I got takeout from here for lunch today. This is my first time here. So, I asked the cashier which is the most popular sandwhich. She recommended two. I picked the chicken and bacon sandwhich with roast garlic sauce. She also recommended the chicken and broccoli with roast garlic sauce. I asked what sizes it comes in and she said full or half. I picked half. When I first saw it, I thought it would be too small for me and would be hungry after I ate it. It was not too small for me and I was full after I finished it. It was pretty good. I also bought 3 Snapple drinks. I will definitely come back here again. read more

My favorite place! I love their food and their service. Honestly I love everything about Le Diplomate Cafe! :D Try the VN chicken, you won't regret! read more

I've been here three days in a row after a recommendation from a friend. I am absolutely in love with this place. Staff is friendly and the food is even better. Bread is nice and crunchy. I usually get the Vietnamese sandwiches and they are to die for. Get the Special w/ Pate or BBQ sandwich. Jalapeños are kill though read more

So good! You cannot get better sandwiches than this in the area! I come here occasionally whenever I visit Socal and Irvine, and I'm satisfied every single time. All of their sandwiches that have chicken and cheese are excellent! Their other sandwiches are good too, but I think their chicken sandwiches are what really distinguish them above any other sandwich shops in the area. read more

The best sandwiches around! Love the variety and everything tastes delicious. My favorite is the Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich. It's so warm and gooey! Love it here. read more

This was a staple when I went to UCI and I always try to stop by here if I'm driving by or in town. I always get the turkey supreme with garlic mayo but the chicken Dijon and chicken mushroom broccoli are other favorites. Make sure you pick up some Sriracha up front to lather all over your sandwich. Let's not forget the homemade French baguettes it comes on. It's in a shopping plaza with many food options but don't be distracted and find your way here! Then go to cha for tea for boba and popcorn chicken :) yaasssss! I'm already jealous of all you getting some now! read more

This small hole in the wall place is pretty good. Their sandwiches are great especially the ones that use the garlic mayo. It's so garlicky though that after you eat this you seriously need some mints. But very delicious. The only thing about this place is there are not that many tables to sit at and the wait sometimes can be long, but other than that it's great. The bread is always fresh too! read more

One of favorites to go to when I'm unsure where to eat. Cheap, delicious, reliable. The only complaint is sometimes they go overload on the garlic sauce but other than that everything is delicious. For first timers I recommend the chicken garlic w/ any vegetables you like. It seems to be one of the most popular there. read more

They have some realllyyy good hot sandwiches here. My colleagues and I often stop here after work to get some cheap, filling food in. My favorite is the garlic chicken sandwich for sure. I'm almost drooling right now thinking about it as I write this. Hot chicken, cooked with garlic mayo, I like to have a side of sriracha sauce with this myself. Mmmmmm! This place definitely hits the spot, even after all these years. Warning on the garlic chicken though, make sure not to order that if you're on a date! There are many more sandwiches out there that will not repulse your significant other! Really glad to see that this place is still alive despite the appearance of Lees Sandwiches nearby, In N out, and a pizza place in the plaza. It definitely does have its following. read more

I went here after seeing the amazingly high reviews for this place on yelp. Overall I thought it was pretty ordinary and it's a fairly straightforward "mom and pop" sandwich shop. It's quite small and old/ tired looking with faded menu's and faded posters on the walls. I got the garlic chicken sandwich, while my wife got the chicken dijon sandwich. The sandwich looked and tasted a bit plain as there was just chicken and cheese and no veggies. I guess I just don't quite agree with the super high reviews this place gets. But the line was out the door while I was eating there. read more

Le Diplomate Cafe - Garlic chicken sandwich. No veggies like lettuce or tomato? - Bakeries Near Me - Irvine, California

Their garlic sauce is amazing and i recommend the chicken brocoli mushroom its the best. The pastrami sandwhich is also pretty good. Overall this is a good place to eat you can do worse. read more

I have had the Garlic Chicken and Eggplant Parmasean and loved them both. Bread was great. They say it's from Vie de France (the place in South Coast Plaza). Inexpensive, Quick???, It's just a sandwich, Lots of college kids around here, Cash only, Not Healthy ..... read more

