NEP Cafe - Irvine
14346 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA
Crema's Take
“This bright, welcoming spot in Irvine excels at Vietnamese fusion cuisine that tastes like it's made with genuine care, from their standout roasted chicken congee and beef belly rice bowl to crab toast that deserves a spot on your must-order list. The fast service and vibrant atmosphere make it feel less like a casual coffee shop and more like a destination for thoughtfully prepared food that honors traditional flavors without playing it safe.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Stopped by NEP Cafe in Irvine and honestly had a great time. The vibe is bright and welcoming, the food comes out fast, and the flavors hit exactly the way you want them to. But the real surprise was the happy hour — really good 😋. Great prices, solid portions, and everything tasted fresh. Service was friendly, the space feels modern and comfortable, and it’s the kind of spot you can hang out at without feeling rushed. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area and want good food with an even better happy hour.
A great brunch spot! I tried their roasted chicken congee and beef belly rice bowl, and it was delicious. The flavors were rich and tasty, but not too much, so it was perfect. I also tried their matcha cloud latte, and was impressed by its more umami flavor. I thought it was a perfect addition to my meal. I was sat outside on the patio, so I can’t say much about their indoor ambience, but the service was great—our server was kind and attentive!
Probably the best Vietnamese food I’ve had outside of home-cooked meals - and that’s saying a lot. Everything here is consistently so good, and you can really taste the care put into each dish. I’ve tried almost everything on the menu, and there honestly isn’t a miss. The staff is incredibly kind and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. I also love this location wayyyy more - it’s spacious, nicely decorated, and has plenty of seating. Parking is easy (huge plus), and if it’s busy, you can always grab a seat at the bar. The bar area itself is beautiful and a great place to hang out while enjoying your food. Overall, amazing food, great vibes, and wonderful people. This place feels like comfort, elevated. Highly recommend!
Located in Orange County, NEP Cafe - Fountain Valley 🏡✨ is a highly popular Vietnamese fusion spot known for its vibrant menu and shareable plates. The Crab Toast 🦀🍞 stands out as a must-order appetizer, featuring sweet, delicate crab meat layered over perfectly crisp toast, offering balanced texture without feeling overly heavy. The Banh Mi Chao – Filet Mignon 🥩🔥 serves as a solid main course, with tender, juicy filet mignon presented sizzling on a hot plate, making it ideal for sharing among friends. As for beverages, the Wildberry Matcha Latte 🍓🍵 leans noticeably sweet, with the berry profile more dominant than the matcha notes, making it better suited for those who enjoy sweeter drinks. Overall 💰, the pricing is reasonable and the quality consistent, making it a reliable choice for casual gatherings and social dining.
Came during happy hour. The happy hr start from 2pm to 5pm. I've ordered Seafood ceviche, it was ok. Chicken wings (6 pcs) chicken was tendered, skin was crispy, drizzle with camelized fish sauce. It was delicious! Beef belly bánh mì chao came with bread, personally I think it's too fattening but it was good. Garlic shrimp pasta was great. All staff are friendly, fast and efficient. Great customer service. Good place to hang out with friends and family. Definitely recommend to everyone.
Crema Reviews
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