The Ultimate Guide to Irvine: Where to Stay, Dine + Play

From sophisticated hotels and standout restaurants to sprawling parks, family attractions, and world-class shopping, Irvine offers far more than its beautifully planned neighborhoods. Come along as we highlight some of the best places to stay, dine, explore, and experience this dynamic Orange County city.

Where to Stay in Irvine

AC Hotel Irvine

Blending contemporary European-inspired design with the convenience of central Irvine, AC Hotel Irvine is an appealing choice for both business trips and weekend escapes. Sleek accommodations, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and the AC Lounge make it easy to recharge, while nearby dining—including Puesto—puts some of Irvine’s best flavors within easy reach.

Hyatt Regency Irvine

Recently reimagined, Hyatt Regency Irvine combines polished accommodations with resort-inspired amenities in the heart of the city. Its 516 renovated rooms and suites are complemented by an expansive pool oasis, fitness facilities, dining, meeting spaces, and convenient access to John Wayne Airport, UC Irvine, and other Orange County destinations.

Irvine Marriott

A longtime fixture in Irvine, the Irvine Marriott is well suited to everything from a quick getaway to a large-scale celebration or corporate gathering. The hotel pairs modern guest rooms and a lively outdoor pool with extensive indoor and outdoor event space, all from a central location near John Wayne Airport.

Marriott Irvine Spectrum

For travelers who want to stay close to the action, Marriott Irvine Spectrum sits moments from Irvine’s major shopping and entertainment hub. Contemporary rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen, and the panoramic Hive & Honey rooftop bar give the property a distinctly elevated Southern California feel.

Where to Sip & Savor in Irvine

Andrei’s Restaurant

Andrei’s takes a thoughtful approach to contemporary California dining through its signature “conscious cuisine.” Local and organically grown produce, naturally raised meats, sustainable seafood, and craft cocktails come together in an upscale yet welcoming environment suited to everything from lunch meetings to dinner out.

Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana

For authentic Neapolitan-inspired pizza, Angelina’s delivers handmade pies alongside Italian favorites and a carefully selected wine list. It is equally suited to a relaxed sit-down meal or an elevated pizza night at home.

Bistango

Located inside The Atrium, Bistango has long been one of Irvine’s polished choices for date night and special occasions. White-tablecloth dining, an extensive wine program, live evening music, cocktails, and rotating art displays create an experience that extends well beyond the menu.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

Southern-inspired comfort food meets an extensive whiskey program at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations. The Irvine flagship pairs industrial-chic interiors with a whiskey room, library, indoor-outdoor bar, and expansive outdoor space overlooking The Park, making it a lively destination for brunch, dinner, or drinks.

Habana

Habana brings the flavors and atmosphere of Cuba to the Irvine Spectrum Center with vibrant regional dishes, mojitos, rum-forward cocktails, and lush surroundings inspired by old Havana. The result is one of Irvine’s most transportive dining experiences.

Javier’s

Javier’s gives upscale Mexican dining an unmistakably glamorous edge. Its tropical-inspired Irvine Spectrum Center location pairs handcrafted margaritas and an extensive tequila selection with elevated regional cuisine ranging from fresh seafood to premium cuts of meat.

Little Sister

Little Sister explores Vietnamese cuisine through a distinctly modern lens, weaving Southeast Asian flavors together with European influences. Shareable plates and bold combinations make it especially well suited to groups ready to sample their way through the menu.

Mastro’s Ocean Club

Special-occasion dining comes naturally at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Irvine. Prime steaks, dramatic seafood towers, polished service, nightly entertainment, and the restaurant’s famously indulgent warm butter cake make this a perennial choice for an elevated evening out.

Oliver’s Trattoria

Chef Erik De Marchi brings refined Italian cooking to Irvine at Oliver’s Trattoria, where lunch, brunch, and dinner menus balance beloved classics with creative seasonal dishes. For an especially indulgent experience, keep an eye out for the restaurant’s specialty black truffle offerings.

Puesto

Colorful interiors, handmade tacos, signature guacamole, and rounds of margaritas have made Puesto an Irvine favorite. Its energetic design and modern approach to Mexican cuisine make it an easy choice for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or a casual celebration.

Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar

Seasonality drives the experience at Solstice, where contemporary interiors complement a menu designed around changing ingredients and modern American flavors. Parker House rolls, inventive entrées, cocktails, and a strong wine program give the restaurant the versatility of a true neighborhood favorite.

Twenty Eight

Twenty Eight brings together steak, wine, whiskey, and New American cuisine in one sophisticated setting. From ribeye and wagyu to inventive cocktails, it is an especially appealing stop for diners looking for bold flavors and a well-curated bar program.

Things to Do in Irvine

Great Park

Built on the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Great Park has become one of Irvine’s defining gathering places. The iconic orange Great Park Balloon, sports complexes, playgrounds, open spaces, cultural programming, and live entertainment make the expansive park a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Located near UC Irvine, the intimate Irvine Barclay Theatre brings an impressive calendar of music, dance, theater, comedy, and cultural performances to the city. Its approximately 750-seat scale creates an experience that feels considerably more personal than a typical large performing arts venue.

Irvine Spectrum Center

Part shopping destination, part dining district, and part entertainment complex, Irvine Spectrum Center is one of the city’s signature lifestyle hubs. Visitors can shop major retailers, explore a broad restaurant lineup, catch a movie, play a round of mini golf, or take in the surrounding cityscape from the Spectrum SunWheel.

Strawberry Farms Golf Club

Tucked into rolling terrain and mature landscaping, Strawberry Farms Golf Club feels worlds away from the city around it. The par-71 course stretches approximately 6,700 yards and is distinguished by its scenic setting and signature Big Red Barn.

Tanaka Farms

One of Irvine’s most beloved local institutions, family-run Tanaka Farms offers a taste of the countryside without leaving Orange County. Seasonal strawberry picking, pumpkin experiences, farm tours, produce, and other agricultural programming make it an especially popular stop for families.

Wild Rivers

When Southern California temperatures rise, Wild Rivers offers an easy way to cool down. The seasonal Irvine water park balances adrenaline-fueled slides and family attractions with cabanas and more relaxed options for visitors who would rather unwind poolside.

At a Glance: The Ultimate Irvine Guide