South Coast Plaza isn’t just a hub for world-class luxury brands; it’s also a culinary paradise filled with global flavors. With carefully curated restaurants, the plaza hosts over 40 eateries offering culturally rich and exquisite cuisines, providing a feast for the eyes and palates that spans both European and Asian culinary traditions. The plaza also publishes the “Taste” magazine annually, which gives readers an insider’s look at its diverse dining options. Let’s dive into the highlights from the latest issue of Taste.

**The VOX Kitchen**
*Level 1, Crate & Barrel Wing (Opening Soon)*

The VOX Kitchen stands out as an exciting new addition to South Coast Plaza’s dining scene, marking the second location for the Kei Concepts restaurant group. This establishment focuses on modern Pan-Asian cuisine, drawing inspiration from the Peruvian-Chinese fusion known as “Chifa.” Highlights from the menu include a pear and arugula salad topped with creamy burrata cheese, drizzled with fig balsamic and honey-roasted nuts, and brightened with a refreshing champagne vinaigrette.

One of the signature dishes, the “Salt Bake,” features tomatoes, red onions, and fries cooked with a choice of protein, with the tender filet mignon being a standout. For those craving spice, there’s a uniquely flavored spicy noodle dish garnished with scallions and crispy garlic, available with chicken or shrimp dumplings.

On the drink menu, VOX offers a full bar with handcrafted cocktails, highly recommending the South Coast Plaza-exclusive Pisco Sour and spicy Margarita. Non-alcoholic options include the signature lychee lemonade and mango dragon fruit iced tea, both delicious choices. Classic Vietnamese iced coffee also pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the dishes.

With a dining area and cozy terrace featuring rich textures, minimalist Zen-inspired neutral tones, and eye-catching artwork, guests can expect to savor delightful meals in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The vibrant central bar serves as an alluring focal point.

**Yu Cake**
*Level 1, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing*

Adjacent to Saks Fifth Avenue, Yu Cake has quickly become one of South Coast Plaza’s latest culinary highlights. This patisserie combines luxurious pastries with an elegant ambiance. The charming salon is adorned with Tom Dixon’s high-backed chairs and gold mesh chandeliers, making every visit feel special.

The signature mille-feuille crepe cake offers a delicate multi-layered experience. Beyond exquisite cakes, there’s a variety of refreshing beverages available, from fruity iced teas to chilled coffees, as well as rich dairy and yogurt drinks that add even more joy to dessert time.

In recent years, Yu Cake’s refined mousses, cheesecakes, and creatively crafted desserts have captured the hearts of dessert lovers. The flagship store at South Coast Plaza also introduces a selection of hot coffee drinks and Japanese café-style sandwiches, a unique treat not found at other locations. Pairing the brown sugar boba cheesecake with a delightful soy milk coffee topped with chewy mochi promises a delicious combination that is sure to indulge your sweet tooth. Yu Cake is not just a feast for the senses but a celebration of refined living.

**Armani/Caffè**
*Level 2, between Jewel and Carousel Courts*

True to expectations, Giorgio Armani brings his renowned fashion design philosophy to this chic café, making it shine in South Coast Plaza’s new flagship store.

Nestled next to luxury boutiques, Armani Caffè exudes elegance with dreamy beige tones, opulent marble textures, and delicate metallic surfaces, complemented by platinum-hued chair covers. This creates a sophisticated retreat for shoppers looking to relax.

Here, you can enjoy a meticulously brewed coffee alongside meticulously crafted breakfast pastries or savor a selection of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. From avocado tartare with smoked salmon bagels to a classic club sandwich and a melt-in-your-mouth lemon raspberry tart, every dish is designed to meet the highest expectations of gourmet dining.

Armani Caffè is not merely a pause in shopping; it’s a perfect blend of fashion and food.

**Ramen Nagi**
*Level 1, Crate & Barrel Wing (Opening Soon)*

Coming soon, Ramen Nagi is a ramen shop bursting with vibrant colors and flavors.

Ramen Nagi excels at presenting ramen in a spectrum of colors, with each shade signifying its unique flavor profile: Red King is fiery and rich with chili, Green King offers freshness with basil and a special fragrant oil, while Black King delivers depth with aged black garlic and squid ink.

The classic Original King features chewy handmade noodles paired with a rich tonkotsu broth and tender chashu pork—an unforgettable experience. The Veggie King caters to vegetarian diners, brimming with umami from shiitake mushrooms and assorted vegetables, making it a contemporary classic in vegetarian ramen.

The staff greet every guest wearing red, yellow, and blue headbands, while the black and red fabric curtains (noren) sway gently in the breeze, adding a touch of Japanese charm.

The cover story for the Taste magazine features Hamamori Japanese cuisine, along with an introduction to the seafood specialties at WaterGrill, and highlights from Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault and his Knife Pleat restaurant, plus insights from emerging chefs sharing their culinary philosophies. South Coast Plaza holds even more delicious culinary experiences waiting to be discovered.

For more, you can check out the Taste magazine at this link: [Taste Magazine](https://www.southcoastplaza.com/taste).