Le Pain Quotidien

Food was just whatever, not bad, not good, not memorable. Service is extremely, and I repeat, extremely slow. We were seated by the entrance, worst place for flagging down a waiter bc none of them come by that place. We sat for 15 minutes before finally getting acknowledged and given napkins and utensils. After our meal we wanted to leave but couldn’t because nobody was bringing us our check nor looking in our direction. Our glasses didn’t get refilled even once throughout. I’m also going to post this picture of how our waiter placed the napkins because it’s hilarious.

Their grilled chicken and local mozzarella tartine is amazing! And they have some of the best green tea too.

We’ve been to this location twice and had a great dining experience each time.
First, the service: Our waitress for both visits was Jessica, who took great care of us. We made slight modifications to our omelets which she handled with ease. Her pleasant demeanor, attentiveness, and care made our experience worthwhile.
Second, the food: Love that they serve breakfast all day. The veggies in the omelets were fresh and plentiful. The oatmeal with fruit was delicious. They also gave a side salad with the omelets which was the perfect size to complement the meal. The coffee was fresh and tasty as well.
Though it can be a bit pricey, we will definitely return because of the delicious food and will return to this specific location because of the great service.

Use of Good ingredients always make for a good meal. Soups are vegan, bread is made here and nice touches of organic jams, French gray salt and peppercorn mill. on each table. Good coffee and service.

After apologizing from the previous visit. I decided to increase my stars due to the customer service of the manager.

Very disappointing! We waited 30 minutes for a table on a Sunday afternoon. The restaurant was not crowded at all so I’m not sure why it took so long. Then, after our server put in our order it took another 45 minutes for our food to arrive. My Turkey Avocado Tartine Sandwich came on a tiny miniature cutting board, very dry with only about one ounce of turkey, some arugula, a few slices of cucumber, avocado, and tomato. The bread was very dry and tasteless except for a tiny drop of Dijon mustard. My 12 year old’s Belgian Waffle was so small it would not even fill one square of a standard 4-​square waffle iron. BIG SIGH. Needless to say we were still hungry when we finally left this place. Never coming here again.

Had their seasonal warm winter grain bowl. It has good flavor and it was a huge portion; however, I wish they added a little sauce or vinaigrette to it. It was a little dry and I think they only added olive oil to it. Came with a side of bread as well. The wheat bread was no big deal but I did like the baguette. It had a slight coconut flavor to it.

Usually when I see the words organic and vegan, I will head in another direction. Not because I am against eating healthy, but because these words usually translate into two more words … bland and expensive!
Le Pain Quotidein (
) is located across from Macy’s in Fashion Island.
Le Pain Quotidein translates into «The Daily Bread» and is named so because baker Alain Coumont would recall his father shouting «moi, ce n’est pas mon pain quotidien» («it’s not my daily bread») and this phrase provided the inspiration for the name of his bakery. His baking philosophy is simple; traditional simplicity.
The first time we visited, near of us was interested in a meal, but I couldn’t help taking a peek inside (
) at all the freshly baked items. Peeking quickly turned to buying and I purchase a Chocolate Mousse Cake, a Bran Blueberry Muffin, two Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies and two Chocolate Fudge Cookies. We also took the opportunity to peruse the menu Le Pain offers and was intrigued enough to plan a future visit for brunch.
Everything I purchase was a hit it with my palate, but I would like to give a special commendation to the muffin. I don’t like bran and this is the first time I have thoroughly enjoyed a bran muffin of any sort. The muffin was definitely complimented by the sweet and juicy blueberries I found in every bite.
The following Sunday we showed up for brunch and had about a 5 minute wait before we were shown to a dog friendly patio table. One thing that caught our eyes very quickly were the spreads and condiments on the table:
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The breakfast menu isn’t very extensive, but the better half and I were both able to find something that interested our palates. Laina ordered the Tomato and Avocado Omelette (
) and a side of Paris Ham (
) with White Cheddar cheese triangles. I opted for the Belgium Waffle (
) with Fresh Berries and a side (
) of Prosciutto. We also ordered drinks (
), Black Iced Tea for Laina and I went with the Raspberry Lemonade.
The drinks were probably the most disappointing we had at Le Pain. The iced tea was nondescript and I don’t Laina would get it again with the almost $ 4.00 price tag. The raspberry lemonade was very much on the tart side and the raspberry compote was understated. I was thankful for the raw sugar which helped cut the tartness of the drink.
Our food came out in a reasonable amount of time, but there was a problem with Laina’s omelette had a tomato based sauce not mentioned on the menu. My lovely wife is not a fan of her food being «wet» and she requested the omelette be cooked again sans the sauce.
While we were waiting for her omelette, we were given a basket of their Whole Wheat Sourdough and Baguette. The bread is definitely worth the carb count and salted organic butter and spreads really elevated these delicious slices to the next level.
Her re-​fire came out relatively quickly and she said the omelette was delicious. The avocado and tomatoes were very fresh, albeit the omelette was on the small side. She had similar praise for the Paris ham and cheese, but there were only two small triangle of cheese on the plate, another slice or two would make the price tag more palatable. The «salad» was basically just greens with a balsamic vinaigrette and it was as boring as it sounds.
Rohlinism: A pile of greens and a dressing should never be called a «salad!»
The waffle had a nice crystalized crunch to the outside, but was fluffy on the inside. The berries were very fresh and bursting with flavor and the syrup was sweet without drowning out the other flavors. My only complaint, the portion was very small. The prosciutto was of a higher quality and I felt the portion was on point with the price.
Our server was friendly and efficient and our server provided us with a croissant and a pain au chocolat as an apology for the mix up with the omelette. I also grabbed an apple turnover and apple and cherry cake as we walked out of the bakery.
Le Pain will leave your wallet feeling «the pain,» but your palate will thank you!

