Populaire Modern Bistro

My wife and I had a prix-fixe menu several months ago and were so impressed that we came back again just for that experience. Happy to report that we were not disappointed - May menu is nothing short of amazing. Took a few snapshots since as they say, pictures are worth a thousand words. The service is on par with the class of this establishment. We came on a Sunday evening and there were only a few patrons.

Walking into Populaire Modern Bistro in Costa Mesa, the first thing that caught my eye wasn’t the ambiance, the art, or even the menu—it was the chef’s duck press. That was my signal that this place meant business. Naturally, I went straight to the chef, who also happens to be the owner, and asked if he had any pasta dishes similar to a duck pasta I once had in New York. Without hesitation, he looked at me and said, “I’ll make you whatever you want.” Let me be clear: what he made wasn’t just good. It was top three pastas I’ve had in the entire world—and I’ve eaten pasta everywhere. It wasn’t even on the menu, yet somehow, it tasted like it had been perfected over generations. That’s the kind of kitchen this is. To say the food here is “the best” feels like an understatement. Outside of the Hillstone Group, I’d argue this is the best restaurant in California. Period. Every single thing on the menu is a hit. No filler, no weak spots—just bangers, start to finish. And it’s not just the food. The entire experience—the **punk music blasting in the background, the edgy artwork, the effortless but precise service—**feels like it belongs anywhere but an Orange County mall. This place screams Michelin-level talent, but with a soul that would fit better in New York City or Paris. Honestly, most people wouldn’t even grasp how good this place is. Their palates aren’t trained for it. Populaire isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a flex. And if you don’t get it, that’s on you.

We had a wonderful experience dining here. The space between each tables, and the cleaness of the restroom in the restaurant are great. The staffs were friendly and the foods were amazing. Especially the Kobe cheese burger and rice pudding. Oh, The texture of the mashed potato was awesome too. Will definitely make this place to my pocket list!

I can't say enough good things about this place! From start to finish, the experience was absolutely amazing. The food? Spectacular. Each dish was a work of art, both in taste and presentation. Every bite was a burst of flavor, and you could tell the chefs put so much thought and care into each plate. The service was top-notch as well. Our server was not only attentive but also friendly and genuinely seemed to enjoy being there. It really added to the overall warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're here for a casual meal or celebrating something special, this restaurant nails it on all fronts. Highly recommend—definitely coming back!

The duck breast was very pleasant. It was very flavorful and the rest of the components such as the pomegranate made the dish very light! Every dish I had here was great including the ratatouille and French onion soup

Such a delightful dining experience. The service was impeccable and easy. The small share dishes were delicious, especially the duck spring roll and the octopus. The Royale with cheese burger was perfect. Just as a burger should be.

Populaire Modern Bistro in Costa Mesa offers a fantastic dining experience with standout dishes like their Kobe beef cheeseburger. The burger is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, making it a must-try for any food lover. With great service and a stylish atmosphere, it's a top spot for casual dining.

opulaire at South Coast Plaza is a delightful escape! The charming ambiance, with its lush flowers and rich blue accents, instantly sets a relaxed and inviting tone. Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are cozy and give off a quaint vibe, perfect for a leisurely meal. The service was spot-on, and every dish we tried was a winner, but the Croque Madame really stole the show. They’ve also nailed the small details, from the playful straws to the gorgeous cups and saucers, which make the experience feel extra special. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

The Food is Astonishing! Love, love, love Populaire and Chef Nick Amazing experience and will definitely keep coming back!

Upbeat open ambiance in South Coast Plaza offering French bistro style fare with the chef's own embellishments. This place came highly recommended from a trusted friend, and it did not disappoint. In our large group, everybody was very happy with what they ordered, and it was a very diverse sampling of the menu. My Croque Madame hit the spot. Crunchy, salty, savory and satisfying. Staff were friendly and fairly prompt despite being busy at the lunch rush-hour.

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.

Service was good! The place was beautiful. We really liked the interior. Scallops were the best thing we ordered. The tartare was drowned in the spicy sauce so we couldn't really taste the beef and their crisps were covered in too much cheese which made the whole bite too salty. Croque madame was fine. Also pretty salty but that's to be expected I suppose. Flower petals on the scallops and dessert were confusing. Didn't really add any flavor and kept getting stuck in our teeth. Also made the presentation appear messier, not to mention some of those petals were half brown/dead by the time they made it on the plate.

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.

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.

FIrst time trying this restaurant in my favourite mall in LA/OC. It's located in the former Lawry's Carvery spot between the 2 Macy's stores and across from Thom Browne. It's a pretty space with the open kitchen just beyond the host stand and 2 dining rooms on either side, both of which are open the the mall's corridors, although one side seems to be more "outdoors". The restaurant has its own restrooms. Populaire features "classic French bistro staples with a modern California twist". I was enticed to come here by the 5-course Chef's Prix-Fixe menu I saw on their website. Alas, I came at the 11 am opening time, and the tasting menu is only for dinner (4 pm on). Instead, they had a weekend brunch menu plus their all-day menu. On weekdays there's a 3-course lunch menu. From the all-day menu, I started with the Mission fig salad, then the Royale with cheese(burger). The salad had plenty of figs and pistachios. The burger was oozy with Raclette cheese with tartness from pickled onions and a pickled cucumber salad served alongside. I wanted to try their homemade Parker House rolls, but they were still proofing, so instead I got some grilled bread with whipped butter. The burger didn't come with fries, but on weekends they had some crispy oven-roasted potatoes that were satisfying. Service was good. There was only one server, so she became more sparse as the restaurant got busier (she was the hostess also). Eventually another server and a dedicated hostess showed up. A solid dining choice in South Coast Plaza. I still want to try their tasting menu.

