Southern California is the historic birthplace of the cheeseburger, and the dynamic dining scene across The Irvine Ranch continues to shape this American classic. Across Orange County retail centers, local chefs are elevating the traditional comfort food through premium raw ingredients, custom grind blends, and precise kitchen execution. Whether you are planning a casual waterfront lunch or an upscale evening out, this curated collection spotlights five essential burgers that turn an everyday meal into a memorable culinary discovery.
In 2014, Steve Kim launched The Cut Handcrafted Burgers as a food truck. He partnered with Michelin-trained chef Ryan Yi and their grass-fed, prime beef burgers became extremely popular. The Cut’s first brick-and-mortar restaurant opened in 2017 at Westpark Plaza.
The burgers are made with hand-butchered meats and scratch baked bread. The Savory Burger with bacon relish, melted Swiss cheese, and signature 3,000 Island Sauce is The Cut’s “longest standing most popular gourmet burger.” The OG classic Original Burger as well as the Sweet & Spicy Burger with pepper Jack cheese, arugula with honey sriracha are also fan favorites. Then, there’s the limited 60-day dry-aged Ribeye Burger served medium rare.
Gulfstream at Corona del Mar Plaza pairs premium American dining with an upscale coastal atmosphere. Located less than a mile from the coast, the restaurant maintains a polished environment with a dedicated dress code that prohibits flip-flops and shorts. The interior dining room provides a structured setting for professional lunches, transitioning to a low-lit ambiance in the evenings, while the outdoor patio offers a sun-washed space for evening dining.
A centerpiece of the menu is the house Cheeseburger, constructed around freshly ground chuck steak grilled to order. The kitchen layers the protein on a toasted bun with crisp green lettuce, thick tomato slices, and thinly sliced pickles. Guests can customize the meal with a choice of housemade coleslaw or thin shoestring fries. For an optimal experience, reserve a table on the patio at sunset to share the cheeseburger alongside a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
R+D Kitchen at Fashion Island is an established destination for elevated American dining. As one of the earliest Hillstone Restaurant Group concepts in California, the location was launched in 2004 by founder and CEO George Biel. The indoor-outdoor architectural layout initially attracted a professional lunch crowd before expanding into a multi-generational neighborhood favorite for local residents and visitors alike.
A menu staple since its opening, the classic Cheeseburger is constructed on a housemade bun. The kitchen team builds the profile around raw ingredients, featuring crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality cheese. Over two decades later, R+D Kitchen maintains its following by adhering to strict culinary preparation standards.
Sessions West Coast Deli began in Newport Beach, where co-owners Matt Meddock, Beckham Thomas, and Chef Max Schlutz established the quintessential southern California neighborhood sandwich shop. Over the past decade, the trio expanded the concept across Orange County, bringing their signature coastal dining style to key retail centers on The Irvine Ranch.
At the Woodbridge Village Center and Fashion Island locations, the menu features The Perfect Burger. The dish is constructed with two quarter-pound beef patties served on a housemade, sesame-topped brioche bun. The flavor profile balances savory and sharp notes, layered with grilled red onion, peppery arugula, garlic-dill pickles, and melted American cheese.
The portable design makes it a practical option to pick up on your way to the beach. For a community gathering, order these burgers from the Woodbridge Village Center location to host a lakeside picnic playdate.
SESSIONS WEST COAST DELI
Fashion Island
101 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Woodbridge Village Center
4736 Barranca Pkwy., Irvine, CA 92604
Pelican Grill & Bar is an elevated watering hole well-known by golfers in Newport Coast. Even if you don’t have a tee time, it’s still an exquisite place to dine. The alfresco patio and lounge are ideal perches for enjoying the PG Smash Burger
Available only at lunch and on the lounge menu, the burger is made with a pillowy potato bun and melted “new school” American cheese. It’s layered with housemade secret sauce, crisp shredded lettuce, grilled onions, and thinly sliced pickle. The smash burger is also served with hot French fries and a great view.
PELICAN GRILL & BAR
The Resort at Pelican Hill
22800 S. Pelican Hill Rd., Newport Coast, CA 92657
