Where to Brunch in Orange County (2026)

In Orange County, mornings tend to come with options, and not the boring kind. Maybe it starts with a casual coffee that turns into a full-on brunch excursion, or a quick meetup that somehow stretches into the afternoon. Either way, this is a place where breakfast is rarely rushed and brunch is practically a sport. From cozy cafés pouring strong coffee to coastal spots serving ocean views with your eggs, the lineup is stacked. 

Whether you’re chasing something sweet, savory or somewhere in between, consider this your go-to guide for where to start your day across Orange County.

 

SeaLegs at the Beach

Right on the sand at Bolsa Chica State Beach, with fire pits, beach lounges, and a roped-off open-air dining area that’s the closest thing OC has to a permanent beach party. Prjkt Restaurant Group runs it as a separate concept from their SeaLegs Wine Bar in downtown Huntington. The themed Sunday brunches are the draw: Brunch with The Beatles every Sunday with tribute band The Walrus, plus rotating 80’s and decade-themed days. California coastal menu, bottomless mimosas, and a daily minimum if you want the prime lounge seating. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE

17851 Pacific Coast Hwy,
Huntington Beach, CA 92649

 

Salty Horse

Salty Horse is Blues Restaurant Group’s coastal-meets-Western-soul concept turned a Newport Boulevard corner into one of Costa Mesa’s most distinctive brunch rooms. Weathered wood, Edison bulbs, and a menu that swerves from ube chicken and waffles to pitaya pancakes to a serious breakfast burrito. The Honey Bear Latte (matcha, honey, oat milk) has its own following. Eclectic, photogenic, and surprisingly cohesive. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE.

2246 Newport Blvd, Unit C,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

“A” Crystal Cove

River Jetty Restaurant Group’s newest concept, from the team behind A Restaurant and CdM (partners Joseph “McG” Nichol and Jordan Otterbein), brought a hint of old-Hollywood glamour to Crystal Cove Shopping Center. Chef Elvis Morales’s brunch lineup balances indulgent (brioche French toast with mascarpone cream, duck-confit sopes with A5 wagyu refried beans) and bright. A custom Mimosa Cart rolls through every Saturday and Sunday. Live music sets the scene on Sundays. The kind of brunch that feels like an event.

7864 E Coast Hwy,
Newport Coast, CA 92657

 

Bluberry Social

Bluberry Social doesn’t do subtle, and that’s exactly why people love it. The menu leans playful, with over-the-top brunch creations. Try the So Cal Loko Moko, with garlic rice, roasted mushroom onion, brown gravy, angus beef, Kona mac and sunny-side-up eggs. Pair it with a Fresh-Squeezed Mimosa and call it a day. The space matches the energy, with chic, modern decor and a buzz that builds with the morning. This isn’t your quiet coffee-and-a-book kind of place (hence the name). 

Arrive late in the morning with friends, order something sweet or savory and something strong to enjoy while engaging in deep conversation. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE.

3955 Irvine Blvd,
Irvine, CA 92602

 

Casa Dami

The Balboa Peninsula’s European brunch spot, tucked into Peninsula Village near Crab Cooker. A modern Mediterranean tapas trattoria with a grab-and-go coffee window, a wood-fired oven, and a patio that fills early on weekends. Near the water but not on it. The Spanish latte and strawberry matcha pull a serious morning crowd.

2210 Newport Blvd,
Newport Beach, CA 92663

 

The Pocket

Born from the beloved OUTPOST Kitchen and reimagined as The Pocket, this neighborhood go-to is doing things differently. No freezers, no microwaves, no seed oils, 100% from-scratch cooking with organic and local ingredients. It’s Aussie-board and Cali-inspired, which in practice means the flat whites actually hit. The Brekky Sandwich makes you rethink breakfast entirely, and GF Blueberry Pancakes have a true fan base. The vibe is community-first, with artists, surfers, families and more gravitating here for a good time.

1792 Monrovia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

Eller Bakery

Eller Bakery is not playing games. This is a place that mills its own flour from heritage and ancient grains, roasts its own coffee, sources butter from Normandy and makes everything from scratch. The courtyard is draped in wisteria and framed by ancient olive trees. Meanwhile the interior is open and minimalist with the grain mill and roaster visible from your table. The whole experience feels both luxurious and completely unpretentious. 

