As a bustling suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Irving is home to a diverse culinary scene. From downhome Southern cooking to authentic international cuisines, foodies can find plenty of fantastic dining options in Irving.
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| The Brasserie | French | High-end brasserie fare, wine list |
| Noodle Wave | Asian | Handmade noodles, bubble tea |
| Tasty Tails | Cajun Seafood | Seafood boils, customizable |
| Spice in Rice | Burmese | Curries, tea leaf salad |
| Terra Mediterranean | Mediterranean | Shawarma, kebabs, vegetarian options |
| Tensuke Market | Japanese | Ramen bar, sushi, imported items |
| Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop | Sandwiches | Loaded sandwiches, unique options |
| Spice Fine Indian Cuisine | Indian | Traditional and modern dishes |
| Taqueria El Tacazo | Mexican | Authentic tacos, Mexican Coke |
| Urban Crust | Pizza | Artisanal pizzas, craft beers |
| Tacos Y Mas | Mexican | Late-night tacos, quesadillas |
| Cork & Pig Tavern | American | Farm-to-table cuisine, craft cocktails |
Here are 12 of the best, must-try restaurants in Irving that offer delicious flavors, creative cuisine, and unique dining experiences.
The Brasserie
Name and Location: The Brasserie is located at 180 Promenade Cir Suite 115, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 at The Oaks mall.
History and Significance: Opened in 1996, The Brasserie has been a popular upscale casual French restaurant in Thousand Oaks for over 20 years. Their seasoning is inspired by the flavors of Marseille, France.
What to Expect: The Brasserie serves French classics like coq au vin, niçoise salads, and steak frites in a casual chic atmosphere. Their wine list highlights French varieties.
Visitor Information: Open Monday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday & Saturday 11:30am-10pm, Sunday 10am-9pm. Reservations recommended. Free mall parking.
For a fine dining experience in Irving, The Brasserie is a top choice. This high-end French brasserie serves impeccably crafted dishes in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. The menu features classic brasserie fare like onion soup, escargots, and steak frites along with a solid wine list.
Standout entrées include the pan seared scallops with cauliflower purée, the boeuf bourguignon with a red wine reduction, and the roasted duck with cherry gastrique. The Brasserie is perfect for date nights, special occasions, or any time you want to savor French cuisine prepared to perfection.
Noodle Wave
Name and Location: Noodle Wave is located at 1751 Newbury Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 in the Newbury Park area.
History and Significance: Open since 2018, Noodle Wave specializes in homemade ramen and noodle dishes. Their broths are simmered for over 20 hours.
What to Expect: Diners can customize their ramen bowl with choice of broth, noodles, and toppings like pork belly or soft boiled egg. Other options include rice bowls.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11:30am–9pm. Counter ordering and takeout available. Free parking in adjacent lot.
Craving authentic handmade noodles? At Noodle Wave, guests can watch noodle chefs hard at work behind glass making various Asian noodle dishes from scratch. The Taiwanese-based eatery is best known for its signature dan dan noodles, served dry or in a spicy tangy broth and topped with braised ground pork, pickled vegetables and a soft boiled egg.
Other winners include the beef noodle soup, pan fried noodle entrées, and cold sesame or peanut noodle dishes. Freshly made bubble tea provides the perfect refreshing treat.
Tasty Tails
Name and Location: Tasty Tails is located at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E Thousand Oaks Blvd Suite 145, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
History and Significance: This small local chain of restaurants focuses on Louisiana-inspired po’boys, tacos, jambalaya, and southern comfort food. The Thousand Oaks location opened in 2014.
What to Expect: Guests can build their own po’boy sandwich or tacos choosing meats like fried shrimp, catfish, oyster, or crawfish. Spicy Cajun flavors.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11am–9pm. Order at the counter for takeout or limited seating available. Free parking at The Lakes mall.
For Cajun seafood boils, Tasty Tails is the spot. This casual eatery lets guests customize their seafood and sides for a flavorful communal-style boil. Start with your base like head-on shrimp, crawfish, snow crab legs or Dungeness crab.
Then peruse an array of add-ons like smoked sausage, corn on the cob, and red skin potatoes. Top it off with your choice of turbo-charged Cajun seasonings and sauces. Tasty Tails’ signature garlic butter sauce is highly addictive. Complete your meal with add-ons like sweet cornbread and fried Oreos.
Spice in Rice
Name and Location: Spice in Rice is located at The Oaks Mall 120B Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
History and Significance: Open since 2019, Spice In Rice brings the flavors of Indian street food to the food court at The Oaks Mall. Their dishes are inspired by the streets of Mumbai.
What to Expect: Guests can build their own bowl choosing a base like biryani or naan, protein like tikka chicken, and toppings. Other options include curries and wraps.
