Great find inside of the south coast plaza mall! After shopping, I was starving and needed something within the are without wait. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is nice and cozy, giving bistro vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There was only 1 server so it did take some time to be seated and to get my order in. I had the lunch coarse meal which came with carrot soup, duck entree, and dessert. Everything was delicious! Duck was very moist and well cooked. Definitely recommend! read more

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Ty greeted us and sat us right away for an early lunch at 11. There were no other customers. Ty was attentive throughout the meal without being intrusive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor was very cute with a more classical Parisian Blue and gold accents mixed with an eclectic mix of art from American musical icons[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. We started with chamoagne by the glass. It was the perfect balance if sweet and dry. Croque Madame. It was perfectly crisp on the outside. The saltiness of the ham and the creaminess of the cheese were very balanced. The bernaise sauce on the side was the best part to a really delicious dish. -highly recommend The pear endive salad was good. We added the chicken because we were not having a lot of other protein for lunch, but I feel it altered the ratio of dressing to salad. I don't typically like a lot of dressing, but something slightly more acidic would have balanced out all of the rich food we were having. The greens and fruit were delicious and fresh. I would try it again, without the chicken. -recommend if you are in the mood. The french Onion Soup was delicious. It does take awhile, likely because they are making it fresh, so factor that in for time. The taste transported me to Paris, 30 years ago. Such a classic recipie. -strongly recommend. Creme brulee - we were stuffed. We didn't finish our soups, the salad, or the Croque Madame.... so that could have factored into my impression on the creme brulee. It was good and very classic. It was what you think of when you think of a very traditional creme brulee. I wanted it to be exceptional, but it was good. The espresso paired perfectly. - recommend for Creme Brulee lovers. My friend ordered the rice pudding abd she lived it. She said the pistachios were sich a lovely touch. I would definitely return and order the Croque Madame! read more

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Located in South Coast plaza shopping mall, so there is plenty of parking. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is Inside and outside seating, in a casual modern setting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is friendly and very attentive. Our group started with their homemade rolls, octopus, ratatouille, and beet salad. All were delicious and we all agreed we would get again. I got the duck breast, as it was recommended by others who had it before. Unfortunately, the duck was tough and chewy, the skin was not crispy (as it was in the past) and over cooked. The figs were tasty, but the duck was disappointing to most of us. Someone had the Scottish salmon and said it was delicious. The steak was also good and cooked perfectly. Our waiter was very kind, and brought us desserts since our duck was not up to par. The chocolate cake and rice pudding were both delicious and I highly recommend either if you crave something sweet. The service was excellent for our large group. I would definitely come back and like to try other items on the menu. read more

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I LOVE POPULAIRE! It's such a winner. If you're looking for a delicious place to eat after shopping and emptying your wallet, go towards Macy's Men's area and you will enjoy some of the best fusion foods. The Parker rolls are a must and do not ever leave the menu. I also loved the ratatouille and pasta, which is made in-house? Parking is easy, because no one ever goes to Macy's Men's... Haha The customer service is good and they are prompt and kind. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is brightly lit- I love sitting on the outskirts, so I can watch all the shoppers pass by.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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It's been a while but the French Onion Soup was calling us! We parked outside the Macy's men's store and walked right in. No wait on weekday for lunch. Our server was awesome. There was a slight speed bump with our meal and they handled it with grace. I rarely say anything but appreciate when it is taken care of. read more

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This is a low key relaxing restaurant inside South Coast Plaza. It's a nice restaurant with good food for shopping break, before / after show at OC performing art center and hang out with friends. read more

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As a San Diego county resident, we don't get to dine at Populaire as often as we'd like. We had another opportunity to have lunch and wifey and I ordered their $39 3-course weekday pre-fixe menu. I opted for the Angus Steak while my wife chose the Sea Bass. We both chose the scallop sashimi (versus the alternative endive salad). The scallops were tasty and a perfect first course. I loved my steak and thought the portion was more than generous, and my wife loved her sea bass. There wasn't a kibble of food remaining on either of our plates. The star of the meal was their delicious rice pudding dessert! It was so good my wife ate hers quickly, I savored it and ate it as slowly as possible just to make it last longer. All in all, a perfect lunch which wasn't too little, while also equally not in excess causing us to be stuffed. Service was, as usual, very much on point! read more

