Recent social media posts
09/28/2026
This weekend, we’re celebrating seven years of Knife Pleat with a culinary trip down memory lane. This Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, Chef Tony Esnault revisits the dishes our guests have loved most in a special tasting menu featuring past favorites - Lobster Caesar, Truffle Egg, Duck Cassoulet, and this, our famous Caramel dessert!
Seating is limited, so make your reservations by following the link in our bio, by visiting KnifePleat.com, or by calling 714-266-3388.
09/13/2026
Our collaboration dinner with Valle Restaurant is set for Thursday, October 17, a special night at Knife Pleat when France and Mexico come together. Chef Roberto Alcocer Roberto Alcocer of Valle joins Tony Esnault to create a memorable tasting menu that unites the bold flavors of Mexico with the subtleties of French cuisine.
Seating is limited for this one-night-only dinner, so reserve your seats on Tock via knifepleat.com (linked in our profile).
09/09/2026
Step into our kitchen for a rare opportunity: a hands-on cooking class with Tony Esnault, who has worked in some of the world’s most exacting kitchens. Class attendees will work side by side with Chef Esnault in the Knife Pleat kitchen, prepping and cooking a starter, main course and dessert under his guidance. Rooted in the philosophy he learned as a child on his grandparents’ farm in the Loire Valley, each class centers on technique and seasonal produce, so the menu changes with the time of year, built around ingredients at their peak.
The morning is spent cooking (10 a.m. to noon), followed by a seated three-course lunch (noon to 1 p.m.), featuring the starter, main course and dessert that you’ve prepared.
With just four guests per class, this is an intimate, personal experience that welcomes all skill levels.
The inaugural cooking classes will be held Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each class is limited to four guests, at $450 per guest. Reservations may be made by calling 714-266-3388.
09/03/2026
Nothing makes Tony Esnault light up like a great apron and oven mitt set! Thrilled to join the fun with Segerstrom Center for the Arts and welcome Lumiere to the Knife Pleat kitchen. 𝑩𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕 — make your dinner reservations now before seeing Beauty and the Beast, September 22 through October 11!
07/24/2026
Black truffle season has arrived at Knife Pleat. Experience an exclusive tasting menu by Chef Tony Esnault, where each course celebrates the extraordinary aroma and elegance of this treasured ingredient.
Available for a limited time. Reserve your table today. Book on knifepleat.com for Friday, July 31st or Saturday, August 1st.
07/16/2026
As we celebrate seven years at South Coast Plaza, we want to thank our loyal guests, the reason we are inspired to do what we do each day.
We feel fortunate to have relationships with the local farm and vendors, who supply us with the finest seasonal ingredients. We thank our dedicated staff, who strive for excellence in cooking for and serving our wonderful clientele. We thank South Coast Plaza for providing us with an incomparable environment we’re proud to call home.
We look forward to celebrating many more milestones.
Warmest Regards,
Chef Tony, Yassmin and the Knife Pleat Team
07/15/2026
Our Summer cocktail program spearheaded by Eric and our talented team of mixologists. The warm weather is a perfect time to cool down with a refreshing Peach Sour or Tai Mai Melon KNIFE PLEAT
MICHELIN Guide (official) South Coast Plaza Weiser Family Farms
07/07/2026
Our new seasonal Summer mocktail features fresh melons from Weiser Family Farms and our house made orgeat foam finished with a black pepper rim.
Address
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA
92626
To reach the French restaurant on Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, you can take the local bus that stops near the intersection of Bristol and Redhill. Alternatively, if driving, exit off the 405 freeway at Bristol St and proceed towards MacArthur Blvd. There is a parking structure adjacent to the building that offers ample parking for visitors.
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What people say
French restaurants are known for their elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, impeccable service, and delicious cuisine. Knife Pleat, located on Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, is a prime example of a French restaurant that embodies all of these qualities. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi, Knife Pleat offers an approachable yet refined dining experience that is sure to impress.
One of the standout dishes at Knife Pleat is the Black Truffle Brie, which pays homage to the restaurant's coveted star distinction. This dish perfectly showcases the restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients and elevating classic French flavors.
In addition to its exceptional cuisine, Knife Pleat also offers unique experiences like the recent visit from champagne maker Alexandre Salmon. This rare opportunity allowed guests to taste world-class champagne from an under-the-radar producer, making for a truly unforgettable evening.
Knife Pleat's dedication to excellence extends beyond its food and drink offerings. The restaurant is currently seeking talented individuals to join its team as Chef de Partie and Pastry Chef, further demonstrating its commitment to providing top-notch service.
Overall, Knife Pleat is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an exceptional French dining experience in Costa Mesa. From its exquisite cuisine to its elegant atmosphere and attentive service, this restaurant truly has it all.