Every time I have been there it has been a treat. Every bite is delish. We go for lunch. We are warmly greeted. I think the server we have had multiple times is Amy(?) But everyone has been great. We split the set menu and add a french onion soup. They changed it to a more classic French onion soup. I think they called it a French onion toast. The traditional soup is excellent but I think I prefer the previous version. But not like I'm not going continue to order. The set menu is a nice meal for one, a light meal for two. I usually do not care for rice pudding but I look forward to this one if it's on the menu. We usually sit on the mall side. It is not noisy. Nice and cozy still and fun to people watch. I worry a little because they are not super busy when I go during the week. Go! So yummy.

A really great place! Food is always great seasoned perfectly and staff is so kind. I've been three times recently and it's always a 10/10 experience. Even when mall is busy the Service is fast and smooth. And A+ for valet being out front They are also DONATING TO THE FIRES WHEN YOU VISIT RIGHT NOW. You have for lifer customer

First time for me visiting this yummy place, it is in South Coast Plaza ( the old Lawry's restaurant). My girlfriends took me here for a birthday celebration. Reservations were easy to make, we were seated quickly. The place was clean and very nice ambiance. We chose the prefix lunch- appetizer, main dish and dessert. Two of us started with the scallops, it was an amazing group of flavors that exploded in your mouth. One had the salad which was excellent, the dressing was very good. We all had the salmon, cooked to perfection with a crispy outer coating. It was excellent. We ended with the rice pudding with pistachios. My mouth was pleasantly surprised with the amazing blend of flavors. I highly recommend this place . I'm sure your tastebuds will love it!

Another trip back and the whole group was thrilled with the food. Raw scallops were stunning and tasted amazing, singing with a perfectly balanced acidic yet sweet sauce. The octopus was crispy and tender at the same time, punctuated with spiced sauce (not too spicy) and bright cucumbers. The shrimp salad continues to be a hit and the duck was described as excellent. The burger was the star though with homemade bun, plenty of delicious sauce and perfectly cooked. The cherry on top of all this was not just the chocolate dessert, which my friend said was one of the best desserts she's ever had, it was the service . The hostess was so welcoming and friendly and was constantly making the rounds refilling waters which was so appreciated. Our waitress was so personable, gave great recommendations and frequently checked in. I wonder where they find such great staff. I can honestly say it's been a long time since I've had that type of service. I'm not sure if Friday evening is ever going to be super crowded, it wasn't . I hear it's a huge hit for lunch/brunch. I can't say enough good things you are missing out if you don't go here!!

I may call this a hidden gem located inside South Coast Plaza. It's the perfect place to stop in for an elevated meal while shopping and it still feels removed from the mall and peaceful despite being located inside. Our server was so sweet and personable, and you can see the chefs bustling about the open kitchen. They offer a prix-fixe menu of 5 course for $65 or you can order a-la-carte which is what we did. The menu we received is slightly different from what is online so I'll try to remember but we split the Stone Fruit Salad that consists of the freshest ingredients and delicious chunks of cheese combined with a rosé wine vinaigrette that I could drink. And speaking of sauces I could drink, the Duck Confit Spring Rolls were so unique and fun and served alongside the most flavorful nouc cham. For the price I do wish it was served with 4 instead of two but I suppose the duck is what makes it pricey. Along with the Asian vibe the entrees have a French feel to them. My mom ordered the Casarecce Pasta which is a seemingly simple dish with a tomato sauce, homemade ricotta and smoked chili oil but it all tasted so fresh and came together very well. I had the Royale with Cheese(burger) which comes topped with Raclette cheese, pickled onions and cornichon secret sauce on a potato bun. Let me tell you it was SO GOOD. It was juicy and all the things you want a burger to be. It also comes with a generous side of their house-made pickles which reminded me of thick-cut Asian cucumber-style pickles. I don't know if that makes sense but they were very good and because my mom was raving about them they even brought her out a side of them which was so nice.

Little pricy but cute french place with not overly large portions. We came here for a lunch at south coast plaza on a saturday, not crowded at all so we got a seating, there is seating inside and outside of store attached to mall. For drinks we got a white and red each, for food I got the Royale With Cheese(burger) ($22) and my fiance got the duck breast ($39). Both wines were solid and they give you a good pour. We also had a ratatouille appetizer ($16) to share. Ratatouille Appetizer (6/10)-too salty and they do not give you a lot of toast, wish they give you more toast but flavor profile has deep tomato flavor. Cheeseburger (7/10)-burger was cooked medium and cheese was high quality, one of the best cheese I've had, the seeded bun was not it for me, but the pickles on burger and side cut the greasiness. Duck Breast (9/10)-good balance of sweet and salt, the beet sauce was rich and went well with the fatty duck. The service is not the fastest here so a nice bougie lunch for those days you have lots of time. Would love to try the fish dishes or the 5 course meal my next visit.

