Brunch: It’s What Sundays Are For
The sunny Southern California sky is the perfect backdrop for everyone’s favorite weekend warrior activity: brunching! Whether enjoying bottomless mimosas, savory Benedicts or piles of pancakes, there are plenty of breakfast and brunch restaurants in Orange County where you can gather with friends for day drinking and while away the afternoon. Here is a comprehensive guide to our favorite places to grab breakfast and brunch in Orange County.
Benchmark
Did someone say brunch at Benchmark?! Trust us when we say you won’t even need a date at this stylish eatery—you, the artichoke fondue and dulce de leche French toast will do just fine! This seasonal, market-driven restaurant blends in seamlessly with the charming downtown Santa Ana scene. Beige umbrellas, twinkling festoon lighting and white marble table tops make this the more-than-perfect outpost for weekend brunch, which is held on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Likened to alfresco Italian eateries, the restaurant’s outdoor patio provides a serene space for good food, good company and good conversation. And when it comes to the fare, the refreshed brunch menu introduces the smoked salmon flatbread with crème fraîche, caviar, red onion, arugula, avocado, and a lemon vinaigrette—a must-try new addition. Meanwhile, the classic dulce de leche French toast, a beloved staple, continues to delight with its crème fraîche chantilly, brûléed bananas, chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of Maldon salt. Whether you choose sweet or savory, however, you’ll want to pair your meal with one of their boozy beverages, which include everything from mimosas and the Benchmark Bloody Mary to the iced Irish coffee and Santa Ana Sunrise cocktail with vodka-infused saké!
Location: Santa Ana
Maizano Cocina
After receiving raving reviews for its dinner menu, it was only a matter of time before Maizano Cocina expanded its regional flavors to include everyone’s favorite meal of the day: brunch! Built on the concept of a masa-focused menu and the Nahuatl word “apapacho” (meaning comfort or affection), this rustic-chic restaurant in Costa Mesa is reminiscent of traditional mercados that populate the streets of Yucatan, Oaxaca and Puebla. Indigenous artisan accents and equipale furnishings set the scene for a market-style dining experience. If you haven’t tried the blue corn pancakes, they’re a house favorite and come topped with housemade granola, seasonal fruit, requesón cheese and honey.
Location: Costa Mesa
Gudetama Cafe
Good things are cracking in Buena Park with the launch of Gudetama Cafe, a one-of-a-kind counter-service eatery framed around Sanrio’s famous Gudetama egg yolk character. Unconventional cuteness is infused in everything at this eggy Asian cafe, from oversized Gudetama figures and animated murals to iconographic emblems of the character topping every dish. Egg sandwiches are the main attraction, which drew 16-hour lines on opening day. The Sleepy Slider, Gude Katsu Chicken and Lazy Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich are each served on a stamped brioche bun with a Vital Farms egg yolk and crispy tater tots. We’ll take one of each, please!
Location: Buena Park
Madres Brunch
One of the hottest Orange County breakfast spots in town, Madres Brunch takes breakfast food to a new level with a series of overly extravagant bites. Manhattan French toast, elote pancakes and adorable iced coffee flights are just a few items off of their extensive menu that have generated an impressive buzz. According to the ‘Gram, Madres Brunch is known for its extra large portion sizes, meaning you’ll never leave hungry. Pink neon lights and whimsical hand-drawn murals add vivid pops of color throughout the cafe, curating a playful and inviting ambiance that’ll have you diving head-first into their Insta-famous pancakes.
Location: Multiple SoCal Locations
Lōrea
Let’s just say Lōrea knows how to brunch properly! Located at the beautiful Paséa Hotel & Spa, ocean views and live music cue the ambiance of your about-to-be new favorite breakfast and brunch spot in Huntington Beach. Mark your calendars for a date at Lōrea—breakfast hours are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekdays, while brunch hours run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
There’s something for everyone at this posh indoor-outdoor restaurant, from the CB & J French toast with blueberry compote and cashew butter maple syrup to the brunch burger with a 7-ounce maple-gochujang pork patty. Still can’t decide? Order the Lōrea Brunch Sampler for the best of both worlds, featuring sweet corn hot cakes, bacon cheddar waffles and cherry fennel biscuits.
Location: Huntington Beach
Mayfield
Situated right in cowboy country, this industrial-chic San Juan Capistrano restaurant is here to stay and has been branded one of South County’s best brunch outposts. It turns out this town is big enough for the both of us even after a hearty meal at this Mediterranean-inspired eatery. Mayfield offers brunch Wednesday through Sunday starting at 10 a.m. with fan favorites like their maple labneh-laced granola bowl, a spicy shakshuka and finger-lickin’ French toast souped up with sesame. And don’t forget to affogato. In the words of Shania Twain: let’s go, girls!
