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    Populaire Modern Bistro

    4.5 (346 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    POPULAIRE MODERN BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

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    Moderate noise
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    Chilean Sea Bass
    Pat F.

    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!

    Marc L.

    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. Populaire was empty when we got there a little after noon, but by the time we left around 1:45 the place was lively. 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!

    Fish Du Jour
    Juany R.

    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. The staff is so attentive and friendly, and it's a lovely environment where I never feel bad being a party of one. 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!

    Rice Pudding, Tangerine, Wildflower Honey, Pistachio(柑橘米布丁佐野花蜜開心果)
    Kwang C.

    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。

    Chicken quarter with mashed potatoes and mustard sauce
    Yena W.

    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. The interior is simple but gorgeous, good quality silverware and tableware. Service was also excellent, with personable staff. Truly the basic things all done well add up to a high level of standards.

    Spanish octopus
    Stacy L.

    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. 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. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I'd love to come back to try another chef's prix fixe menu.

    Dining room
    Chloe L.

    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.

    Beef tartar
    Liz G.

    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

    Snails  must try! Escargot
    Ally Y.

    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 !

    Duck Breast
    Justine H.

    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!

    Maddie M.

    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. Great ambiance for a restaurant inside of a mall! Looking forward to our next visit.

    Scallop Crudo, Citrus, Aji Amarillo, Sea Beans
    Deva R.

    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.

    Shea B.

    My baby shower was hosted at Populaire, and I honestly can't say enough good things. From start to finish, everything was incredible. The space is so beautiful and thoughtfully designed it made the day feel intimate, special, and perfect for our group. 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. The atmosphere, service, and overall experience came together so seamlessly and made the day incredibly meaningful and memorable for me. 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.

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    Waiter not great. Had to ask for beverage refills. Forgot our rolls. And there were only us and 2 other tables.

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    Populaire Modern Bistro Reviews in Other Languages

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    Solstice

    Solstice

    4.4(815 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    Came here for brunch. The place has an upscale vibe and the staff is very nice. There is a lot to…read morepark in and the restaurant validates. We got the cranberry sage mimosa and pear ginger mimosa to drink. For a starter, we got the house made biscuits. Our entrees were the pblt, crab cake benedict, and lobster roll. Cranberry Sage Mimosa- This is sweet and fruity, carried by the cranberry sage syrup. A touch of lime gives it an extra burst of citrus. Pear Ginger Mimosa- This is a sweet and spicy drink with a strong pear flavor and a little zing of ginger. Quite refreshing! House Made Biscuits- The biscuits are hot and fluffy with a nice crusty top. Served with thyme butter and sweet honey spread. PBLT- This sandwich has a pork belly base that is savory and meaty. A bit of tomato jam gives it a nice contrast and honey bacon aioli adds a little sweetness. Crab Cake Benedict- The crab cake is fresh and poached eggs add extra bulk with each bite. The hollandaise sauce ties the flavors together. Served with a side of green salad. Lobster Roll- Fresh lobster pieces tossed in a cold mayo dressing. Served on a buttery bun with a side of crispy fries. Tasty! Great experience overall!

    Showed up at opening on Mothers Day and apparently if you don't have a reservation u can't be…read moreaccommodated. There were maybe 3 tables taken up and they said to my face they don't have a waitlist. Walk away, gave them a call and they said they have a waitlist... crazy work lying to my face. Pretty sure u can accommodate a small party that's literally right there when u have open seats and ur reservations aren't even showing up. Food has been great in the past but respectfully, front staff handled that poorly. Good riddance

    Photos
    Solstice - Strawberry Yuzu Butter Cake

    Strawberry Yuzu Butter Cake

    Solstice
    Solstice

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    WAVE Newport Beach

    WAVE Newport Beach

    4.3(7 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    WAVE is a restaurant located in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency West. Because the hotel is just off…read morethe road from John Wayne Airport, many flight crews stay here, and the morning rush for the buffet or à la carte breakfast can get busy. Surprisingly, though, the restaurant is almost empty on weekends. Most guests seem to opt for room service instead of dining downstairs--such a shame! The restaurant is beautiful, and I had great experiences with a couple of the servers during different meals. The lunch and dinner menus are somewhat limited--in fact, identical--so if you stay more than a night or two, you may run out of new options to try. That said, the chef (as I was told) has over 30 years of cooking experience, and it really shows. The food quality and preparation were excellent. I ordered a steak with a glass of wine, and everything was perfectly executed. Given how few guests dine in the restaurant, my party enjoyed a quiet, private meal every time--almost like having the entire space to ourselves. If you're looking for an intimate, low-crowd dining experience or a quiet date night spot, I'd highly recommend WAVE as a top option in Newport Beach.

