Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Irvine proudly presents a culinary scene that's as diverse as its population. Unsurprisingly, Philadelphian cuisine has found a home here, catering to those craving a taste of the East Coast. So, if you're hunting for Philly's best in Irvine, we've got you covered.
Irvine's culinary landscape is an eclectic mix of seaside Fresh Mex, Asian fusion, and classic California fare. Yet, Philly-style sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and hoagies have carved out a special place for themselves. Let's delve into some of the must-try spots serving up Philly's best in Irvine.
Classic Cheesesteaks
No Philadelphia-style meal is complete without the iconic cheesesteak. Irvine boasts several eateries serving up these Philly classics with a touch of SoCal flair.
Winter's American Bistro, located in the Woodbridge residential neighborhood, is a local favorite. Their Philly cheesesteak is authentically crafted with thinly sliced ribeye, sautéed onions, and melted provolone cheese. Paired with their homemade French fries, it's a hearty, comforting meal that transports you straight to Philly's Reading Terminal Market.
Hoagies & Subs
Philly's other signature sandwiches, hoagies and subs, are equally represented in Irvine. These oversized, generously filled creations are perfect for lunch or dinner.
Irvine has several delis and eateries offering Philly-inspired hoagies and subs.aside's American Bistro, the same spot that serves up a mean cheesesteak, also crafts delicious hoagies filled with tender meat and tangy cheese. For a more traditional deli feel, check out The Deli at Congress Plaza. Their Italian hoagie, with its blend of meats, cheeses, and tangy peppers, is a must-try.
philly-inspired EATERIES
Beyond the sandwiches, Philly's influence can be seen in Irvine's broader restaurant scene. Several eateries incorporate Philadelphia-style dishes into their menus, offering a unique spin on the classic.
C rapports Kitchen in Irvine Spectrum Center serves a Philly-inspired burger that's a love letter to the Philly cheesesteak. Topped with sautéed onions, provolone, and a dollop of Philly's famous comeback sauce, it's a delicious fusion of two iconic sandwiches.
Late-Night Bites
Philly is known for its late-night food scene, and Irvine has a few spots that keep the spirit alive.
For a classic cheesesteak after a night out, head to the Originalmie Guyz near the UCI campus. This late-night eatery serves up cheesesteaks until 3 am. Their sandwiches, made with thinly sliced ribeye and melty provolone, hit the spot after a late night on the town.
As Irvine continues to grow, so does its appetite for diverse culinary experiences. From classic cheesesteaks to creative Philly-inspired dishes, Irvine's food scene is a microcosm of the nation's culinary landscape. These incredible eats are just a taste of what makes Irvine a delight for food lovers. So, grab a bite, satisfy your cravings, and revel in the best of Philly, right here in the heart of Irvine.