Visitor Information: Open during mall hours. Counter service for takeout. Located on the upper level food court at The Oaks. Free mall parking.
Located in a modest strip mall, Spice in Rice is an unassuming yet delightful spot to try Burmese cuisine. This family-owned eatery offers an array of Burmese curries, noodles, salads, and other specialties at wallet-friendly prices. Must-try items include the tea leaf salad, an iconic Burmese dish with fermented greens, tomatoes, crunchy beans, seeds and nuts tossed in sesame oil.
Another can’t miss is the chicken coconut curry with its complex flavors and tender chicken. Don’t skip the Mohinga, a comforting catfish soup with rice noodles, egg, onion, garlic, ginger and cilantro.
Terra Mediterranean
Name and Location: Terra Mediterranean is located at 3482 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
History and Significance: Family-owned Terra has been serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine in Thousand Oaks since 2005. Their recipes reflect Turkish, Greek and Lebanese traditions.
What to Expect: Guests can enjoy Turkish kebabs, stuffed grape leaves, Greek salads, and other Mediterranean specialties in a casual dining room. Outdoor patio seating available.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner. Free lot parking.
For fresh, flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, check out Terra Mediterranean. This cozy restaurant captures the vibrant flavors of the region with dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and pita sandwiches.
Crowd favorites include the chicken shawarma, gyro wraps, and kebabs straight from the open-flame grill. Vegetarians will love options like the grilled halloumi cheese, lentil soup, and veggie kabobs. Refreshing mint lemonade and strong Turkish coffee provide the perfect endings to a Mediterranean feast. The friendly staff and lively music create a joyful dining experience.
Tensuke Market
Name and Location: Tensuke Market is located at 1150 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 in The Gardens at Janss Marketplace.
History and Significance: Open since 1998, Tensuke Market is a Japanese grocery store offering authentic imported ingredients and prepared foods. Their product selection reflects Japanese cuisine.
What to Expect: Shoppers will find standard grocery items plus Japanese staples like curry, mochi, Pocky, meat, fish, noodles, and snacks. The deli offers bento boxes.
Visitor Information: Open daily 10am-8pm. Underground paid parking beneath Janss Marketplace.
Foodies looking to pick up imported Japanese grocery items, snacks and prepared food will love shopping and dining at Tensuke Market. Browse aisles filled with popular Japanese chips, candy, sodas, cooking ingredients, beauty products and more.
When hunger strikes, stop by the ramen bar for a steamy bowl of tonkotsu or shoyu ramen made fresh in-house. Other menu highlights include karaage fried chicken, sushi and sashimi bowls, udon noodles, and Japanese curry plates. With so many authentic Japanese finds, Tensuke Market is a top spot for casual Asian fare.
Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop
Name and Location: Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop is located at 3510 E Thousand Oaks Blvd Unit B, Westlake Village, CA 91362.
History and Significance: Open since 1980, Uncle Uber’s is a old-fashioned sandwich shop serving stacked classics. Their original location was in Agoura Hills.
What to Expect: Guests can build towering cold sandwiches with quality meats, cheeses, spreads, and toppings on fresh bread. Signature options include pastrami and tri-tip.
Visitor Information: Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Limited seating available with most orders for takeout. Street parking.
For over-the-top loaded sandwiches, Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop rules. As seen on Food Network and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this quirky sandwich joint piles high-quality meats, cheeses, and toppings onto fresh-baked breads.
The Uncle Uber’s Way sandwiches stand out with all the fixings like bacon, ham, turkey, three cheeses, lettuce, tomato and onion – plus their signature Sammich Sauce. Other decadent options include the pastrami-stacked New Yorker, the French Dip with tender roast beef and Au Jus, and the Texan BLT loaded with a half-pound of bacon.
Spice Fine Indian Cuisine
Name and Location: Spice Fine Indian Cuisine is located at 167 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91361.
History and Significance: Open since 1995, Spice Fine Indian Cuisine has been Westlake Village’s destination for fine dining Indian food for over 25 years. Their menu blends classic and progressive Indian cuisine.
What to Expect: Guests can enjoy traditional Indian entrees like tandoori chicken, samosas, curries as well as signature fusion dishes and exotic cocktails in an upscale atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Free adjacent parking.
Regarded as one of the finest Indian restaurants in the Dallas area, Spice Fine Indian Cuisine transports diners to exotic northern India. Elegant décor and impeccable service set the mood. Traditional dishes like biryani, tandoori chicken, saag paneer and samosas are executed masterfully.
For something more adventurous, try modern menu items like the stuffed mirchi chili pepper, duck chettinad, or goat bolognese. With an extensive menu and full bar offering specialty cocktails and Indian beers, Spice Fine Indian Cuisine makes for a memorable fine dining experience.