Open Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., get the sourdough croissant if it’s still available. However, be sure to go early, because things sell out. Grab a coffee and settle in.

1651 Placentia Ave,
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

The Filling Station Cafe

The Filling Station Cafe sits right on the corner of the Orange Circle. It has the kind of easy, welcoming warmth perfect for a Saturday morning out. The menu is unfussy, meaning big portions with classic done right. The variety pleases even the pickiest of eaters would fall in love with. Try an omelette or scramble with grilled potatoes or hash browns or lean into your sweet tooth with pancakes or French toast. Come hungry, find a spot on the patio (bring the dog!), and just let the morning happen.

Location: Orange

 

Javier’s (Crystal Cove)

Not a traditional brunch in the eggs-and-bacon sense, since Javier’s opens at 11:30, but a beloved late-morning lunch destination that anchors many a coastal weekend. The patio looks out toward the Pacific, the tequila list runs into the hundreds, and the Maine lobster enchiladas are the upscale order. If your brunch crowd skews “margaritas at noon,” this is the move.

Location

Newport Coast

7832 E Pacific Coast Hwy,
Newport Coast, CA 92657

 

Benchmark

Benchmark has been leading Santa Ana’s dining scene since 2019. Tucked into a beautiful outdoor atrium on East Santa Ana Blvd, the setting alone earns its reservation: Edison bulbs, shaded trees, the whole golden hour situation. But then there’s the food.

Chef Stefano Ciociola keeps the menu rotating with the seasons, so there’s always something to be excited about, like Bulgogi Kimchi Fried Rice, the Crispy Chicken Sandwich with maple-chili glaze, Birria Tacos with salsa verde and a Benchmark Burger with bacon jam that has absolutely no business being as good as it is. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE

Location:

Santa Ana

601 E Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701

 

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations — Newport Beach + Irvine + Orange

Bosscat has spent the decade since collecting accolades: a Yelp Top 100 Best Brunch in America nod, a Golden Foodie Award for Best Brunch in OC, a Food Network spotlight on the Donut Burger. The Southern-comfort kitchen is famous for inventive brunch hits including the Fruity Pebbles French Toast, Nutella S’mores Pancakes, red velvet beignets, and the Donut Burger itself. The whiskey program runs 300-plus bottles deep, including Pappy Van Winkle. The Old Towne Orange location took over the historic Rod’s Liquor space and folded 70 years of neighborhood relics into the design.

 

Populaire Modern Bistro

Paris, but make it Costa Mesa. On the second level of the South Coast Plaza shopping center, Populaire brings classic French bistro energy to OC with a California lightness that creates a truly charming spot. We’re talking French Omelettes with brie, French Toast with stone fruit and Buttermilk Biscuits with sweet cream, macerated strawberries and strawberry crunch that is exactly as fun as it sounds. 

There’s a prix-fixe menu for when you want to fully commit, and happy hour specials for when you want a little buzz to your morning. 

Location:

Costa Mesa (South Coast Plaza)

3333 Bristol St, Suite 2601, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

 

The Goldfinch

Start your day at The Goldfinch! Available Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the options run the full range from indulgent to fresh: Lobster Enchiladas with green salsa and two eggs, hot honey Jidori fried chicken with cinnamon swirl pancakes, a Prime Rib & Eggs situation for the person at the table who doesn’t compromise, and a Yogi Scramble packed with egg whites, artichoke hearts, boursin crumbles and avocado for the person who does. 

Bottomless mimosas are on the table (literally), The Bloody is described as smooth with some swagger and the whole setup is exactly what a weekend morning deserves. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE

Location:

Costa Mesa (South Coast Plaza)

3333 Bristol St, Suite 2601, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Chaak Kitchen

Chef Gabbi Patrick’s Yucatán-Maya kitchen is one of OC’s most decorated rooms right now, with Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition in both 2024 and 2025. Brunch runs Sundays 11 to 2 in a beautifully remodeled Old Town Tustin building with a rooftop and a plant-lined patio. The cocktail program (Pepino Margarita, hibiscus-grapefruit, mezcal-forward builds with tamarind agave) is its own draw.

