since COVID, it's all self-service, and I've got to agree with other diner, it's efficient, but it lacks that sit-and-stay vibe. I find myself just eating and heading out. The food is worth it, but I do miss that old full-service feel. read more

Southern Spice - Goat and paneer byriani - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Had a craving for Indian food one day, and i realized i had absolutely NOTHING in my fridge. Time for some Indian takeaway!! This place has super quick turnaround times for takeout pickup, i placed my order and it was ready pretty much immediately. Wanted to try the butter chicken and the samosa chaat. Butter chicken was great! Ordered medium, but wasnt super spicy. Maybe specify if you want it spicy in their pickup order notes? Not sure. Delicious nonetheless. The samosa chaat was sO good. Everything was very flavorful, pleasantly spiced (not spicy), and the textures worked well together. My only problem was with the fried/breaded bits? They were soggy and didnt need to be in there. Loved the food though, and it worked in a pinch! Parking was easy and pickup was a breeze. Just walk to the back of the restaurant and they will ask your name. Cravings: satiated. read more

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My friends ordered to go and raved about this restaurant for a long time as coming from the Bay Area it's hard to find better Indian food in SoCal. This was the one place that my friend also from the Bay Area said was THE BEST. The food and quality of flavors did NOT disappoint at all. Everything from the dal to paneer was flavorful each dish was just so good I could keep eating past my capacity. Even as takeaway everything was floral and Naan was warm and fresh. I highly recommend if you're looking for a great place to get some Indian food. read more

Southern Spice - Garlic Naan, Paneer Butter Masala (GF), Dal Tadka (GF), Kasuri Chicken Tikka (GF) - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

the dosa was so cool!! I've never had a dosa before so i was really surprised to see it so large. I mean look at it compared to pickles!! this was essentially a large thin crepe. it was so light and crispy ~ you rip off pieces and use them as a dipping vessel. my favorite sauce/dip was the orange one. my friend liked mixing hers by dipping it in the orange, followed by the white, and lastly the thinner soupy one. amazing dish. would get again. We also ordered garlic naan and tikka masala. I've had better tikka masala elsewhere. This one was more coconut milk forward in my opinion. I like my tikka masala more savory and rich. The chicken was also kind of rubbery to me. Garlic naan was great though! It was a little tough to rip but has fresh garlic flavor. The samosas were so yummy. Good crunch on the outside and i loved pairing it with the green sauce. Dense and full of yummy flavors and ingredients. We also ordered the Karam podi chicken for the happy hour deal. it was sooooo spicy but soooo delicious!!! the chicken was tender and wasnt rubbery. I loved it so much but i was dying while eating bc it is HOT service was good and i have no complaints! ambiance is quite casual with lots of warm lighting. its very spacious and has a high ceiling read more

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It was my first time having this players, and the QR code to scan an order was really convenient, service was really fast as soon as the order was placed. The seating around the restaurant was really clustered so it felt pretty comfortable. The food that we ate was so delicious my friend and I both finished the buttered chicken and the samosas within minutes. The garlic naan was also so delicious being able to dip it in the buttered chicken. read more

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My daughter got an instant allergic reaction the moment she ate their Tikka Masala. Her lips began to swell up and her throat was itchy. She threw up the little curry she ate cuz it upset her stomach. This reaction is from a nut allergy and I believe they use a cashew paste in their curry. They need to note the use of tree nuts across all their menus. I'm never going back. My daughter has eaten tikka masala at other places and it's one of her favorites. What an unfortunate ending when we thought we found a new Indian place to frequent. Do a favor for everyone and disclose the use of nuts on your main menu. read more

What a hidden gem! The moment you walk in, you're welcomed by beautiful ethnic décor that creates a warm, authentic atmosphere. I especially loved the decorative swing and the stunning lights--they make the restaurant feel unique and memorable. The hosts were warm and welcoming, adding to the overall experience. Best of all, the food was excellent, full of flavor and clearly made with care. If you're looking for great Indian food in a beautiful setting, this place is definitely worth a visit! read more

Southern Spice - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

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Terrible food experience and customer services lacks. Food was served cold. Server microwaved sambar after telling him it was cold. No courtesy when you walk in- you will not be greeted. You are just expected to know this is a self service place. Server wears gloves but it's pointless since he's touching his face and then serves with the same gloves on :) Please don't waste your money here. Definitely not coming back! read more

Southern Spice - Hair in food - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Dosa was subpar (sour, thick and spicy). Ambience is excellent. Hope they can improve food quality.

