Knife Pleat
Chef Tony Esnault's refined French dining room at South Coast Plaza — modern Provence cooking with seasonal California produce.
Why It Stands Out
Michelin-recognized French refinement from Tony Esnault (formerly of Patina and Citrus) — OC's most graceful fine-dining room.
What locals say about Knife Pleat
Locals love itLocals celebrate Knife Pleat as a Michelin-starred sanctuary for refined French cuisine tucked inside the South Coast Plaza penthouse. Frequent visitors highly recommend the meticulously prepared tasting menus and the elegant Saturday afternoon tea service, noting the seamless service and chic, airy atmosphere.
Michelin Guide“Refined French technique and seasonal Californian ingredients in a stylish setting.”
Yelp“Impeccable service and the afternoon tea is a meticulous, memorable experience.”
LA Times“A refined room... almost letting you forget you are in a shopping mall.”
AI summary of recent local reviews and community sentiment, updated July 2026. Tap a source to read the reviews.
Member reviews
No member reviews yet — be the first to share your take.
🎭 Atmosphere
Polished, mall-tucked, romantic
✅ Good For
📋 Reservations
Explore Everything OC
Cities & Beaches
Restaurants & Dining
Stays & Real Estate
Schools & Family
Everything OC is your verified guide to Orange County, California. Beaches, cities, events, restaurants, parks, schools, Disneyland & Anaheim — all sourced from official city, tourism, and venue partners. Part of the Everything California network.
Explore More of California
The Everything Network — 16 California Regions