I recently visited Yu Garden and had an OK experience. As a long time customer, I was greeted by Tracy who is their head waitress. I got a 3 items combo to go and she's the one that gives the largest portions. I am amazed at how much she rememebers about me as I haven't been back in a few months. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Some of the top menu items I recommend are the soup dumplings (xiao long bao), spicy wontons, and beef noodle soup. Since I got these to go, it was easy to pack up and share with family. Parking was convenient since it's located in the same shopping plaza as Ranch 99. Even with a large shared parking lot, it was still easy finding a space. They prefer that you use cash but you can also use a credit card but just pay extra for the transaction fee. read more

This is a great quick service dining restaurant for authentic Chinese food. The food choices are plentiful from chicken, to beef, to pork, to fish as well as vegetables. It is only 9.99 for two dishes plus rice or congee. The restaurant is small but the line is usually for takeout. Service is extremely fast when dining in and the workers are very polite. One of the workers has phenomenal memory, she always remember us when we come even if has been a while. Great option for a fast tasty dinner! read more

Yu's Garden - Chicken and veggie - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

My new favorite casual dining spot. I love how everything is precooked, so you get to pick and choose what you want. There were so many items to choose from. Dinner is only $10 for two items with rice. Service is fast and friendly. There was tea and rice waiting on the table for us by the time we were done ordering. Can't wait to come back! read more

Yu's Garden - Pig ear and Hainan chicken - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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My friend introduced me to this place, and it has become a staple in my weekly diet ever since! They offer a 2-item combo for $10.50 and a 3-item combo for just $11.50 per plate, available Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM. Each plate comes with a side of rice, and the best part is that when you dine in, they also serve a side of tea with your meal. Ordering might be a bit hectic at first. Head to the deli-style counter to choose your sides and entrees. The friendly staff will be eager to take your order, so let them know what you want. Keep in mind that their default service is for takeout, so make sure to specify if you'd like to dine in or take it to go.The ambiance of the store has greatly improved since their move to a new location within the same plaza, now situated on the opposite side near 99 Ranch Market. If you are looking for a quick and affordable sit-down meal during your lunch break, I highly recommend this place. read more

Yu's Garden - Tomato Egg, Tofu skin, Meatballs, Hainan-style chicken - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Came here couple times with my friends~ The first time we came the owner was the sweetest + super helpful! On my second visit this time, I encountered questionable service. When I was being served, there was actually less food on my plate than when the owner served me. Nonetheless I was fine with it! Until I kept eating and halfway into my meal... I see this weird scorpion looking bug under my seaweed They were understanding and offered me a refund for that plate. I advise if you go, check your food before you start eating! It's what I would have done! read more

Yu's Garden - do yall see that bug - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Yu's Garden recently moved to the opposite side of the same plaza, and the new space is a great upgrade, as everything feels fresh and modern. While prices have stayed consistent, the combo portions are a bit smaller than before, which is understandable given inflation. We grabbed the BOGO soybean milk and two combos, which were just as delicious as always. The braised pork belly and Chinese stir-fry eggplant remain my absolute favorites. So grateful to have this Yu's nearby read more

Yu's Garden - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Tracy is the "secret sauce" that keeps you coming back to Yu's Garden! It's rare to find a server who balances high-level logistics like catering with that personal "remember your order" touch. Tracy is truly the best. She has an incredible memory and always remembers my specific preferences, always serving with a genuine smile and a kind, thoughtful attitude. To be honest, she is the main reason I choose Yu's Garden! She recently helped me coordinate a catering order for a client. Even though it was a smaller group of 16, she treated it with the utmost importance, helping me design four combo sets that were a massive hit. Not only was the total pricing economical, the food was abundant, perfectly packaged, and the entire process was seamless thanks to her attention to detail. Try the bogo Soybean milk also; very thick and fresh! we always order that and get the chinese donut yiutiao freshly fried at the Taichi Cuisine restaurant in the same plaza. read more

Yu's Garden - catering for 16 people - Tracy helped plan 4 different combos with plenty of meat and veggies - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