We visited this restaurant last weekend and were very disappointed. While we were dining, we saw a mouse running through. It was shocking and completely unacceptable, especially in a place that serves food. The incident made us lose confidence in the restaurant's cleanliness and food safety standards. We hope the management takes this seriously and addresses the issue immediately to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for future customers. read more

Great lunch spot. Food was really tasty and affordable. Large servings for the price. The smells and flavors were really good. This is a Southern India style restaurant, so the flavors are slightly different than other regional Indian restaurants. The interior was beautifully decorated. This was one of the nicest interiors, which was a nice surprise because it's in a strip mall. The staff is friendly and helpful. You order through an app, so if you are doing a work or friend lunch, it makes paying your own bill very easy! read more

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This place is disgusting. Dirty tables, dirty and sticky drink Station, chemical and towels sitting on the countertop, no sanitation. Wonder what their health department score looks like. Food quality was mediocre, underrated food overly priced Never again! *update- I went to Orange County Health Dept website and found their recent report conducted on 12/19/25. What I read is concerning and disturbing. See report read more

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Overall Food is good 4/5. Self service self ordering is something not so great as personal Experience. Ambience is good. 5/5 read more

Plenty of seating inside, but they make you order on your phone and the only service they really offer is bringing you the food :/ the food is good but for the price and service, there are better options. read more

Southern Spice - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Likes: + My friends and I enjoyed all the food here. Abundant flavors and textures, particularly Indian spices and curries. + Cool self-order system via QR code at the table. + Polite, helpful staff. . Ample but often crowded parking. . Not sure why they bring out large empty metal pans. Non-likes: - The food mighta been old, cuz I had to rush to the toilet about 30-60 min after my lunch here. read more

Southern Spice - Butter chicken. $16-18 - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

We stumbled upon Southern Spice and were amazed by the decor, amazing food and efficient service. Two tables in the front are a treat - authentic carved Indian tables featuring swinging wooden benches. The rest of the space is bright and airy with inspiring decor throughout. The establishment offers QR codes for each table which featured an easy ordering and payment system. The food was expertly presented and delivered to our table fairly quickly. We enjoyed onion dosas, sev puri, chicken curries, and an exquisite spicy chicken Ulvacharu Biriyani. Highly recommended! read more

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Quiz- can you find tomatoes and green chilies.. you pay $2 more for this crapy toppings!! When you ask the manager- this is our standard, we are the cheapest in the region and pride of serving at this price!! read more

Southern Spice - Onion tomatoes and green chilli Uthappam. - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Incredible and authentic Indian cuisine! The interior and decor also really gives you a true feel of India, but with a somewhat modern classic look. And I really love the bench swing seats by the door! Now if you're a fan of spicy food, but don't want to go too hot, then you should pick the mild spice level. It will still have a nice lasting kick, without sending fire down your throat. That's the only level I can handle anyway:P read more

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Definitely food needs to be improved! Yesterday, May 2nd 2026, was the second time we went to Southern Spice, Irvine. We ordered bonda, podi dosa and poori with potatoes. I expected bonda to be hot but they weren't. It was spongy and inedible completely; the skin was as at room temperature and inside was still dough! Terrible. Do not order bonda if you ever go over there. Podi dosa is clearly misunderstood - podi didn't stick to dosa and they must h added some horrible stuff to dosa that we couldn't finish even one fourth. They should learn how to make sambar from Saravanabhavan. Don't they know that poori is made with wheat flour? They obviously make it with Maida, I.e., refined wheat flour. Inedible again soaked in oil. Management: please change the chef. read more

This place is a hidden gem in Orange County. Finding good southern Indian is no easy task and Southern Spice hits all the checkboxes. The food is well spiced, properly cooked and vegan options are all clearly marked on the menu. We came here many times and the service was always great. read more

Southern Spice - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Tried huge Samosas filled with potatoes and peas. A bit spicy, kids will not tolerate if they're sensitive. Tasty, greasy and pretty good. Great for parties. read more

Southern Spice - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Surprised by the poor reviews. The food here is awesome!! The kids loved the mini idlis and cone dosa. I ordered the samosa chat, sev puri, Karam podi and chai. Everything was delicious. The Karam Podi which is a fried chicken masala style was divine! Loved it so much! Super easy to order and pay from a barcode on the table. The online menu has pictures and a description of each dish. One thing I would say is that I ordered my food mild and it was a bit too spicy for me so do take that into account when ordering. The decor is beautiful. Service was great. read more

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Took an hour for takeout to be ready and food was mediocre, restaurant was super disorganized and chaotic vibe, everyone clustered around in crowds waiting for their orders with no concept of a line. I would not recommend sadly read more

Service was fast. You order and pay on your phone and then they bring you out the food. Prices were cheap for OC and the portions were big. We got the buttered chicken and chicken tikka masala, and they were very generous on the protein. However, their curries were a little sweeter than other places we've been too. A little too sweet for us. We got mild and it had a slight kick to it so be aware if you're sensitive to spice. It was a fun place to try and maybe we'd come back. read more

Southern Spice - Plain Dosa (V) - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Chicken Tikka Masala and butter chicken are very sweet. Service is not very welcoming. At a sit down restaurant we were given plastic to go cups to go and fill our own drinks. Service is less than friendly. The garlic naan was the only thing that was good. Would not come back and is not worth the price at all!! When asked to for to go containers. read more

Food was cold , ordered batura on two occasions, served cold, not puffed up at all. Service lousy and rude. read more

