Fresh on the Map: Purpose-Driven Plates
May brings a fresh wave of discovery to The Irvine Ranch with a collection of openings that prove dining out can be a catalyst for change. These new destinations go beyond the plate, blending high-quality ingredients with missions that support foster youth, champion climate health, and honor local agricultural roots. From viral matcha moments to housemade Brazilian staples, explore the latest spots where every bite contributes to a more connected community.
VEGGIE GRILL BY NEXT LEVEL AT THE MARKET PLACE
2955 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92782
Veggie Grill By Next Level relocated to a new location at The Market Place in Tustin. The plant-based restaurant is known for its All American vegan menu. Signature veggie burgers share the menu with organic grain bowls, and crispy chick’n filet sandwiches with dill pickles and housemade lemon-herb mayo on a brioche bun. Inspired by his wife Cierra’s vegetarian lifestyle, Next Level Burger CEO Matt de Gruyter expanded their business. He acquired 16 Veggie Grill locations in January 2024. They revamped the fast casual restaurant menu to include organic produce and non-GMO ingredients. The plant-based burger chain champions environmental causes.
Until May 31, 2026, for every Ocean Blue Banana Smoothie purchased, Veggie Grill by Next Level will donate $1 to the Ocean Blue Project. The nonprofit helps to protect American waterways by removing plastic waste.
LA LA LAND AT IRVINE SPECTRUM CENTER
756 Spectrum Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
The viral coffee brand La La Land is now open at Irvine Spectrum Center. The popular cafe is known for its yellow-hued cups and well-made matcha beverages. The sunny colors also match the brand’s lofty mission: To spread kindness, mentor foster children, and serve great coffee in an uplifting, welcoming space. The cafe runs a program that assists people transitioning out of the foster care system. For some, the 12-week internship program can turn into a fulltime job. More than 100 people have graduated from the La La Land Kind Cafe program.
The beverages range from iced lavender matcha lattes and creamy banana cloud lattes with fresh bananas, vanilla bean and a whipped banana-flavored cloud topping with cinnamon. The menu also includes caffeine-free chilled mango passionfruit coolers and a selection of avocado toasts.
Ubatuba Açaí AT UNIVERSITY PARK CENTER
18066 Culver Dr.
Irvine, CA 92612
Ubatuba Açaí at University Park Center is known for its refreshing açaí bowls topped with fresh fruit, granola, toasted coconut, and cocoa nibs. What differentiates Ubatuba Açaí bowls from other places is that they are made with housemade blended açaí pulp, instead of frozen juice. Owner Daniela Demetrio channels her Brazilian roots to serve other popular snacks from her homeland. Bites include savory and sweet empanadas with zesty chimichurri along with pao de queijo, gluten-free cheese bread made with tapioca flour.
SWEETGREEN AT UNIVERSITY CENTER
1289 Campus Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
Sweetgreen’s goal is to build healthier communities by connecting people with real food. That means offering heart-healthy salads and protein-packed bowls made from scratch using seasonal ingredients. At the new University Center location, the fast-casual restaurant group prides itself on building relationships with farmers such as Frog Hollow Farms, and introducing diners to trusted purveyors. The food is prepared with extra virgin olive or avocado oils, and contains no artificial colors or flavorings. The attention stems to the containers and packaging that are produced using organic and sustainable materials.
The new Chicken Sesame Crunch salad combines antibiotic-free roasted chicken served with a Napa cabbage slaw, shredded organic kale, raw carrots, tossed in a citrus sesame vinaigrette. Healthy kids meals include a mini mezze plate with hummus or a harvest-inspired combo with sliced apples and warm roasted sweet potatoes.
