Knife Pleat
Fine dining restaurant · Costa Mesa ·
Refined French dining with Michelin star, truffle & caviar
Refined French dining with Michelin star, truffle & caviar
"One star. Orange County’s French tasting menu restaurant from Tony Esnault and Yassmin Sarmadi, who previously operated Church & State in the Arts District, retains its star." - Eater Staff
"Set on the third floor of South Coast Plaza amidst fashionable stores, this steady operation is small, elegant and well-appointed. Add on a gleaming open kitchen, chef's counter, as well as a secluded patio—and you know you've struck gold. Well-heeled patrons and in-the-know locals pack this place, and everyone is here for Chef Tony Esnault's contemporary take on classic French cuisine.To begin, wedges of heirloom tomatoes plated with coins of compressed sweet watermelon and a smattering of crisp Persian cucumbers taste of summer, while confit duck thigh sided by preserved fig, turnips, cassoulet beans is a savory delight. Layered chocolate cake with hazelnut crunch crust ganache, chocolate cremeux and a gianduja glaze is the ultimate finish." - Michelin Inspector
"This modern French-Californian restaurant from chef Tony Esnault and Yassmin Sarmadi is ripe for celebratory meals. The three-course lunch and four-to-six-course dinner prix fixe menus change often. One week, it’s French black truffles; another evening, it’s a Nowruz dinner with recipes by Shamsi Katebi, prepared by Esnault and his kitchen team. Its plush banquets and round tables overlook the bar and open kitchen. A sunlit patio is typically booked with private weekend events, and a pricey but impeccable afternoon tea service is available on Saturdays. The surprisingly satisfying non-alcoholic cocktails, like the Cadillac margarita with blood orange and lime, are also worth stopping in for." - Jenn Tanaka
"The afternoon tea service at Michelin-starred Knife Pleat is worth crossing county lines for. The menu, which is priced at $115 per person and is only served on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., includes classic sweets and savories prepared with fine dining flair by chef Tony Esnault. An egg salad sandwich comes with smoked trout roe, while a Persian cucumber sandwich is served on a house-made Pullman loaf. The pastry line-up includes lemon cake, rhubarb tart, macarons, and cream puffs." - Cathy Chaplin
"One star. Orange County’s French tasting menu restaurant from Tony Esnault and Yassmin Sarmadi, who previously operated Church & State in the Arts District, retains its star." - Eater Staff
