Chinese restaurants

Panda Express

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

A232, Irvine, CA 92697, United States $10–20
3.7
105 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Located conveniently inside the UCI Student Center at A232, Irvine, Panda Express offers a vibrant and accessible dining option for those craving authentic American-Chinese flavors. Specializing in fast-casual Chinese cuisine, this spot is known for its efficient service, featuring two serving lanes that ensure quick ordering during busy campus hours—a definite plus for students and staff on the go.

The true star here is their iconic Orange Chicken, celebrated repeatedly by patrons for its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that delight the palate with every bite. The crispy, tender chicken pieces are coated in a glossy, zesty glaze that makes it irresistibly crave-worthy. Accompanying favorites such as Honey Walnut Shrimp—rich and subtly sweet with a satisfying crunch—further highlight the menu’s ability to satisfy cravings with bold, familiar tastes.

While the atmosphere is practical and designed to accommodate fast dining, the experience remains warm and approachable, making it a reliable go-to for a quick yet delicious meal. Though the focus is on speed, the quality doesn’t take a backseat—customers consistently note the good portion sizes and fresh-tasting dishes, offering excellent value, especially within a campus setting.

One candid review mentioned a minor hiccup with an order, reminding us that even popular chains sometimes have room to polish operational details, but overall, the customer satisfaction shines through with many recommending this location wholeheartedly.

For anyone visiting UCI or nearby, Panda Express in Irvine presents a comforting taste of Chinese-American cuisine with standout dishes that please the senses and energize the day.

03 Notes from regulars

105 notes — the real pulse of the room.

3.7
Based on 105 verified notes
5 41
4 26
3 18
2 4
1 17
All Orange Chicken Portion Size Campus Student Food
Ben Park.
3 month ago
This is a review for the Panda Express inside UCI. They have two lanes with the same items and are pretty quick.
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Sagar Lakhani.
3 month ago
[5-STAR RECOMMENDATION] The orange Chicken is delicious! This restaurant is conveniently located in the campus (Student Center). They offer good quality for the price. I would highly recommend checking this restaurant out if you have the opportunity!
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Cheonwoo Seo.
3 month ago
Overall good. I couldn't give 5 stars because I felt something weird. I ordered fried shrimp entry for my first entry which charges $1.25 I believe. I don't remember exact price for it but it charged extra. Anyways, they purposely take shrimps out of my tray. It means my first entry was filled only half way. And then she filled second entry with orange chicken and added more orange chicken on my first entry which was filled only half to fill the rest. Taste is good and I don't see difference with other panda express restaurants. I say I give 4.5 stars. I just want to give high rating for this restaurant because we have such restaurant in Irvine campus. I mean thanks for being here.
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Vince Lu.
4 month ago
they provide some great Chinese food with reasonable price. I like the Orange Chicken because I really the sweet and sour flavor.
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Larry Godina.
5 month ago
Always hits the spot for a quick lunch, love the honey walnut shrimp
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Bryan Lau.
5 month ago
If you can avoid the long lines at lunch hour, you'll be met with friendly, fast staff and a decent enough hot meal for the price.
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Erik Salazar.
5 month ago
Food is pretty tasty for being campus food. The upside is they also utilize Tapingo. Tapingo is a app that allows you to order ahead of time and pick it up when it's ready. No more waiting in lines. Perfect for the Student or Employee who doesn't have time to wait in lines.
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Gregory Torres.
5 month ago
You can expect a long line at dinner and lunch. It isn't open on the weekends. However, it's one of the nicer restaurants to eat at on the campus.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday (today) 09:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Tuesday 09:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday 09:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Thursday 09:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Friday 09:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Saturday 09:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Sunday 09:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Finding the door

A232, Irvine, CA 92697, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • No Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
  • Casual
Crowd
  • College students
  • Groups
Planning
  • No Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
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