Nep Cafe - Irvine

Review summary

1. C

   Cecilia

   Orange County

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Delicious food and great service. We will come back again.
   

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2. Z

   Zion

   Orange County

   14 reviews

   5.0

   14 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   We dined at NEP Cafe with a group of eight, and I was impressed from the start. I made the reservation the day of and was surprised (and grateful) that they had a table ready for us on such short notice. The ambiance was fantastic—modern, lively, and inviting. The 360-degree bar top was a standout feature, and I’m already planning to sit there next time. As for the food? Easily some of the best Vietnamese fusion I’ve ever had—if not the best. The flavors were bold, unexpected, and downright delicious. They weren’t the typical profiles I’m used to, but in the best way possible. The highlights for me were the Salted Egg Yolk Pasta, Beef Tongue Fried Rice, and the Com Ga Roti. I could order those again and again, but with such a creative menu, I’m tempted to explore more next time. NEP Cafe is a gem and yet another win for Kei Concepts. It feels like they’re building an empire of amazing dining experiences, and so far, they haven’t missed. Highly recommend!
   

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3. H

   Hans Christian

   Orange County

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 31 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Came few mins late still seated us all good was good server super nice and helpful
   

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4. J

   Jennifer

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 23 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything we ordered was delicious and they all came out in a timely manner and was sizzling hot. The cocktails are yummy and strong
   

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5. E

   Edward

   Orange County

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 23 December 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   This is an Asian fusion restaurant with very good food and modern decor although the high noise level makes normal conversation a bit difficult.
   

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6. J

   Julie

   VIP

   Orange County

   35 reviews

   5.0

   35 reviews

   Dined on 22 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This place has become our go-to breakfast/brunch/lunch spot. The food is always tasty and the service is consistently good. The reservation is almost a must. Otherwise, you will have to wait for a long time.
   

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7. J

   Judy

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 22 December 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Been here once before when it first opened, food is innovative and ambience is trendy. Staff are super nice. I got the shrimp pasta with the salted egg sauce, looks delicious, picture perfect, however it’s too rich, not in my 20/30s anymore. Similar response on the egg coffee, tasted good at first sip but I truly cannot finish more than a third. Strange to say, but think Im too old for this place!
   

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8. A

   Andrew

   Orange County

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 20 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Pretty good everything was great, I would say the area is okay but restraunt is nice
   

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9. R

   Reece

   Orange County

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 19 December 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   The food and drinks at this restaurant was very good but the customer service was lacking. The quality and speed of the food were great but the waiters, servers and bussers weren't it. I came in with my team of 7 for a holiday lunch and i was surprised the staff wasn't as warm or welcoming. Nobody greeted us, the server didn't introduce themselves or offer any recommendations and we had to wave down our server a few times to refill our waters. For most of us it was our first visit here and I was very put off by the staff. Luckily their food is good, if not I wouldn't bother trying this place out. I've tried other Kei Concepts restaurants and this one, specifically the Irvine location didn't move me. Retrain your staff and emphasize the time of the year. People are going out of their way and treating their coworkers/staff to nice lunches and they chose your restaurant. Please make it an enjoyable experience so they want to come back or even refer your restaurant to others.
   

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10. N

    Nao

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 18 December 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 1

    I liked the food and the service but it was tooooooooo loud…. I mean I can’t barely hear what my friend was saying… we had to basically yell and talk… cannot enjoy dinner at all…
    

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