A mall restaurant that is inside the South Coast Plaza, its concept is not something that would draw me in unless I was there shopping. That said the food was solid, service a bit slow and honestly they were likely understaffed at the moment we were there, but I'm not judging them for that, post covid hiring has been very challenging. The ambience was nice with what they had to work with.

The prices at this French restaurant are very reasonable and affordable, making it a place I highly recommend. The décor is beautiful, and the service is excellent. I'll definitely be returning. That day, I ordered the chef's prix fixe dinner menu for $68, and it was an amazing deal, everything was delicious. My friend, who is vegetarian, shared a few of their vegetarian dishes with me, and they were equally tasty.

我們要學會與這個世界溫柔相待，不為難自己，不盲目較勁，任何事情總有答案，與其煩惱，不如順其自然，有些事笑一笑就好，無需太認真，有些人看看就行，也無需太在意～ 今天要放這個在南海岸的餐廳，我來過第三次了，朋友喜歡吃他們的鴨胸，他們是為了鴨胸而來，其實這家算法國菜，在西餐裡價格還可以接受，雖然菜色不多，但是有些東西真的做得不錯，我們點的Spice crab salad, 章魚腳， 主菜鴨胸跟甜點rice pudding , 都很有水準，可是我真的要講的是小費的這個問題，昨天去吃飯，看到他們要求的是18 %， 20 %，跟30 %， 對你沒看錯， 我也沒寫錯，真的就是誇張了， 30%，現在吃飯真的要給這麼貴的小費嗎？問題是昨天我們去的時候招待我們的小姐對我們的態度也不是很好，一副沒有耐性的模樣，其實我覺得給10% 都嫌多，因為她的態度，美國這失控的小費文化，真的有點令人抓狂的感覺，搞的我有時都不想去餐廳吃飯了，大家是不是也有同感呀？

Was invited for a friend's annual CNY/Tet celebration here at Populaire Modern Bistro. We had enough people to basically take over the right side of the restaurant near the bathrooms. Everyone had a set menu and the only option we had was to decide on our main (either their steak, sea bass or the duck). First dish was a gem salad featuring a rose vinegrette. The veggies were perfectly coated with just the right amount of dressing so that you could still taste all of the flavors of the vegetables. Second dish was a duck confit spliff which was their take on a spring roll. It was served with your traditional Vietnamese nuoc cham dipping sauce. This was exceptionally good and could've put down a few more. The third course was a shrimp chawanmushi which was super flavorful. Loved the added textures of the crispy shallots and pea tendrils. Super flavorful but wished they brought this dish out pipping hot. For my main, I opted for the peppercorn steak which was super peppery. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare but the peppercorn sauce was a tad bit too peppery for me. The wife ordered the duck which I thought was awesome. As for desserts, the host had a dessert table with a wide variety from various dessert shops in the OC area (sadly forgot to snap a pic). Loved our meal here and would definitely come back in the near future.

I can't remember a better dining experience. Our birthday party shared the tasting menu with wine parings as well as a few appetizers and the Chateau steak. Every bite was amazing, perfectly seasoned with a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures. The service was spot on, knowledgeable, friendly and just a delight. (Thank you, Curtis) I am looking forward to eating here again. Also a shout out to the backgound music. It was fun and not too loud, something that is appreciated when you want to have a nice conversation with an excellent meal.

Stellar Benedict. I don't want to know how much butter was in it given how awesome the biscuit supporting the eggs was. Dig the music, staff and food. Single handedly won my experience of best Benedict ever. I eat a lot of Benedict's if i eat out. Wonderful experience.

Planned the chef's table 7-course tasting menu for my friend's 40th birthday. Unfortunately, the morning of the day of our reservation, the chef calls to tell me that the sous chef is sick and he's catering so we wouldn't be able to do the chef's table but he offered us the comped 5-course prix fixe with an additional course to make up for the disappointment. With it being much late notice, we decided to go and enjoy this 5-course + 1 meal. Honestly, we thoroughly enjoyed every single course. Beautifully presented with wonderful flavors. The food here is fantastic. There were a few substitutions of ingredients but none of them impacted the courses negatively. I came here once prior and ordered off the a la carte menu and was not as impressed as I was by their tasting menu. It's what's I would recommend if you decide to come here. The service was great and the decor is gorgeous. In spite of the initial disappointment, Populaire made up for it in spades. Would happily return. Thanks again for taking good care of us.