A good place for "fast food", as many dishes are made in advance. You simply pick the items you want and whether you want rice or porridge. Dine in or take out both available. I always choose the porridge because it has chunks of sweet potato. Food-wise, I think it's a bit greasy and salty. Maybe I should pick the veggie dishes next time for healthier, lighter alternatives. Overall, not a fancy sit-down restaurant but good option for quick and filling meals. read more

Yu's Garden - Porridge with yuba & meatball, tofu, soy milk - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

As a Taiwanese person this is one of my favorite gems to eat at in Irvine. Well priced, good flavors, and lots of variety. I'm always happy to support a small business and the owner is very lovely. Try the beef noodle soup, tofu skin, meatballs, and three cups chicken! read more

Yu's Garden - Beef noodle soup - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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This place is fast and friendly! The food is very good, we got take out with a couple made to order dishes and they are all very fresh~ fish was tender and the mapo tofu is the best!! It's not overwhelmingly spicy and has a good umami balance. I got the soy milk because one of the other reviews recommended it and it is nice and thick and not too sweet. The porridge is always homey and warming~ the cherry on top is really the team of super nice and warm workers! The ladies are so patient even when my husband and I took a long time deciding what to eat and ordered in our mix of Mandarin and English. I think everyone greeted us and asked how can they help with big smiles. One lady even noticed my bag charm! It's rare to find an Asian restaurant that has good food, service, and price and they hit all 3! read more

Yu's Garden - Porridge and mapo tofu. Soy milk in back! Sorry already ate/drank some before photo XD - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Yu's Garden is a favorite when I want some good take out food at a great price. For about $13, I can get any three items from their extensive selection and a choice of rice or sweet potato congee. I particularly the soy skin salad, braised pork knuckle and braised pork ear. These are all items I had no clue how to even attempt to make. The takeout option is even better because you get three entrees. If you are eating in, you get two entrees for the same price. This place is popular and there is always a consistent line. Casual. Parking can be difficult during peak hours. Please come and create your own adventures. read more

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We came here for brunch on a Friday, after Christmas 2025 away. We ordered the 3 item combo, dine in. The young man who helped us was so friendly. When you dine in, you can choose between rice or soup. We got a large bowl of rice and hot tea (perfect on a rainy day)! We ordered the tofu with cabbage, braised pork belly and chicken in sauce. all 3 items were delicious, perfectly seasoned and a 3 item with rice is large enough to share with 3 people. Total came to $14.05 with taxes. There is an $0.80 charge to use a credit card. Definitely recommend will return. Support your local businesses! read more

Yu's Garden - 3 item combo: braised pork belly, tofu & cabbage and chicken with sauce. Delicious! - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

I have been coming to Yu's Garden since my college days. For as long as I remember, unless you get there before 11am, be prepared to wait in line out the door and that is true to this day! There are really two sides to this restaurant: Firstly, they have a selection of prepared food on display where you pick 2-3 items with either rice or congee. A lot of people take this to go but you can also dine in. Secondly, they have quite an extensive a la carte menu with very reasonable prices for Irvine. They have way too many items for me to list but here are some my favorites. The good 1. 3 Cup Chicken - This is a classic dish. Great flavors and I love the basil as it slightly contrasts with the sweetness. 2. Tofu Skin - I don't exactly know the correct name, but it long strips of Tofu Skin with celery. This is a cold dish and goes very well with Siracha (you are welcome). 3. Lion's Head Meatballs - Basically big pork meatballs in a savory sauce. This just brings back memories. 4. Boiled Intestine (Pork) with Hot Sauce (a la carte) - This dish can be very daunting if you have never seen/had it before. It does have an acquired taste but if you know what this is, it is worth getting for the price. Unfortunately, I don't know the names of a lot of the items (sad). But pointing and smiling typically works :) read more

Yu's Garden - 3. Fish Filet with Black Bean Sauce - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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I started going to this place recently since I was craving Taiwanese food, and I visit it at least once a week now. It's such a comfort food for me and the flavors are plain but in a good way, as it reminds me of a nice home cooked meal. The prices are really fair and the meal comes with free rice or Chinese porridge. The service is always great and ambience is decent. Would recommend! read more

