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BEST RATED IRVINE, CA FRENCH RESTAURANTS

3 Best French Restaurants in Irvine, CA

Expert-recommended Top 3 French Restaurants in Irvine, California. All of our french cuisines actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

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Best French Restaurants in Irvine CA - Mimi's Cafe video
9+ YEARS IN TBR
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MIMI'S CAFE

(5.0 Score)
4030 Barranca Parkway,
Irvine, CA 92604 Directions

Since 1978

Specialities:

✓French Pot Roast ✓Chicken Parm ✓Roasted Half Chicken ✓Pain Perdu With Mixed Berries ✓Steak and Eggs ✓Meatloaf ✓Buttermilk Griddlecakes ✓Cookie Butter Muffin ✓Summer Griddlecake Sampler ✓Cookie Butter Griddlecakes ✓Cinn French Toast Grande ✓Hatch Chicken Flautas Appetizer ✓Caprese Salad Appetizer ✓Tomato Basil Bowl ✓Corn Chowder Bowl ✓French Onion Cup ✓Tomato Basil Cup ✓Corn Chowder Cup

" Mimi's Cafe offers a mix of French and American favorites. From sweet and savory breakfast dishes to delicious entrées and tempting desserts, every meal is made with care for the people for over 45 years. Customers can enjoy dishes like Tuscan-style grilled chicken, French pot roast, grilled Atlantic salmon, and parmesan-crusted chicken pasta. Whether for a casual meal or a special occasion, Mimi's Cafe Irvine is a great place to enjoy good food with family and friends. The restaurant has 45 locations across 12 states in the U.S. and offers catering for events like corporate gatherings and birthday parties. They also have vegetarian options and a gluten-free menu to suit different dietary needs. Mimi’s Cafe Irvine aims to provide a memorable dining experience.

2026 Highlights: Mimi's Cafe offers gift cards, holiday feast and happy hours for their customers. They also accepts catering orders and reservations. "

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Top 100 Movers & Shakers by Fast Casual Magazine in 2015
Top 500 Largest Restaurant Chains in America by Restaurant Business / Technomic in 2020
License #201236610125

Menu:

Featured Items
French Pot Roast $28.05
Chicken Parm $29.27
Roasted Half Chicken $27.19
Pain Perdu With Mixed Berries $24.39
Steak & Eggs $37.81
Meatloaf $24.02
Buttermilk Griddlecakes $23.17
Seasonal Breakfast
Cookie Butter Muffin $6.59
Summer Griddlecake Sampler $17.26
Cookie Butter Griddlecakes $22.00
Cinnamon French Toast Grande $24.00
Appetizers
Hatch Chicken Flautas Appetizer $19.00
Caprese Salad Appetizer $15.00
Soup
Tomato Basil Bowl $14.00
Corn Chowder Bowl $14.00
French Onion Cup $5.00
Tomato Basil Cup $5.00
Corn Chowder Cup $5.00
Salad
Chicken, Bacon, Bleu Cheese & Walnut Salad $26.00
Shrimp, Bacon, Bleu Cheese & Walnut Salad $26.00
Salmon, Bacon, Bleu Cheese & Walnut Salad $27.00
Sandwiches & Burgers
French Dip $23.00
Club $23.00
Turkey Pesto Ciabatta $22.00

Discount:

$2 Off on Appetizers

$1 Off on All Beers

$2 Off on Glasses of Wine

Contact:

(949) 559-8840 (866) 926-6636

Mon-Thu & Sun: 7am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 7am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

C'est La Vie - Irvine, CA French Restaurants - Dish Image
C'est La Vie - Irvine, CA French Restaurants - Restaurant Entrance Image
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7+ YEARS IN TBR
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C'EST LA VIE

(4.9 Score)
373 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach,
Irvine, CA 92651 Directions

Since 1982

Specialities:

✓Grilled Riviera Octopus ✓Escargots Provençale ✓Jumbo Mushrooms ✓Dungeness Crab ✓Steamed Mussels and Clams ✓Petite Fruiture Des Calamares ✓Ahi Tartare Napoleon ✓Beer Battered Shrimp ✓Shrimp Cocktail ✓Artichoke Chicken Pasta ✓Seafood Fettuccine ✓Cajun Linguine ✓Filet Mignon Pasta ✓Fettuccini C'est La Vie ✓Canard A L'orange ✓Saumon Sauvage ✓Côtes D'agneau ✓Filet Mignon ✓Entrecôte ✓Loup De Mer ✓Bouillabaisse ✓Filet De Sole Sauce Homardine ✓Côte De Porc ✓Lemon Parsley Butter ✓Bearnaise ✓Bordelaise ✓Green Peppercorn