I can't rave enough about Populaire Modern Bistro! The decor strikes a perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy charm. Every dish is crafted with care by Chef Nick, featuring unique twists, fresh ingredients, and delightful presentations. Our first visit in March was memorable. Our family of 7 had a variety of dishes, all of which were exceptional. Curtis, our server, made the evening special with his attentiveness, pleasant demeanor, and great sense of humor. His special touch is what we look for with each visit. In June, my husband surprised me with a birthday celebration at the Chef's Table. It was an unforgettable experience. Watching Chef Nick prepare and narrate each of the 6 courses was mesmerizing. My birthday dessert was the Chocolat: Chocolat Cremeux, Devil's Chocolate Cake, Cocoa Nib Tuile, Salted Creme Fraiche, Olive Oil. It was nothing short of heavenly! If you're celebrating something special, the Chef's Table is an absolute must! Today, we returned to explore the new offerings. We started with Bay Scallop Crudo: Pickled Rhubarb, Szechuan Peppercorn Sauce, Lemon Oil, Mint. A delicious mouthful. We also enjoyed the Duck Confit Spliff Springroll: Cucumber, Cilantro, Nuoc Cham. It was fun to eat wrapped in the crisp lettuce, then dipped in the flavorful Nuoc Cham. Chef Nick then surprised us with Everything Summer in a Dish: Frog Hallow Peaches, Sungold Tomatoes, Homemade Ricotta, Pistachio, Thai Basil, Lemon Mosto Oil. A refreshing spontaneous creation that was as delightful as it was unexpected. For the entrée, I had the 10oz Prime Chateau Steak. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare with Roasted Sweet Onions, Fingerling Potatoes, Sauce Au Poivre and a presentation that made it even more enjoyable. The sauce was so scrumptious that I consumed it in its entirety without leaving any leftovers! Ask anyone who knows me, that is a compliment! My husband opted for the Royale with Cheese(burger)--a mouthwatering combination of ground Kobe Beef, Raclette Cheese, Pickled Onions, Cornichon Secret Sauce on a Potato Bun. It was a wonderful end to a long, stressful day. Populaire Modern Bistro consistently delivers excellence in flavor and service, and I highly recommend it. Check out my supporting pictures. It's no surprise that we are already looking forward to our next visit!

Chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nicholas Weber have their sights set on Michelin's Bib Gourmand and it shows. No dish relied on salt for flavor and every ingredient was incorporated thoughtfully, doing its part to elevate the dish as a whole. Populaire is also very flexible with their menu: not everyone needs to participate in the prix fixe, and prix fixe menu items can be ordered a la carte if they really happen to pique your interest. The dinner price point is surprisingly reasonable at just $65/pp, +$35/pp for the optional wine pairing. We were seated right away for a birthday dinner, and service was fantastic. Our waitress was so personable without being overbearing, and had a lot of valuable input for menu recommendations. Ratatouille. I knew veggies could taste like this, but at the same time I didn't know veggies could taste like this. Mixing in the egg yolk and comte cheese makes this a tangy yet creamy, dreamy hit. Spanish octopus. Perfectly cooked, not at all tough or rubbery. I'll be dreaming about the Moroccan chermoula until I can have it again. Cascarecci pasta. This was a sleeper hit for me, as the deceptively simple description makes it something I usually would not order. If they told me that the San Marzano tomatoes they used came from God's own vineyard, I could only respond with, "Yep, that checks out." Rice pudding. I don't like rice pudding but I liked this one, probably because the texture was more like creme brulee which was wonderfully juxtaposed against the savory and crunchy pistachios.

The menu has some interesting choices so kudos for that. The food was good but there's work to be done on the details. The wine list menu has faded to the point where some of the vintner's names are illegible. There are not enough by the glass options . I found it strange that we had to ask for utensils. Our table wasn't reset correctly from the last patron. Thank goodness the food was a delight. I had the duck with beet purée and my wife had the salmon. Both were delicious. The vibe was fine for an eatery within a mall.

Loved! I searched gluten free restaurants and this place popped up! It's conveniently at the south coast plaza, surrounded by beautiful shops! We were seated in a booth, love the decor and the blue chairs with gold accents. A pleasant atmosphere, reminded me of being in Paris! Open seating with comfortable tables and booths! My friend ordered a glass or red wine, I had a glass of Pinot Grigio/ it was ok, I'd try something else next time. My friend ordered the burger- said it was scrumptious ! I had the duck with figs and wow. It was sooo good, I love duck and it was gluten free! They have a gluten free chocolate dessert I'll be going back for. Service was fantastic, quiet on a Monday night! Clean, bring, beautiful, delicious food, tantalizing menu, can't wait to return Suggest someone for a date, girls night out before/ after shopping for lunch drinks etc!

Despite the bistro ambiance we had a very high end meal here for my husband's birthday. In November 2023 the pre fixe menu was great value at $65 for 5 courses plus we also did the $35 wine pairing. 1st course Persimmon with homemade ricotta & faro -3/5 this was an interesting starter part cheese part faro 2nd course Steak tartare -5/5 this course was delicious and I wished I had more! 3rd course Brown butter crab in a smoked bonito broth with squash, ginger & Thai basil -5/5 wow this was outstanding and bursting with flavor! I could have eaten 3 bowls of this! 4th course Braised Beef Cheek Or Duck -5/5 I'm not a fan of braised beef cheek because it reminds me of having to eat too much pot roast back when I was a kid and I dislike pot roast BUT they so nicely offered to substitute this dish with duck and the duck was perfectly cooked and quite tasty 5th course (Dessert) Rice pudding with pomegranate, honey & almonds -4/5 a solid dessert but not amazing Service 5/5 Service was outstanding!! Ambiance 4/5 Nice bistro feel all open inside South Coast plaza mall on the side closer to Bear St. Overall we'd come back to try their many seasonal menus!

