Moulin Opens Innovative Artisan Pastry Lab at SOCO

C'est parfait that Moulin, the award-winning French restaurant just opened its fourth location at SOCO + The OC Mix. Delivering its signature all-encompassing French experience, Moulin Costa Mesa includes an innovative artisan pastry lab filled with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and a touch of Paris.

With an emphasis on an elevated pastry program, Moulin Costa Mesa offers the signature patisserie & viennoiserie items that define the brand, while expanding its pastry production to include innovative & large-format Parisian classics.

Owner Laurent Vrignaud has bolstered Moulin’s culinary operations with pastry and bakery artisans from his native France. Named the Orange County Business Journal’s 2019 Restaurateur of the Year, Laurent seeks to meet Southern California’s rising demand for desserts Parisien.

Located in the heart of SOCO, the 2,000 sq. ft. pastry lab features a 17-foot glass pastry case and an exhibition-style kitchen, where guests can watch Moulin’s bakers assemble artisan pastries like wedding cake croquembouche, opera, fraisier, baba au rhum, and many other Parisian classics. 

The new restaurant serves as the commercial pastry kitchen for Moulin’s locations in Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, and San Clemente and catering productions.

The bakery’s courtyard-facing patio features vintage bistro tables and chairs shaded by Moulin’s signature red umbrellas. Inside, find the original metal plaques, light fixtures, and framed French art – all collected by Laurent from France — that have become synonymous with the Moulin brand. The menu also offers Moulin’s signature salads, sandwiches, crêpes, & espresso beverages.

Moulin has locations in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and Costa Mesa; new locations in Irvine and Dana Point opening in 2020.

The 40-seat restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Moulin Costa Mesa is at SOCO at 3303 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa.