Irvine Spectrum's Big 2026 Dining and Retail Refresh

Irvine Spectrum Center has added a wave of new dining and retail in 2026, headlined by Din Tai Fung and Mastro's Ocean Club, giving the 30-year-old shopping center one of its biggest refreshes in years.

If you haven't been to the Spectrum in a while, it might be worth the drive, this isn't just a store or two, it's a genuine reinvention of what the center offers.

What's actually new at the Spectrum?

Din Tai Fung, the internationally celebrated dumpling house known for its hand-pleated xiao long bao, opened between Nordstrom and Target after a soft opening in February and grand opening March 2, 2026, according to the Irvine Standard. It's a roughly 15,000-square-foot space with more than 300 seats.

Just as notable: Mastro's Ocean Club, a 10,000-square-foot fine-dining seafood destination, has also opened at the center, the newest of nearly 20 Mastro's locations nationwide.

Beyond dining, Gap returned with a new store prototype featuring updated displays, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream opened between Nordstrom and Target, and the center added entertainment options including Hijinx Hotel (escape-room-style challenge rooms and private karaoke) and Holey Moley, a pop-culture-themed mini golf venue with three nine-hole courses.

Why this matters if you live nearby

A shopping center's health is a real signal of neighborhood desirability, and this level of investment, a Michelin-recognized restaurant group, a top-tier steakhouse brand, and new entertainment anchors, tells you Irvine Spectrum is being treated as a flagship, not an afterthought. For residents in nearby Woodbury, Northwood, and the Great Park neighborhoods, that means more reasons to stay local for a nice dinner out instead of driving to Newport or Costa Mesa.

Where exactly are the new spots, and do I need reservations?

Din Tai Fung takes reservations through dtf.com; walk-ins are also welcome but expect a wait during peak hours. Mastro's Ocean Club is reservation-friendly via OpenTable. Both anchor the section of the center between Nordstrom and Target, so plan for weekend parking to be tighter than usual.

Frequently asked questions

Is Din Tai Fung open yet at Irvine Spectrum?

Yes. It had a soft opening in February 2026 and celebrated its grand opening March 2, 2026, in the space between Nordstrom and Target.

What other new spots opened at Irvine Spectrum Center in 2026?

Along with Din Tai Fung and Mastro's Ocean Club, the center added a refreshed Gap store, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, Hijinx Hotel (challenge rooms and karaoke), and Holey Moley mini golf.

Thinking about buying near Irvine Spectrum or anywhere nearby? I'd love to help you find the right fit.

Final Thoughts

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