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
A Coastal Take on Christmas at Huntington Holiday House
The Huntington Beach House has transformed its oceanfront venue into The Huntington Holiday House, bringing a coastal spin to Christmas cheer in Southern California. Now through January 4, the seasonal pop-up blends holiday magic with Surf City culture. Guests can…
Holiday Lights Boat Cruise Aboard Pendry Newport Beach’s Private Yacht
Pendry Newport Beach has introduced a new holiday experience aboard its private yacht, Aperitivo. The Holiday Lights Boat Cruise is now available for locals and hotel guests to book, offering an intimate tour of Newport Harbor’s charming holiday light displays…
Celebrate the Holidays at CasaDami on the Waterfront
Since arriving in Newport Beach earlier this year, CasaDami has captured attention for its refined Italian flavors and wine-forward focus. The restaurant earned a 2025 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator and features a simple, polished menu of tapas and…
Pete’s Christmas Vacation Returns to Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach proudly welcomes back Pete’s Christmas Vacation for its second year, returning by popular demand. Running through Jan. 3, the festive pop-up transforms Pete’s Sunset Grille into a coastal winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights,…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 12.10.25 – A Coastal Take on Christmas at Huntington Holiday House
- 12.09.25 – Holiday Lights Boat Cruise Aboard Pendry Newport Beach’s Private Yacht
- 12.09.25 – Celebrate the Holidays at CasaDami on the Waterfront
- 12.06.25 – Pete’s Christmas Vacation Returns to Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
- 12.03.25 – Wrap Yourself in Luxury at Oats Cashmere’s Annual Event
- 12.02.25 – French Florist Opens New Boutique in Mission Viejo
- 12.01.25 – Holiday Cheer at North Italia
- 12.01.25 – Coastal Holiday Magic at Paséa
- 11.30.25 – Pouring Joy: Blue Hummingbird Welcomes Its Newest Café
- 11.28.25 – Puesto Goes Seed-Oil Free and Launches New Winter Menu
- 11.27.25 – American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
- 11.26.25 – A New Chapter for Lido House in Newport Beach
- 11.25.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.24.25 – HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
- 11.23.25 – Musco Center Welcomes Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
- 11.22.25 – A Luxurious Thanksgiving at The Mayor’s Table
- 11.20.25 – Thanksgiving Getaways: Where to Celebrate, Relax, and Feast in Southern California
- 11.19.25 – Uncle Fluffy Opens Soon at Triangle Square
- 11.19.25 – Thanksgiving Dining in Orange County
- 11.17.25 – Costa Mesa Welcomes Sweetgreen’s New Sweetlane
More Daily Doses
- 12.09.25 – Manolo Blahnik Opens First West Coast Boutique at South Coast Plaza
- 12.09.25 – ClubSport Debuts New High-End Recovery Amenities in Time for the Holiday Season
- 12.08.25 – Butcher’s House Marks Four Years With New Fromage Menu
- 12.04.25 – Festive Holiday Dining at Paseo, Céntrico and Naples in the Downtown Disney District
- 12.03.25 – Celebrate the Holidays at Discovery Cube Orange County
- 12.02.25 – Fire & Lights Festival Returns to Newport Dunes
- 12.02.25 – Chef Charbel Hayek to Open ILYA in San Clemente
- 12.01.25 – Family Holiday Celebration This Saturday at The District
- 11.27.25 – QUA Brings Contemporary Chinese Cuisine to Fountain Valley
- 11.25.25 – Holiday Packages to Help You Look and Feel Your Best
- 11.23.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.21.25 – Wellness That Works: Vida by VTL Boutique Spas + Wellness
- 11.17.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 11.16.25 – HOTWORX Costa Mesa Courtyards Offers 24-Hour Infrared Sauna Workouts
- 11.13.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
- 11.03.25 – Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange
- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
