+1 949-387-6290
Located in the heart of Irvine at 2750 Alton Parkway, Pepper Lunch offers an inviting gateway into the world of sizzling Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine. This vibrant teppanyaki restaurant and steakhouse is renowned for delivering a comfortable yet exciting dining experience where every plate arrives hot and fresh, right from the grill to your table.
Pepper Lunch's menu is a treasure trove for lovers of hearty, flavorful meals with an authentic Japanese twist. Signature dishes like the Classic Beef Pepper Rice and the Salmon Pepper Rice promise a satisfying harmony of tender proteins layered over perfectly cooked rice, often enhanced by the restaurant's distinct signature sauces that add a lively burst of umami and spice. For those craving a rich, curry-infused delight, the EBI Shrimp Katsu Sizzling Curry and Chicken Karaage Sizzling Curry invoke a comforting warmth that's both soothing and indulgent.
The variety extends to their all-day menu, with options like the Teriyaki Hamburger, Chicken, Beef, or Salmon Entrees, each accompanied by fresh vegetables and fluffy white rice — dishes that balance the savory and sweet elements typical of Japanese cooking. Fans of pasta won’t be left out either; the Aglio Olio Teppan Pasta brings a light, aromatic touch with chili flakes, while the Cream Teppan Pasta contrasts with its velvety mushroom cream sauce, showcasing Pepper Lunch’s fusion versatility.
Reviews from regular patrons paint a vivid picture of the dining atmosphere: warm, bustling, and lively, especially during lunch hours when the aroma of sizzling dishes fills the air, drawing an eager crowd. The restaurant's cozy layout, while sometimes a bit tight during peak hours, creates an intimate ambiance perfect for casual meals with friends or family. Service is consistently praised as friendly and attentive, ensuring each plate is served piping hot and tasted at its peak.
Customers like Henry J have noted the “delicious Japanese comfort food” that has remained reliably satisfying since Pepper Lunch’s inception in Irvine. Meanwhile, Yamah Katayama appreciates the generous portions and how the crispy layer of rice adds a delightful textural contrast. The availability of well-curated sauces at the table allows you to customize flavors, elevating each dish to your palate’s preference.
Whether you’re a fan of beef, seafood, or chicken, Pepper Lunch’s menu caters to cravings with dishes like the hearty New York Pepper Steak 8oz, the indulgent Jumbo Classic Beef Pepper Rice, or lighter fare such as the refreshing Pepper Salads topped with options like Ebi Shrimp Katsu or Angus Cut Steak. Side dishes like Sweet Potato Wedges and crispy Onion Rings add playful textures and flavors to round out your meal.
Dining at Pepper Lunch is not just about the food — it’s an experience that celebrates the sizzle, the scent, and the sensation of expertly prepared Japanese dishes served with genuine care. Whether you seek a quick, satisfying lunch or a relaxed dinner outing, Pepper Lunch in Irvine stands out as a flavorful destination that feels both familiar and refreshingly vibrant.
For reservations or inquiries, you can reach them at +1 949-387-6290.
Delicious Japanese comfort food that has been around for quite a while. I have visited since the place opened sometime around 2016, and I like that their menu has a wide variety of offerings compared to the past. I ordered beef & salmon rice and it was delicious. Although the Salmon didn't have seasoning which would have been preferred, the tables have their signature sauce which you can add yourself and balance it out. I wouldn't recommend the more "exotic" dishes if you're coming here the first time, because their signature rice series really is the best. You need to give the plate and food some time to cook and cool, so it's not suitable for those who need to eat in a hurry. One thing I would change is the portion size, they should make it a little larger because I wasn't full after the meal. Also, appreciate the helpful front cashier lady who helped me customize my order and use a promo (stamp card, recommended for those who plan to return).
Great lunch experience, the plate is sizzling when brought to the table. This place is a hit, and you know that because there is a line at lunch! The location is a bit small for the number of clients they have. And it took a good 15 minutes to get our food.
The portions are big and the food is good. I liked how my rice a crispy later. The food is way better with the sauces. I wish it was premixed in for you. I was expecting peppery lunch but it was not peppery at all. I guess it was just lunch... the kimichi rice dish was also surprisingly good. Solid food over all. The fountain drinks selection was also surprisingly good. Although the parking is crazy the lines to get in were not bad. I would recommend trying it.
Great location in Irvine. Plenty of free self parking although it gets a bit busy due to many other restaurants in the plaza. Plenty on indoor as well as outdoor patio seating. Menu is fairly simple to navigate with lots of options. Very friendly service. Delicious and very flavorful.
YUMMY. We had the chicken and pepper rice in Singapore and this tastes exactly like that. Highly recommend We had the chicken curry rice and the kimchi cheese and chicken rice. Both were delicious. The food comes out extremely hot. But it was all very delicious.
If the portion sizes were just slightly larger I would 100% give this place 5 stars. Our family of 4 had 2 Pepper steaks, the Teriyaki steak with white rice and the shrimp curry. I used some of the teriyaki sauce on my Pepper steak because it just needed some extra flavor and it definitely elevated the dish. Everything tasted great and was extremely hot, almost too hot to eat for at least 5 minutes after arriving. The issue I have is that I left feeling hungry. If the portion sizes were just slightly larger(especially since the price is high) I would give it 5 stars. Overall would come back but would look into ordering more food!
We recently visited this Pepper Lunch spot, hoping to avoid the massive line at new Irvine Spectrum location. I had high hopes - the photos looked amazing, the sizzling plate concept reminded me of Korean BBQ (which I love), and the whole vibe felt exciting and fun. The idea of your food finishing cooking right in front of you on a hot skillet is really cool. But here's the problem: the portion size, especially the meat, is just way too small for the price. The meat slices are super thin, and honestly, it doesn't even feel like a full meal unless you're someone who eats very lightly. If you're a guy or just generally have a regular appetite, one dish won't cut it. I also tried the noodle dish and was pretty disappointed. Not only was the portion of meat small there too, but the noodles were tough - very undercooked, almost unpleasantly al dente. I wouldn’t recommend the noodles at all. There’s definitely potential here. The menu is interesting, the concept is solid, and the experience is fun. But for now, I’m confused about the portion sizes and disappointed by the value. Also worth noting: there's a lot of oil on the bottom of the skillet - it gets a bit better as it cooks down, but still something to be aware of.
I was so excited to finally visit Pepper Lunch when I went to California since we don’t have one in Dallas. I’ve had it before in Asia and was curious if it would taste the same. Honestly, it wasn’t exactly the same, but it was still really good and definitely worth the trip. The food came out sizzling hot and I loved being able to cook it just the way I wanted right at the table. The beef was tender, the pepper sauce had just the right amount of flavor, and the whole experience felt fun. It was super crowded when I went, which shows how popular it is, but the staff kept things moving and were really cool the whole time. Even though the place was packed, they stayed friendly and helpful. Overall, I left happy and full. Next time I’m back in California, Pepper Lunch will be one of my first stops.