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Zinc Cafe + Market
Zinc has long been a local loitering ground since it first opened its doors in 2007. They did fancy lattes before fancy lattes were even a thing and were maybe even the originator of the avocado toast (don’t @ us). Zinc specializes in simple yet satisfying dishes like their housemade granola, seasonal quiches and a breakfast burrito that rivals some of the best in town. This place is as aesthetically pleasing as it is appetizing and makes for a great home base to catch up with a friend.
Locations: Laguna Beach, Orange, Corona del Mar
Toast Kitchen & Bakery
You might come for the French Toast, but you’ll stay for the fried chicken and waffles. Contemporary yet cozy, this Orange County brunch spot knows how to play the greatest hits and spice them up with a bit of their own flavor flair. Examples? They add dill chimichurri to avocado toast, ube to French toast and chicharones to breakfast burritos. Plus, they put popsicles in their cocktails for a fun and refreshing experience that’ll bring out your inner child.
Locations: Costa Mesa, Tustin
Ahba
Mama mia—here we go again! Enter: Ahba. No, not Abba, Ahba, the beloved Laguna Beach restaurant that serves up brunch on the weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and now has a new location in Costa Mesa! Their labneh toast with soft scrambled eggs is pure heaven, or you can go to hell with a serving of their spicy shakshuka. Bottomless mimosas are only $25 a pop, and, don’t worry, you can still get the burger if you’re not a brunch guy or girl. Parking can be a little bit of a pain at both locations, so plan accordingly.
Location: Laguna Beach and Costa Mesa (new!)
Haute Cakes Caffe
This place is an Orange County institution. Consistently delicious, this daytime destination is always buzzing with familiar faces looking to get their brunch fix. Owners Paul and Tania Taddeo have been proudly slinging their famous flapjacks in Newport Beach since 1990. Beyond their namesake haute cakes, which can be beefed up with buckwheat or made original with orange ricotta, this ever-busy eatery is also serving up soups, salads and sandwiches for people who prefer the -unch portion of ‘brunch’. We recommend the chicken and date salad and any item that starts with “Paul.”
Location: Newport Beach
Ramos House Cafe
If you haven’t visited Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano, go…now! It is like stepping back in time to dirt roads, creaky wood floors and good old-fashioned fun. Ramos House Cafe is one of the staples in this sacred little neighborhood serving up breakfast items during the week but full-blown brunch only on the weekends. Always start with the cinnamon apple beignets, continue with the crab hash with smoked bacon scrambled eggs and end with a slice of their huckleberry coffee cake (to go, if you’re too full). Bring the family and swing by Zoomars and The Ecology Center after to make it a full field trip.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
The Goldfinch
Another spot with a coveted weekend-only brunch, The Goldfinch is the first spot with Southern staple shrimp and grits—our mouth is watering just thinking about it. For a syrup and turf option, get the fried jidori chicken served with a stack of buttermilk pancakes. We call that the best of both worlds. The restaurant itself has an upscale indoor space and a more relaxed patio area, so both are available depending on your mood.
Location: Irvine
Marche Moderne
There’s a reason why this spot is one of the few restaurants that is recognized by the Michelin Guide year after year—it is absolutely exquisite. This is going to be a fancy French foray for your casual folk, but it will be well worth the headache over what to wear. Their delicate pastries are a brilliant way to begin, and you’ll have to excuse your French after one bite of their croque madame. If you’re a deviled egg diva like us, try their four different versions that range from classic to “can I get an Amen?”
Location: Newport Beach
Sapphire
You know what we love? A place that does daily brunch. It’s such a good meal, so it shouldn’t just be reserved for the weekends. Sapphire in Laguna Beach understands this. Go big or go pork belly Benedict and get an order of the Nutella waffles for the table. For the -unch people, the crispy chicken sandwich is the move. And no brunch in Orange County is complete without an adult beverage. We suggest opting for the Patio Pounder—a dangerous combination of vodka, Meyer lemon, sweet basil and tangerine ice cubes topped with champagne
Location: Laguna Beach
Anastasia Cafe
We love to support local businesses with longevity, and Anastasia Cafe is one of those that has seemingly been around for forever (or at least 20 years or so). That’s no fluke; it’s the food. They have eggs every which way and all the international versions of our breakfast favorites, such as Belgian waffles and Swedish pancakes. Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, this stop is a few blocks from the sand, so don’t be afraid to get your breaky to go and enjoy it on the beach.
Location: Laguna Beach
Ini Ristorante
Buon giorno! On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., delight yourself with some Italian-inspired brunch eats at Ini Ristorante in Fountain Valley. Ever had breakfast risotto? Now’s your chance! With slow-poached eggs, bacon, charred greens and crispy shallots sitting atop a bed of creamy risotto, this dish is a real winner. Don’t forget to pair it with one of their housemade cocktails like an espresso martini or Kyoto old-fashioned.
