“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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! ”

“ I love this new French bistro located inside South Coast plaza. The atmosphere is casual and approachable. Chef Nick prepared deceptively simple but delicious dishes. We all loved Ladies Who Lunch salad. The ratatouille paired well with the charred house potato bread. The gnudi with brown butter and the grilled octopus were sublime. The duck breast and steak were soft and flavorful. The chocolat and Paris Brest desserts were delightful and not too sweet. The service is very attentive. The chef chatted with us at the end of our meal while his wife made sure we had a wonderful dinner. I can’t wait to come back! ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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 ”