" C'est La Vie provides a unique dining experience, perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special occasions. Their dinner menu is known for their quality, featuring fine coffee, French macarons, and delicious desserts. Guests can enjoy house-made desserts with a glass of ten-year-old tawny port. Whether for a romantic night out or a meal with family and friends, C'est La Vie Irvine welcomes everyone to enjoy their delicious food. The restaurant has vegetarian and gluten-free options, outdoor seating for a relaxed atmosphere and a kid-friendly environment. C'est La Vie Catering is a great choice for your next private or corporate event. Their experienced team can handle gatherings of up to 200 people. A full bar is also available for guests. C'est La Vie is located 14.1 miles from Irvine. They also serve great cocktails.

2026 Highlights: C'est La Vie allows guests to bring their own bottle of wine on Thursdays with a free corkage fee. "

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Neo-French Charm Feature by Laguna Beach Magazine in 2016
Emmy Award Celebration Event by cast/crew of Born This Way at the restaurant venue in 2017
License #200426810159

Menu:

Appetizers
Grilled Riviera Octopus $14.50
Escargots Provencale $12.95
Jumbo Mushrooms $14.95
Dungeness Crab $13.95
Steamed Mussels & Clams $13.95
Petite Fruiture Des Calamares $12.95
Ahi Tartare Napoleon $13.95
Beer Battered Shrimp $13.95
Shrimp Cocktail $24.95
French Specialties
Canard A L'Orange $26.95
Saumon Sauvage $24.95
Cotes D'Agneau $32.95
Filet Mignon $32.95
Entrecote $27.95
Loup De Mer $26.95
Bouillabaise $25.95
Filet De Sole Sauce Homardine $24.95
Cote De Porc $24.95
Soups
Soup Du Jour $7.95
Gratinee Des Halles $8.95
Bisque De Homard $9.95
Salads
Salade Brasserie $7.00
Salade D'Endive Et Poire Au Bleu $9.95
Blt Salad $10.95
Salade Caesar Classique $9.00
Sauteed Scallop Salad $15.95
Crepes And Quiches
Fillet Mignon Crepe $19.95

Discount:

$30 Off on 3-Course Prix-Fixe Special Menu Between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM Monday to Friday

$29.99 Off on 1.5 lbs Of Fresh Lobster on Wednesday Night Special

Contact:

(949) 497-5100

Mon-Sun: 8am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Brussels Bistro - Irvine, CA French Restaurants - Dish Image
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Best French Restaurants in Irvine CA - Brussels Bistro video
3+ YEARS IN TBR
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BRUSSELS BISTRO

(4.9 Score)
222 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach,
Irvine, CA 92651 Directions

Since 2004

Specialities:

✓Large Cone Of Belgian Fries ✓Brussels Sprouts ✓Escargots ✓Garlic Shrimps ✓Bacon Wrapped Brie ✓Cheese Croquettes ✓Croquettes Aux Crevettes Grises ✓Bitterballen ✓Oysters ✓Smoked Salmon Toasts ✓Mushroom Soup With Puff Pastry ✓Asparagus Soup ✓Caesar Salad ✓Kale and Goat Cheese Salad ✓Mediterranean Quinoa Salad ✓Beet Salad ✓Endive Salad ✓Burger ✓Veggie Burger ✓Chicken Sandwich ✓Boeuf Bourguignon ✓Meatballs Liégeoises ✓Meatballs In Tomato Sauce ✓Creamy Chicken ✓Salmon ✓Trout Almondine ✓Chilean Seabass En Papillote ✓Dover Sole Meunière ✓Filet Mignon ✓Hanger Steak ✓Famous Pork Shank

" Brussels Bistro serves authentic French and Belgian cuisine, known for its delicious flavors and quality. Chef Thomas Crijns studied at the famous Culinary & Hotel Management School of Namur in Belgium. For the past 20 years, he has shared his love for traditional and authentic cuisine while creating a warm European-style dining experience with top-quality service. At Brussels Bistro, Chef Thomas and his team take pride in offering a unique and memorable dining experience. The chef creates classic dishes, and the restaurant has a wide selection of Belgian beers. They serve breakfast, lunch, and various beer options. Brussels Bistro has private dining rooms for events like corporate meetings and birthday parties, with seating for 15 to 70 guests. For late-night fun, the nightclub opens at 10:30 pm every Friday and Saturday. Happy hour runs from Thursday to Sunday, starting at 4 pm. The restaurant is family-friendly and offers outdoor seating for a relaxed dining experience.

