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All 285 Costa Mesa Restaurants »

Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's

3333 South Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA
714.352.2525
Ranked #20 of 285 restaurants in Costa Mesa
4.0 of 5 stars 35 Reviews
Price range: 26 AUD - 102 AUD
Cuisines: Californian, French
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Bar Scene, Business, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations
Dining style: Fine Dining
Cross street: Anton Blvd.
Description: Celebrated Chef Charlie Palmer has received critical acclaim for his signature progressive American cooking, a style built on rambunctious flavors and unexpected combinations. The seasonally-inspired menu spotlights regional ingredients and is complemented by a diverse wine list highlighting an impressive collection of small artisan producers. The social lounge is ideal for shared small plates and fun whimsical cocktails. The dining room features a la carte menu selections as well as prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner. The private dining room, accented by a massive wine wall, offers weekly wine tastings and monthly wine dinners, and can be reserved for private events. Located inside the restaurant is Next Vintage wine shop, which allows shoppers to select from the restaurant's trademark, eclectic lists of food forward wines at retail pricing.
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35 reviews from our community

67% Recommend
    13
    11
    6
    4
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
San Diego, California
Top Contributor
110 reviews 110 reviews
Reviews in 57 cities Reviews in 57 cities
97 helpful votes 97 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Twelve of us ate dinner in a private room. Cocktail service was slow to start but, once seated, food and wine service was well timed and attentive. Pricing is on the high side, but food quality, preparation and presentation are outstanding. Many of use ate the Monkfish special which was especially moist, succulent and delightfully seasoned. Others had the New... More

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Orange, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012 NEW

Actually went here in 2010. When Charlie Palmer first opened at South Coast Plaza, I didn't hear many good things. Over time I heard that things had gotten a little better. One of my friends told me that he had eaten lunch here several times and had fantastic meals. I finally took the plunge, and was sorely disappointed. I really... More

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San Diego
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

My daughter and I went during Sunday brunch although we ordered a la carte. I had read a review in the Orange County magazine listing this restaurant among the best, so I thought we were in for a special treat. The food was delicious, although the portions might be on the small side for hearty eaters. The service, however, was... More

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Austin, Texas
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2012

They did a nice job with our large group. Service was a little slow to start, but they picked up the pace. Everyone enjoyed the shared small plates and their mains. More

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HB, Ca
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

Expensive, poor service, eat before you go. Have been here about 1/2 a dozen times but not consistance, menu sound more interesting than it tastes, service has never been to good. More

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See 2 more reviews by HBCarroll for Costa Mesa
OC, CA
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

This place is great if you want to relax at lunch while shopping at South Coast. Nice open air feeling. Elegant. Quiet. Prices reasonable considering the atmosphere. The sliders are great and I love most of the salads. The restaurant is very spacious. It is good for dinners too. Wine prices were very reasonable when I was there. More

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See 5 more reviews by gmgOc for Costa Mesa
Orange, California
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2012

Came in for early dinner. Wanted to sit away from crowded bar scene but hostess said that table we wanted (away from bar) had 6 setting on it while the table she led us to had 5 (5 in our group). Ummm...how about just moving one of the setting/chair? Service a bit uneven at times (waiter did not want to... More

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Dallas, Texas
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2012

The tasty food options center around meat. Although it is not just a haven for carnivores, the meat and fish options definitely take precedence at this local favorite. The food is prepared well, and albeit on the more expensive side, provides a good option - especially for business travelers. More

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See 5 more reviews by Chris B for Costa Mesa
Laguna Hills, CA
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 March 2012

this is a high end restaurant at South Coast Plaza. If you can deal with the mall crowd and parking, it's a good place to eat. It's pricey - we ate in the bar. The french onion soup is really good! More

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See 2 more reviews by Esbart for Costa Mesa
california
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 March 2012

Since it is located at South Coast Plaza sometimes parking can be difficult but over all the food is excellent. More

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See 8 more reviews by rforrest for Costa Mesa

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