This has to be one of the best kept secrets in all of Irvine. UCI students are incredibly lucky to have this right across the street from their campus. I have been going to this place for over TEN YEARS now because of this one reason: YOU CANNOT BEAT THE VALUE. When it comes to these sandwiches, no where else will you find this high amount of quality, for the low amount of dollar you pay. I discovered this place in 2000 when I was one of the founding employees of the Trader Joe's store #111 that is located just around the corner. I would habitually take my lunch or breakfast here. Nowadays, I drive all the way from Northwood. So, next time you need groceries from Trader Joe's, drive to the University Town Center and stop by this place. Afterwards, you can even grab a comic book from Alakhazam! next door. 4 stars only because there's very little seating room. You will probably be sitting outside, so bring a jacket, or go during good weather, which is almost always in beautiful sunny southern California! Protip: My favorite thing on their menu is the Chicken Eggplant sandwich. read more

I'm always very happy with this place. I stopped in for the first time for a pre workout coffee and I wasnt disappointed. Plenty strong! I noticed a customer outside eating what looked to be a tasty sandwich, so I stopped back after my workout and grabed lunch. Since then I've been back for a variety of great chicken sandwiches and am always pleased. Parking is adequate although sometimes tough for a quick visit. Expect to do takeout if the weather isn't great, as seating indoors is lacking. read more

Had this place for the first time last week (had it back to back days actually). I must say, the quality of food with portion size and prices are unbeatable. After being unable to eat breakfast before a very early work shift, Le Diplomat is a life saver. Their chicken cordon bleu, bacon and egg, and strawberry cream cheese croissants are great. Highly recommend. 10/10. read more

Do you like fresh bread, garlic, and sandwiches? Then this is the place for you. Been open since I went to UCI (class of '09) and things haven't changed much. They have a variety of different options but the chicken, eggplant or chicken, broccoli, and mushroom are still my favorites. It's a simple, yet delicious sandwiches. Best part about is the price. Total Cost - $7 (9" sandwich) Jefe's Tip - Call in and Never Wait. Also don't forget to add Sriracha for extra flavor and heat read more

I only get one thing here: the chicken eggplant sandwich. It is hands down one of the most heavenly sandwiches I have ever had in my life. And it's RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP! Less than 5 bucks?? WHAT??? read more

easily one of my new favorite sandwich places!!! another reason i should have gone to UCI!!! is there another one of these cafes somewhere else??? some of my fave sandwiches: BLT at Grub #19 at Langers Capastrami at Capriottis chicken/broccoli/mushroom with garlic sauce at Le Diplomat Mr. Electric at Zeldas Deli. what i like about le diplomat is that their sandwiches come out pip'in hot and the bread is ever so yummy!!! and the garlic sauce is what makes it awesome!!! please come to the southbay!!! read more

Absolutely love this place! Love their sandwiches, especially the chicken broccoli mushroom and you have to get it with the garlic sauce. Trust me, it's worth the garlic breath. I came here ALL. THE. TIME. Their sandwiches got me through so many finals weeks and just whenever I wanted a quick bite that was delicious and worth the calories. I also really want to try some of their pastries but haven't had the chance to. I don't live in Irvine anymore, but I just recently went when I visited and it really brought back some great memories. Definitely worth a try and I will be coming back soon! read more

I am usually not a big fan of sandwiches, but damn son this place is BOMB!! There are a variety of sandwiches to choose from, ranging from hot to cold. I had trouble deciding what to get, so one of the workers kindly explained the different options to me :) he eventually convinced me to get the chicken sandwich with broccoli and mushroom with some garlic sauce. So delicious!!! The price is also extremely reasonable! I highly recommend trying this place out! :) read more

Nice spot in the UTC. Fresh and simple sandwiches, and a good value for a college student like myself.

amazing amazing amazing. i've beem going to le dip (as we cool hip ones call it) for the past 6 years and I haven't had a single complaint about their delicious sandwiches. first, as a mayo hater, their garlic sauce is AMAZING. it is a mayo based sauce, and I usually do without it but it's the first sandwich that i've been able to take down with the sauce. DELISH. Their bread is always buttery, perfectly toasted, and fresh. I've had almost everything on their menu and it's absolutely reasonably priced. Here are the things I would DEFINTELY reccomend for first timers: 1. chicken, broccoli, and mushroom (with lite garlic sauce, or on the side) 2. chicken eggplant (it's accompanied with feta, tomato and basil- YUM) 3. French connection cold. (great refreshing roast beef salad with brie, lettuce and tomato) 4. Turkey club (turkey, avo, bacon) 5. Vegetarian sammich (with hummus, lettuce, cucumber, sprouts, tomato and more) All their sandwiches are on their famous french breads. You must eat them right out of the toaster. the cheese melts and oozes, the bread crunches, and the inside content (for lack of better words) sings in harmony with all the different components. Even the veggie sandwich is satisfying and extremely tasty. (as a meat-eater, its sometimes hard to find sammiches like this, they are usually extremely sub-par) . You can either get 5 in or 9 inch sandwiches. If I were you, I would just go for the 9 inch. If you can't finish it, then save it for later, and you will not be disappointed. The sandwich still tastes great. Their 5 inches are about $3 and their 9 inches are about $5. You can order combos for about $1 or $2 more. If you have never been, it's definitely a place to check (better quality than the Lee's for sure!) Also, beware, it's a little packed during lunch and dinner hours. Expect a 10-15 minute wait to get your sandwich. If you want to avoid the wait, come earlier or later to avoid the lunch traffic. read more

