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
Palmetto Superfoods and Rylee + Cru Headed to River Street Marketplace
River Street Marketplace, the 60,000-square-foot community destination in the heart of San Juan Capistrano’s historic Los Rios district, is welcoming two new tenants: Palmetto Superfoods and Rylee + Cru. The additions expand the marketplace’s growing mix of…
A Big Year Ahead for Costa Mesa’s SoBECA District
More than 20 new small businesses are set to join the LAB’s portfolio in 2026, marking the largest single year of openings in the history of Costa Mesa’s SoBECA District.
The expansion will bring more than 20 new businesses across 50,000…
Paul Taylor Dance Company at Musco Center
Musco Center for the Arts presents the Paul Taylor Dance Company on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Recognized worldwide as a leader in modern dance, the Paul Taylor Dance Company is celebrated for works that reflect the depth,…
New Brunch Additions at CasaDami
Newport Beach’s coastal café and wine bar, CasaDami, continues to bring a touch of European café culture to the waterfront on Balboa Island’s Peninsula Village. Known for its relaxed setting and refined, wine-friendly menu of tapas and entrées,…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 03.08.26 – Palmetto Superfoods and Rylee + Cru Headed to River Street Marketplace
- 03.08.26 – A Big Year Ahead for Costa Mesa’s SoBECA District
- 03.05.26 – Paul Taylor Dance Company at Musco Center
- 03.04.26 – New Brunch Additions at CasaDami
- 03.01.26 – LA Opera Young Artists in Concert at Musco Center
- 02.27.26 – Brodard Restaurant Plans Long Beach Opening at 2ND & PCH
- 02.25.26 – Cheyenne Jackson Brings Mid Life Torso Tour to Musco Center
- 02.22.26 – Spring SplashFest Brings a Taste of Spring to Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove
- 02.20.26 – ABBA Comes to The Lido Theater for a Two-Night Celebration
- 02.19.26 – Los Angeles Is Having a Moment in 2026
- 02.18.26 – Caitlyn Minimalist Opens at The Shops at Mission Viejo
- 02.18.26 – Napa in Newport Expands to Three-Day Wine Weekend for CureDuchenne
- 02.16.26 – Trail Runners Welcome Spring at Whiting Ranch
- 02.12.26 – A Valentine’s Night Inside the Films of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman
- 02.10.26 – The Groundlings Bring Legendary Improv to Musco Center
- 02.09.26 – A Valentine’s Gift Guide for Every Kind of Love
- 02.08.26 – Valentine’s Sweets Worth Sharing at South Coast Plaza
- 02.02.26 – A Century of Modern Dance at the Musco Center Celebrating Martha Graham
- 02.02.26 – CHAGEE Opens at The Shops at Mission Viejo Feb. 6–8
- 02.01.26 – Bardega Sets Grand Opening Celebration in Laguna Hills
More Daily Doses
- 03.08.26 – Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles
- 03.05.26 – Orange County Restaurant Week Returns March 8–14
- 03.02.26 – Beyond A Dream Gala Supports Breakthrough T1D Research in Orange County
- 02.28.26 – Spring Returns to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
- 02.26.26 – California Cool Art Auction Returns to Laguna Art Museum
- 02.25.26 – Top of the V Unveils a Spanish-Inspired Steakhouse Experience
- 02.25.26 – An Elevated Pastry Experience Debuts at Montage Laguna Beach
- 02.24.26 – Tomatomania Returns to Roger’s Gardens for Its 15th Year
- 02.22.26 – A Coastal Stop for Artful Finds at Crystal Cove
- 02.19.26 – World Ballet Company Brings ‘Swan Lake’ to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 02.17.26 – Festival Ballet Theatre Brings Don Quixote Back to the Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 02.11.26 – Cozy Earth Presidents Day Sale Brings Big Savings and New Toile Pajamas
- 02.11.26 – OCVIBE Unveils Six New Bar and Lounge Concepts Coming to Katella Commons
- 02.05.26 – A Valentine’s Day Dining Guide at South Coast Plaza
- 02.05.26 – Hands-On Science Takes Center Stage in 2026
- 02.01.26 – Ralph Lauren Brings Shopping and Ralph’s Coffee Together in Newport Beach
- 01.31.26 – What’s Next at The CAMP
- 01.31.26 – Napa Rose to Reopen Feb. 6 at Disney’s Grand Californian
- 01.19.26 – Georgia’s Marks The Wiz at Segerstrom Center With a Special Family Meal
- 01.19.26 – Ignite Dance: 35 Years of Movement in Orange County
