Rooster & Rice — Restaurant in Irvine

Allow me to set the table for you. I’ve placed an order at least once per week since R&R opened.

It is a nostalgic comfort food for me from when I moved to California and lived with my Thai family for 2 or 3 months til I could get my own place. I vividly remember having rice porridge and hat yai within the first day or 2 of arrival and it was around Christmas time so it wasn't exactly east coast cold but it was cool outside which I found warm and comforting in my new environment.

When I saw R&R opening I knew I needed to try it and from the first bite they have had a loyal customer! I have made it my go-to fun meal 1-2x per week when I don’t bring my own lunch.

Portions and great, quality of food and flavor are both consistently amazing and its something I look forward to all week. I've even had it for lunch and like a true fat boy, went back after work to take some home for dinner! Can’t recommend it enough and I've also spoken highly of them on Yelp and on my Instagram (@rosodigital). I know of at least 2 friends that saw my praise and went in to try for themselves! Its just satisfying!

The restaurant is always clean and customer service is always warm and friendly. When you visit as much as I do, you begin to develop a relationship with the team. Its not just about the food anymore, its popping in to say hi to friends! ❤️ Check these guys out. Everything is great! I do recommend the Hat Yai and...

I'm so happy this location is open now! The food is DELICIOUS - really tender and juicy chicken, flavorful sauces, fluffy rice... it's a simple, quick meal that tastes amazing but still feels healthy. I got the Original and the popcorn chicken and loved both. Also, parking is easy and the service was efficient and friendly, so basically I think I've found my new regular lunch spot.

Side note - They had a really cool balloon arch for their grand opening, and the inside in general is on point (clean, good decor, and the mural on the wall is soo cool how it incorporates all the big landmarks/"symbols" of OC). Seems random to mention these things, but I personally love when restaurants/businesses show this level of careful thought and fine-tuned detail because you just know that it translates over into the quality and care of their food, how they run the kitchen, etc. Can't wait to come back, I'm craving their popcorn chicken...

This restaurant is a staple in the Bay Area and I am so excited they have come to So Cal!

This is primarily a take out place but there are a few seats outside if you are not taking your meal to go. The restaurant is clean as are the tables outside. The decor is fun and inviting! The staff is super friendly and greets you as you walk through the door. They know their menu and are happy to help you order should you need suggestions.

The food is soooo fresh and delicious. The cutlet and popcorn chicken are perfectly coated and crispy! Not dry at all!!! The original is also super tender! The side sauces make the dish extra yummy but totally not necessary as the meat has good flavor on its own. The rice…. Yes the rice… I can eat a whole bowl of that yummy rice!

All in all a hit and I...