The dining landscape of Orange County continues to thrive in 2025, fueled by a steady stream of notable restaurant openings. International concepts and beloved restaurant chains alike have found a home across the county’s neighborhoods.
Orange County’s Hottest New Restaurant Openings in 2025
In 2025, Orange County welcomed a wave of new restaurants reflecting emerging food trends and expanding dining options. The list below highlights some of the most talked-about restaurant openings of the year.
1. Pepper Lunch
After its successful run in the Diamond Jamboree location, Pepper Lunch has opened its second location at the Irvine Spectrum Centre this year. The fast-casual teppan chain is known for its signature ‘sizzle-it-your-way’ dining experience.
The menu of the restaurant focuses on authentic, bold, and robust flavors of Japanese cuisine and adds a modern twist to it. Pepper Lunch prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and presenting them at an affordable price. The restaurant chain’s main draw is its menu of 40 dishes, most priced at $20 or less…