Athletic-Minded Traveler

Located on the water at Lido Peninsula, the Grill features seafood cooked every which way. While both the lunch and dinner menus offer up a few non fishy items, if you are not a seafood fan, we suggest you look elsewhere.

Breakfast, breakfast, breakfast. That's the reason to visit this roadside diner type establishment with a beachy feel (the beach is right across the street!). Tables and booths are seating options inside and there is a patio for outdoor eating. The menu covers all the breakfast basics plus offers a number of more sensible, healthy options. Portions are big and lunch choices are also plentiful.

Located at the Irvine Spectrum Center, this Corner Bakery is a fast and casual eatery that offer a quick, tasty and fresh meal option. The atmosphere is friendly, bright and contemporary. Order at the counter and grab a table.

Every Thursday about 50 farmers show up to sell their goods at this open-air certified farmers' market that is located in the parking lot of the Orange County Fairgrounds. On weekends the same space hosts an 1,100 merchant strong swap meet. It covers 20 acres and there are 4 miles of walking aisles. Farmers' also sell their goods here too.

Gelson's is a SoCal, upscale supermarket that caters to a persnickety shopper with its high-end everything. The European style bakery serves up espresso and fine coffees along with the sweet stuff. The seating area allows for in store noshing and comes complete with a cozy fireplace. Plenty of prepared and ready to go food awaits! This location has seating both inside and outside.

This Sunday market is big and busy. Along with the fresh produce, tamales, popcorn, baked goods, food trucks even live music are here.

Sundays 10a-2p rain or shine. ** On the first Sunday of the month the market opens at 8a to accommodate the Groves Antique Market

Free parking. 

This hippy, healthy eatery is truly offbeat and fun. Located at the LAB anti-mall, the coffeehouse styled space has plush chairs along with, mismatched wooden chairs, eclectic artwork, vintage knickknacks and antiques all over the place, ethnic rugs hanging from the brightly colored walls and warm lights. There's even an outdoor patio with plants, trees and a fountain. The menu is diverse with plentiful options for healthy eaters. It's laid back and casual.

Located in the parking lot of the Marketplace Shopping Center (Bridge Road and Campus Dr.), this market features about 70-100 vendors as well as an arts and crafts fair. It's the OC's largest market and as a result there are plenty of prepared eats for those looking to browse and nosh.

This vegetarian market and restaurant is a refuge for those with special dietary needs. Along with the kitchen's BIG menu, Mother's also sells personal care items, supplements, organic produce and grocery staples. The small caf

Native Foods serves vegetarian and vegan fare, but that does not mean everything is super healthy. The fusion style menu features flavors from all over the world and includes a number of heartier and higher calorie selections.

Despite its location at the Marketplace in Irvine, Opah is definitely not your run-of-the-mill shopping center eatery. Instead it's sleek and modern with a high energy vibe (read "scene"). But even for those just interested in a decent meal, you'll likely favor the broad seafood focused menu, outdoor patio (complete with fire pit), and separate bar area with TVs. The owner is an architect and it shows in the creative decor. Our only complaint is that many of the dishes are richly prepared. We'd like to see more simple fare.

We especially love cute and friendly cafes that serve breakfast all day--and breakfasts with gourmet flair. We're not just talking about standard diner fare of eggs, pancakes and waffles either. At this European style café with a hip coffee house atmosphere, athletic-minded travelers can feast on organic and upscale dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And it's not all frou-frou either. Burgers, burritos and comfort food await. It's order at the counter here and this location is in the Newport Hills Shopping Center.

Don't be put off by the strip mall location, because many sushi purists believe Shibucho is the best the OC has to offer. The super small space holds a sushi bar and about a half dozen tables. The menu is pretty limited too, meaning no frou-frou American style rolls. What you can count on is super fresh fish served in a no-nonsense, traditional style.
Take your pick from the fridge or simply ask the Chef to select for you. Toro, salmon, unagi, squid, etc., all very authentic. "Omakase" is the popular method here--meaning that most customers let the chef decide.

Custom built burgers with exciting and fresh toppings are what it's all about here. Vegetarians will appreciate the veggie burger and low-carb adherents can get their protein and topping in a bowl on greens! This unique and casual quick serve joint will satisfy light and hearty eaters with its very simple menu brimming with yummy protein add-ons. And each month there is a special burger. Ahi was a recent option.

TJ's offers prepared foods, produce, trail mix, energy bars and more.
Ready to go salads and sandwiches along with other goodies makes TJ's a great spot for a quick meal hit.
Open daily 9a to 9p

Locals go nuts for this fast-casual eatery. The vegan SoCal mini-chain serves up a big menu full of tasty eats in a bright and cheerful setting. The fast-casual formula means order at the counter, grab a seat and wait for your food to be brought over. Most locations are spacious and seat around 80. The décor is crisp and contemporary with blond wood floors, colorful walls, pendant lighting and high ceilings. Dine in or get it to go.

Locals go nuts for this fast-casual eatery. The vegan SoCal mini-chain serves up a big menu full of tasty eats in a bright and cheerful setting. The fast-casual formula means order at the counter, grab a seat and wait for your food to be brought over. Most locations are spacious and seat around 80. The décor is crisp and contemporary with blond wood floors, colorful walls, pendant lighting and high ceilings. Dine in or get it to go.