Celebrated Local Chef Michael Campbell Expands His Fresh, Flavor-Forward Cafe Concept
Costa Mesa, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Pacific Pearl Cafe , the fresh, flavor-driven cafe in San Juan Capistrano from celebrated Orange County chef Michael Campbell, will open its second Southern California location at The Met in Costa Mesa on Monday, January 26, 2026. Known for elevated yet approachable breakfast and lunch fare, Pacific Pearl Cafe brings Campbell’s coastal-inspired culinary ethos to one of Orange County’s most vibrant lifestyle destinations.
Located amid The Met’s dynamic retail and dining lineup at 575 Anton Boulevard, the cafe will serve as a go-to destination for breakfast, lunch, coffee dates, casual meetings, pre-matinee bites, and on-the-go options for busy locals and visitors alike. It will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
A grand opening celebration will be held on Friday, January 30, with special promotions, giveaways and sampling experiences planned throughout the day. Details will be shared via the cafe’s social media channels and website.
“We want every guest to feel great about what they’re eating with dishes that are nourishing, thoughtfully sourced and unforgettable,” said Chef Campbell. “At Pacific Pearl, we blend bold, honest flavors with a health-minded approach that keeps people coming back. My goal has always been to create food that is clean, balanced and full of flavor without ever feeling restrictive. Pacific Pearl Cafe is about accessibility and food that you will crave every day.”
A Chef With Global Experience, Local Passion
Chef Michael Campbell is the culinary force behind Pacific Pearl Cafe, Capas Tacos in South Orange County and soon White Rooster in Dana Point, a brand-new concept featuring California coastal cuisine shaped by the flavors, surf culture and south of the border roadside stops that define sun-soaked, salt-kissed journeys from Santa Barbara to Ensenada.
With more than two decades of experience cooking in acclaimed kitchens from Barcelona to San Francisco and France, Campbell mastered techniques in both classic and modern cuisine before planting roots in Southern California. His early training in Catalan cuisine and fine dining includes stints as Executive Sous Chef at RN74 (Michael Mina Group) in San Francisco, work in Barcelona’s celebrated kitchens, and leadership roles in top California restaurants.
A long-time advocate for sustainable, thoughtful sourcing, Campbell co-founded Portland’s Sustainable Seafood Summit, reinforcing his dedication to ecology-forward cooking well before it was mainstream.
Fresh, Flavorful Menu Highlights
Campbell’s kitchens emphasize healthier yet deeply flavorful fare, balancing bright produce, sustainably sourced proteins and globally inspired techniques to create dishes that nourish both body and palate. The cafe also offers catering for gatherings and events, extending Campbell’s philosophy of elevated yet approachable food beyond the cafe walls.
Pacific Pearl Cafe’s menu combines high-quality ingredients with inventive touches that elevate everyday favorites without sacrificing ease or comfort. Standouts from the beloved San Juan Capistrano menu that guests can expect at The Met include:
- Breakfast Burrito, packed with flavorful carnitas for a hearty morning boost
- Avocado Toast, crowned with pickled tomatoes and capers.
- Local Yellowtail Tuna Melt, a cafe favorite sandwich option.
- Kale Pesto Grilled Cheese and Winner’s Club Croissant, creative spins on classic comfort.
- Fresh-Brewed Coffee and Chai Pumpkin Bread, perfect pairings for morning or afternoon moments
About Pacific Pearl Cafe
Founded by Chef Michael Campbell, Pacific Pearl Cafe is a chef-led cafe concept rooted in fresh, high-quality ingredients, sustainability, and bold yet accessible flavor. With its first cafe in San Juan Capistrano located at 31654 Rancho Viejo Road and another location at The Met in Costa Mesa at 575 Anton Boulevard, Pacific Pearl Cafe reflects Campbell’s mission to create food that feels relaxed, healthy and full of character. Chef Campbell also recently opened White Rooster in Dana Point, offering California coastal cuisine shaped by the flavors, surf culture and south of the border roadside stops that define sun-soaked, salt-kissed journeys from Santa Barbara to Ensenada.
For more information, please visit PacificPearlCafe.com or follow @pacificpearlcafe on Instagram TikTok or Facebook.
Contact:
Erin Peacock
Peacock PR
949-939-1872
erin@peacock-pr.com
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