Our go-to place in Irvine for authentic South Indian food! Beautiful interior decor and ambiance, easy online ordering at your table or through a tablet for takeout orders, and reasonably fast service! We love love love the fresh dosas here at Southern Spice. It's the dish that keeps me coming back again and again. It is great to-go, but nothing beats a piping hot dosa eaten immediately when it gets to your table! Most of the time the dosas are perfect, but there was a time or two when we came when the dosas were a little too thin or a little too crisp and crumbled in our hands as we tried to eat them (which makes it hard to dip into the accompaniments. Still very tasty though! And typically, they do a great job! My favorite is their sambar, I often get extra so I don't have to share with my husband, haha! Our other go-tos are their biryanis, the pau bhaji and idli. The biryanis are especially delicious--just know, the spice level starts at medium for the biryanis, and "medium" packs a big punch, even for spice lovers like me! They also have a large selections of curries, we love them all but the fish curry, saag curry with paneer, and tikka masala are our favorites! Overall, highly recommend! I've made it a goal to slowly try everything on the menu! read more

Southern Spice - Dosa and chicken biryani - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

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Southern Spice is my go-to Indian spot in Irvine. I took my girlfriend here for a snack and she loved it. She said that they had one of the best samosas she's ever had and we loved how interactive the dosa was. The decor is very traditional, yet trendy; I always try to sit on the swing if it's open. The service is typically good, but this time it was okay. They use a QR code system instead of personally coming up to us and our table wasn't wiped down this time. That being said, one of the girls was very sweet and helped get the door for anyone who needed assistance read more

Southern Spice - Dosa - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Ordered tandoori chicken online, they sent the left over cold tandoori chicken pieces and topped it with spicy(extra red chilli) paste to mask old cold pieces of chicken. This is an embarrassment Indian restaurant. AVOID AT ALL COST read more

A friend recently took me here, it was pretty good food! But the chai was my absolute favorite. I've never tasted tea prepared that way! read more

Southern Spice - Idk what this is, but it was 10/10 - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

I've been a regular customer here for years and have always enjoyed the food, which is why this is disappointing to write. Over my last few orders, the experience has become increasingly inconsistent. Sometimes the meals come with plain white rice and side sauces, and other times they don't, without any explanation. Most recently, the portion sizes seem to have noticeably decreased--about half of what they used to be. My saag curry portion was so small it looked as though it had already been eaten. I hope this is just a temporary issue, as I've always really liked this place and would love to see it return to the quality and consistency it used to have. read more

Southern Spice - Saag curry - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Today was there breakfast buffet opening day , food was tasty and work while for the price . They had 3 types of chutney and sambhar for refill . read more

Southern Spice - Breakfast buffet - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

This place is definitely on our weekly rotation of places to go for dinner. We went the last time on a Saturday night when it was super busy. The interior is very nice with many different seating options, from topics booths to swings. They oftentimes play hindi music which definitely adds to the vibe. The service is a bit slow but not too bad since they are always typically very busy. If you want to go when it is less busy, go on a weekday like Wednesday or Monday. The food itself is very good. We always get the Paneer Butter Masala, Paneer Makhana and The garlic naan and somosas. The food is all super flavorful and this is a great spot for vegetarians! read more

Southern Spice - Somosas with two different chutneys. - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

Recently, I ordered a few items from a restaurant's menu, including a white steamed rice portion that was supposed to be 16 ounces. However, upon receiving the order, I noticed that the rice was significantly smaller than expected. Instead of 16oz, the package contained less than 8oz, which was quite disappointing. Immediately after noticing the discrepancy, I called the restaurant to report the issue. I explained that the package was not the size they claimed and expressed my dissatisfaction with the situation. They seemed dismissive and did not offer a satisfactory solution, which only added to my disappointment. read more

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Last week, we visited "Southern Spice" in Irvine (3850 Barranca Pkwy) and placed our order online through their self-service system inside the restaurant table. Unfortunately, our experience was very disappointing. The Veggie Hyderabadi Biryani was excessively spicy, while the "Dhai Sev Batata Puri" lacked essential ingredients such as yogurt, sev, and onions -- and the puris themselves were very small. When we tried to get help from the waiter (kitchen front desk) regarding the spice level and missing items in Sev Batata Puri, we were simply told to re-order online, which was quite frustrating. Never heard to re-order when we already ordered and eating inside their restaurant table? Additionally, an automatic 15% tip was added, which did not reflect the poor food quality or lack of service. The food presented in their website photos looked completely different from what was actually served -- very misleading. Overall, it felt like a total rip-off and a very disappointing dining experience. read more

Southern Spice - Dahi Sev Batata puri actual picture but they give you something else!? No enough SAV' and no white yogurt. - Indian Near Me - Irvine, California

This place was absolutely delicious! I loved the design of the space too, so beautiful. I will be back very soon to enjoy more of this wonderful food. We enjoyed Chettinad Kuzhambu with chicken, medium spice level, Mulia Kofta, also medium, and the Onion Kulcha . I want to eat this every day ! So happy to find this great restaurant serving regional dishes! The staff were also very kind and talented. read more