House of Cedar - Lebanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Irvine

My review is long overdue, and this place deserves all the best! Went here a few weeks ago. It's inside of a Smart Kitchen amongst at least 10 other restaurants. There's plenty of tables and benches out front to eat on, but don't expect this to be a dine-in sit down spot. I ordered a few plates off their menu because I was so eager to try it. Reading the other reviews and seeing pics I could tell this place was legit! I live in Santa Monica and wish this restaurant was closer. The food is extremely clean and delicious! Everything was so fresh and the portions are perfectly sized. You can tell everything is homemade. My favorite thing about House of Cedar is that it isn't your typical greasy fast food pick up. It's easy to tell everything is made with love and care. I went overboard and ordered kibbeh, beef shawarma (the only place I've ever been that uses filet mignon!!!! One of the most expensive premium cuts, no fat, just melt in your mouth delicious meat), chicken soup, lentil soup, and a chicken shish-tawouk plate (white meat seasoned chicken breast) -- all for myself, and I've never been so pleased! The owner was welcoming and such a pleasant person to speak to, he filled me in on all of the details pertaining to each dish and even recommended some special tweaks to a few of the dishes to tailor them to my liking. (Like adding French fries to the beef shawarma - Arabic style). I promise I'll take more pictures next time I was just too busy eating to remember! When I say the food is extremely delicious, I mean it, I'm still craving that filet mignon beef shawarma (almost on a daily), and I can't wait to go back and get some more!!! Wishing the owner continued success and hoping they get their own brick and mortar soon enough! It’s easy to tell this restaurant uses quality ingredients, from the top notch cuts of meat to the freshest vegetables. I applaud the owner for taking pride in his restaurant and not using subpar ingredients like most of the other restaurants do, not to mention the majority of Arabic restaurants.If you want good food that won’t give you a stomachache and will leave you feeling fresh and guiltless afterwards make sure you visit this establishment. Health is wealth, and the Mediterranean diet is so coveted, but if you aren’t using quality ingredients it doesn’t make a difference. This place checks all the boxes, ingredients are QUALITY, portions are perfect, food is delicious and it melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more. Keep up the good work...

I was craving mediterranean after work and found this place nearby. It's located in an unassuming business park, in Suite F called "Smart Kitchens."

More of a takeout place, but there is seating outside if you're hungry (I was).

The owner(?) or cook here was great! I called to confirm my online order went through; then placed another order once I got there because I also wanted try their soup. I felt bad to make him go back and prep another order, but he was gracious and didn't mind despite it being 7:30pm!!

Everything was delicious! And looked ridiculously good when I took a photo :)

Beef kofta plate with garlic sauce: This really hit the spot. Came out piping hot and everything was fresh. The garlic sauce, kofta, rice and salad were all delicious! I just wish their salad portion was bigger, but it's understandable due to the design of the takeout container.

Chicken soup: So good and tastes like something home cooked with a tomatonsoup base. Very hearty. Just the right amount of salt.

Lentil soup: Just a little too salty, but...

The Lebanese food we’ve been searching for since our old favorite Lebanese restaurant in Lake Forest closed. We ordered Shishi Yawook, probably the juiciest and tender chicken in town, and the combo platter, also juicy and flavorful. This place knows how to cook and serve food with delicately balanced complex flavor. The hummus and the garlic sauce also creamy and fresh, best representing the respective core ingredients. And the Tabouli is a must item to order, zesty fresh blend of fresh parsley and tomato! The service and atmosphere is unknown since the restaurant is essentially a kitchen and no at restaurant dining option, but I was told there are benches outside for picnic-style. Nevertheless,...