• Location in a Luxury Mall Penthouse: Knife Pleat is uniquely situated on the third floor penthouse of South Coast Plaza, an exclusive and upscale shopping mall, providing an elegant and somewhat unconventional dining setting amidst high-end retail stores.

• Friday Night Six-Course Chef’s Tasting Menu: Unlike many restaurants, Knife Pleat offers a special six-course tasting menu exclusively on Friday evenings, showcasing Chef Tony Esnault’s contemporary French cuisine in a curated, multi-course experience.

• Open Kitchen with Chef’s Counter and Secluded Patio: The restaurant features a gleaming open kitchen and a chef’s counter that allows diners to observe the culinary process up close, alongside a secluded patio for a more private dining option, blending transparency and intimacy in the dining experience.

The most honored or signature ingredients at Michelin-starred Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa, reflecting Chef Tony Esnault's modern French cuisine, include:

• Duck (Crescent Farm duck, confit duck thigh): Used prominently in savory dishes such as duck cassoulet and confit duck thigh served with preserved fig, turnips, and cassoulet beans, showcasing rich, classic French flavors with a modern touch.

• Venison saddle: Featured as a recommended main dish, highlighting the restaurant's focus on refined, seasonal game meats.

• Heirloom tomatoes and compressed sweet watermelon: Combined with Persian cucumbers in a refreshing starter that captures the essence of summer and the restaurant’s emphasis on seasonal produce.

• Caviar and abalone: Star ingredients in the tasting menu, representing luxury and refinement in French haute cuisine.

• Chocolate (layered chocolate cake with hazelnut crunch crust ganache, chocolate cremeux, gianduja glaze): Used in signature desserts that provide a decadent finish to the meal.

These ingredients are significant as they embody the restaurant’s philosophy of elevating classic French dishes with seasonal, high-quality components and elegant presentation. Duck and venison highlight the savory, protein-focused mains, while fresh vegetables and luxury items like caviar and abalone showcase the balance of flavors and textures. The chocolate dessert exemplifies the sophisticated sweet conclusion to the dining experience.

Knife Pleat Menu Summary

Tasting Menu (not available)

No specific information about the tasting menu is provided.

A La Carte

• Wine Pours: $8 each
• Small wine pours with a fixed six-course meal: $1,900 including service charge

Other Options

• Takeout available by calling (714) 266-3388