Sense of place is created by shared community experiences, with dining among the most reflective of a locale. Here are 10 restaurants featuring 10 cuisines in 10 centers across the city. Visit these spots and you’ll have a glimpse into Irvine’s personality and know you’re here to stay.

All That Shabu at Culver Plaza

Flavor-packed broths, intriguing ingredients and virtually endless add-ons make this a go-to, all-you-can-eat Korean hot pot experience. The plaza is located in West Irvine, a village known for its connection to the 22-mile Mountains to Sea Trail and its preservation of historic buildings from the original Irvine Ranch.

Bluberry Social at Northpark Plaza

This chic, all-day cafe with pink accents is a newcomer itself. Lures include the breakfast burrito, lemon ricotta pancakes and fried chicken and waffles. It calls Northpark home, a family-centric village defined by a unique network of pathways designed to encourage community interaction.

The Cut at Westpark Plaza

Enjoy elevated burgers – such as the 60-day dry-aged rib-eye patty, two-year aged white cheddar and sesame-seed potato bun – and the county’s best brunch, according to the Orange County Register. This plaza anchors Westpark, Irvine’s first Mediterranean-style village where a tree-lined paseo connects residents to shopping, parks and the civic center.

Gelatissimo at University Center

Onsite artisans make gelatos such as salted macadamia dulce de leche using Italian techniques and top-quality Australian ingredients. This center serves University Park, the city’s first village, which was planned as a “city of intellect” with picturesque greenbelts emanating from the nearby UC Irvine campus.

HiroNori Craft Ramen at Sand Canyon Plaza

Find next-level tonkotsu ramen, shoyu ramen and spicy cold dipping noodle, all with pork chashu, as well as the ultimate vegan ramen. The plaza borders Oak Creek, a village named for the historic oak trees lining Sand Canyon Avenue, and is near a new $1 billion expansion of Hoag’s medical campus.

Irvine Grill at Quail Hill

Its comprehensive menu of classic Persian fare – including pomegranate branzino, filet mignon kebabs and New Zealand lamb shank – packs in loyal devotees. The restaurant fits beautifully into Quail Hill, a village celebrated for its “perfect balance between nature and city” and walkability to the 700-acre Quail Hill Preserve.

Javier’s at Irvine Spectrum Center

Find spectacular decor, landscaping and bar plus menu standouts such as the ceviche trio, enchiladas del mar, fried ice cream and superior margaritas. This dining destination is the heartbeat of the Spectrum District, a world-class live, work and play city center.

Kuan Zhai Alley at Los Olivos Marketplace

China’s mala cuisine stars Sichuan peppercorns and chile peppers. Heat-seekers opt for the special dry chile chicken or mapo tofu. This marketplace sits at the nexus of the Spectrum area, a hub that residents of nearby villages prize for its easy access to jobs, dining and the coastal open space.

Sessions West Coast Deli at Woodbridge Village Center

Creative sandwich riffs include the popular vegetarian Summer Zephyr and chef favorite Spicy Crispy Crunchy Chicken. The deli is a staple in Woodbridge, Irvine’s most recognizable village, where two central lakes and lakeside shopping centers encourage residents to spend their days outdoors.

Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store at Campus Plaza

UC Irvine students clamor for classic ’roni-cups pepperoni pizza and Monday night trivia on the patio. There’s a small bar, too. The plaza reflects the spirit of the neighboring University Park, a community where greenbelts and retail centers were established specifically to build a strong sense of belonging around UC Irvine.