    We shared the ribeye steak and it was cooked perfectly but just lacking something the bread was…read morehard as a rock we were the only ones in the restaurant which was weird not sure if I'll return it was just convenient since we're were staying for the night I know there were better places around

    Photos
    WAVE Newport Beach - Inside

    Inside

    WAVE Newport Beach - New fusion item - scrumptious

    New fusion item - scrumptious

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    Benny and Mary's - Caesar Salad that we chose as a side for the Black Sheep Smashburger. Refreshing with Parmesan and Caesar dressing.

    Benny and Mary's

    4.2(672 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$$

    1. The burger was delicious and well-built! I love the flavors of the pie!…read more2. The spot has fun vibes! The interior is nicely decorated! 3. The staff was friendly and hospitable! The food came out after 10 mins! 4. There are indoor and outdoor seatings! Lots of table! 5. There are parking structures and lots! Restaurant should be able to validate! Note: Restrooms have multiple stalls! Photo: Banana Cookie Butter Pie and Classic Smash

    Came to Benny and Mary's for a birthday dinner and had an enjoyable meal. Our waiter was super…read moreattentive and genuinely entertaining -- even offered to sing happy birthday solo, which was such a fun and memorable. The ambiance is a bit quirky and moody, great setting for a special occasion. Interesting menu with lots of variety. We ordered the grilled cheese dumplings, yellowfin tuna poke, parmesan garlic fries, ribeye, and chilean sea bass. Two clear favorites: the grilled cheese dumplings are such a creative concept -- if you love tomato soup and grilled cheese, it's basically the perfect bite in dumpling form. And the chilean sea bass was really the star of the night -- beautifully seared so it's crispy on the outside but soft, juicy, and tender inside, and the couscous paired with it really well. The one thing I'd skip is the ribeye -- the texture and flavor just didn't deliver the way the other dishes did, especially at that price point.

    Photos
    Benny and Mary's - Secret entrance to private room

    Secret entrance to private room

    Benny and Mary's - Cheese Dumplings. Crispy wonton shells give way to its melted cheese center as it sits partially submerged in a thick, spicy tomato bisque.

    Cheese Dumplings. Crispy wonton shells give way to its melted cheese center as it sits partially submerged in a thick, spicy tomato bisque.

    Benny and Mary's - Bananas Foster. Boozy flambéed bananas, vanilla gelato, and chocolate banana bread. Great dessert to try out.

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    Bananas Foster. Boozy flambéed bananas, vanilla gelato, and chocolate banana bread. Great dessert to try out.

    Haven Point Provisions & Spirits - Spicy Garlic Shrimp

    Haven Point Provisions & Spirits

    4.4(23 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    This restaurant is in the Irvine Sonesta hotel so parking is a bit of a challenge if you're not a…read moreguest here. However, what is amazing is the food quality which definitely is attention grabbing. I've had many breakfasts and evening dishes (salmon or salads).that were surprisingly good because usually hotel expectations are lower than average. Today I tried their Loco Moco for the first time and it compelled me to finally write a review because it was so good. The patties are thin yet flavorful - the over easy eggs prepared runny just like I ordered and the rice is soft and warm. The homemade gravy is the best part because it brings everything together. Not too thick, not too watery. This was definitely a dish that I wolfed down like there was no tomorrow. I'll be back and will be circling Loco Moco on the menu as a go-to breakfast dish. That's all

    We came here for a local dinner date and were blown away on how good the food and service is! We…read moretried the Ahi Tuna salad and the pasta. Both were amazing!! We sat at the bar and were greeted right away by the amazing bartender, David. He was quick to take our orders and make our drinks. I ordered a mojito and it is probably one of the best drinks I have ever had. So fresh! He made my fiance another yummy drink as well! Overall 5/5 stars! Thank you David for making our experience amazing! We will be sure to be back!

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    Haven Point Provisions & Spirits - Interior of the restaurant, view of the bar.

    Interior of the restaurant, view of the bar.

    Haven Point Provisions & Spirits - Skuna Bay Salmon

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    Benchmark - Short Rib Rigatoni

    Benchmark

    4.5(1.8k reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    Lovely atmosphere and bites. Service was pleasant. Food was unique and tasty. Have been back…read moreseveral times.

