Life is busy but eating well shouldn’t be an inconvenience. That’s why these Orange County restaurants perfected chef-driven dishes that hold up to dining on the go. These restaurants cracked the code on takeout packaging. The food travels well and it tastes almost as good as eating at the restaurant. From tonkotsu broth laden ramen to stuffed veggie wraps and wellness-inspired smoothies, takeaway is more tasty than ever.
DIN TAI FUNG
Din Tai Fung at Irvine Spectrum Center is known for its xiao long bao. The dumpling masters also perfected the packaging for their takeout orders. Juicy pork dumplings travel well as do the tender green kale with slivers of garlic. Diners can order online ahead of time or make their selections in-person by speaking to an attendant at the front desk. While you wait, there’s a refreshing selection of iced tea boba drinks, and the restaurant is adjacent to Target, so people often order takeout and do a quick shopping trip while they wait.
Location: 812 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
Learn More: dtf.com
SHIN-SEN-GUMI HAKATA RAMEN & UDON
Shin-Sen-Gumi is a Southern California ramen pioneer. In 1992, founder Mitsuyasu Shigeta started the restaurant group. Known for its noodles served in a rich tonkotsu broth, Shin-Sen-Gumi grew a loyal fan base over the decades. The Woodbury Town Center location opened in September 2016, and it was the brand’s first location to serve both udon and ramen, along with a variety of izakaya-style dishes like karaage chicken and takoyaki.
Since 2020, when the restaurant started offering its noodles to go, it became a popular spot for takeout. It’s most popular dishes are the Hakata Gyoza, Chashu Volcano Tonkotsu Ramen topped with 6 slices of chashu pork, and the Ultimate Curry Udon with jumbo black tiger shrimp tempura, pork cutlet and thinly sliced A5 wagyu beef in a creamy curry broth.
Location: 6404 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA 92620
Learn More: shinsengumigroup.com
PARAKEET CAFE
After a beachside hike at Crystal Cove, pick up a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, creamy labneh, and pico de gallo rolled in a flour tortilla from Parakeet Cafe at Crystal Cove Shopping Center. Order the Green Goddess salad with wild gem lettuce, arugula, and baby spinach tossed in a turmeric lemon vinaigrette. Co-owner Carol Goldwasser always orders this salad when she’s working at the cafes. For more protein, top it with a salmon fillet. Looking for a quick pick-me-up? Grab one of the cafe’s bottled cold pressed juices or wellness shots with coconut water, ginger, and Hawaiian turmeric.
Location: 7972 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92657
Learn More: parakeetcafe.com
SGT. PEPPERONI’S PIZZA STORE
Since 2021, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store at Campus Plaza has served cheesy slices and whole pies to UC Irvine students and local families. The restaurant’s slogan, Peace, Love and Pizza, echoes the owners’ dedication to the community. Sgt. Pepperoni’s continuously supports school fundraisers and youth sports teams. The cheese pizza remains a top choice for kids, while the New York-style, square-shaped Grandma’s Pie, topped with basil and mozzarella is a fan favorite for the adults. The snackable garlic knots will also tide you over for the drive home.
Location: 4533 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA 92612
Learn More: sgtpepps.com
SWEETGREEN
Protein and vegetable packed meals such as Sweetgreen’s Harvest Bowl give you a midday boost without the heavy food-coma feeling. It’s loaded with greens like shredded kale, roasted sweet potatoes, tender chicken, and wild rice. The Cali Chicken Club Wrap combines antibiotic-free chicken with tomatoes and avocado wrapped in an olive oil tortilla. The handheld meal travels well for meetings and picnics at Aldrich park.
Newport Beach Location: Fashion Island, 853 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Irvine Location: University Center, 4289 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA 92612
Learn More: sweetgreen.com
VEGGIE GRILL BY NEXT LEVEL
Veggie Grill’s plant-based menu includes wraps, vegan burgers, and salads. The non-GMO shareable platters are intended for families and groups looking for healthier fare. The organic superfood smoothies like the Tropical Tonic with mango, orange, tart cherry, and ashwagandha, which is supposed to enhance endurance and recovery, are refreshing post-workout sips when you’re in a rush.
Location: The Market Place, 2955 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782
Learn More: veggiegrill.com