This is my first review on Yelp, so please, be gentile. Le Diplomate, or warmly referred to as "Le Dip" by the locals and regulars, is one of my favorite places to eat in Irvine. I'm actually at a loss for words when I think about the Chicken Broccoli Mushroom Sandwich (with lite garlic sauce) they have here. When I think about it, my mind just goes blank and the picture of sandwich is all that's left in my mind, like a screen saver on a computer that's been idle for a while. Then the salivation begins. I can't tell you exactly what makes this sandwich so good, so different, so the object of my digestion. And to tell the truth, I'm not even that big of a sandwich fan, but there's something that just "works" with this sandwich. Like with all good food, no matter if you find it at the street hawker stall in India or in a 3 star michelin restaurant, components of the dish such as temperature, texture, taste, and ambiance, when fused together correctly, create a product so... -right-, it becomes memorable. Or, maybe they just sprinkle their sandwiches with crack. I think that gets the same effect as well. This place can be considered a hole-in-the-wall, if you're using Irvine standards of hole-in-the-wall (and who doesn't love a good hole-in-the-wall?). It's located in the University Center, where the clientele is made up mostly of students, university staff, and the office drones in the surrounding area. I'd recommend going when it gets dark because the tables outside are surrounded by trees with lights that adds a nice touch. If you've never been and decide to make the pilgrimage to Le Diplomat, I'd recommend you not go during lunch time when the crowd is let loose to feed. I absolutely detest lines and waiting, and if there's any area I can criticize this place for, it would be the long lines and waits during lunch time. But, you know, a small price to pay for the moment of the first bite which is pretty similar to the moment Will Ferrell has his first sip of Beer in Old School: " When it hits your lips, it just tastes so good!" Except this is a sandwich, and when I take my first bite, for a spit second, the skies open up, angels start to sing, and I start hearing opera playing in the background. Wouldn't that be the best 6 dollars you've ever spent? read more

I was recently in the area and had been passing by UCI Student center which made me think of and remember how I used to love getting sandwiches from Le Diplomate during my college days. Or more importantly , how I used to love LIVING in my college days, period. Oh, to be young and single..I mean, free again... And that's when it really hit me. Suddenly I knew, in that brief moment, I had to take this once-in-a-month-or-two opportunity to relive the fond memories of collegehood and experience once again, that long missed sensation one can only experience of warm, creamy, oozing white, garlic sauciness, filling one's mouth as it gushes out, pressing against one's lips, sometimes making it's way down one's cheek before slowly dripping all over oneself, following each relentlessly flavor packed bite that proceeds the ever gentle penetration of a long, firm yet soft, freshly baked french roll that encases the goey ooey goodness kept so tightly deep inside,as if it was lying in wait to unload all that flavor inside your mouth. Mmmmm. ya, it's that good baby. ****Less narrative review: got there around 8:50, confused the location of it for another cafe/juice bar thinking it had closed down after all these years and been replaced, only to discover 3 minutes before 9PM ( which is their closing time) that it was still there alive and well. Although they were pretty much closed for the day, the manager/owner/older gentlemen was kind enough to squeeze me in and when I later told him I hadn't been back for years and therefore really am appreciative of the last minute order, he joked about how he has to let me order then if I came back after all this time! (+bonus star) I ordered a Chicken Garlic, which is literally, meat, cheese, bread and sauce. There are alternatives with the same setup but also include broccoli or even bacon, but I realized/remembered that too late post-order. Historically, I havent really deviated much from the "garlic chicken" (literally its name on the menu) so I can't authoritatively speak on the other, many selections of sandwiches ranging from cold to hot which are available, However I can at least say this... After 2 years, the chicken garlic was just as good as I remembered.many years ago. There wasn't a slight change in taste or that spark of curiosity wondering if something is different because of a minor ingredient change or what have you. So for.consistencyy...(+star!) And although it's mostly nothing, (buh buh buuh buh Booonus round!) and likely not even his intention, his joking with me and making light of the situation gives me the impression that customer service is and will be typically above and beyond if he's there. Why? Because not for one second did he or the lovely cashier who was closing up, give me the stink eye nor acted passive aggressively to hint at being a nuisance for coming in just before closing when mostly everything had already been cleaned and ready to go. (Flawless victory +++star!) Because no one wants to be "that guy." read more