Yu's Garden - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

I like use garden because it is really nice and really tasty and the people are really nice to the customers and the food smells really good

This is my comfort food spot， always find the real Chinese homemade flavors. When you dine in, you will get all you can eat congee or rice. Try the congee if you have not yet eaten one. The tofu options are always really good. Service can be better, but with how crowded they always are. Lower the expectations 。 read more

Yu's Garden - My two combo meal with yam congee - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Went here for dinner and decided to do takeout. Ordered the dinner special which mentioned $9.99 for two items with rice, but for to-go they offered three dishes -- nice surprise! Got the basil chicken, eggplant, and tofu, plus an order of chicken noodles. Service was quick and the staff were friendly. There are a few tables if you prefer to dine in. Located in a plaza with plenty of free parking and other food spots around. Great option for a casual, tasty meal. read more

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This place is so nostalgic and has a homestyle taste that I always look for in Chinese food. My family used to stop here EVERY trip between LA/SD, so when I had the craving hit on my drive down from LA - I quickly called my mom to find out where to go (as well as with her own separate order for me to place). The portions are great, options are PLENTY, and I love getting the pumpkin porridge on the side. The cold bamboo and tofu bean curd taste bring back so many memories of childhood. The server was so warm, kind, and sweet. She really loaded up my plate as I enthusiastically told her my stories of coming here. I will definitely be keeping this as a pit stop on my way home from LA. read more

Love to grab entrees from here for potlucks. Everyone's favorites are the cucumber salad, eggplant, basil chicken, minced pork and the tofu skin. Always a hit! read more

I've been coming here for over a decade and I'm so sad to see how this place has gone down in quality over time. The cleanliness of the restaurant has been questionable and their portions are becoming smaller. Recently I was here for dinner and was severely disappointed. Our spoons smelled like they had been dipped in chlorine and the table was sticky. We had ordered stewed meatball with napa cabbage and wood-ear fungi. As I was eating I realized that a whole fly had been cooked in the dish and I almost ate it. Upon bringing this concern up to their waiter and asking for a new/clean bowl, he proceeded to take the bowl away and didn't come back. We had to ask someone else to bring a clean bowl and although she was apologetic and offered to replace the dish, I had lost my appetite. While I do like their food, I'm concerned with the hygiene and unfortunately don't anticipate returning. read more

Yu's Garden - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

老板人很好，但她的下属员工中有个年纪偏大的阿姨非常吝啬，她看人下菜，在没有监管的多数时候只给客人打一点点菜，并且还厚着脸皮要小费甚至当面嫌小费给的少，格局太小，太吝啬，惹毛了很多本来可以是回头客的客人，真的为老板感到惋惜有这样损害餐厅形象的员工。 The owner is very kind and friendly. However, one of the staff members--an older female employee--was extremely stingy and inconsistent in how she served customers. She clearly treated customers differently and often gave very small portions when there was no supervision. On top of that, she openly asked for tips and even complained in front of customers that the tip was not enough, which was very uncomfortable and unprofessional. This kind of behavior shows a lack of professionalism and hurts the restaurant's image. It's unfortunate, because this could have been a place I would return to, but experiences like this easily drive customers away. I truly feel sorry for the owner to have an employee who damages the reputation of the business. read more

This small little gem in Orangetree Plaza in Irvine is SO great! We got the 2 plates of our choice plus the Taiwanese porridge, white rice, and the excellent hot tea. Our choices were eggplant (scrumptious), spicy tofu in some kind of red sauce (loved it), pieces of white fish (very tasty), and duck blood (SO good). I had never had duck blood...from a short distance it looked like pieces of chocolate! Everything was excellent! Service was great, too! The only problem is the place is too small for the amount of customers that pour in, so it would behoove them to move into a bigger place. It got very loud in there, so my friend and I left early to go to a coffee shop where I could actually hear him talk to me. But I will be a repeat customer, and try to go there at more of an off-time to avoid the noise. I can understand why this place is so busy...it is GREAT!! read more