The food in this little spot has some definite potential and the theme is not completely lost. Sadly the drab mall vibe makes the entire experience here a bit bland. Price is good. Value is decent for what you get. It's quality food. And some of it is quite good, even if a bit confused at times. This place seems to want to have vibe, but instead often feels like a bland fudge stand. Service is uneven at best. Some dishes are amazing, others defy logic and seem tragic. Overall a quaint little corner where the idea could work, but needs a bold refresh and revamp.

Been wanting to try this place because it's one of Chef Ross Pangilinan's restaurants. I dined at his first restaurant Mix Mix Kitchen Bar when it was fairly new and Terrace by Mix Mix 2 almost 2 years ago. Enjoyed the food at both places during my visit. I love Paris so for this restaurant having the French vibes already sold me. Came for brunch with a girlfriend and we shared the Ratatouille and Fish du Jour. Both were very tasty and ended up asking for more bread to clean up the plates of tomato sauce and creme fraiche. The fish was cooked perfectly and the sauce was just divine. I know we stayed way too long from catching up but our server was super nice from start to finish, checked on us making sure everything was good. Definitely would love to come back to try other dishes.

I normally love Populaire (as you can see from my previous reviews). But our meal yesterday fell short of expectations. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive and the ambiance was wonderful as usual. However, we were really disappointed by the portions and the quality of the meal. The sauce on the asparagus appetizer was delicious but the dish literally had 2 small pieces of asparagus on it (maybe 5 inches each?). The beef cheek came out next and was beautifully presented. However, it was almost entirely fat. I understand this cut of meat is fattier than others but the ratio of fat to meat was abnormal and made more than half the dish inedible. I mentioned this to the waitress because it seemed like an anomaly and even she seemed surprised. She said she would check with the chef, but when she returned she said he said that's just how that cut of meat is. I've had beef cheek before at Populaire a few times, and it was never comprised of that much fat. My husband ordered the fish for his entree, which was also beautifully presented. However the fish was overcooked and needed more seasoning. The desserts were delicious but the fact that my appetizer was so small and I could only eat 1/3rd of my entree made the overall meal unenjoyable. I understand the prix fix lunch is much less than ordering off the regular menu but I still expect the quality to be the same when paying $36 (not including tax and tip). Overall our meal ended up being $125 and I left hungry. It was disappointing and I'm not sure we'll go back or recommend it to anyone else, even though it was one our favorite places to dine in Costa Mesa.

I love this place, you can't beat the value on the prix fixe menu. Food is great, service is friendly and there's no corkage. Sometimes chef Nick does a chef counter which is also a blast.

We ordered the prix fixed menu, which had several small courrses. each was delicious and beautiful.The steak tartare was a little bit spicy. The Persimmon salad was also great. Duck was very good and not gamey. The rice pudding dessert was mmmmmm Our server Curtis was excellent. Conveniently located next to the valet and the exit by Macy's. Definitely worth repeating!

Dear Populaire, Birthday experiences matter and the chef's choices really are wonderful and fulfilling here. I love that each part really brings out the best of the next. Ricotta cheese, scallop tartar, both are great starts soft starts that really gave a sweet and savory flavor. Awesome and wonderful dishes. Shrimp soup with broth is yummy and warm yet seems simple to have at home. The escargot fried very good on the side so good I loved this. Pork loin is very yummy and came out delicious to eat at the end with a deliciousness dessert to celebrate together. The place is a nice light blue spot with good seating. Great people that help and soft music that leaves a 90s vibe with sprinkles of the paintings and photos. Aesthetics are nice and we will visit again.

We celebrated a birthday here with lunch, and it was amazing! For starters we shared the escargot ebleskiver and Spanish octopus and both dishes impressed. For the main I had the set menu with crispy frog legs, beef short rib, and rice pudding and every dish was superb! Others had the duck, ratatouille, royale with cheese, and everything we tried was delicious. The service was on point and the ambiance elegant. At the end we thanked the chef . We loved it and will be back!!

What an incredible experience. Came here for an early Mother's Day celebration and it was nothing less than perfect. Katrina provided excellent service. 2 of us got the prix -fixe menu with the wine pairing which was a steal! Every single wine was delicious and went wonderfully with every course. And the wine also went well with the Spanish Octopus and the Prime Chateau steak my son got. The meal ended with some nostalgic bazooka gum which I used to eat all the time when I was younger! I will definitely be back, the food and wine were so good!!

