The garlic chicken sandwich alone gives this place five stars. It is a little toasted piece of heaven. Since I also wanted to try the Vietnamese sandwich special, I ordered the 5 inch version of each sandwich for only $3.60 each. In retrospect, the Vietnamese sandwich would have probably tasted better cold because of the cold cut meats. But, the garlic chicken was my favorite of the two. The chicken was juicy and tender and the garlic sauce was quite creamy and almost cheese-like. I should note that the garlic is pretty strong and your breath will probably stay that way for a while. My only regret is getting the larger 9 inch garlic chicken instead of two different 5 inches. I would definitely come here again for the chicken sandwiches, but if you're looking for good, cheap bánh mì, I would stick to Lee's on the other side of the mall. read more

9 inch chicken eggplant feeds two people for $7!!!! Ask for their amazing garlic sauce on side to avoid getting it drenched and dabble some siracha sauce for an extra kick! Next time I am trying the chicken broccoli mushroom!! read more

I stopped in with a coworker today for a quick lunch. The restaurant is really small and you order at the counter. We both enjoyed the chicken dijon sandwich on baguette with artichokes - yummy! The staff was super friendly too. read more

Le Diplomate Cafe is a small shop with delicious sandwiches. They have great prices and are conveniently located near UCI. Occasionally you may have trouble finding parking, but there highly recommend making a stop here. read more

ahhhhh le dip, it was where my bf took me on our first lunch date 2 years ago because he didn't have a car. but long before i met my bf, i've fallen in love with le dip's sandwiches. i used to come here a lot for lunch back in high school because it was a nice and healthy place to eat at as opposed to in n out, taco bell, del taco, kfc, and cha for tea in the area. the sandwiches are always made to order and always fresh and delicious. you can call in the order 10 mins before you get there and they'll have it ready for you. i love their garlic chicken sandwich with sriracha on the side, and the bf's favorite is the turkey supreme. you can't really go wrong with anything actually. the price is pretty cheap, and the service is fast. definitely try this place out if you haven't already! read more

I've been coming here since I was a freshman at UCI and now after a year of being graduated, I still come here on my lunch breaks just to eat their sandwiches. My go to sandwich here is the chicken cordon bleu... It's just so freaking delicious! I also love how it's a hole in the wall kind of place but it get's really crowded during lunch and dinner time. Definitely will continue coming here for years to come! read more

This is one of the many things I miss since leaving Irvine. Their sandwiches are affordable for college students and they taste great! I've been there numerous times but my all time favorite has to be the Chicken Broccoli and Mushroom (with garlic sauce) with the Chicken Dijon as a close 2nd. Both sandwiches were made with freshly baked baguette and filled with garlic sauce and goodness. Make sure you add a bit (or a lot :D) or Sriracha sauce, it mixes really well with the garlic sauce. read more

Not sure how I haven't written a review on this place, I go here all the time. My favorites are the chicken garlic eggplant, and the brie melt. They are warm and toasty, and always delicious. By far one of my favorite sandwich shops in the OC. read more

Their special Garlic Sauce is to die for, been coming here for years and never been disappointed. Not trying to be petty but when in a rush that isn't too great. read more

I visited this place for the first time a few days ago. I walked in about 7:00pm, right after hittin the gym. The place was packed. Every table was full, and people were sitting outside. What did I miss? How come I didn't know about this place sooner??? So frustrating! I've been missing out on these tasty sandwiches... Anyway, I ordered the chicken broccoli mushroom sandwich with the garlic sauce. I didn't eat it there, since there was nowhere for me to sit! So, I just took it home. That's all I ordered. Just the sandwich - no chips, no drink, nada. Had to get straight to the goods. So my sandwich: it was warm, gooey, and just delicious!!! If you order a 9-inch size like I did, they cut it in half for you, which is nice, so you can give one half to your significant other, the bum on the street (wait there are no observable bums in Irvine!), or you can do like I did and devour the whole thing while your little 12-pound dog gives you sad eyes. So back to the sandwich: I liked it, but I didn't LOVE it. It was tasty, it hit the spot, and the bread was to die for (like everyone else says). I only have one caveat, which is the chicken pieces were way too big, and they had that boiled chicken flavor which I didn't enjoy too much. If it weren't for the garlic sauce, the chicken, I'm guessing, might have been bland. Anyway, will definitely come back and try other things on the menu. I have a lot of catching up to do apparently, since I'm the only person in Irvine who has never been here! read more

you better shape the *************** up le diplomat. I went to your shop on monday, tuesday, AND wednesday last week walking back to my truck from class and by god I was disappointed every single time! I eat more le dip than anyone else who has reviewed your shop. I feel like my opinion counts a lot! Did you hire new staff in the kitchen? WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!?! WHATTTTT HAPPPENED L-D????? the avocado slices are super small and tucked into the corner of the sandwhich, the brie is never melted, the bacon isn't as crisp. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH read more

Pretty nice place. I always get the chicken broccoli and mushroom sandwich. It can get crowded, but the service is usually pretty quick and the food is always great. read more