    Cute, ambiguous corner, with greenery and peaceful vibes. Very much enjoyed the nature aspect of…read morethe interior design and it made a great photo opportunity for me and my friend. Service went well, checked in here and there, made sure we got our order. We tried three dishes and two drinks LAVENDER HAZE (Mocktail Version) - 3/5, very pretty, but tastes a bit watered down. Someone try the alcoholic version and let me know what it's like haha. BENCHMARK BLOODY MARY: 5/5 my friend liked it and it was spicy! ENCHILIDA SUIZAS, lobster + shrimp filling, corn, poblano cream sauce, pickled red onion, cilantro, queso fresco, I give 5/5, I enjoyed the combination of the sauce and enchiladas, it wasn't overcooked and had a great refreshing savory flavor. Plated very nicely, visually appealing. BULGOGI KIMCHI FRIED RICE, fried eggs, gochujang, green onion furikake, pickled radish, cilantro, I give 4/5, overall I enjoyed this plate, but I do feel the beef could have been slightly stronger in terms of flavor? The rice was holding all the spices and taste. DULCE DE LECHE FRENCH TOAST, crème fraîche chantilly, brûléed banana, chocolate sauce, maldon salt, I would give 5/5, presentation was beautiful, taste wise I really enjoyed it, had a very good balance of sweetness and not too strong. I know my ratings are less than a 5 in general, but I really felt the whole experience was pleasant, enjoyable, good food and good vibes, therefore 5 out of 5

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    Benchmark - Date night ambience

    Date night ambience

    Benchmark - GUAVA PALOMA $8 and FRITTO MISTO $10 calamari, shrimp, pickled vegetables, aji verde sauce. grilled lemon

    GUAVA PALOMA $8 and FRITTO MISTO $10 calamari, shrimp, pickled vegetables, aji verde sauce. grilled lemon

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    Short Rib Pasta

    Lemon & Thyme - Pork belly and black garlic bbq

    Lemon & Thyme

    4.8(299 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    From the moment the glistening rolls hit the table, we knew we were in for a good night. The rolls…read morewere coated in butter infused with zesty lemon and thyme (Yes, like the name of the restaurant! Isn't that adorable and clever?) Then came the entrees. Knockout after knockout. The Pork Belly with Black Garlic and the Seared Duck Breast were both perfectly executed. Crunchy, golden skin. Juicy meat. Rich, flavorful sauces paired with comforting, silky purées. Balanced. The kind of plates that make us slow down to savor each mouthful... and then shamelessly scrape up every last bite. We were so smitten after those first two dishes that we threw all caution and control to the wind. I asked staff to surprise us with one of the dishes recommended earlier. Out came the Grilled Octopus Al Pastor. Nice char, tender bite, and a tangy sauce. For dessert: the Baklava Cheesecake. Lightly spritzed with aromatic rose water, ultra sweet, and unapologetically indulgent. Beautifully crafted and shareable, though you may not want to. Beyond the food, the ambience really shines. Intimate, classy, and whimsical, with a charming playlist. Ideal for date nights or special celebrations. Service was outstanding. Warm, attentive, and passionate. Staff enthusiastically walked us through the menu and offered recommendations. Our server was on point. Water glasses were never empty, plates cleared promptly, and everything flowed seamlessly. An incredible experience from start to finish. I couldn't stop yapping about the duck and pork belly since our first dinner here. So we came back the following weekend! We ordered our favorites again - the Pork Belly with Black Garlic and the Seared Duck Breast. To our surprise, the meats felt rather chewy and tough. I'm hoping this was a hiccup, but would love to see consistency in texture. Will be coming back for more :)

    Ambience: 4 stars, small, clean, and simple. Intimate space with oldies music playing in the…read morebackground. Service: 4 stars, simple good service. Parking: Free parking in the back of the restaurant. Our Tes took us to the parking lot outback when we punched in their address. Food: 4 stars. Small menu selection with a couple of specials for dinner. Really enjoyed the burger + fries + beer trio. Good solid food. Creative and generous serving portions. This is really out of the way for us, but since we were doing some shopping in Costa Mesa, Grok recommended this restaurant based on a few of our filters... Wow, the food was phenomenal...but what pushed this from a 4 star to a 5 star experience were the warm towelettes and lemon for me to wash my hands with. I guess they saw me using my hands to eat their delectable empanadas, they brought a plate with warm towelettes and lemon over. Pleasantly surprised and impressed. Highly recommended, and will definitely be back. We come down to the OC a few times a month to see friends and escape our regular routine.

    Photos
    Lemon & Thyme - Inside

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    Lemon & Thyme - Peaches and burrata salad (seasonal)

    Peaches and burrata salad (seasonal)

    Lemon & Thyme - Peaches and burrata (seasonal)

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    Peaches and burrata (seasonal)

    Populaire Modern Bistro - french - Updated May 2026

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