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The service is on point, and the dishes are delicate and refined. The only downside is that the portions are a bit small--though if you believe French cuisine is strictly meant to be this way, then never mind. The 5-Spiced Braised Pork Belly with Market Citrus, Ginger, and Honey is the standout dish. The skin is beautifully charred and crispy, the fat layer melts in the mouth, and the meat is thick and tender without being dry. The chef does a fantastic job of fusing Chinese sauces with French culinary techniques. The Crab "Brandade" Cigar with Koji Sauce is a creative dish that stands out for both its unique flavor and presentation. The taste strikes a balance between bitterness and sweetness, and the red lip-shaped bowl is a playful, rock-inspired touch reminiscent of The Rolling Stones' iconic logo. The Caramelized Onion Dumplings in Oxtail Broth feature a clear, gelatinous broth that's rich but never muddy. The deboned oxtail meat is tucked inside the wrappers and scattered at the bottom of the bowl. While described as Chinese dumplings, their size, shape, and sweet onion filling are highly reminiscent of tortellini, making this a clever, Western-inspired take on a traditional favorite. The Scallop Crudo with Szechuan Peppercorn Sauce offers a complex balance of five flavors: sweet, sour, numbing, spicy, and salty. The attention to detail is remarkable--all the citrus membranes are meticulously peeled away, leaving only the pristine, whole segments of fruit that provide sweetness without the typical bitterness of grapefruit. The wine pairing is $36 and features four different pours matched with the four courses. It's well worth a try if you're a wine lover. Beyond the plate, the interior is equally captivating. The decor mixes French elegance, rock‑and‑roll attitude, and a playful sense of fun. It shows the chef‑owner's unique taste and is definitely something worth paying attention to. 服務很到位，料理很細緻，唯一缺點是菜量太少（如果你認為法國餐本該如此那當我沒說）。 五香燉豬腩佐柑橘薑蜜：全晚最驚艷的一道。表皮焦香酥脆，油脂入口即化，瘦肉厚實軟嫩而毫不乾柴。主廚將中式醬料與法式烹調融合得恰到好處。 蟹肉布蘭達雪茄酥卷佐麴香醬： 風味與擺盤皆具獨創性。苦甜交織的味道，紅唇碗碟令我聯想到滾石合唱團的經典標誌。 焦糖洋蔥餃佐牛尾清湯： 湯汁清澈且富含膠質，醇厚而不混濁。去骨牛尾肉分佈在餃皮內和碗底。說是中式餃子，但其外型、尺寸及洋蔥肉餡的甜美風格，皆令我聯想到義大利餃（Tortellini），也算是一道極具巧思的中魂西製佳餚。 花椒醬柑橘干貝薄片：含甜、酸、麻、辣、鹹五味。干貝四周散佈當日特選柑橘，保有甜潤卻避開了葡萄柚常見的苦澀。柑橘外膜全數剝除、僅保留完整果肉的細膩處理，足見主廚的用心。 若你是品酒愛好者，針對四道餐點設計，配對四款不同酒類（36美金）服務值得一試。 除了盤中飧，室內裝潢也同樣迷人。結合法餐優雅，搖滾叛逆，玩偶童趣的室內擺設，彰顯主廚（也是店主本人）的獨特品味，也是用餐之餘值得留心觀賞的一部分。 read more