Taqueria El Tacazo
Name and Location: Taqueria El Tacazo is located at 3100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
History and Significance: Open since 1996, El Tacazo has been serving authentic Mexican street food and flavors in Thousand Oaks for over 20 years. Their recipes reflect central Mexico.
What to Expect: Guests can order tacos, burritos, tortas, and other Mexicanspecialties to enjoy in the casual dining room or for takeout. Generous portions.
Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-10pm. Limited free parking in adjacent lot. Cash only. Order at the counter.
When craving authentic tacos, Taqueria El Tacazo hits the spot. This no-frills taco shop slings made-to-order tacos, burritos, tortas and other Mexican fare at bargain prices. Tacos come stuffed with your choice of meats like al pastor, chorizo, carne asada, lengua, and more.
Other favorites include the Barbacoa tacos with succulent beef cheek meat and the Tacos Campechanos with steak, chorizo and bacon. After your tacos, grab a Mexican Coke and some elote to complete your meal. For authentic tacos in a casual setting, Taqueria El Tacazo is the place to be.
Urban Crust
Name and Location: Urban Crust is located at 100 N Moorpark Rd Suite B, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 in Janss Marketplace.
History and Significance: Opened in 2009, Urban Crust brought artisanal pizza, craft beer, and wine to Thousand Oaks. Their pizzas are made with organic, seasonal ingredients.
What to Expect: Guests can enjoy thin-crust pizzas with inventive topping combinations along with craft brews and wines in an industrial modern setting. Lively atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for dining in. Free parking in Janss Marketplace garages.
Urban Crust brings artisanal pizza to Irving in a sleek, modern setting. This pizza joint uses hand-tossed dough, quality cheeses and farm-fresh toppings to create unique flavor combinations. Customer favorites include The Greeks pie with spinach, artichokes, kalamata olives and feta cheese; the Prosciutto Pear Pizza; and the fan favorite Chicken, Goat Cheese and Arugula.
Urban Crust also offers hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and weekly lunch specials. Gluten-free crust is available to accommodate dietary needs. With its top-notch pizzas and craft beers, Urban Crust offers a great night out.
Tacos Y Mas
Name and Location: Tacos Y Mas is located at 3901 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91362.
History and Significance: This local family-owned chain of taquerias has served authentic Baja California-style tacos and burritos since 1996. Their Westlake Village location opened in 2010.
What to Expect: Guests can build tacos and burritos with high quality meats like carne asada, carnitas, chorizo, shrimp, and fish. Salsas, guacamole, and desserts made daily.
Visitor Information: Open daily 10am-9pm. Order at the counter for takeout or limited seating available. Free parking in lot.
When late-night munchies hit, head straight to Tacos Y Mas for Texas-sized tacos open until 3am daily. This casual Mexican eatery dishes out award-winning tacos, quesadillas, tortas and burritos in colossal portions for cheap prices.
Giant breakfast tacos make for the perfect morning wake-up call. But Tacos Y Mas really shines once the sun goes down, slinging fresh, hot tacos and specialty late-night munchies into the early morning hours. It’s the perfect spot for a pit stop after a night out.
Cork & Pig Tavern
Name and Location: Cork & Pig Tavern is located at 1964 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
History and Significance: Opened in 2014, Cork & Pig brings elevated American comfort food and craft beers and cocktails to Thousand Oaks in a lively tavern setting.
What to Expect: Guests can enjoy sandwiches, flatbreads, shared plates and entrees with a southern flair. Extensive beer list with 30 taps. Nightly specials.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for dining in. Free lot parking. Happy hour specials.
For farm-to-table American cuisine and craft cocktails, check out Cork & Pig Tavern. Located inside the Nylo Hotel, this hip gastropub focuses on simple, quality ingredients in creative preparations. Small plates like the pillowy gougeres cheese puffs, duck fat fries and bacon-wrapped dates make for perfect starters.
Signature wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and hearty mains like the whiskey-soaked smoked pork chops round out the menu. With its cozy fireplace dining room, patio and creative seasonal cocktails, Cork & Pig Tavern is Irving’s go-to spot for artisanal fare and drinks in a stylish setting.
Conclusion
From ramen shops to Indian fine dining, Irving’s diverse culinary landscape has something to satisfy every palate. Foodies can embark on an international flavor tour of noodle joints, taquerias, Mediterranean cafes and more without ever leaving the city.
Trendy craft cocktail bars and modern eateries also offer quintessential urban dining experiences. Whether you want comfort food, ethnic cuisine or artisanal flair, you’ll find Irving dining both exciting and delicious. Use this list to guide your exploration of Irving’s top 12 must-try restaurants.