Orange County is about to welcome its second Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born, fast-casual DIY teppan restaurant, opening at Irvine Spectrum Center on Friday, February 7. Known for its signature “sizzle-it-your-way” experience, the brand has expanded to over 530 locations in 17 countries since debuting 30 years ago. It's original OC location opened in 2018 at Diamond Jamboree in Irvine.
At Pepper Lunch, guests take the lead in their dining experience, blending traditional Japanese flavors with a modern do-it-yourself teppan concept. The menu features bold, high-quality ingredients at an affordable price, with most dishes priced under $20.
The restaurant’s offerings complement the diverse dining scene at Irvine Spectrum Center, delivering an interactive experience where guests cook their own meal on a 570-degree iron plate. Signature dishes include Beef Pepper Rice, featuring tender beef, fragrant rice, flavorful pepper paste, and cracked pepper—served sizzling for the ultimate comfort food. Other highlights include:
- Sizzling Curry Rice
- Teriyaki Plate Teppan Pastas, such as Aglio Olio Teppan Pasta (light oil and chili flakes) and Cream Teppan Pasta (mushrooms and cream sauce)
- Pepper Salads with vibrant vegetables and a choice of protein
- Sides like Sweet Potato Wedges, Seaweed Shake Salad, and Miso Soup
- Beverages including ITO EN organic green tea and Tractor Beverage’s organic, non-GMO selections
Grand Opening Weekend
Pepper Lunch officially opens on Friday, February 7, at 11 a.m., kicking off a three-day Grand Opening Weekend Celebration with exciting giveaways:
First 100 guests each day (Feb. 7-9) receive a complimentary Pepper Rice Plate
Buy One, Get One Free on Beef Pepper Rice all weekend
Chance to win Free Pepper Lunch for a Year, plus gift card & merchandise giveaways (while supplies last)
Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
For more information and full menu, please visit pepperlunchrestaurants.com.
Pepper Lunch at Irvine Spectrum Center is located at 509 Spectrum Center Drive (near Regal Irvine Spectrum).
The Latest from greer's oc
Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’
Alabaster International is making its Orange County debut with a community event on Thursday, May 15, 2026, at Deli Nerds in Costa Mesa. The nonprofit supports the health, nutrition and empowerment of indigenous women and families in East…
ILYA Welcomes Sunday Brunch to San Clemente
ILYA has introduced Sunday brunch, now served weekly from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in San Clemente. The new offering brings Chef Charbel Hayek’s Mediterranean perspective to a relaxed coastal setting, pairing classic brunch dishes with flavors rooted in…
Mastro’s Plans Mother’s Day Brunch in Irvine and Costa Mesa
Mastro’s locations in Irvine and Costa Mesa will mark Mother’s Day on May 10, 2026, with a celebratory brunch and evening dinner service. Known for attentive service, polished dining and live entertainment, both restaurants are preparing a…
Mother’s Day Style: Matching Moments for Moms and Minis at Famous Footwear
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 05.05.26 – Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’
- 04.29.26 – ILYA Welcomes Sunday Brunch to San Clemente
- 04.28.26 – Mastro’s Plans Mother’s Day Brunch in Irvine and Costa Mesa
- 04.28.26 – Mother’s Day Style: Matching Moments for Moms and Minis at Famous Footwear
- 04.28.26 – Riverdance 30 Brings a New Generation to Segerstrom Center
- 04.27.26 – March for Babies Returns to Irvine May 2
- 04.25.26 – Classic Packards Take Center Stage in Newport Beach
- 04.23.26 – Spring Menu Arrives at The Park Club California
- 04.23.26 – SpiceQuest Brings the Heat Home
- 04.20.26 – Honda Center Serves Up Playoff-Ready Menu for Ducks Fans
- 04.17.26 – A Night of Fashion and Giving in Newport Beach
- 04.13.26 – A Night at Knife Pleat Paired With South Coast Repertory’s Eat Me
- 04.13.26 – Sender One Expands With New Aliso Viejo Location
- 04.13.26 – Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With New Seafood Cookbook
- 04.13.26 – SOMBR Brings Fall Arena Tour to Anaheim’s Honda Center in October
- 04.12.26 – A Film Festival Putting Neurodivergent Talent Front and Center
- 04.08.26 – Rove Costa Mesa Now Open With Fast Charging and Lounge
- 04.05.26 – Floral Park Home & Garden Tour Returns April 25–26
- 04.03.26 – Earth Month Eco Challenge Returns to Discovery Cube Orange County
- 04.01.26 – Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How to Think About the Choice
More Daily Doses
- 05.07.26 – Sweetgreen Opens at Irvine’s University Center
- 04.29.26 – Mother’s Day Dining Across Orange County
- 04.29.26 – La La Land Kind Cafe Grand Opening at Irvine Spectrum
- 04.29.26 – J Ruby: A Colorful Creative Find in South Laguna
- 04.28.26 – A New Chapter for Zov’s in San Clemente
- 04.23.26 – A Coastal Spa Experience Arrives at Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
- 04.23.26 – David Spade Takes The Lido Theater Stage
- 04.20.26 – Arrive in Style. Leave the Driving to Us.
- 04.19.26 – Candace Bushnell Brings One-Woman Show to South Coast Repertory
- 04.18.26 – A Coastal Weekend of Wine, Food and Ocean Views
- 04.16.26 – Icons of Napa Valley Wine Dinner Returns to Henry’s Coastal Cuisine
- 04.13.26 – An Evening of Connection and Compassion in Aliso Viejo
- 04.08.26 – A Mother’s Day Gathering with Costa Mesa History
- 04.06.26 – Spring in Full Bloom at South Coast Plaza
- 04.05.26 – Taste of Napa Comes to Huntington Beach and Returns to Napa Valley
- 04.01.26 – A Taste of Italy Arrives in Corona del Mar
- 03.30.26 – STAUD Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.27.26 – South Coast Plaza Easter Dining Picks
- 03.26.26 – Easter Brunch and Dining in Orange County
- 03.26.26 – OC Fashion Week Arrives at My Sister’s Closet With Designer Adolfo Sánchez