Location: Fountain Valley
Jardin
This place is giving secret garden vibes, and we are here for it. Jardin is one of those spots where you’ll feel overwhelmed by the menu because you want everything. Analysis paralysis will kick in, and you might need one of the margarita flights to keep yourself from spiraling. Do you go sweet and opt for the Guayaba French Toast? Or do you go savory and spring for the Jamoncito (their take on a croque madame)? We recommend getting both and saying one is for the table.
Location: Orange
Poppy & Seed
Located in the Anaheim Packing District, this newcomer to the culinary scene is kicking hash and taking names. Chef Michael Reed is giving classic American dishes a glow up and we’re here for it. Here’s your order: brown butter waffle with a side of extra crispy bacon. Throw a piece of fried chicken on there if you are feeling flirty. Be sure to explore the rest of the Packing District too, featuring a treasure trove of culinary and handcrafted wonders.
Location: Anaheim
Las Brisas
Las Brisas is basically a Laguna Beach landmark. You’ve probably had a margarita or a few here, but have you had their brunch yet? While they do offer breakfast during the week, their brunch menu is reserved for the week’s flirty cousin: the weekend. Available 8 a.m.-3 p.m., this four-course prix fixe for $49 starts with an assortment of fresh fruit and pastries and ends with a whole lotta flan. In between, you can get a Benedict done your way, chilaquiles or an omelet al pastor. The views are worth the price of admission.
Location: Laguna Beach
RAYA at The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
If you want a brunch served with a side of 180-degree ocean views, look no further than RAYA. This Dana Point restaurant located inside The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has a brunch menu that includes a mix of sweet and savory items to cater to different tastes. Indulge in dishes like pancakes, French toast, waffles, breakfast burritos and savory crepes filled with ingredients like smoked salmon and spinach and goat cheese.
Location: Dana Point
Habana
Did someone say bellini flight? Count us in. Habana, which has locations at the Irvine Spectrum and The Lab in Costa Mesa, has an iconic Cuban brunch menu that features drool-worthy dishes like cafe con leche French toast, plantain pancakes and a breakfast burger. Whatever you order, though, get it with a side of bacon popovers.
Locations: Irvine, Costa Mesa
Santa Ana Brunch Club
With a name like Santa Ana Brunch Club, you know they’re doing our favorite meal justice. Think milk bread donut bites, sourdough pancakes and a legendary breakfast burrito. They also feature a funky dish called Max’s Special, which is a milk bread French toast sandwich with bacon, egg, cheese, maple syrup, whipped cream and jujube apple jam. It’s sweet, salty, savory and a first-class ticket to a food coma. Don’t sleep on their house shrub sodas, which are a refreshing twist on a non-alcoholic treat.
Location: Santa Ana
Farmhouse Roger’s Gardens
This is a Sunday brunch and only a Sunday brunch. So it’s basically church. Break bread with Rye Goods bread and butter, which is as close to heaven as you can get. Have a little of the sacrament with Farmhouse’s signature bloody mary. Go sweet with the apple and fig French toast or savory with the green chile pork and eggs. Corona del Mar’s Farmhouse boasts the most idyllic setting to sip, savor and stay a while.
Location: Corona del Mar
NEP Cafe
First of all, this place has that good-good Vietnamese coffee. Their caffeinated creations are worth the trek alone. This Orange County cafe has Asian-inspired breakfast favorites like crab toast, dumplings and The Dao—an insanely delicious dish comprised of potato espuma, a sous vide egg, truffle oil and toast for dipping. The salted egg yolk bread pudding is ideal for those of us who can’t decide which direction we want to go with brunch.
Locations: Fountain Valley, Irvine
Breezy
This place has rebranded brunch in the cutest way. It’s all pinks and palm trees at this San Juan Capistrano cafe. Order at the counter and take a seat in their Instagram-worthy interior. The menu skews Hawaiian, so if you close your eyes when taking a bite of the loco moco or kekoa bowl, you might just feel like you’re on an island in the Pacific. Get the pink latte; you deserve it.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Burnt Crumbs
People might come for the breakfast burrito, but they’ll stay for the fluffy souffle pancakes. These things are as light and airy as a gosh dang cloud and come in original, blueberry or strawberry flavored. They are jiggly and will make you jolly. This Irvine restaurant is strip mall center chic and always has a line out the door, so plan accordingly.
Location: Irvine
Populaire
Located in South Coast Plaza on Level 2 in the Saks Fifth Avenue wing, Populaire is a modern bistro doing unfussy French food the right way. First thing’s first: get an order of Marge’s buttermilk biscuits for the table so you can decide on your entree over flaky strawberry-scented pastries. The brunch menu is small but mighty, and half of it is breakfast cocktails, which we respect. The interior design is as happy as it gets with French blues and bistro chairs.