A great spot for quality French-ish dishes! I intended to lunch here for prix fixe menu but found out they only serve it for lunch on the weekdays. We got the pink lady apple salad (could have been served at a colder temperature), parker house rolls (perfectly toasted and delicious), duck breast (my favorite dish I had for the 2nd time, the duck breast has a crispy skin and the meat and sauces work perfectly together for a sweet savoriness), and prime chateau steak (steak could have used more seasoning but you had to eat it with the cheese for flavor). My friend and I were stuffed after these 4 items. Service was busy but another worker took our order instead. We got our food in a timely manner.

We ordered from the five course prix fixe menu and while the food was fairly decent, the service was definitely a big miss. Our server did not bother to explain any of the dishes and merely plopped them down as they came out. The sauce for the miso asaparagus was a bit too salty and I found it odd that they first course was two pieces of asparagus. The beef cheek was rich, the tartare had a refreshing taste but the presentation was for the rice pudding was lackluster. The rice pudding looked like a sad honey yogurt granola that you would order to go from the local cafe. Despite the sloppy presentation, the taste was there - the kernels of rice were fluffy and the pudding had elevated notes of vanilla that weren't too sweet. In the future, I hope the restaurant takes more time to train its staff on customer service and encourage its chefs to maintain a consistency in their food presentation.

Came here on a Friday with a friend. The restaurant was surprisingly empty for a Friday night, so I was slightly skeptical as to how good this place was going to be. The decor was nice, lots of blue, very modern, comfy seats. Ordered the Chef's Prix Fixe menu. 1: Asparagus with some sort of peanut dressing, sprinkled with pistachios. Very good, asparagus was good well, still crispy but just right. The sauce was on the sweeter side but I didn't mind it. 2. Peaches with some sort of cheese? Very refreshing, fruit balanced the cheese very well. 3. Steak Tartare. A little on the chewy side but still very good. The cheese crisp added extra texture. 4. Duck Confit. My favorite! Sauce was some sort of cherry/wine reduction? I think... it was very good, the addition of the endive added extra texture. The skin was crispy and light and the meat was moist and flavorful. 5. Rice Pudding. It was served cold, very refreshing. Honey added sweetness that wasn't too overwhelming, just right. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place. $65/person, definitely worth it!

Populaire is located in South Coast Plaza. A hidden treasure. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch there. The menu is simple and well created. Each dish was presented beautifully. The taste...absolutely delicious. I can highly recommend this restaurant. We ordered the ratatouille, escargot, flat bread, shrimp salad, ladies who lunch salad, burger, pasta with shrimp. Every meal was a delight to taste. Nick is a very talented chef!

I love coming here w my family and ordering their specials and made to order dishes, the rice pudding is very very yum!

This place is a hidden GEM! My wife and I ordered the prefixed menu $65 each and it did not disappoint. With each bite I could sense the amount of detail and flavor thoughtfulness the chef put into the plate. The service was world-class! Our server Curtis thoroughly explained each dish that was served and was just a genuine awesome person. You can tell he is passionate for his work and craft. If I had one dish to highly recommend I would choose the Slow Roasted Prime Beef Chateau. The meat was a thick cut, but yet so tender when you cut into it. The combination of red, green, and black peppercorn spices gives a nice peppery punch! For dessert, make sure to get the Rice Pudding. Most rice puddings are usually dense and too sweet, but this dessert was different. The dish uses 3 different kinds of milk, which gives it richness and also a silky soft texture. The dish wasn't overwhelming sweet and uses the natural sweetness from strawberries and local honey. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant and I will be coming back again in the future!

Wow what an awesome dining experience here in my South Coast Plaza! I work in in the plaza and on my late night I usually go and get me a good hearty meal around 4:30/5ish which usually is somewhere away from the plaza to get some peace, quiet and air so that I can come back fresh to finish my shift for the evening. Well this last week I had plans to take a friend to one of my favorite spots in Costa Mesa and she was more excited to take me to a new place that she visited just the night before with another friend! Well to say the least I'm so glad that we went with her choice; not that it was better than mine but it was definitely a pleasant and delightful change. We ordered and shared a salad and a burger and please remove any thoughts of a regular salad or burger that you may have had; these two dishes were definitely amongst some of the best gourmet salads and burgers you have ever had and worth every penny! The salad was fresh with a balance of tart, tangy, and fruity taste. The burger was juicy, seasoned well with onions, lettuce and tomatoes and a rich delicious slice of cheese wrapped in a homemade potato bun. The burger was also accompanied with some tangy seasoned Persian cucumbers that was the perfect side dish! Last but not least our waiter Curtis was a most knowledgeable, attentive and gracious host! We will definitely return and bring our friends and try some of the other dishes!

Fabulous! Nice selection of food. Mmmm. Only wine and beer. But what a nice stop this was. While in a mall do not shy away. Had tar tar. Ok. Maybe not my favorite. But it was good. Pacific sea bass was amazing as was the duck. Want to go back!!!!!Good service.

