NEP Cafe - Irvine

NEP Cafe - Irvine

14346 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604, United States

+1 949-527-6533

Restaurant
(433)
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About This Place

NEP Cafe in Irvine is a vibrant gem for lovers of contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. Nestled conveniently at 14346 Culver Dr, this restaurant crafts a unique dining experience that marries traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern culinary creativity. From the moment you step in, the atmosphere buzzes with energy—a perfect balance between casual comfort and lively social dining that invites conversation and shared plates.

The menu is a thoughtful exploration of Vietnamese classics elevated with fresh, dynamic twists. Standouts like the Banh Mi Chao, featuring tender filet mignon enveloped in crispy bread, deliver a perfectly indulgent bite that satisfies without overpowering. The Beef Tongue Fried Rice is a textural delight, rich with savory depth and an unexpected yet welcome richness that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Fans of seafood will rejoice over the Seafood Ceviche and Crab Toast, both expertly balanced between freshness and bright, zesty notes. The Fish Garlic Noodles offer an aromatic, garlicky punch interwoven with tender seafood that’s both comforting and exciting.

Beyond these signature dishes, NEP Cafe surprises with innovative beverages that extend the dining experience into a full sensory journey. Their selection of Vietnamese coffees is truly exceptional—each cup a carefully crafted masterpiece. Whether indulging in the bold richness of the Vietnamese Black Coffee or delighting in the luxurious creaminess of the Coconut Ube Coffee, guests will find their coffee game elevated to new heights. The creative egg foam toppings and the layering of flavors in drinks like the Sea Salt Vietnamese Coffee and Matcha Cloud Latte offer a unique interplay of textures and tastes, perfect for both avid coffee aficionados and curious newcomers.

Hospitality at NEP Cafe enhances the experience even further. Guests repeatedly note the warm and attentive service that guides them expertly through the menu’s enticing options. While some have found the space lively to the point of background noise, this spirited atmosphere contributes to the genuine, communal vibe that defines the cafe. The kitchen’s consistency shines through in dishes like the wonderfully crisp yet tender Chicken Wings drizzled with caramelized fish sauce and the decadently creamy Mango Sticky Rice, which provides a sweet finish that feels like a reward for the senses.

NEP Cafe is more than just a place to eat—it’s an invitation to celebrate Vietnamese cuisine in all its flavorful, aromatic glory with a modern edge. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal, an adventurous coffee experience, or a lively spot to connect with friends, NEP Cafe delivers on every front with passion and precision. It’s easy to see why so many patrons leave not just satisfied but eager to return for another round of their favorite dishes.

Contact & Location:
14346 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604
Phone: +1 949-527-6533

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great cocktails Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet Assistive hearing loop Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Healthy options Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists Transgender safe space
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
  • Thursday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    09:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    09:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Christine D
    1 month ago

    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.

  • Ziling Mai
    2 month ago

    Service, food, ambience is all there. The servers were extremely nice. We went on a Sunday and the wait wasn’t too long. Everything we ordered was delicious. My favorite has got to be either the “Beef Tongue Fried Rice” or the “Fish Sauce Chicken Wings” we also ordered the “Spicy Wontons” but it was nothing much to rave about. As for the “Garlic Noodle With Shrimp” is wasn’t what I expected but not in a bad way. It is nothing like your traditional garlic noodle. It has a heavy gingery taste similar to a Chinese Lobster Noodle dish. Like I said it wasn’t a bad thing just not what I expected but still a good try.

  • Isaac L
    2 month ago

    Nep offers a fantastic contemporary take on Vietnamese cuisine. The dishes were excellent and very well-executed. I was also really impressed by their selection of flavored Vietnamese coffees—they are unique and delicious! The only downside was our waiter, who wasn't very friendly or welcoming. Great food, but the service could definitely use some improvement

  • Vijay Patel
    2 month ago

    We were visiting our friends in Newport Beach and were craving some Vietnamese food. Our friends suggested this cafe in Irvine, only 7 miles from Newport Beach . This was an amzing experience, all the dishes were great , loved the Calamari very tender . Service was also very attentive . The place is a little loud, only drawback as hard to carry out a conversation. Would definitely go again .

  • Yang
    3 month ago

    10/10 experience here at NEP Cafe! We got the Crème brûlée Vietnamese coffee (elite) and the egg coffee (also delicious)! James, our waiter, was incredibly kind and helpful in navigating the menu and we ended up getting 3 incredible apps. The seafood ceviche, shrimp salad, and crab toast. All 3 were phenomenal but the shrimp salad was truly special. I wouldn’t have gone for it if it weren’t for James’ suggestion, 10/10 would recommend! It’s so refreshing, light, and flavorful and pairs really well with the butteriness of the crab toast. We were celebrating my partners birthday as well and James took care of us well. Thank you NEP & James for a wonderful birthday experience!

  • Pauline Steele
    3 month ago

    Our party of 7 made a reservation on a Friday night and I highly recommend making a one regardless of your party size. Located in a plaza that shares a parking lot with many other establishments. Even though there seemed to have a lot of spots, it was completely packed. Our server was attentive. She gave us the option to either stagger the dishes or bring them all out at once. We did family style for food and we were all stuffed by the end of the meal with no leftovers. I was very impressed with every single dish! Each one was unique and I would definitely get all of these again. I recommend doing family style so you can try out several dishes. -Beef Carpaccio ($16): thinly sliced American wagyu; I enjoyed the flavor of the beef along with the herbs and peanuts -Squid and Mango Salad ($17): served with large sesame rice crackers -Crispy Calamari ($17) -Chicken Wings ($16): came with 7-8 pieces -Whole Branzino ($49): served with another plate filled with about 4-5 wrap set and perfectly cut vermicelli; loved this dish! -Vietnamese Shaking Beef ($26): tender and flavorful meat served with rice -Beef Tongue Fried Rice ($21) -Bun Bo Hue Dry Noodles ($19) -Seafood Tom Kha Pasta ($22): needed to try this dish since it was a new dish. Enjoyed the shrimp and squid. Loved the spiciness! -Garlic Noodle with Charred Shrimp ($20) Overall: Great, unique dishes— order several dishes for family style. Make a reservation! Would love to come back again.

  • Roya Bebe
    4 month ago

    Quarter roasted chicken leg with sticky rice & veggies for garnish (& eating, dont waste) all for $19 at lunch time!!! Their food is truly unique, tasty, the presentation is an art. 5 stars. The chicken was so juicy & flavorful. I love coming here

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