215 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780

 

Coliseum Pool & Grill

There are restaurants, and then there are experiences, and Coliseum Pool & Grill firmly belongs in the second category. Set at the Resort at Pelican Hill, the seasonal, fresh-forward dishes are doing a lot of heavy lifting alongside the scenery. Whether you’re doing a lazy weekend brunch, a sunset dinner on the heated terrace or treating yourself to a fully loaded cabana day with personalized food and beverage service, Coliseum makes an ordinary Tuesday breakfast or Saturday brunch feel like a vacation. 

Location:

Newport Coast

22701 Pelican Hill Rd S, Newport Coast, CA 92657

The Beachcomber Cafe 

Literally on the sand at Crystal Cove State Park, inside one of the historic 1920s beach cottages. The lemon ricotta pancakes are the signature, the beignets get their own line at peak hours, and the patio puts your toes about ten feet from the surf. Park at Los Trancos lot up the hill and take the $2 shuttle down. Named to OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in America in 2023.

Location:

Newport Coast (Crystal Cove)

15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657

 

Breezy

Billing itself as an Island Sunrise & Sunset Cafe, Breezy brings modern comfort food rooted in Filipino and Pacific Island flavors to San Juan Capistrano, and it is so good. Every dish is made to order with fresh ingredients and housemade sauces, from the pancake stacks to the adobo chilaquiles. The specialty drinks and baked goods hit the same way: bright, island-forward and perfect for a laid-back afternoon. There’s a reason people drive for this one. It’s warm, it’s different and once you visit it’s permanently in the rotation.

Location:

San Juan Capistrano

31761 Camino Capistrano, Suite 4, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

 

Shorebird

Hidden in the Vue Newport development off Newport Boulevard (look for the Crab Cooker and turn down the side street), Shorebird is Wild Thyme Restaurant Group’s Newport entry, with marina views, a wood-fired grill, and one of the area’s newer brunch programs. Both weekend and weekday brunch run. The eggs Benedict and the chilaquiles are the staff picks. Validated parking in the underground lot is two hours.

Location

Newport Beach

2220 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663

 

NEP Cafe

If you’ve never been to NEP Cafe, you need to fix that immediately. From the same group behind INI Ristorante, NEP is modern Vietnamese brunch and dining: a sizzling banh mi chao cast-iron skillet that arrives at the table like a whole event, a creamy crab toast, squid and mango salad with an abundance of flavor and a Vietnamese egg coffee that will completely reframe your relationship with the morning. The space is bright, buzzing, beautiful and absolutely worth making a reservation for.

Location: Fountain Valley & Irvine

Lola’s by MFK

Chef Carlo Pineda’s Modern Filipino Kitchen sits next door to Angel Stadium and built its name on the Kamayan Feast, a traditional Filipino family-style brunch served on banana leaves spread across the entire table. No utensils, hands only. The brunch cocktail list runs Calamansi, Mango, Hibiscus, and Orange mimosas, San Mig-Cheladas, and a 4-flavor mimosa tower built for the table. One of the most distinctive brunches in OC, period.

2410 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806

Bluestone Lane

Pack your bags! Just kidding, but Bluestone Lane does make you feel like you’ve been briefly teleported to a Sydney side street, which is a compliment of the highest order. Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and an expansive patio dripping with that effortless café-cool energy set the scene, and the menu more than keeps up. 

Serving brekkie all day, plates like the BL Burrito or the Soft Chili Scramble with avocado and sheep’s milk feta will make you wonder why you ever ate breakfast any other way. And yes, the smoothies are wellness-forward, but they’re actually really good! No sad green juice energy here. 

Location: Multiple SoCal Locations

 

Great Maple

The Disney-adjacent sister to the Newport flagship, set inside Pixar Place Hotel just off the lobby. Same menu DNA, same Famous Maple Bacon Doughnuts, same midcentury-modern room with hints of Pixar art tucked throughout. Three hours of complimentary parking at the hotel with validation, and no park ticket required to eat here.