Went there for birthday celebration. Food took a long time to come out. They were not busy. We asked and then it was out right then. Clearly it was sitting for quite a while. The omelette was cold enough we sent it back they didn't recook it they reheated it. The potatoes were dried out from being over cooked. The server seemed off her game I'll chalk it to inexperience. Seriously for a place that's usually on point this was a disaster. The burger I ordered sat so long under the lights the buns were hard. This is unacceptable at any restaurant and the fact you allowed this to be plated and sent to us made us feel you either didn't care for us or your regular clientele. I'm usually really forgiving and patient please do better

Had a good experience here despite service being quite slow. There was a bigger party next to us and the small kitchen seemed a little unequipped to handle it. The waitress was also busy attending to them the whole time. We ordered one of the set menus, including the spring salad, cavatelli pasta, and chocolate desert. Additionally, ordered some items off the regular menu- the ladies who lunch salad, Spanish octopus, and ratatouille. The Ladies who Lunch salad was a surprising standout and favorite at our table. It came in a large portion and was very fresh. I just wish there was more chicken inside. The ratatouille was delicious as well; the gochujang added a complex unexpected flavor. The Spanish octopus I felt was slightly rubbery and a small portion for the price. I would revisit still, specifically for the Ladies Who Lunch salad, and to try other items on the menu.

Stumbled upon this place as I just wanted to try something new while we were at South Coast plaza. My expectations were pretty low as I didn't know what to expect but OMG I was blown away by the food! I asked for a booth and they were able to accommodate that as it wasn't very busy that afternoon. Brunch time was also ending but they were willing to accommodate orders from the brunch menu so that's a plus! We got started with the steak tartare and this was one of the better ones I've tried! It looked a little suspicious at first because you couldn't really see the steak when it's served to you but it was so good!!! I had the fish du jour which was salmon that day and my fiancé had the chateau steak medium. They were both cooked perfectly! The salmon was crispy on the outside but not overcooked. Whatever sauce they had with the salmon was also so good and complimented the dish perfectly. For dessert we had the chocolat which we both shared. This was also very good and enough for 2 people. They give you bazookas when you get the check. This was pretty unique as i haven't seen bazookas in a while lol. Would definitely come back again!

Ever since the closure of Vie de France in South Coast Plaza, I've been in search for delicious French restaurants in the area! Luckily I found Populaire Modern Bistro to finally satisfy my French food cravings! Located in South Coast Plaza, Populaire Modern Bistro is the perfect sit down restaurant if you're looking for a lovely lunch out or need a break from walking around the mall! When you enter the establishment, you're immediately surrounded by beautiful decor and architecture! Even though it's inside of a mall, there's a lot of beautiful natural lighting and the light blue walls truly makes it much more classy! We came in as a party of 2 on a weekday for lunch and we were seated immediately. There's plenty of seating available as well, but I can imagine it becoming quite crowded during peak hours. Our server was very friendly the entire time and she was very patient with us, especially as it was our first time dining here. For the food, we ordered the Onion Soup Toast, Ratatouillie, and Croque Madame. The Onion Soup Toast is their variation of the classic French Onion Soup, but instead of being primarily soup based with the bread cut into smaller pieces within the soup, it was served with a large piece of toast at the center of the dish. The ratatouille was also different, as it was served as a dip with toasted bread on the side to eat it together. There is a small kick of spice with this dish, although I found it to be the perfect added flare to this dish! Finally the croque madame, was a single toast stacked with layers of meat, cheese, and a fried egg to top it off! It was so delicious when eaten all together! My only critique with the food was that overall, every dish we ordered was very salty. I wouldn't recommend ordering all of these dishes together (they're amazing individually) but they're quite similar to one another in terms of texture and saltiness and it would be nice to add in different dishes that would cut into that. I shared this with one other person and we were absolutely stuffed with all of this food! Overall, I highly recommend Populaire Modern Bistro if you're in search for a classy French restaurant in the OC area!

I enjoyed my experience here. I enjoyed a birthday celebration here with my brother and sister. The food was memorable. There were few things I didn't think paired well together like their asparagus w peanut sauce and chopped pistachios. My brother really enjoyed it though so idk. The tartare just didn't go. It was beautiful but it was almost Mexican and not at all French. All of us could have gone without it. The shrimp chawanmushi was absolutely delicious. Everyone needs to order that. I'm missing it right now. The duck was cooked perfectly and the flavor profiles were spot on! Don't change a thing. The flavor of the pork belly was too heavy. Everything on that dish was too heavy. Almost felt like they started out for a fusion dish and got lost. The rice pudding was amazing! It would be perfect if they sprinkled on the pistachio instead of giving the large amount they did. I won't do it justice in describing the birthday dessert. There was a chocolate mousse base, brownies, with chunks of toffee, a heavenly whipped cream topped with fresh petals. Is that on the menu? They need to put that on the menu! Incredible! The hostess/waitress was lovely. She was extremely friendly. There are things they could have done to elevate the ambiance then you might forget you're in a mall. Curtains? Have staff dress up a bit? We are in a French restaurant, after all. I hope that comes across as constructive. This was a great experience. We had one other person in the restaurant while we dined and a large party joining as we were leaving. It was a weekday. This place is a hidden gem. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

5-star rating all around! Food was sooooo delicious... We ordered the Spanish Octopus, the Escargot, Frog Legs, duck, salads, burgers, dessert and every plate had great presentation and taste! This place has been there two years now and I can't believe we had not stopped in. The staff and owner were all super friendly and welcoming. I'm looking forward to another lunch or dinner here.