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My personal favorites from the set menu, in order, were the scallop, the crab cigar, the beef cheek, the celery bisque, and then the dessert. But my absolute favorite overall, when ordering from the regular menu was the octopus. It was perfectly cooked with the ideal balance of softness and chew. It's not like the usual octopus that requires a lot of chewing; this one was tender, flavorful, and paired beautifully with the sauce. Service was amazing. Our host, Curtis, was incredible! He was super friendly, easy to talk to, and he really elevated the whole dining experience. We had such a great time. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was great as well. We were seated outside since we had a large party, but I do wish we could've been inside because the interior was so aesthetic and the music added to the vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I'd love to come back to try another chef's prix fixe menu. read more

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Wifey and I came down the South Coast Plaza for some care and maintenance of my watches. So what to when you have 90 mins to wait for service to get done? Of Course, EAT. We decided on French inspired food as we are traveling abroad this summer. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Populaire was empty when we got there a little after noon, but by the time we left around 1:45 the place was lively.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Staff is helpful and will check in. The beet salad and shrimp salad get high marks. Chips with Steak tartare - interesting, yummy but I would have preferred a baguette chips. Overall we left happy and very satisfait! read more

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We left the restaurant with a lot of regret--definitely a once-and-done experience. We had made a reservation for about 10 people to celebrate our wedding, so this was supposed to be a special night. I asked the server about kid-friendly options and was told they had pasta or a hamburger. We chose the hamburger, but as soon as it arrived, there was a very strong, unpleasant smell--almost like fish sauce. Within minutes, flies started gathering around it, which made everyone uncomfortable and honestly quite embarrassed. As for the $68 prix fixe 5-course meal, it really wasn't worth it. I was especially looking forward to the braised pork, but it came out overly salty and disappointing. I had seen photos and read positive reviews from other guests, so maybe ordering from the regular menu would've been a better choice. Just sharing my experience. read more

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I should seek out French food more often, but I know other places just won't be as good as this one. This unassuming meal is so simply and perfectly prepared: the chicken is beautifully braised and soft, the potatoes are silky, the sauce is like a velvety gravy that ties everything together, with a generous sprinkling of chives which to me is the detail that really shows they're not being stingy and not playing around with their food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is simple but gorgeous, good quality silverware and tableware.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was also excellent, with personable staff. Truly the basic things all done well add up to a high level of standards. read more

Populaire Modern Bistro - Chicken quarter with mashed potatoes and mustard sauce - French Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Food is as delicious as it looks! I enjoy eating here when I'm looking for a nice brunch/lunch spot at SCP. I love their steak/chicken with the black peppercorn sauce and potatoes - something I can only find here and boy it's addicting. DH swears the burger is one of the best he's ever had. Many other menu items we've tried and loved. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love their decor, keep in mind it's harder to seat large parties because of the layout.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'd probably only bring friends if I'm in a group of 4. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cleanliness is usually an issue - they need to do a better job of cleaning tables/booths/chairs because I frequently see crumbs, hair, etc on my seat and table [[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]a[[HIGHLIGHT]]s I'm walking up to be seated. Also have wine glasses out on the tables and they catch a serious amount of dust - I always ask for a clean glass and[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] usually get attitude about it. Service is pretty terrible, not going to lie. Nobody is ever friendly or welcoming (except one lady who floats around the kitchen - she seems like the owner). Always takes a long time for the hostess to acknowledge you, and waitresses are never really accommodating or understanding of requests. Usually have to crack a joke to get an ounce of warmth. Whenever I walk up, I mark the time to be acknowledged...more than 3 minutes, it's only me in line, and they see me there: I'm walking away. More than 10 minutes of sitting down when it's not busy and no one comes to greet or take my order? I'm leaving. This is the only restaurant I have to do this with...it's the only restaurant I so love but always think about giving $0.00 tip for. Hope it gets better because I really want it to succeed! read more

Service: Fantastic! The server was so incredibly kind and answered all of my questions. The food did take a little bit but that is because they make it fresh in the kitchen!! Food: We went off of our waitresses recommendation and it did not miss! so so tasty, first time I have tried tartar and I am a fan! Ambiance: Cute! It was inside of the mall but it does not feel like you are in a mall at all read more