what to order: salmon breakfast
tip: they have great bread!
I came here with my mom for New Year’s Day brunch. We shared the smoked salmon & egg breakfast. It was pretty good. nothing spectacular or mind blowing. We also had some of the bread rolls which was really good.
Nothing super memorable or delicious to bring me back. No complaints about the service though, our server was super nice, friendly and attentive.

How I heard of this place: My friend and former house-​mate recommended Le Pain Quotidien (pronouced like this: luh paN koh-​ti-​dyaN and it means «the daily bread») while I was living in Arlington, Virginia.
Type of cuisine: «Whenever we can, we source organic ingredients. This way, we not only build lasting and meaningful partnerships with organic farmers, but we also ensure our ingredients are of the highest quality. It’s about finding the very best, in a way that is good for all of us.» Breads, pastries, salads, soups and accoutrements, and all fresh and homemade. «Our bread is made today exactly as it was in the beginning: with only organic stone-​ground flour, salt, and water, kneaded and shaped by hand and baked in a hearth under the watchful eye of artisan bakers.» As for the «finely craft[ed]…delectable pastries in our pâtisserie…we understand the magic of a buttery, flaky croissant and of a dark, fudgy brownie. We bake our pastries fresh every day so that we can offer you that magic whenever you need it.» And if you are not satisfied after consuming your well-​portioned, well-​balanced and light, yet flavorful meal, snack or pastry, Le Pain Quotidien helps you take some of France home: «We insist on the freshest and finest ingredients. If we can’t find them, we make them ourselves. Our shelves are lined with the products we’ve created: the jams and chocolate spreads on the communal table, the granola in your parfait, the coffee that fills your bowl.»
Ambiance: «This philosophy influences every part of the way we do business, from the food we serve to the design of our stores to the materials we use. We use reclaimed wood and recycled Gypsum in construction, energy-​efficient lamps, and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and packaging. It’s good for our bodies, our communities, and our earth.» The rustic space comes complete with minimalist class. Tall ceilings, brick walls, sparsely decorated, a large chalkboard with a handwritten menu of specials du jour. A small window with ledge hosts artisan breads and pastries, and the wooden furnishings interspersed throughout look straight out of an early 1900s home, hosting silverware, condiments and other such necessities. The most noteworthy demarkation indoors is the large, wooden communal table at the center of the café seating area, where patrons are invited to sit and break bread with neighboring diners. «Friends and strangers alike come together around our communal table to break bread and linger for a while. Like all of our furniture, the communal table is made from reclaimed wood, which means no trees were sacrificed for us to sit and unwind. Take a seat next to a neighbor, share the Brunette and be reminded that, even in the big city, we are a community.» The entry-​way opens up to a beautiful, asymmetrically raised display of cookies, muffins, scones and other delightfully sweet pastries. The cashier is set against a background of fresh baked artisan and rustic breads, making for an inviting setting, yet challenging to decide!
What I ordered: My sisters and I started our morning off with a delicious selection of breakfast options. Two of us shared the Seasonal Special Butternut Squash Goat Cheese & Chive Frittata ($ 11.75), while the third had an Americano ($ 4), and a Pesto Gruyère Omelette ($ 12.75).
What I loved: The Pesto Omelette. But the yummiest thing here is something that is already found at the table and does not need to be ordered: Hazelnut Praline Paste. Go. Get. It.
Why I loved it: I love the atmosphere, casual, yet classy, easy and comfortable. I love the abundance of options, whether one is there for breakfast, lunch, a snack or a cup of coffee, it is a space that invites. The pastries and entrées beautifully presented, it is definitely a place to which I will return, for brunch, lunch, dinner.
Cost: Average to high ($ 8-​$ 10 per breakfast selection)

Cute and hip interior design. Friendly and attentive staff. The portions are perfect! You don’t leave feeling disgustingly full. The Avocado Toast is something everyone has to try from here. It sounds super simple but it’s absolutely delicious!