Classic French Bistro with a Twist of Kitsch Americana Located across from the rebranded Bucherer (nee Tourneau), this unassuming French bistro hides a quirky side as soon as you sit down and view the menu. Or check out the toilet for a tinkle. If ambiance were a place, this would be a fun stop on the train to Flavor Town... Came in on a Saturday around 5, and we got seated immediately. Windows have a nice view of the hallway because indoors. Our waiter Curtis was a delight. Never have we ever had such an enthusiastic server fully aboard his own restaurant's brag train! I mean, this guy told me they were trying to get a Michelin badge (I assume me means Bib Gourmand), and more importantly, he thought this was the best restaurant in the mall. Heck, he said, Knife Pleat, a Michelin-star holder, didn't hold a candle. But how is this place really? If a black and white pic of Ozzy, the well-placed urinal right by the door of the men's restroom, the cheeky Pulp Fiction reference with their only burger item, or Elvis on a bill plate, or the complimentary Bazooka Bubble Gum are any fair indicators of the kind of dining experience you will have here, well, you were probably dead wrong. Because dining here is an experience that may call you back for more... Ratatouille. Possibly scene stealer alert! This is not Moulin's tian Provençal or Disney's. But this is the real veggie stew. And man, the flavor is just so deep and phenomenal. It's recommended you eat with the toasted bread (which may be burnt to black a bunch or a bit), but a nice food hack awaits you with the Parker rolls... Definite recommend. Parker Rolls. Oh so buttery goodness. So fluffy and warm. Pair with the Ratatouille. Or just eat with the salted butter as you please. But definitely order. Spanish Octopus. Tender and super flavorful. Cucumbers add a nice reprieve to the intense flavor. Recommended app. Escargot Ebelskivers. Concept is sound. I love the Apple aebelskivers from Solvang, I love takoyaki, I love escargot. But these turned out dry in the middle, lacking the signature flavor from a buttery garlicky escargots de Bourgogne. What I was hoping to get did not materialize on my plate. So forgettable, in fact, I almost forgot to include it in my review. Sadly, do not recommend. Casarecce Pasta. Wow! Server swears these are real San Marzano tomatoes in the red sauce. And I will delightfully pretend that is true. That combined with the smokiness of the chili oil and the creaminess of the homemade ricotta are a fantastic combo. Mix the cheese and enjoy each savory and slightly sweet bite of this pasta entree. Recommend with enthusiasm. Royale with Cheese(burger). If John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson like it, so should you, right? I mean, they got their likeness drawn into the menu. But is it worth the center stage hype? One of the key deciding factors of a good burger is moisture because a dry burger is just not good. And many restaurants serve dry burgers, which is disappointing. But dry this burger is not. It's totally wet. Oftentimes, the offending ingredient is the bun, being just so horribly dry, if sucks up any moisture that the rest of the burger might have had. Here, the brioche buttery bun serves as a fine pallet for the inner layers. The burger itself is a good piece of prime steak, though I am not sure a Chateau cut really got to shine as well as it should have here. Sadly, the bulk of the moisture was just wateriness from the sauce. I call it sauce because that is what the Saint Andre cheese and the roasted and too wet onions produced. I know what the chef was doing, and while I can appreciate the concept, the explanation on the menu created a certain expectation that was not fulfilled. Granted, the patty was juicy and tender, no doubt, but any flavor beyond that just got overwhelmed by the watery sauciness of the cheese and onions. Cheese, my friends, should never be watery. For the French, it's sacrilege, because cheese to the French is as important a pillar of their cultural identity as wine is. Had the cheese ratio been increased -- perhaps a mixture with Gruyère for some bitter notes -- and the onions dried out more, the execution would have been perfect. Sadly, I don't recommend as it stands. Do recommend the sweet pickles that accompany though as a nice palate cleanser. Perhaps you can order those separately... And yes, they give bubble gum with the bill. Nice touch, as years of my childhood came flooding back, chewing on dry, crumbly pink bubble gum, trying to blow bubbles terribly bad while reading tiny comics or collecting baseball, Batman, and Desert Storm cards... So go forth and try this bistro out. You may just get sucked back in after the first jaunt.

My friend treated me out to this place for my birthday. She just came back from France so she was trying hard not to compare especially since it was more like fusion French food. When I arrived, I told the host that I had a reservation and she looked really out of it and confused. It was a little bizarre. That kind of set the tone for service. The server was nice but she always seemed to be rushing off somewhere and hard to flag down. Anyway, we ended up ordering the ratatouille, duck, and octopus dishes. They all tasted okay but we enjoyed the flavors and taste of the duck the best. I received a complimentary dessert for my birthday but was not told this. Again, the communication was not there and it was confusing. I also got a spritzer that I couldn't remember the name of because it was not memorable. There was no atmosphere because it was located on the side of the mall so the focus was purely on food. In the end, the experience was underwhelming and the food was overpriced $130+ and not worth it. I don't think I would come back.