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Delicious, quaint, and priced well. Stopped by for their prix fixe meal and it was well paced, tasty, and filling. Very happy with everything we ate and service was wonderful too. Our server was very attentive and kind. Would love to come back in the future. read more

Populaire Modern Bistro - Dining room - French Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Located in South Coast Plaza by Macy's and was super easy to make reservations online. We made a reservation for lunch on a Saturday and were seated quickly upon arrival. My fiance and I decided to share 3 dishes and we really enjoyed all of them. The Ratatouille was so hearty and came with delicious grilled bread. Our server kindly offered us more bread if we wanted, and we happily took her upon that offer. The Beef Tartare came with crispy Parmesan crisps and was our favorite dish. For the Duck Breast, we both agreed that the skin should've been crispier as it was a bit chewy, but the meat was juicy and paired so well with the sauce and puree. Service was friendly, although we did have to flag our server down multiple times for refills on our waters. One thing I will note is that the prices on their website are outdated, so each dish was a few dollars more. Overall, delicious French food, albeit a bit overpriced for the portion sizes. Would come back again! read more

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The service was good and the salad was delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]My only issue was the amount of gnats around the seating area near the mall/plants. It kind of takes away from the dining experience because nobody wants gnats flying around their food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Smh. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I think an easy fix would be adding something to the nearby plants or using some type of deterrent.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Other than that, the experience was solid. read more

Amazing dining experience at Populaire! We did the chef's pre fix menu and each dish we tasted was unique and flavorful. Our waitress, Elizabeth, explained every dish beautifully and was very kind. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great ambiance for a restaurant inside of a mall![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Looking forward to our next visit. read more

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EVERY DISH WAS AMAZING!!! Service and food is top notch! You will not be disappointed with flavors they got it and if you join for dine LA you will love it and be very satisfied with fullness. Curtis our server was probably the best server I have had in a long time he felt as passionate about the food as we were. Each dish was so flavorful and balanced. Great job chefs ! read more

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Worst service , kids were very hungry , MANAGEMENT LOOK THE DATE AND INVESTIGATE , its took 1hour 20m to bring our order which was 2 omelets , avocado toast, and 2 lobster toast, This is ridiculous, you have to think about your KITCHEN STUFF and customer service read more

Amazing food, been eating in a lot of Michelin guide places and handsdown the best steak i ever had. Very tender and the sauce was so great. Service is so peaceful calm perfect for business meetings or inviting guests. read more

Populaire Modern Bistro - French Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This is my favorite restaurant in all of Orange County. I am a young retiree with a lot of alone time, and when I'm feeling a little down, I come here, and it's always a spectacular meal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The staff is so attentive and friendly, and it's a lovely environment where I never feel bad being a party of one.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I am sad that they got rid of the crab salad (please bring it back), but I had the fish du jour today and it was a truly perfect dish. The fish is cooked impeccably, with a flavorful light crust, and it is accompanied beautifully by the sauce and asparagus. From someone who enjoys fine dining most days, I am always blown out of the water by how balanced and enjoyable the dishes are. My biggest compliments to the chef and staff here! read more

Populaire Modern Bistro - Fish Du Jour - French Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I came for a work dinner and what a great find. It's in the corner of South Coast Plaza near Macys and it's possible why it isn't as crowded as I think it should be. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Food and service were awesome and the ambiance & decor really makes for a comfortable dining setting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I like that the menu is 1 page and every dish we ordered at the table was a hit. The Parker rolls are a must order for sharing. I went with the Royale w/ Cheese(burger) because if they gave space and reference to one of the greatest movies (Pulp Fiction) the burger must be good. And yes, it was a very damn good. The only complaint I had is that it doesn't come with fries nor does the restaurant serve fries so I felt a little hungry still haha. Overall a must visit and I'll be back again as some of the dishes ordered amongst my group looked amazing. read more