Location: Costa Mesa
Everyday Eatery
This Orange County brunch spot may be called Everyday, but it’s anything but ordinary. The lemon ricotta hotcakes are Insta-famous and the Spanish Latte has been touted as “the best latte in OC.” This is a casual, order-at-the-counter type place with a revolving menu reflecting seasonal ingredients. The vibe is right with their aesthetically pleasing decor and colorful abstract wall mural that makes the ideal backdrop for an Instagram pic.
Location: Irvine
Maison
Maison really put Dana Point on the map for brunch spots. Chef Danielle’s goal is to make high-quality, organic ingredients accessible to all, and she is doing it on toasts, in bowls and over lettuce. Choose from nine different toasts to start your day, and be sure to bring a pal so you have an excuse to order the Dutch Baby to share. There’s also granolas, egg dishes, oatmeals and so much more, but you’ll just have to visit to see for yourself!
Location: Dana Point
The Cellar
The Cellar in San Clemente is serving up a stellar brunch, which all starts with some espresso from Handlebar Coffee Roasters. Once the caffeine kicks in, explore the All-American breakfast menu that includes a souped up egg and bacon sandy, chia seed parfaits, and biscuits and gravy (but only on the weekends). This charming wine bar and restaurant is an institution that has been around since 2008, so clearly they are doing something right!
Location: San Clemente
Tableau Kitchen + Bar
New to the Orange County brunch scene, Tableau Kitchen + Bar is elevating the beloved meal without losing its signature universal appeal. Forget regular French toast; try their Jasmine milk tea French toast. Boring breakfast burrito? Think again! This one has pork sausage, crispy tots and a red chili sauce. Another South Coast Plaza pitstop, Tableau is a great place to grab a bite before or after a big day of shopping.
Location: Costa Mesa
Reunion Kitchen
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: breakfast cocktails are superior. Reunion Kitchen has a milk punch that is basically one part naughty to two parts nostalgia and tastes like alcohol-infused Froot Loops. If you want to send it, go for the short rib Benedict; if you want to act like an adult, opt for the oatmeal brulee. Reunion is also very kid friendly, so it’s a great spot for families!
Locations: Laguna Beach, Anaheim Hills
Tavern House
Consistently one of the best brunches in OC, Tavern House is living up to the hype with dishes like their prime rib hash and housemade buttermilk biscuits with honey butter. You can’t beat the views overlooking Newport Harbor, and there is always a game on the TVs that your sporty friend will want to watch. We also appreciate that they serve just about everything with a side of tater tots.
Location: Newport Beach
8th Haus Cafe
Open Tuesday-Sunday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m., 8th Haus Cafe does brunch and only brunch. They’ve chosen their lane and are staying in it. This place is giving quaint coffee shop cafe vibes, and we love it. All of their dishes have a fun twist, such as their purple waffles doused with ube syrup and their matcha pancakes topped with creme brulee. Plus they have a bunch of fun latte flavors like cookie butter and horchata.
Location: Anaheim
Lost Pier Cafe
Located on the beach—literally on the beach—Lost Pier Cafe feels more like a fun field trip than a restaurant. The menu is perfectly straight-forward with five items: breakfast burrito, avocado toast, breakfast bagel, granola and yogurt, and beignets in a paper bag a la New Orleans. Frankly, we appreciate the dialed down options because those five are really all you need—no ordering anxiety here. Overlooking Aliso Beach, you’ll be happy as a clam (and covered in powdered sugar if you binge the beignets).
Location: Laguna Beach
Park Bench Cafe
Open since 1988, Park Bench Cafe might be one of the most unique breakfast restaurants in Orange County on this list because it is nestled in Huntington Beach Central Park. They also have a (wait for it) dog menu fit for your furry friends. But for their human patrons, they can choose from omelets any which way, Benedicts, burritos and anything cooked on a griddle. It’s one of those diner-style menus that we all love—and your pups will love it too!
Location: Huntington Beach
Cafe Mimosa
All yolks aside, this San Clemente breakfast staple is serving up some serious eats on Del Mar, which is the main street in this surfer town. Need something hearty? Get the steak and eggs. Want to keep it light? The egg white frittata is calling your name. And of course, per the namesake, you are basically required to order a mimosa.
Location: San Clemente
Aria Kitchen
Ever heard of a breakfast platter? Well, Aria Kitchen is serving one up, and it’s a sweet and savory smorgasbord of dips, sausage, eggs, breads and finger foods. If you’re not that adventurous and want to stick with the classics, their chilaquiles are killer, and the lemon ricotta pancakes are absolute perfection. We love a cozy booth for breakfast, and they deliver.
Location: Irvine
