Cafe Miru- Fullerton, CA

Little did I know that there was such a stylish and swanky Korean cafe near by my place that doesn't cost (too) much.

Walking in, my mouth gaped open at the interior design as it felt like I was transported to New York instead of Fullerton (and next to a Target plaza too!)

After a booth request, the waiter gave us an intimate and plushy red booth with high backs in 1 of the 3 main seating sections.

The seating section that we were in surrounded a very tall column with a high ceiling that had constantly changing colored lights. It was also the darkest part of the restaurant, as we had to squint to look at the menu and our table seemed to be the only one without a candle.

^ view from the table.
Are we eating in a lighthouse?

Another seating section consisted of tables with red plush chairs with high backs and cushy arm rests reminiscent of a classy steakhouse. It was also another very dark seating area. The 3rd section from what I could see from my table was the brightest lit section with chandeliers adorning the ceiling. It seems that they seat the "older" folks in that section ;)

I ordered the Japanese Pork Katsu:

^ Lightly breaded and crispy pork katsu with a tangy sauce that had a slight wasabi kick to it ($11.95)

My SO ordered the Spaghetti Napolitan:


^With a slightly sweet sauce. He enjoyed it a lot and said it reminded him of the spaghetti made in Belgium. ($12.95)

And for dessert, which really was the reason why I came to Cafe Miru (the tasty food was a bonus) was for korean shaved ice or pat bing su. I've eaten plenty of pao bing which is the chinese version of shaved ice but I've always been intrigued by the enormous portions of pat bing su as you can see here:

It consists of a base layer of shaved ice and it's topped with fresh chopped strawberries, bananas, and kiwi as well as canned cocktail fruit. A scoop of smooth strawberry ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream all drizzled with chocolate sauce atop a mound of red bean completes this icy treat. ($8)

It was an interesting experience but I prefer the chinese version better as it has more "exotic" toppings like longan, lychee, mini rice balls, taro pieces etc. I also like that the shaved ice in the chinese version has condensed milk on it so there's a sweet taste to it compared to the "dry" ice in pat bing su. We basically ate all the toppings and left the ice because of that. :)

I recommend checking this place out at least once as it is a very fun and intimate setting to have a meal in.

Cafe Miru
901 Starbuck St. #M
Fullerton, CA 92833