Herb & Ranch

How often do you see a food hall with a range of concepts from one chef? In Irvine, tucked deep into UCI Research Park, Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey built a micro food hall that's open to all, giving us multiple ways to enjoy the cuisine of one of San Diego's best chefs—and a business model that's fairly unique to the format. Pick and choose from five different food stands, then pay up at the front register for quick mix-and-match bliss. There's an all-day coffee shop with fresh pastries, beer and wine; breakfast burritos in the morning; hot and cold gourmet sandwiches with daily specials like salmon katsu sandos; poke bowls galore; and a greens-and-grains station where you can find local and heirloom produce served over healthful bowls. Finish with fresh cookies up at the register and a can or two of the hyper-curated, bougie and refreshing teas and sodas, for best results.