I had to check this place out based on the reviews. Came here after doing some shopping at the Farmer's Market. Had the much talked about chicken garlic sandwich - sliced chicken, cheese, and creamy garlic sauce on a baguette. I thought it was ok. It's all meat, cheese, and carbs which is tasty, but I need some veggie or cool/crisp contrast. Perhaps some tomato, arugula, or onion in the sandwich? Good deal, my 9" sandwich was $5 or so. Maybe I need to try the French Connection. read more

I was craving a chicken broccoli and mushroom sandwich with garlic sauce so I hit up Le Diplomate this afternoon. The chicken and garlic sauce was good, although it was heavy on the sauce. The bread, however, was soggy. I've had some great sandwiches here, but today you've disappointed me. To me, a 5-star rating means consistency in high quality, so I strip away one star from you. And that's the power of Yelp. read more

When my friends and I can't decide on where to go eat, Le Diplomate is our go to spot. The eggplant & chicken sandwich with garlic sauce is fantastic! The bread to meat ratio is on point and the garlic sauce is pretty spectacular. I could eat the garlic sauce on anything! I wish that the portions were a little bit bigger though. Other than that, this place a great place for a quick bite. read more

Get the garlic chicken. You won't regret it. The sandwiches come out in 5 minutes or less and they are filled with toppings and delicious ingredients! The 9 inch sub will last me the whole day for lunch and dinner and it's such a good value. read more

Something as simple as the vegetarian sandwich (just a few veggies and mayo/mustard) is amazing and very hard to imitate. It's very cheap and right across from campus so all you youngins walk your ass to UTC and get yourself a le dip sandwich! I recommend the NY Liaison, Chicken/broc/mushroom is a popular pick, I love the eggplant parmesan... basically I haven't heard of a bad sandwich at Le Dip... so try whatever you want and don't forget to pile on that sriracha and garlic sauce. nom nom nommmmm! mention yelp and get a discount on a 9" ;) read more

I used to walk through this area when i wasn't lazy and i would walk from Ambrose to campus. I can't say that im a big fan of this sure it's better than lee sandwiches just a few spots down. I' ve had a few of the sandwiches and i've just been disappointed, I might be the only one because my friends would want to come here a lot. The owner is real nice and provides pretty good customer service. read more

So I'm basically writing to confess... I'm a born again Le Dip'er. Until today It's been about 2 years since my first and only experience at Le Dip and I really didn't understand what all the hullabaloo was about. I think my experience was ruined because a friend had ordered it for me and didn't know I can't stand mayo so I unhappily ate it but just wasn't impressed. Well folks, today I yelp before you that I completely take back any and/or all ill feelings towards this fine establishment. Basically, I wish I could go back in time (2yrs to be exact) and re-live those lost Le Dip'ing years *tear*. But I can't so I'll have to make them up. These sudden turn of events can rightly be blamed on one thing... a culprit known amongst many a fans as the broccoli, mushroom, chicken, brie, w/ garlic sauce on THE SIDE. To re-live the sensation of about 30min ago might cause heart palpitations so I'll just say in no simple terms the feeling was like the first time biting into a "gourmet" Hot Pocket on crack (if there ever were such a thing). It was warm a nice crunch (not a "cut the inside of your mouth" lee's sandwich crunch) but still soft between the goods. The brie provided a nice mellow, velvety, stringiness that is un-parallel to our current sandwich industry standards (who should take note). To me the garlic sauce is good in moderation (i know many disagree but I really really really can't stand mayo). The mushrooms and broccoli were steamed perfectly because they still had that little crunch which really took it to that next level. The chicken was large pieces of all lean juicy white meat (some circles would just say pieces of "rhett"). It really was the perfect sandwich. read more

Eat It OR Beat It? **EAT IT!!** Le Diplomate Cafe's space and location is very deceiving. Had I not known about this little place through Yelp, I would've easily walked past the place. The bread is so soft and anything garlic on the menu is delicious! The chicken, brocolli, and mushroom sandwich is my favorite! CONCLUSION: If you're a UCI student, more than likely you know what's up! If not, I suggest coming here. The sandwiches are delicious and is definitely in my Top 3 alongside Earl of Sandwich and Mendocino Farms! So, I say EAT IT!!! read more

THE BEST Sandwich ever in life. Bacon chicken club or broccoli mushroom with extra garlic sauce are my jams. Nothing like it anywhere else!