1717 S Disneyland Dr, Suite 101, Anaheim, CA 92802

Bon Appétit

Consider this your sign to become a regular. Bon Appétit is a neighborhood café where the coffee never stops flowing and the fresh-baked breads and pastries have a cult following for very good reason. The space has that lived-in, morning-light-through-the-window charm. Think stylish mugs, a pastry case worth writing home about and potatoes that are criminally underrated. 

Come on a weekday morning if you prefer to ease into your breakfast and grab a window seat with a drip coffee or deeply flavorful double-shot espresso. From there, let yourself be a regular for the day.

Location: Dana Point

 

Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens

If you’ve never had dinner inside a garden, let Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens be the one that ruins all other settings for you. Chef Rich Mead has been building relationships with highly regarded local farmers and purveyors for decades, and every plate is a direct result. Think Farmhouse Apple and Fig French Toast, Green Chile, Pork and Eggs, and Rye Goods Country Bread and Cultured Butter. 

The wine list is thoughtfully curated, the cocktails are seasonally inspired, and the Swig for Selflessness program donates 50% of a featured weekly cocktail to local charities. It’s one of OpenTable’s 100 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in America for 2025, and after one visit you’ll understand why.

Location: Corona del Mar

 

Santa Ana Brunch Club

The Santa Ana Brunch Club has built a reputation as one of the best brunch spots in OC, and it earns it with food that actually delivers on the promise of the name. The Hokkaido Milk Bread Cinnamon Rolls are perfectly done, the fried chicken is crispy and seasoned with intention. The house coffees, including a Kyoto-style Cold Brew and a White Rum Vanilla Bean Latte. You’ll be thinking about this meal long after the drive home. Chef Dom has been known to go the extra mile, stepping out to walk you through the menu and make the whole experience feel personal in a way that bigger spots just can’t.

Location: Santa Ana

 

Habana

Habana is settled into The Lab in Costa Mesa (with a second location at Irvine Spectrum), and has been bringing 1940s Havana energy to OC since 1995. You’re greeted with a complimentary glass of rosé before you even sit down. From there: refreshing mojitos, lively Latin music and a menu that covers all the classics. We recommend trying the El Montecristo, Ropa Vieja, Caribbean Flan, and a Medianoche Sammie. 

Weekend brunch even includes special cocktails and unlimited mimosas and sangria. This is one of those restaurants that genuinely transports you, and it’s been doing it for thirty years.

Location: Costa Mesa & Irvine

 

Poppy & Seed

If brunch had a greenhouse era, this would be it. Poppy & Seed sits inside a sun-drenched, glass-wrapped space that feels equal parts garden party and chef’s playground. The menu shifts with the seasons, so what lands on your table always feels intentional. However there are a few standouts worth hoping for, like Mushroom Toast, Shrimp and Grits, Short Rib Hash, and the Tarragon Chicken Sandwich.

Location: Anaheim

 

Jardin Autentica Cocina

Start with the setting, because Jardin does not ease you in quietly: florals everywhere, plush seating and a space that feels like brunch dressed up for something. Then the menu arrives and suddenly you’re debating between sweet and savory like it’s a personality trait. The brandy-marinated Guayaba French Toast is decadent, the egg dishes come polished and there’s no shortage of cocktails to keep things interesting. 

It’s a full experience, not a quick bite, so plan for a slower morning and maybe a second round.

Location: Orange

 

Sapphire

Ocean views have a way of setting expectations, and Sapphire meets them without trying too hard. Sapphire’s unique menu pulls from global influences. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood dishes to more traditional brunch staples. Each one is created with a little extra thought behind the flavors. The Kurobuta Pork Belly Benedict is a strong play, especially if you’re leaning savory, but lighter options like the Healthy Vegetable and Cage Free Egg Scramble hold their own too. It’s polished without feeling stiff, which makes it easy to settle in after a morning by the water.

Location: Laguna Beach

 

Madres Brunch

Not every brunch spot wakes you up like Madres Brunch. This authentic spot comes in bold, with flavors that don’t hold back and plates built for serious appetites. The monthly brunch and drink menu keeps you on your toes. Enjoy options like chilaquiles that bring the heat and birria that disappears fast for a reason. The space stays lively, the portions don’t play small and the energy builds as the morning goes on. Needless to say, this isn’t your quiet corner café. 