Worst food I've ever had. I've never been so disappointed in my life. Super bland food, I could have made something much better at a much cheaper price. Will not ever be returning. read more

Such a super good place. Sandwiches come out pretty quick and there's quite a diverse menu of delicious sandwiches. Overall delicious sandwiches at a decent price. read more

The baguette we usually get here in the states tastes nothing like the baguette I had in France, BUT if you want a taste of what REAL baguette tastes like- Le Diplomat is the place to go. When you take a bite of the baguette, it's crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside- unlike most baguettes that are so hard you can knock someone out with it! The textures just PERFECT! This place never disappoints and I am a huge fan of the garlic chicken. I always want to try their other sandwiches, but that garlic chicken...JUST A MUST! read more

Price -- Pretty cheap, it's $4 for a 5" sandwich and $7 for a 9". Personally, the 5" fills me up just fine, so it's a good under $5 lunch place for me. They've also since stopped charging a $0.30 fee on card swipes below $7. Food -- Yes, the Chicken Broccoli Mushroom sandwich with Garlic Sauce. There's a reason everyone recommends it. It's my go-to, failsafe. I will NEVER get tired of this. Their garlic mayo sauce... if they sold it as a drink, I would buy it. Lol jk I wouldn't, but real talk, it's the closest thing to sauce perfection I've ever experienced. For the sake of variety, though, I also really like the Chicken Dijon. The artichoke pieces are unusual and make it a unique sandwich. The Chicken Eggplant is also pretty good, same thing with the eggplant, kind of unusual in a sandwich. But ultimately I always return to getting the CBM. I'm not even a spicy person but I love mine with a bit of the Sriracha in the small plastic cup containers they have out on the counter. I've also tried some of their smoothies, I wouldn't get them everytime, but they're pretty good and refreshing on especially hot summer days. Service -- The family (?) who works here is always friendly enough. There's a regular staffer who, forgive me, I'm not sure how to describe other than I think he's gay. He's always so nice and cheerful! Really brightens my day. Atmosphere -- The place doesn't look as nice as Blaze or California Gogi in the same plaza. It doesn't need to, though. Decor is sort of a gimmick that works on me if you have mediocre food or service (exhibit A: Tokyo Table), but if you're not trying to make up for anything, I'm not expecting anything. Honestly, this place is so chill and it just makes me feel very at home. Overall -- Cheap, delicious sandwiches. My favorite place to eat at UTC. Can't go wrong with any of their menu items really, but stick with the Chicken Broccoli Mushroom. read more

Hands down best lunch place in orange county. Amazing sandwiches, especially with that fresh baked bread and garlic sauce!! Recommend the chicken garlic with avocado! Give this place a shot. I really wish they'd open up a LA location. read more

This place brings me back to my uci days. The 30 minute gaps in between classes, sitting in my car thinking of what to eat, and then le diplomate comes to mind. My sandwich of choice is the chicken eggplant with feta cheese and basil with extra garlic sauce and extra toasted which makes it extra yummy. For all the eggplant haters, the chicken garlic is just about the same. And its not complete without sriracha on the side. 3 of them to be exact. White meat (good) drenched in fatty sauce (bad) sandwiched between two layers of carbs (also bad) topped with hot sauce consisting of primarily sodium (also also bad) and I wonder how I got fat in college. It comes out pretty fast in a brown paper lunch bag minus your name on it. And with that I leave on my merry way skipping back to class with the most divine sandwich in hand. read more

This place has definitely gone downhill since i first ate here back when I was in college 7 years ago. The garlic sauce is what makes the sandwich good, otherwise its just another chicken sandwich. When I went here the other day, their garlic sauce taste like mayonnaise. The strong garlic taste is gone! I was hoping to relive my college years by eating here, sorely disappointed. read more

Satisfying, scrumptious, cheap! Their sandwiches usually leave me with a garlic breath strong enough to vanquish a vampire but that's fine with me. Great to eat one half now, save another half for later, and grab a chocolate croissant for dessert. read more

I love this place! This was my go to lunch spot when I attended UCI. I love the garlic sauce. Some of my favorite sandwiches are the chicken eggplant, chicken broccoli mushroom, and the Brie melt. read more

Oh, college students. I would probably have to be starving or drunk to appreciate this place. I ordered the much hyped garlic chicken sandwich (I love garlic, BTW), and found it greasy and overly cheesy. Don't mean to hate, but I've noticed there's a lot of ratings inflation on Yelp, and this is just another offender. read more

Ok these reviews are super exaggerated. I got the chicken broc mushroom and took a few bites before having to throw it away and go to tender greens next door to get a real sandwich. There were gobs of mayo in it and the chicken is like that fake frozen cubed chicken you can get at the supermarket. I paid almost 10 dollars for a meal and really regretted it. read more

I got the Hummus Sandwich on the Mediterranean menu and it was super delicious! I also took a bite of my friend's cordon bleu sandwich, and that was also really good! The service was also quick and the workers were friendly. I will definitely be going back here. read more

my favorite is the chicken with garlic sauce and broccoli!! nothing better than a steaming hot, fresh, crusty baguette stuffed with tender chicken, broccoli (that was mushy :( !!) in a garlic sauce concocted by the God himself. service was okay. i like the area because its near cha for tea! might wanna get your order to-go though. this place is TINY with verrrry little seating last note - SRIRACHA SAUCE makes a world of difference! read more