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Such an incredible experience! I took my friend here for her birthday. We got the Chef's Prix-Fixe menu and every single dish knocked it out of the park. The menu was $68/pp, which was great value for money for the quality of the food we had. The scallop crudo was incredibly bright and fresh, and super tender. The crab cigar was really crispy and stuffed with the meat. I loved the bone marrow flan in the bisque, really unique. The duck was also lovely, crispy skin and tender meat, and the sauerkraut cut through all the richness. And a solid dessert to finish! My only note is that the menu online did not match the menu we were given in-person. Service was really quick and we were never left waiting too long between courses. Definitely will be back. This place is kind of a hidden gem. read more

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We came here for my birthday and were thoroughly impressed. I had the prix fixe menu with wine pairings and was not disappointed. We started with an extra order of the grilled octopus. It was amazing. The octopus was tender, flavorful and delicious in a fantastic sauce with crisp cucumber. 1st course was scallop, crisp kumquat koji lemon oil. It was so unique and delicious, had a combination of flavors that were great. The 2nd course was asparagus, brown butter, miso sabayon, hazelnuts, lime - this was amazing. The lime flavor just jumps out while eating the tasty foam soup. Wow this may have been the favorite, the asparagus was perfectly balanced in the soup with the opposing crunch of the hazelnuts and the flavors were so good. The 3rd course was lobster bisque, bone marrow flan, celery, pickled celery root. Wow the flan was so different, a nice vehicle for all the flavor of the bisque and accented with the pickled cubes of root - yum! The 4th course was duck leg confit, brown butter, beet puree, black berries, endive duck au jus. Wow, this was tender yet there was still a little crisp on the skin of the duck. It was so delicious and the sauce was perfect. It was great! The dessert was vanilla panna cotta rhubarb pistachio crumble, strawberry sorbet, thai basil. The pistachio crumble was a standout; it provided a salty savory balance to the fruity berries and creamy pannacota was so delicious and fantastic! We loved it! One additional note: our server Lupe was so knowledgeable, so helpful, explained all the courses, gave background on the menu selection for the meal, she was excellent! She helped make this birthday dinner so special in addition to the spectacular food and drink!!! read more

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This place is located in the Southcoast Mall right next to Macy's. I had lunch here with a couple of friends. There is an indoor and "outdoor" seating available. And by 'outdoor seating' I mean, outside the restaurant but still within the mall. Service was good and restaurant was clean. Our waiter checked on us throughout and was nice enough to even help the table next to us take some group photos. I tried the Ratatouille and the Chicken & Farro Salad. For the salad, I opted to have it without cheese. Both dishes were delicious and very filling. Both these dishes can be easily shared with 1 or 2 people. Price is reasonable considering the portion size is generous. Will definitely like to come back and try other menu items!! read more

Populaire Modern Bistro - Chicken &Farro Salad (without cheese) - French Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Amazingly creative food. Offering both multi-course prix fixe menu or a la carte. Service was impeccable as well as very helpful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Enjoyed the clean decor and the entire vibe of this restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Some may find it a little hard to find. read more

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My baby shower was hosted at Populaire, and I honestly can't say enough good things. From start to finish, everything was incredible. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space is so beautiful and thoughtfully designed it made the day feel intimate, special, and perfect for our group.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was a huge highlight. Everything was not only delicious but also so beautifully done. Chef Nick is truly the best. You can tell how much care goes into every detail, and our guests couldn't stop talking about how amazing everything was. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere, service, and overall experience came together so seamlessly and made the day incredibly meaningful and memorable for me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I can't recommend Populaire enough for hosting celebrations or just for an amazing meal. I'm so grateful to have celebrated such a special moment in such a lovely place. read more