Location: Multiple SoCal Locations

 

Ramos House Café

Ramos House Café feels like stepping into someone’s backyard brunch. It just so happens to also serve some of the most talked-about dishes in Orange County. On Los Rios Street, this spot sits inside a restored 1881 home in the oldest neighborhood in California. On weekends, brunch is a prix-fixe two-course affair: one small plate and one large plate, made from scratch using seasonal and local ingredients. A special treat? The dishes also include herbs grown right on the property. 

Think Cinnamon Apple Beignets, Basil-Cured Salmon Lox and entrées like Spicy Crab Cake Salad with Chili Remoulade. From the ‘Hair of the Cat’ Bar, the Bloody Mary comes in a jar with pickled green beans and a scotch egg. It’s exactly as wonderful as it sounds.

Location: San Juan Capistrano

 

Haute Cakes Caffe

Since 1990, Haute Cakes Caffe has been doing breakfast the right way in Newport Beach. The line out the door each weekend proves how much the locals love each dish. This is a neighborhood institution that earns its status through the food. The Orange Ricotta Haute Cakes are the headline. They’re warm, fluffy, citrus-bright, topped with berries and worth every second of the wait. Other stars include the Good Morning Sandwich and the Housemade Granola.

Many items are now seed oil free, and the coffee bar runs Common Room Roasters. Get there early on weekends, because pastries sell out for good reason.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Tim Ho Wan

When the Hong Kong dim sum institution opened its first Southern California outpost at Diamond Jamboree in May 2019, lines went around the building. The Mong Kok original earned a Michelin star in 2010, making this OC’s only direct branch of a Michelin-starred dim sum house. The famously baked BBQ pork buns are the must-order. The steamed har gow and shrimp rice rolls hold up the rest. Show up before noon if you can.

Location

Irvine (Diamond Jamboree)

2700 Alton Pkwy, Ste 127-131, Irvine, CA 92606

 

Pura Vida Miami

Breakfast can absolutely double as self-care, and Pura Vida Miami is proof. This restaurant is bright, energetic and built around fresh whole ingredients. The menu makes you feel like you’re doing something great for yourself, even if you showed up having done absolutely nothing productive first. The fresh açai bowls are layered and satisfying. Meanwhile the roasted salmon and raw wild tuna plates with cilantro jasmine rice bring serious savory energy to the table. Throw in any of their cold-pressed juices or smoothies and you’ve got a full daytime menu worth coming back for.

Location: Multiple SoCal Locations

 

AhbA

AhbA is proof that a great brunch spot doesn’t need to announce itself. Whether you’re at the original Laguna Beach location right on PCH or the Costa Mesa outpost with its repurposed cottage charm and upstairs speakeasy, the vibe is low-key. The food is interestingly crafted and the whole thing is rooted in a Mediterranean-leaning California sensibility. 

Try a favorite like Harissa Toast with egg, bacon, caramelized onions and tahini. Or try the Shakshuka in a fiery tomato sauce with fresh herbs and a Cauliflower Hash with sunny-side-up eggs.

Location: Laguna Beach & Costa Mesa

 

Zinc Cafe & Bar

At it since 1988, Zinc’s flavor-forward New American brunch truly hits the spot. Zinc Benedict with housemade hollandaise, Smoked Salmon Bagel with a fried egg and herb cream cheese, Belgian Waffles with berries, whip and maple syrup; what more could you ask for to fuel your brunch addiction?

The overall ethos: seasonal, vegetarian-forward and thoughtfully made makes it a place you could eat at weekly without getting bored.

Location: Multiple SoCal Locations

Capital Dim Sum Seafood Bar

More than 100 dim sum varieties served daily, plus 300-gallon live tanks holding Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, and Dungeness ready for the wok. The brunch-hour move is the cart-style service Saturday and Sunday (10 to 3) and the baked BBQ pork buns and shu mai. (Note: the longstanding Diamond Jamboree Capital location closed. The Spectrum spot is the active OC outpost.)