2026 Highlights: Brussels Bistro offers Gift cards and reservation facilities for the customers. "

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Hippest Hang Winner by The LAF Awards / KXFM Radio Laguna Beach in 2023 / 2024
License #201806110155

Menu:

Appetizers
Large Cone Of Belgian Fries $9
Brussels Sprouts $18
Escargots $18
Garlic Shrimps $21
Bacon Wrapped Brie $18
Cheese Croquettes $16
Croquettes Aux Crevettes Grises $18
Bitterballen $17
Oysters $21
Smoked Salmon Toasts $19
Soups And Salads
Mushroom Soup With Puff Pastry $15
Asparagus Soup $12
Caesar Salad $15
Kale And Goat Cheese Salad $17
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad $17
Beet Salad $16
Endive Salad $17
Sandwiches And Burgers
Burger $19
Veggie Burger $17
Chicken Sandwich $18
Entrees
Boeuf Bourguignon $34
Meatballs Liégeoise $24
Meatballs In Tomato Sauce $24
Creamy Chicken $28
Salmon $33
Trout Almondine $29
Chilean Seabass En Papillotte $40
Dover Sole Meunière $65
Filet Mignon $48
Hanger Steak $37
Famous Pork Shank $39
Falafel $23

Discount:

$39 Off on Your Bill at Brussels Bistro for All-You-Can-Eat Moules-Frites on Every Tuesday

Contact:

(949) 376-7955

Mon-Wed: 4pm - 9:30pm
Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm
Fri & Sat: 11:30am - 9pm|10:30pm - 1:30am
Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
Happy Hour: Sun-Thu: 4pm - 6pm
Fri & Sat Nightclub: 10:30pm - 1:30am

TBR® Inspection Report:

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MIMI'S CAFE REVIEWS

Indulge in a delightful brunch experience at this charming spot in OC! What truly sets this place apart, however, is the friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every guest. Whether you're catching up with friends over bottomless mimosas or enjoying a leisurely meal with family, you can count on attentive service and a friendly smile at every turn. For a brunch spot that combines mouthwatering food with a welcoming vibe, look no further—this place is a must-visit in OC.

Literally, I have Mimi’s Café across from my home and go there very often—lunch, breakfast, and dinner are excellent! Quick service, and for a big group, they will charge individually. I love that when I go to celebrate someone and we are a big group.

My family & I enjoyed a delicious brunch @ this location today. Our server David was an absolute delight. He was so courteous & our service was exceptional.

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C'EST LA VIE REVIEWS

Was lucky to get a parking spot right out front (metered street parking) A piece of Paris in the heart of Laguna Beach! Amazing food and ambiance that will take you to Paris. Chair tea lattes were amazing with or without coffee both tasted great! I had the ham cheese and spinach crepe which was not on the menu but was super delicious! I used my table bread for the extra cheese and it was perfect! my husband had the French toast that was stuffed with cheese and orange marmalade. Tasted so fresh and yummy! His breakfast came with breakfast potatoes, bacon and eggs all cooked to perfection and a small side of salad that had a light vinaigrette on it that I finished with my crepe. bon appetit it was amazing! the dessert tray is full of amazing desserts and was hard to pass up! I must say I can't wait to come back and try more dishes! the view of the ocean was amazing and the French music playing was perfect for setting the mood. if you love French cafe's and have been to Paris I highly recommend.

Great service, great food, We've been coming here for years when we're in town. Our waiter has worked here for 30 years and is always pleasant and attentive.

A wonderful spot with the patio view overlooking the ocean! The food and drinks are top notch. The menu is unique and delectable.

BRUSSELS BISTRO REVIEWS

The mushroom soup was one of the best I’ve ever had, and it came with a puff pastry that paired so well with the soup I thought of ordering a second bowl. 100% .recommend!. The mussels were cream with the garlic, very tender and easy to consume. The garlic was very light, while the cream was full. Everything was served piping hot and perfectly cooked. Fries are cooked in beef tallow for a rich crispness, and thick cut for the Belgian flare.

We visited for New Year's Eve, marking our first experience dining there. The service was excellent, and the food was delightful. We ordered the Beef Bourguignon and hanger steak, along with bitterballen. Everything was delicious, the portions were just right, and the prices were reasonable. We highly recommend this place.

Absolutely loved this place! Food is amazing and great service. Definitely come back.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

MIMI'S CAFE Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Contact Info: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Awards History: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

C'EST LA VIE Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Contact Info: 9
Business Hours: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Multiple Awards: 10
Online Order: 10
Ownership Proof: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

BRUSSELS BISTRO Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Contact Info: 9
Page Maintenance: 9
Awards History: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Video: 10