Mimi's Cafe — Restaurant in Irvine

tl;dr: the service quality isn't what it used to be, and the food has frankly become unworthy of my time and money. Look elsewhere, there's plenty of competition.

I've never been more impressed with how quickly a restaurant went from being one of my favorite places for dinner to a place where I would never want to go back to.

Previously we would visit 3-4 times a month when I'm in the area not only because we would get buy-1-get-1-free coupons via email, but because the food quality was so great. All of that changed on my most recent visit. I didn't think eating at a restaurant could make me feel so sad but this Mimi's managed to with flying colors. The Liver and Onions was served with onions that hardly caramelized and dry bacon. The pork chops looked just as dry, the spinach was soaked in oil/butter, and the potatoes gratin was cake-like in texture.

I'm usually not this critical, but considering that we've ordered all of these before and know how good they're supposed to be it's incredibly disappointing that this is what we were served.

Food aside, the service was fine but not outstanding as, again we would expect it to be being such frequent customers. And maybe that's my problem.

The last time we visited this Mimi's I was on spring vacation from University about 2 months ago. Within that time, I am convinced that there was a change management. Another possible explanation is a chef-in-training, miscommunication in staff, or something I haven't thought of. Honestly, I'm just making excuses for them at this point because I really liked the place.

But unfortunately, not even another coupon would bring me back for at least another few months and that would really only be to see if they've gotten things sorted again; at which time I will gladly revise my review. But until then if you're in the mood for something on their menu, I would direct you to a restaurant called Citrus: very similar menu, much better taste......

I have liked Mimi's over the years, but I'm only giving them 3 stars due to a recent experience there. The server was nice but a little too timely. My mom and I were barely seated when he came to our table to take order. We realized they close at 9 and we got there 7:45pm. This was a Friday eve. Remind me not to go there on a Friday eve again! Or even much in the evening. It really is more of a brunch/lunch place.

The server was polite but came to table too soon. Then when we ordered, we got food and bill but he wanted bill right away even though he said take all the time you need. Also, he was at some post near us and felt like he was looking over us, monitoring us so my mom and I didn't even feel we had much privacy to talk. I gave a good tip, but kind of wish I hadn't...looking back.

I think there weren't many people in restaurant, so the guys there wanted to get off early from work or something and disappointed we came in. No idea...It was uncomfortable and if they want people to leave so much, they need to put a sign out in front.

We wouldn't have stayed past closing time which was 9pm but this didn't seem gotten or trusted by server and maybe his restaurant crew. Frustrating! I will avoid evenings or maybe go on other side of restaurant or outside where not monitored as much. Just let people be a bit. If you're closing we're not going to leave later than 9! Seems like employees wanted to be out earlier than 9 but I have no idea=didn't make the...

I was so excited to enjoy Mimi’s in California because I enjoyed it when it was in Orlando. Man, I should have skipped it and I am truly sad it will be my last memory of going to Mimis. We had to send the food back - something I’ve never done in my life.. My husband ordered the eggs Benedict and the hollandaise sauce served was split and clumpy. The home fries were not edible because they were fried in old rancid oil. The place was dirty. We tried to order the once amazing blueberry muffins and my blueberry muffin had zero blueberries in the bottom. How in the heck is there not one blueberry in the bottom of the muffin? We paid and left as soon as possible. I am sad as this restaurant had long waits and the best food long long ago. I’ve got to say our server was very pleasant and attentive. We saw someone trying to speak with the manager but the manager (female) was not interested and looked so uninterested in everything. Another server was informing the manager of some information regarding a phone call and it was meant with disinterest. There is a real problem in leadership here. There is such a vibrant restaurant culture in Irvine - skip it. The only people eating here lost taste buds long ago. It may be the last meal if...