A Classic Steakhouse Says Goodbye After 56 Years

Gulliver’s Restaurant, a staple on MacArthur Boulevard in Irvine, will shut its doors for good on June 30. The eatery has been a familiar spot since 1970, offering hearty steak dishes and an English‑inn vibe that many locals have come to love. The closure comes not from the owners but from the landlord, who will not renew the lease as the building faces a big redevelopment plan. The Mazor family, who bought Gulliver’s in 1997, have run the place for over two decades. They inherited a legacy that began with Al Levie and Hans Prager, the same chefs who started Newport Beach’s Ritz.

Employees have felt the loss deeply; some have worked there for more than 40 years, and the average tenure is about twenty. For generations of Orange County families, Gulliver’s was the go‑to spot for birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday parties. The staff recalled how spectacular the seasonal decorations were each year. The menu was built around classic steakhouse staples: prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, rack of lamb, creamed corn, and spinach soufflé. While the Mazor family says they might reopen Gulliver’s elsewhere someday, they plan to pause after decades of running this iconic local favorite. Customers still have until the end of June to enjoy one last meal at the beloved spot.

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