This Chef Went Viral on Instagram—Then Opened The Best Bakery in Orange County

The first time I went to Diotima Bakehouse, everything was sold out.

The second time, the line wrapped around the parking lot like it was a new iPhone launch.

The third time? No line. Fully stocked. I nearly cried happy tears.

We ordered one of everything. And honestly? I'd do it again.

Better Than The Hype

If you haven't heard of Kian Moltaji, a.k.a. @kianthechef, he's the Instagram-famous baker behind this Mission Viejo gem.

His pastries—particularly the kouign-amanns, cream-filled croissants, and browned butter chocolate chip cookies—are just as good as the hype, maybe better.


French Culinary Training

But Diotima’s story isn’t just about viral reels and flaky dough. It’s about a guy with French culinary training, a dream, and a very real problem: no one wanted to lease him a space so he had to get some credibility.

“I told myself I’d post 10 videos,” Kian said. “And if nothing came of it, I’d stop.”

Well… something came of it. One video about clarifying consommé blew up. Then another. Then another. Fast-forward through millions of views, and Kian had built enough buzz to convince a landlord to take a chance on him.

In 2023, Diotima Bakehouse opened its doors in Mission Viejo. Now, in 2025, it still feels like a secret—unless you’re on Instagram. But those who are know this is the best French bakery in Orange County

The Menu is always changing

The menu is always changing. Some days it’s a saffron cruffin. Other days, it’s a kouign-amann filled to order, right in front of you.

I loved the ham and cheese croissant. It’s not a unique item, but how he prepared it took it to a whole new level.

Honestly, even if you go with the plain croissant you will be in heaven. Kian said that he has a goal to make a million croissants, so that was one reason he opened a bakery!

Kian trained at École Ferrandi in Paris and every bite shows it. But what makes Diotima stand out isn’t just the technique. It’s the heart.

His goal is to serve the best pastries and coffee to the community he lives in (yes, he’s local—he lives in Irvine and searched for a spot for nearly three years before landing here).

Takes Three Day to Make

“When I first opened, it was just me,” he told us. “Most of the things we make take three days, and it was hard finding the right people who could do that kind of baking.”

But good news: in 2025, he’s got a great team and is expanding hours to Tuesday through Saturday starting in August.

Better Than European Bakeries

We are not alone with our praise for Diotima. Yelp reviews tell the same story as the line out the door: Diotima Bakehouse is worth the hype.

With five-star ratings and fans comparing it to top-tier bakeries in Europe, Japan, and New York, it’s clear Kian isn’t just doing something right—he’s doing something exceptional.

The Cinnamon Rolls…

The cinnamon rolls alone have developed a loyal following, topping local Yelp searches and earning praise for their perfect swirl of gooey sweetness and buttery layers.

But the buzz isn’t just about one item. Reviewers rave about everything from the kouign-amanns to the lemon bars, calling Diotima “a hidden gem,” “a must-visit,” and “the best Mission Viejo bakery and pastry shop in all of Orange County.”

Inside the Bakery Case
There’s no set menu, but after combing through Yelp Reviews and Instagram posts, here’s what you might find on any given day. (By the way, Diotima is not a vegan or gluten free bakery)

🥐 Viennoiserie & Laminated Pastries

• Croissant (plain)

• Almond croissant

• Pain au chocolat

• Kouign-amann (often filled to order)

• Pistachio baklava croissant

• Cream-filled croissant

• Mini pistachio Paris-Brest (pâte à choux + praline cream)

• Cinnamon roll

🧂 Savory Pastries

• Ham & cheese croissant

• Beef bourguignon pastry

• Smoked salmon pastry

• Shepherds Pie

• Tuna Salad Croissant
  Meatball croissant

🍪 Cookies & Bars

• Chocolate chip cookie with browned butter

• Pistachio-chocolate chip cookie

• Caramel cookie

• Lemon meringue bar

• Brownie amann (a kouign‑amann hybrid made with brownie batter)

🍰 Cakes & Slices

• Sacher cake (chocolate + apricot jam)

• Lemon poppyseed cake

• Basque cheesecake slice

• Castella cake (Japanese-style sponge)

• Gateau breton (buttery Breton cake)

🥧 Tarts & Miniatures

• Crème pâtissière-filled tart with raspberries

• Nut-heavy tarts

• Chocolatey tarts

• Miniature pies

🍮 Specialty Confections & Ingredients

• Whipped white chocolate ganache

• Persian halva

• Homemade vanilla bean paste

☕ Drinks

• Saffron matcha latte

• Cardamom cold brew

Diotima Bakehouse- French Bakery Mission Viejo
📍 25542 Jeronimo Rd, Mission Viejo
⏰ Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday (Wednesday hours begin in August), 11 AM–4 PM
📱 @kianthechef

Go early. Bring a friend. Split everything. And if you walk out with a kouign-amann in one hand and a cinnamon roll in the other, just know—you did it right.

See what his pastries are like close up.