All I have to say is their eggplant chicken sandwich and chicken dijon sandwich. Man, they are so good. Thanks Mags for bringing us here on a 73 degree weather in the OC during Christmas. It was probably one of those small finds that I would never have thought. Besides the counter guy probably being on a night of anxiety pills trying to serve us, it was just a pleasant place. Excellent sandwiches...warm and melts in your mouth. I will be back. read more

I tried the chicken dijon as my first time eating here. The bread is delicious and everything sort of melts in your mouth due to the overwhelming sauce and cheese. I couldn't taste the dijon as much as I had hoped, but it wasn't too bad. Interestingly, they provide sriracha sauce as well. It's a good place to grab a sandwich on a cool, sunny day, &I'd come again whenever in Irvinee. read more

Best sandwich place around. I've been coming here for 12+ years and love everything on the menu. The bread is what makes it exceptional. Fresh baked, always soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. I personally love the turkey supreme and the chicken garlic. read more

Delicious sandwiches at an affordable price. Great sandwiches and courteous service. Ingredients are high. Highly recommend.

Chicken broccoli mushroom with garlic sauce. Add some sriracha & it's perfect. Best if eaten right away when it's fresh & warm!!

Was in the area for an appointment and was craving a sandwich so I yelped away and headed over. I ordered the garlic chicken sandwich and although it was good... it sort of tasted like the garlic chicken Lean Pocket. I guess if I was college student on a budget, I would have more love for Le Diplomate. read more

Delicioso!!! Finally got to try this place and wasn't disappointed. I ordered half a Chicken Dijon combo which came with chips and a drink. I think it totaled to $7 or $8? Maybe more? Sandwiches are pretty small in comparison to other deli places... I found myself still hungry after half! What makes the sandwiches is the garlic sauce. Really loaded with flavor and garlic... my sandwich was basically a ton of sauce with chopped up artichokes and chicken breast. Simple but delicious. Small place so expect a wait if you come here during lunch when school is in session. Sandwiches are prepared pretty fast though. read more

Went to "Le Dip" today (Sunday) and got the chicken broccoli mushroom with garlic sauce, my husband got the garlic chicken. There was no line, although I've heard that during the day it can get pretty crazy. It's a pretty small place with a good selection of sandwiches on various sizes of baguettes. The bread is sooo good- they get it from a french bakery. It took about 10-15 minutes to get our sandwiches which were cut in half and pretty good size (we got the 9"). The garlic sauce with the cheese was amazing! All the chicken was white meat which I loved. The sauce reminded me of zankou chicken in LA... I ate the whole sandwich- it has just enough sauce to be melt-in-your-mouth yummy and I put some siracha on every bite (perfect combo). Oh, and bye the way- it says "sandwiches, vietnamese in the description but nothing is vietnamese about this place- it clearly says french bakery... read more

Having attended UCI for college, there were many places to eat in the area. One of my favorites was a little cafe called Le Diplomat. It is located in the marketplace in the central area. The best sandwich there is the Chicken Garlic Sandwich. Be prepared to have garlic breath for the entire day! This sandwich comes on soft French bread with a creamy garlic sauce, chicken and cheese. Even after graduating years ago, I still frequent Le Diplomat for those chicken garlic sandwiches! read more

Wow! Lots of garlic. Loads of wonderful flavor and melty goodness on this chicken eggplant sandwich! Little price. Not much else to say...I'm eating. YUM! read more

Update: I am addicted to Le Diplomate Cafe. Chicken bacon club is amazing. Also falafel sandwich is super good. I've had my share of falafels and this sandwich is very flavorful. Good service, sometimes crowded and super cheap. I don't know how one could think this place is even remotely pricey. read more

The line gets ridiculously long here during lunchtime and the wait time for them to serve the sandwiches is even longer sometimes. BUT, after eating here, I never ever want to eat Lee's ever again. For paying slightly more, I get to finally eat legit vietnamese sandwiches again. For one, their bread doesn't cut up your roof of the mouth, and second they offer you a choice of hot or cold sandwiches. The sandwiches are soo good, and their combo meals are a pretty good deal. read more

Love the chicken garlic especially with broccoli and mushroom. Ask for extra garlic sauce, it may be a bit much for some but it's just so good! I haven't tried any other sandwiches but only because I'm usually craving the chicken garlic whenever I choose to go to le dip. This place can get busy and packed at times so calling before hand for your order will save you a lot of time. read more

Used to love this place because of their 9in veggie sandwich for under $6...But now that they've cut back on the avocado and increased their prices, I probably won't be stopping by on the regular. Disappointed :( read more

Great sandwiches and friendly service. It can get crowded, but the service is usually pretty quick and the food is always great. I always get the chicken broccoli and mushroom sandwich. I'm glad that this is one of the few places in the UTC that has stayed in business. read more