Populaire Modern Bistro — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

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...

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,...

Yeasssss OMG!!! I have been wanting to come here but I don’t get a Fashion Island that often and usually when I do I’m always in a hurry but today I got here early and I could take my time and had the prefix menu and let me tell you that was an amazing choice on my part💥💥💥 BC it was fantastic 😘

Also, for the amount of food that you get and for how great it is, I feel like the Prix- Fixe 55.00 is a bargain - I wish I wasn’t driving so I could enjoy the 30.00 wine pairing, I can’t Imagine how much the food would’ve come alive paired with the exact perfect wine. #nexttime

Stone Fruit with ricotta Yummmm I could eat a large plate of this! All of the flavors are so wonderful and the actual fruit itself was very tasty. You know sometimes fruit that you’re getting restaurants is rather bland, but I loved all the accompaniments on this dish.

Prime Steak Tar Tar This dish was not my favorite however, I appreciate it all of the ingredients in complexities. There was something in it that I was not a fan of but very well done.

Brown Butter Shrimp Broth Yes 🙌 more of this! All of the flavors 🤩🤩

Duroc Pork Another Home Run! I am a pretty hearty eater, but I could barely eat half of this dish if I wanted to eat any of my dessert and I definitely wanted to eat my dessert so I took most of this dish to go. But it was very very tender, and the peaches and lentils were a great combination.

Chocolate Crmeuex Devil Cake Outstanding...