For some Thai street food fare just a short distance away from campus, Siam Station has got you covered. With large, filling portions of classic favorites like papaya salad, pad see ew, and panang curry, it’s a solid stop for a casual meal or a night of takeout. The khao soi — egg noodles served in a hearty coconut curry broth — is a crowd favorite. And don’t forget to finish the meal off with the mango sticky rice.

For late-night Korean food cravings, BCD is the place to be. Even with 11 locations across Southern California, the restaurant still relies on its original family recipes for its spicy, piping-hot bowls of silken tofu stew made with organic, non-GMO tofu. The combo options make for a hefty meal and are perfect for those who want to complement their soon tofu with grilled marinated meats like bulgogi or galbi. 

Get those bibs ready at Kickin’ Crab, a lively Cajun seafood house located in the Diamond Jamboree plaza. The set combo deals are ideal for groups, as they offer a comprehensive seafood boil experience — complete with staples like shrimp, clams, crawfish, mussels, crabs, and lobster, along with sides of corn, potatoes, and sausages. The oysters and garlic noodles also make for great accompaniments to the flavorful, hands-on feast.

Exercise your creative muscles at Duck Donuts, where there are practically endless options to donut flavors. You won’t find a display case here, as these cake donuts are made to order, which results in a warm, fluffy interior and a slightly crispy exterior. Though there are set boxes and assortments to choose from, the fun comes from customizing your own, with the desired coating, toppings, and drizzle. There are even vegan donut bases, which are just as decadent as the regular ones.

Bistango is the spot to visit for elevated dining near campus. The restaurant, which opened in 1987, serves upscale French and American cuisine in an expansive space that consists of a bar lounge and a lush outdoor patio – made complete with classy decor. Among the menu’s many options, the seabass, steak, and pasta dishes are the most beloved entrees. Bistango also regularly has live music performers, which is the cherry on top to the experience here.

For some quality pizza near campus, look no further than Ray’s. Since 1989, the pizza shop has been cranking out fresh, thin-crust New York-style pizza slices. The dough is crisp, chewy, and light, and is made from a milled blend of wheat flour that is fermented 48 to 72 hours before it’s baked. Though all of their pizzas are relatively simple, you can’t go wrong with the classic cheese, or the “Freshman,” which comes topped with pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom.

Cha for Tea is one of the most beloved boba spots in Orange County and for good reason. With refreshing teas and drinks that are highly customizable with the toppings, fruit flavors, sweetness, cream and milk additions, and the amount of ice, both the fruity and milk-based beverage offerings run the gamut. The crispy chicken makes for a fantastic accompaniment, while diners also frequently order dumplings, beef stew, and curry chicken from the food menu.

Breakfast Republic has locations throughout Southern California, where they’re serving classic brunch dishes — like benedicts, omelets, pancakes, and french toast — with a twist. The Oreo cookie pancakes come with a decadent cream filling and Oreo crumble, while their shrimp and grits breakfast plate consists of gouda cheese-infused grits and shrimp cooked with hot sauce, sweet corn, chives, and eggs. The drinks are also crowd pleasers, as Breakfast Republic offers an array of local craft beer and kombucha on draft.

Hen House Grill is one of the most long-standing restaurants in the Irvine area. Established in 1988, the spot serves classic Iranian dishes, in which the flavorful, juicy meat is the star. Diners rave about the ground beef skewers and rotisserie chicken, which are served with rice, vegetables, herbs and nuts. The massive portions and affordable prices are notable perks, while the complimentary tea and late-night hours are additional pluses.

Hailing from Seoul, Korea as one of the most popular street food spots, Yup Dduk currently has outposts in both LA’s Koreatown and Irvine. The restaurant is known for its ultra-spicy rice cakes that are made with ttangcho chili peppers sourced from Korea. First-timers should opt for the “extra mild” spice level but don’t shy away from loading up on the toppings and sides. The large bowls are enough to feed up to three and come with an amalgam of rice cakes, fish cakes, sausages, cabbage, and green onion, and are topped with mozzarella for that iconic cheese pull.

Though acai bowls are common fare in Orange County, Blue Bowl is known for its highly customizable approach, with bases that transcend beyond the typical acai berry blend, like blue coconut, matcha, cold brew, or chia pudding. Each bowl is then topped with an assortment of granola, fruit, and toppings, and then drizzled with a nut butter of choice. The result is a visually stunning, rainbow-colored, layered bowl that doesn’t shy away from refreshing, fruity flavors and loads of superfoods.