I love a spot that has been "frozen" in time. I swear the prices have changed minimally in the last 20 years. The location has changed tho, like across the parking lot! All good, new digs are welcome and it is bigger for the eat in types. I love the takeout, great portions, service and price. Cash is king and will save you even more. For the people who are talking about "too salty", it is porridge sides, you have to eat them well mixed. I mean picked radish you buy at 99 Ranch eaten alone is gonna be a face puckering salty. But it goes with porridge like bread and butter. The porridge is piping hot but bland for a reason. Great mix of sides, nice beancurds, radish and edamame, nice meats and fish selection. Fresh stir fried veggies and even the ubiquitous Tomato Egg. Breakfast? Check. Dinner and Lunch? Check and check! read more

I stopped by and picked up 2 items combo for dinner. The price is reasonable. They offer a lot of hot food selection. Combo comes with a box of rice or a container of pumpkin porridge. The food was delicious and I like the porridge too. read more

Yu's Garden - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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The selection of food is flavorful and authentic. The service is fast, and the food is super affordable. This place is the definition of Chinese home-style dishes. There is a large variety of options, and everything is delicious. You can choose between rice or porridge to come with your meal. If you get takeout, you can choose 3 entrees per plate. If you sit down to dine, you can choose 2 entrees per plate. read more

Is getting ridiculous, the portion is so little, I basically walked out and refuse to pay, wasted my time to line up ot order, won't bother to come anymore read more

We love this place! We've been coming here since 15 years ago and they have been a staple at our house. We used to buy food from here almost on a weekly or every other week basis. They give good portions. Now we cater food from here to our church. They also cater to several churches in the area and their quality has been consistently great. The food is delicious and authentic, and their service is wonderful. Their party tray prices are so good. I'd definitely recommend Ordering their large party trays. They can feed so many. Our favorites are their basil chicken, smoked chicken, salted cucumber pork, braised beef, edamame winter vegetables, braised bamboo, spicy pork slices, and lions head. If you're on a keto diet, which sometimes I am, I like to order their green onion chicken. read more

I used to eat here all the times but totally forgot about them for several years. :) Recently picked up some porridge for my sister and also got some for myself. They have many interesting, already prepared dishes to choose from. I usually like the spicy tripe (spicy orange oil) bamboo shoots, tofu skin, white tripe ( occasionally only, they don't always have this dish), sliced beef ( not the most tender). Small restaurant with tasty foods and inexpensive. But these entrees can be inconsistent sometimes. Last weekend, I had the spicy tripe and it was delicious and tender. Ordered the same again for lunch today and the tripe was tough. read more

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Manager was very nice and food was fresh and healthy. Free hot tea and rice or yam porrige comes with order on real ceramic plates and silver ware. read more

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This is only for Takeout Lunch Review! Yu's Garden is one of my favorite Taiwanese restaurants for takeout during lunchtime. Their combo boxes, priced around $13, offer three delicious items that my family loves. Our top picks are the beef tripe (牛肚), beef shank (牛腱), and pig ears (豬耳朵). Sometimes, the three-cup chicken (三杯雞) is not as tender as I'd like, but it's worth a try. Other great options include scallion oil chicken (蔥花雞), eggplant (茄子), and braised bamboo shoots (油燜筍). Paying with a credit card adds just 80 cents to the total. The only downside is the poorly planned ordering line, where customers move back and forth before paying at the front, causing some congestion. The payment counter can be moved to the back, like Panda Express ordering line, because the staff can easily get items from the kitchen. Despite this, the food quality and value make it a great choice for lunch. read more

Yu's Garden - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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The food is great for the price. The cooking is always on point. It's not upscale experience, but I'll go everyday without any regrets. Highly recommend yall to visit. read more

It has been a while since we have eaten here. We were greeted by one of the servers as we came over to look at the foods on display. They asked if we were eating here. We said yes so they took us to a table and gave us the menu. There were several dishes that we wanted to try as we aren't as familiar with Taiwanese cuisine We enjoyed Beef with Scallion, Pork with Bittermelon, and Combination Crispy Noodles. The serving sizes were good and it was delicious. I really liked the noodle dish Servers were helpful and prompt. We will be back read more

