Originally opened in 1996 next to Irvine’s Heritage Plaza, the Persian supermarket Super Irvine was one of the city’s only Middle Eastern grocers for over 25 years, and the largest until rival Wholesome Choice opened in 2004. In 2022, the plaza’s owners pushed Super Irvine out, forcing the store to temporarily relocate inventory and customers to Mission Viejo’s Crown Valley Market Place while pursuing relocation options. Three years later, a new Super Irvine opened at Parkview Center, replacing Zion Mart. Billed as an “international market,” it doesn’t offer quite the culinary diversity of Wholesome Choice, but fans of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisines will find plenty to like here.
Guests familiar with the original Super Irvine will find similar displays of imported nuts, figs, spices, teas, sodas, and other packaged goods, now in a more spacious store that feels less cramped (and cleaner) than the prior location. In addition to locally sourced produce – and initially a somewhat limited collection of distinctively regionally appealing vegetables, fruits, or herbs – the store has pints of Mashti Malone’s Persian ice creams from LA, and a surprisingly large number of classic American frozen goods. Super Irvine also includes an as-yet-unnamed restaurant offering kabobs and other ready-to-eat meals, a bar with Turkish coffee and juices, and a bakery with baklava, cakes, and other desserts. Pre-made dips, salads, and cheeses are available, as well as pre-packaged breads, butchered meats, and seafood.