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My second meal here, but my first trying their Chef's Prix Fixe menu, which was always my goal. The menu, which of course varies based on ingredients available, is an excellent value at $68 for 5 courses. It's available from 4 pm on daily. I had enjoyed brunch at Verdant in the OCMA earlier in the day; partner/chefs Nick Weber and Ross Pangilinan helm both restaurants as well as Terrace by Mix Mix across the bridge in South Coast Plaza. I believe Populaire, with its French bistro menu with a California twist, is more chef Nick's baby, with Terrace being Filipino chef Ross'. Chef Nick apparently loves Elvis, based on tchotchkes by the restroom and the plate your check comes on. Populaire is separated into 2 dining sections; at 4 pm only one section was open. Both sections look out onto the mall; my area looked directly onto Thom Browne, where I had done some damage earlier. Service was good, and the meal was fast--5 courses in about an hour. My courses were: 1) scallop crudo, 2) asparagus with brown butter, miso and hazelnuts, 3) lobster bisque with bone marrow flan, 4) red wine braised beef cheeks with Robuchon potatoes and peas, 5) panna cotta with rhubarb, pistachio crumble and strawberry sorbet. I additionally ordered the house-made Parker House rolls, which were still proofing during my first visit. Everything was delish, and the tasting menu was pretty high end considering the price point. Worth a return visit for the quality and value, and of course the shopping. read more

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Elegant centric meals fitting for South Coast Plaza without the lux prices. Came to celebrate a bff's birthday and was so pleasantly impressed by the quality and presentation of the meals as well as the attentive service. We opted to do the chef's lunch tasting menu consisting of three courses. 1st course choices were carrot ginger soup or endive salad (both YES!) 2nd course offerings: duck confit or oxtail pasta, can sub ratatouille for vegetarian alternative which was one of the best ratatouilles! Oxtail pasta was also delicious and very generously plated. Third course was dessert and only one choice: rice pudding....YES!!! Will be returning to try à la carte options like the charred octopus and shrimp salad..amongst others. Located on 2nd floor near Macy's and Prada. Closest parking structure would be Sak's Fifth Avenue store level P3. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance and service were outstanding!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our group shared many appetizers and a variety of the dinner options and absolutely everything we had was delicious!! The bread was to die for and the mashed potatoes were scrumptious!! Can't wait to go back!! Major Kudos to the Chef!! read more

Excellent service by Elizabeth, she is so friendly and attentive. The food was delicious and it was obviously made with high quality ingredients. For example, the egg yolks had a deep orange color, and the crab in crab salad tasted very fresh. Solid choice for a meal any time of day. read more

Had an amazing dinner with friends. We decided to do the prix fixe dinner, which changes from time to time. I forgot to get a copy of the menu from that evening. Everything was delicious, from the appetizer to the entree'. We also had some delicious wine to go along with our food. I would recommend dining here if u get the chance. read more

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Fantastic! Creative and refined cuisine. We always do the multi course tasting menu. You're not going to find a better value for a French tasting menu with wine pairing anywhere. We've always enjoyed dining at Mix Mix and was excited when they opened this place. Highly recommended! read more

Always wanted to try this place so we finally came. Place wasn't busy for lunch. We sat on tables where you could see shoppers walking around. However, this location of the mall was one of the least busy section inside South Coast. We ordered 4 dishes but for sure the most outstanding dish was Croque Madam. It was so good we all thought to just order that one times 4 next time. The flavor was spot on (savory but not salty) n the ham on top of the toast layered w aioli sauce n Comte cheese tasted great. The second stand out was their ratatouille dish. This one also had Comte cheese w egg yolk that shared the same ingredients as croque madam. Maybe that those 2 ingredients made these 2 dishes so yummy. The last 2 dishes were just so so however. French omelet n casarecce pasta. The omelet was cooked nicely but nothing more. The pasta wasn't bad but it was just cheese n pasta sauce. No protein at all so it was a bit pricey for a dish w no protein and just pasta n cheese. We also ordered shrimp salad. Decent portion. They gave about 6 shrimps. It was alright. Service was good. read more