Have been here a couple of times, and finally getting around to posting a review.
The food has been quite good each time, and the ambience (when it’s not packed) is pleasant. I’d rate the service though as only average (not awesome and not terrible). But for me, the food makes up for it.

My girlfriends and I just had lunch here between shopping at Fashion Island and enjoyed every second of it! We sat on the outside patio and enjoyed California’s «winter» weather. Our waitress, Selina was so sweet and helpful when it came to picking and recommending what to order. My friends and I enjoyed the food, service, and environment throughly. Definitely coming back next time I’m at Fashion Island.
P. S. They are located between Macy’s and Nordstrom!

I love that this menu is in french. The food is healthy and the juice is fresh! I’m good! I also noticed that most of the staff speaks french as well. They sell freshly baked bread every day and have a great outdoor seating place! I highly recommend their organic french toast and any of their bakers lunch combos!

I can’t say I like the food here, but I will admit that it was better than I expected. Portions are also very generous which is shocking for such an establishment in a location such as Fashion Island.
Service is friendly. Preparation is fresh. Dining area is clean.
Menu selection is a bit limited if you enjoy eating meat. That being said, if you’re on a diet and have trouble resisting ordering a salad when steak is also on the menu, then come here. Temptation won’t really exist.
Chorizo omelette was good. I added avocado and glad I did because without the added color, my plate would have looked pretty depressing. Avocado itself was fresh, clean, and they gave me not just a few slices, but an entire half of an avo.
Kale and pine nut (?) salad was reported to be good. I didn’t try it since I don’t enjoy gnawing on grass.
Our server came and gave us a complimentary tiramisu, which I suspect was leftover from from the previous day since it was half frozen and very dry. We ate it anyway. Was good. Not too sweet. I imagine it would be pretty good if fresh.
Tables are tiny so if it’s not too busy, grab a 4~top.
Pastries are attractive but insanely expensive, but they give you organic and vegan and other trendy fake diet restrictions.
I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat here (or to come to Fashion Island), but if for some God awful reason I find myself here and someone wants to eat at Le Pain, I won’t cringe at the proposal.

Another great bakery in Fashion Island Mall. They serve full breakfast and lunch. Always fresh always delicious. Great variety of pastries. I wish I can try each one of them when I come in. Croissants are excellent and overall very good selection of baked goods, bread, cookies.

Le Pain Quotidien is a beautiful fancy-​smancy sandwich and bakery chain, appropriately located in the Fashion Show Mall. So fancy, that I can’t pronounce it properly.
Basically come in and sit down at a table for in-​restaurant dining, otherwise wait in the line at the door for to go orders. Service was excellent when I visited for a quick lunch after some shopping. We ordered the tartines (which are the strangest, deconstructed sandwiches I have ever had). Beautiful presentation on the ceramic board, sort of like a slice of pizza but way healthier.
Chicken Mozzarella: White meat chicken can be dry but the mozzarella and pesto compliment it very well. The tomatoes also add some moisture to the tartine.
Turkey Avocado: A classic combo and that is why it is their most popular tartine.
I would recommend sharing and exchanging halves of the sandwiches with your friend or significant other so that you can taste more tartines and so you won’t get bored of yours. Very healthy and clean meal.

Split pea soup is miraculous. Consume with brioche and fresh creamy butter.
The atmosphere reminds me of a French bakery. Just a few small steps outside of the front door is a view of the Pacific ocean.
The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating to suit your mood depending on the temperature.
Recommendation: I can’t wait to come back

I tried the Quiche Lorraine with ham, spinach, onions and Gruyère cheese. Included were two pieces of bread, one French and the other wheat. There was also a small salad with slices of radish and carrots. My husband ordered a salmon omelette and added goat cheese to it.
Out of the two meals, the omelette was the best. They were generous with the salmon and goat cheese. Green onions topped the omelette. No salad was included but the dish came with the two slices of bread.
Despite the slices of bread, I still felt hungry. My quiche was pretty good but I wouldn’t order it again. The restaurant also serves breakfast and brunch items and sandwiches. They hold weekly classes on subjects such as bread baking and artisan pizzas. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. My husband liked the wooden seating and tables inside and felt that it gave the restaurant a warm feeling. Service was attentive: our waiter checked on us twice.

The currant roll was so good that when I brought an extra home after eating mine there, it disappeared off the kitchen counter!
Note to self: always bring more than one bakery item home if you want one for yourself lol