Yu's Garden - Beef with Scallions, Combination Crispy Noodles, Bittermelon with pork, rice, and jasmine tea - Taiwanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Yu's garden is located in the same ranch 99 plaza but on the right side. It is a small chinese porridge shop that has limited seating but very easy and fast takeout options for ppl who are on the go. They have a bunch of side dishes laid out at the counter and you either tell them you want two or three per bento box. Each box comes with a bowl of porridge or rice whichever you choose. The way to order is you go to the back and point or tell them which one you want and you can order multiple bento boxes of your choice. ($11.50 pretax for 3 side dishes) This place has been here a long time and is a known local shop that has served Irvine folks. Parking is ample but may get packed cuz of the plaza. 10/10 would recommend! read more

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I love this place! The prices are great and the portions are very generous. The food is always delicious, and they have a lot of variety--from chicken to vegetables to seafood. The staff are always friendly and welcoming. I've been coming here pretty much every day for a quick, good meal, whether it's lunch or dinner. You really can't beat the price for the quality and portion size. read more

I've been coming to Yu's Garden for over a decade now. It is a very small restaurant that does provide full service dining. They have recently updated their interior dine-in tables & chairs! Yu's Garden is one of the very few Chinese restaurant in this area that offers a food bar with an array of cold or hot fast-food to choose from for take-out or dine-in. Sam Woo To-Go is gone & the one located inside 99 Ranch Market off on Culver is medio-core. If you do the to-go item combo selection from the food bar just know that who you get serving you - the food portioning they give is a hit or miss. Just know they do NOT pack the box to overflow. IMO - they aren't consistent but just decent on portion giving. With the combo you do get a choice of steamed white rice or sweet yam porridge. Food is pretty comforting & authentic. It is my fav go-to spot for my Chinese food fix! Although prices has gone up all across the board, Yu's Garden prices are pretty fair. Even their menu items & not the combo items. Lately, instead of doing the combo items to-go I've been phone ordering ahead for items off their menu. First reason, due to the hot summer weather I have noticed flies flying around within the establishment. I'm just going to leave it at that :P Second reason, I feel the portion that they do give is much better. Rice is NOT included & it's additional cost I think $1.50. My fav menu items are: Boiled intestine with hot sauce, Fish fillet with bean sauce & Beef with curry sauce. I will definitely be back to order other items off their menu. FYI: There is a service charge for using your credit card as payment. read more

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Recommended by a friend to come for their congee and 2 or 3 dishes specials. You won't be disappointed. The food is good and the quantity is adequate. Price so reasonable. Will definitely go again to try their other dishes. read more

Delicious, authentic Taiwanese food for a great price in Irvine. This location is NOT closed as indicated on yelp. They moved to a different suite in the same complex/plaza. Staff is friendly and attentive!! read more

First incident - Due to the rudeness of the staff, I was disappointed and did not tip them enough. When I paid in the counter, I left the change (less than $2) in the money tray and returned to my seat. Shortly after that, the staff brought the money tray, which has the change that I left, back to my table , put it in front of me and my sister, stared at us and said "you forgot to tip". (She was trying to ask for more tips). My sister could not handle the situation, so she put down $5 bill in the tray. Well, they did not get their lesson that day which was a shame!!! Second incident - You won't believe it! I was the first and the only customer there as the business was just started. One of the staff, the same one above, was taking a stack of dirty rags out from the kitchen, unfolded and shook them in front of the door entrance. All of the sudden, three mice jumped out from it and run into different directions. I was shocked and she kept apologizing. It was so grossed, I could not finish my food and left the restaurant asap. From that time on, I never go again. read more

I'm not so sure about this place. Started off good, then I ate lunch there. I woke up in the middle of the night wanting to throw up, which I eventually did 4-5 times plus diarrhea. Maybe it was the veggies cause thats what came back out as vomit. read more

Been going here for years. They expanded their business. Go support there business. Ran by and operated by an Asian woman. More power to her. Inside is beautiful and the food still just as amazing. These places are becoming rare so let's not make them extinct, read more