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The Duck Confit Spliff is a great representation of the Vietnamese & French cultures "wrapped" up all in one dish. And for a more traditional & fun way to eat it, you definitely have to use your hands. My only wish was for a little more duck in the spliff. With the Ebelskivers, the concept was again brilliant. The garlic emulsion creates an intense garlic flavor but in a light and airy way. But like takoyaki, I wish there was more escargot in the batter to remind me more of that chewy feel from the traditional dish. The surprise star of our meal was the Royale with Cheese. The wagyu had great flavor and char. And the sesame seed bun held up well for this napkin-required burger. But those pickles were amazing nuggets of necessity to add balancing acidity to the richness of the dish. We definitely want to try the Duck Breast, the Spanish Octopus, and the Prix Fixe Meal on future visits. A final thanks to Chef & Curtis for the friendly service and explanation of the menu. read more

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Hands down, this place is the gem of Orange County. From the second we sat down, it didn't feel like just another trendy spot--it felt like the kind of restaurant you stumble into in New York and never forget. Our server, Curtis, was an absolute pro. Super attentive, knew the menu inside and out, and had that rare mix of chill and sharp you want when you're out for a good meal. Not overbearing, not phony--just solid hospitality. What really sealed the night though? The owner came by to say hi, no ego, just good energy. She actually brought us out a few little off-menu bites, completely on the house, and they were unreal. That kind of gesture says a lot. You can tell they care. The vibe, the food, the people--everything about The Populaire Bistro feels like it belongs in a bigger city, but lucky for us, it's right here in Costa Mesa. This isn't just a great OC spot. This is destination dining. read more

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Full transparency: Actually giving it a 3.5 v. 3, but no options for halvesies. Overall, beautiful restaurant and great spot in SCP for lunch or dinner. Presentation was nicely done for each of the dishes. A+ for tasting menu and no requirement that all parties must partake; gives us a chance to really sample other dishes. Taste was okay. The octopus tasted overcooked with no snap. Some of the other dishes a little too salty or not salty enough. The flavors were simply not consistent. But the duck was definitely the super star of the show. If you come here, definitely order that. read more

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I've had many set menu/prix fix/chef's choice dinners, and I can easily say this was one of the best I've ever had at this price point. Detailed breakdown below: **Service, 5/5** Very friendly and efficient staff! Our server's cheery attitude made this a very memorable evening. **Decor & cleanliness, 5/5** The restaurant is located in the mall, which takes away from the romantic atmosphere just a smidge, but the quality of the menu will make you forget that you're in a mall entirely. **Price & portion, 5/5** At $65 for 5 courses, you'll leave full and satiated from the amount of food and all the variety! **Presentation of the food, 5/5** Each plate is gorgeous and definitely makes you feel like you're having a fine dining experience. **Taste of the food, 5/5** - Heirloom carrots: This was the most underwhelming course, but only because everything that followed was so good. - Steak tartare: Perfectly savory, tangy, and had a very fun contrast of flavors with the cheese crisp. I only wish the cheese crisp was a bit sturdier so I could scoop the tartare. - Shrimp chawamushi: This is the best chawamushi I've ever had. The sweet, perfectly cooked shrimp, the delicate steamed egg, and the fresh garnishes all complimented each other so well. I could have easily eaten another bowl or two! - Braised beef cheeks: I knew as soon as our server brought this out *without* giving us knives, that this was going to be super tender. I was so right. You could eat the entire dish with just a spoon! If you had any room before this course, this main will definitely fill you up. The portion is very generous, and the beef cheeks are unbelievably tender so you just want to keep eating. The pickled mushroom topping was very unique but worked so well with. My only complaint here is that the beef really needed a touch of salt as the only salt/acidity I was getting was from the pickled shimeji. - Rice pudding: I wasn't expecting much when I heard that rice pudding was on the menu for dessert, but wow -- this was also the best rice pudding I've ever had. The rice was cooked perfectly, soaked up so much fantastic flavor, and was SO balanced I think I could've eaten 3 of these too! The honey and jammy fresh strawberries made this sweet, light, fruity, floral, fragrant, and such an incredible end to the meal. I'd seriously pay for this recipe so I can eat it when I'm not in SoCal. read more

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The food was delicious, but the portion size was very small, and it took a long time to be ready. read more

Populaire Modern Bistro - French Near Me - Costa Mesa, California