Gulliver’s Restaurant in Orange County to close after 56 years

A beloved Orange County steakhouse known for prime rib, old-school charm and generations of family celebrations is closing its doors after more than five decades.

Gulliver’s Restaurant in Irvine will permanently close on June 30 after 56 years in business, according to The Orange County Register.

The longtime MacArthur Boulevard steakhouse, sitting just across from John Wayne Airport — where swaggering cowboy icon John Wayne was reportedly a regular, according to the restaurant — has operated at the same location since 1970 and became known for its English inn-style atmosphere, holiday decorations and classic steakhouse fare.

Owner Oded Mazor told the Register the closure was not the family’s decision.

“The landlord decided that they’re not renewing any more leases for the restaurants,” Mazor said, adding the property is slated for a major redevelopment project.

Mazor’s family purchased the restaurant in 1997, though Gulliver’s originally dates back to restauranteurs Al Levie and Hans Prager, who also founded the famed Ritz restaurant in Newport Beach.

“There was a lot of crying today,” Mazor told the Register after informing longtime employees about the closure.

According to the report, some staff members worked at the restaurant for more than 40 years, while the average employee tenure was roughly two decades.

For many Orange County families, Gulliver’s became a go-to destination for birthdays, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners and holiday celebrations over the years.

“Our holiday seasons were just unbelievable,” Mazor told the newspaper. “The decorations were legendary.”

The restaurant also built a reputation around hearty steakhouse staples including prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, rack of lamb, creamed corn and spinach souffle.

Mazor said he may eventually revive Gulliver’s in another location, but plans to take a break after decades running the iconic Orange County eatery.

Until then, diners have until the end of June to make one final visit.

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