Four Exciting New Restaurants to Open at South Coast Plaza

Costa Mesa, Calif. (September 2019) – South Coast Plaza’s dining scene will reach new heights this year with the opening of Knife Pleat and The Hall Global Eatery, two spectacular restaurants led by renowned chefs.  The center will also welcome Marugame Udon, Japan’s top noodle shop, and Dripp, a specialty coffee bar. The restaurants join the collection of 40 eateries at the luxury center, which is known for offering a multitude of cuisines to shoppers and foodies.  

• Knife Pleat is a French restaurant by chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi now open in the exclusive Penthouse, level 3. The power couple is highly regarded in Los Angeles for their restaurants that have earned stellar reviews from critics. Esnault, a native of the Loire Valley, worked with chef Alain Ducasse in restaurants in Monte Carlo and Manhattan, earning a combined total of five Michelin stars. Esnault will draw on his 25 years of fine dining experience in Europe, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, bringing to Knife Pleat an elegant yet approachable take on contemporary French cuisine in a refined and beautiful space.

• The Hall Global Eatery by “Top Chef” runner-up Amar Santana and restaurant partner Ahmed Labbate will open in fall nearby Carousel Court, level 1. The fresh and dynamic concept will feature European-inspired food stands selling house-baked goods, sandwiches, salads, Mediterranean dishes, coffee and fresh juices. Food will be made to order in a fast casual setting. For those desiring a full-service experience, an extensive shellfish and charcuterie bar will be complemented by artisanal cocktails and wines from around the world. The duo’s restaurants at South Coast Plaza include the critically-acclaimed, Spanish-influenced VACA and the former Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s.

• Marugame Udon, Japan’s premier udon restaurant has opened an exclusive Orange County location in the Din Tai Fung Wing, level 1. The fun, fast casual concept features authentic made-to-order udon noodles created in full view in an open kitchen. Guests approach the large circular counter to make their selections of broth, proteins and garnishes to top hot or cold udon. A variety of tempura and rice balls (musubi) are offered as well. The well-priced menu and quick service approach create a bustling ambience.

• Dripp, a specialty coffee bar owned by Southern California entrepreneurs passionate about creating handcrafted coffee beverages will open in late fall. It will be located in the newly renovated Saks Fifth Avenue Wing, level 1. Customers can choose from up to five fresh bean varieties. Dripp’s baristas will grind the selected beans and prepare the coffee beverage for each custom order.

Other recent additions to the South Coast Plaza dining collection include Yellow Vase, a café-bakery- florist in the Saks Fifth Avenue Wing, level 1 and TERRACE by Mix Mix, located off Bridge of Gardens, in the Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store Wing.  The market-driven small plates menu at TERRACE by Mix Mix features globally inspired cuisine by chef Ross Pangilinan and showcases his refined culinary technique and eclectic style influenced by French, Italian, and modern Filipino flavors. Pangilinan’s recent honors include the award of Chef of the Year by the Orange County Business Journal; Top Ten in “Orange County’s Hottest Restaurants Spring 2019” by EaterLA, and recognition by Orange Coast Magazine as one of nine top establishments in its annual “Best New Restaurants 2019.”

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ABOUT SOUTH COAST PLAZA
Renowned as a leading international shopping destination, South Coast Plaza is home to more than 250 prominent boutiques, critically acclaimed restaurants and the adjacent celebrated Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Orange County Museum of Art. It is the West Coast’s premier shopping experience, with its proximity to beaches and John Wayne Airport, customized concierge services, and unparalleled collection of diverse retailers — from Gucci, Hermès, Cartier and Harry Winston to Saint Laurent, The Webster, Dior, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and more. South Coast Plaza is located in Orange County, California, in the city of Costa Mesa. Information: southcoastplaza.com or 800.782.8888.