I love Le Dip! I used to come here all the time in hs and it never gets old. Every sandwich that I've had from here has been delicious. My favorite is their chicken dijon sandwich. It's the perfect amount of garlic and artichoke. My sister loves getting their BLT because they really load up on the bacon. There's always a line so you know it's good. read more

After looking through the yelp reviews here, I decided to give the chicken, broccoli, mushroom sandwich a try and it was delicious. I always get their garlic sauce with it and it makes the sandwich even better. read more

i do not miss sprinting across uc irvine's big ass campus, perpetually running behind 10 minutes. i do not miss staying up till 4 am, due to horny dorm mates humping like rabid bunnies in the room next to me. and i surely do not miss finals, tests, and the stress that comes with college. but my, oh my, i DO MISS my le diplomate sandwich. drooooool. their hefty sandwiches are sure to satisfy, with the fresh baguette, and YOUR choice of meat inside, slathered with their magic garlic sauce. i usually get the chicken garlic sandwich here. DO NOT SHARE. don't even pretend your hungry ass is gonna be in a sharing mood, not with this rectangular delectable mound of goodness in front of you. the chicken is moist and savory, and the garlic sauce-when the amount is right, makes your taste buds rejoice. literally. after the first bite of this holy trinity of flavors, you will ogle the steam that wafts slowly from the breasted chicken- so you will take in the experience through sight, taste, and sound. i salivate while i write this review. i reminisce. i might even make the 40+ mile trek down to irvine, just for my little tastebuds. yes...i just might do that.... on a side note: they have a charge if you use card, so save the hassle and bring cash. also- their breakfast ham and cheese croissant is delicious, nice, and fatty, just the way it should be. choose your poison. read more

My Irvine friends (and Irvine visitors) always talk about "Le Dip"...little did I know that it stood for Le Diplomate! Located right across the street from UCI, this Vietnamese sandwich place is a happening spot! Last time I got the BLT and didn't get the wow-factor, but this weekend, I finally got to try the CHICKEN BROCCOLI MUSHROOM sandwich! To be honest, even though I'm not picky on veggies, the sandwich did not sound too appetizing by the name. However, when I bit into the Panini pressed bread, it was GAME. OVER. Creamy white sauce oozing out of the hot bread...I wish I had another one right now! It reminds me of a chicken alfredo sauce pasta in a Panini-pressed bread...so yummy. Now I know why this place is popular--I'll be back!! read more

Its a rite of passage to be a student at UCI or live in Irvine and try out Le Diplomate. This place seems to be an Irvine secret as everyone goes here because they have always been going. I was taken by one of those people on my very own rite of passage. Yes, I have been living in Irvine for almost 5 years...this visit was LONNNNG overdue. I came for lunch at around 1pm. A little after the whole lunch rush, but when a business is across a college campus, the whole standard lunch time/dinner times just don't apply. In other words...it was CROWDED. This is one of those establishments that is immune to bad economies. People love good food..and at $5 for a 9 foot gourmet sandwich...well...why aren't you rushing out? I got a broccoli/mushroom/chicken sandwich with garlic sauce. Apparently garlic sauce is the best thing there. Can't leave without trying it. I was worried that the sandwich would be too thick and heavy without any greens or more veggies. I was wrong. The sandwich was amazing. The garlic sauce was not thick or heavy (but you will need gum after). People do compare this place to Lee's but I think they are aiming at different things. Lee's is cheaper..but they aren't exactly serving the kind of sandwiches Le Diplomate is. I thought this place was French..but I was wrong about that too. Turns out to be a Viet sandwich place as seen by banh mi on the menus. Now I know why so many people rush to this place at lunch. read more

If you're not going to Cha for Tea, you're probably going to Le Diplomat. Any sandwich with their garlic sauce is a must, just be prepared for the consequences: garlic breath!!!!!!!! read more

Their sandwiches are so damn good. The only sad part is that I can only eat here when I feel like letting myself go. Chicken Eggplant & Chicken Broccoli Mushroom both the garlic sauce are da BOMB, forreal. read more