Location

Irvine (Irvine Spectrum)

770 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

 

Mayfield

If you want brunch that makes you feel like you stumbled into a very good restaurant in the south of France by way of Beirut, Mayfield is the one. The Californian and Levantine-inspired brunch menu is unapologetically unique. Start with the Rip and Dip, a spread of baba ghanoush, hummus, muhammara, date labneh and spinach whipped feta with warm challah. Then settle into Turkish eggs (poached eggs over herby labneh with Aleppo butter on sourdough).

No reservations for the daytime service. Just walk in Wednesday through Sunday, and give yourself the morning, making sure to grab some goodies from their market on your way out.

Location: San Juan Capistrano

 

Lōrea

Paséa Hotel’s $5 million F&B overhaul produced Lōrea, the David Burke protégé Scott Rackliff’s coastal-California showcase that opened in May 2025. Brunch features the now-famous Parker House rolls served with a melting edible candle of Turkish chili-lime butter, CB+J French toast on brioche with blueberry compote and cashew maple butter, smoked salmon flatbread, and a tableside pavlova that arrives in dry-ice clouds. Upstairs at Treehouse on PCH, the rooftop lounge takes the views all the way to Catalina. Named an OpenTable Diners’ Choice winner in 2024.

Location:

Huntington Beach

Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

 

Plums Cafe

Owner Kim Jorgenson, an Oregon native, has been running Plums on Eastside 17th for more than 32 years. A Pacific Northwest-leaning kitchen famous for its Dutch baby pancake (puffed-up, lemon-and-powdered-sugar finish, nothing else like it in OC). The smoked salmon hash is the savory standby. A genuine local institution in a part of Costa Mesa that’s changed around it. You have to try to giant cinnamon roll, it takes up the entire table!

Location

Costa Mesa

369 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

The Cellar

The Cellar brings a simple start to your morning with espresso from Handlebar Coffee Roasters. From there, the brunch menu keeps things familiar with Steak and Eggs with tallow potatoes, berry-forward brioche French Toast and cheddar-chive Biscuits and Gravy that’ll instantly make you miss home. They’ve been doing this since 2008, and you can tell. Nothing feels rushed or forced and it all comes together beautifully.

Location: San Clemente

 

Tavern House Kitchen + Bar

Credit: Katie Oswald/Apt 5 Creative

Consistently one of those spots people recommend without hesitation, Tavern House makes a strong case for turning brunch into an all-day plan. The harbor views alone are enough to get you in the door, but the food keeps you there. Awarded the best brunch by locals, the menu has plentiful standout dishes. Think Huevos Rancheros, Prime Rib Hash done right and Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles with bacon, maple syrup and thyme gravy. Seafood lovers can lean into the Fish and Chips, while anyone craving comfort can stick with the classics. And yes, they have crispy tater tots, which feels like a small but very important detail.

Location: Newport Beach

 

8th Haus Cafe

 

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., 8th Haus Cafe sticks to brunch and doesn’t try to be anything else. Respect. The space has that quaint coffee shop energy, and the menu’s got a playful side, with standout Bulgogi Benedict, Chorizo Avocado Toast and a lineup of drinks that goes beyond your usual order. Cookie Butter Lattes, Ube Matcha, all the fun stuff. It’s creative and very easy to come back to.

Location: Anaheim

 

Park Bench Cafe

Park Bench Cafe feels like a mini escape, tucked into a leafy park setting where brunch comes with fresh air and the occasional dog sighting. The menu sticks to comforting, approachable dishes, from omelets to pancakes, with portions that keep things satisfying. It’s especially popular for outdoor seating, so mornings are your best bet before the crowds roll in. 

Location: Huntington Beach

 

Cafe Mimosa

Cafe Mimosa is one of those places where you show up hungry and leave… borderline full in a way that requires a walk after. The menu leans indulgent, and honestly, that’s the point. The ciabatta-based Crème Brûlée French Toast with custard and crème anglaise is the star if you’re in a sweet mood, but the Croque Madame and Mimosa Omelette are equally delectable on the savory side. And yes, the mimosas are kind of non-negotiable. Don’t miss the unique flavors like elderflower, sour cherry and black currant.

Location: San Clemente

 

Aria Kitchen

When it comes to totally-worth-it breakfast platters, Aria Kitchen does things right. Their sweet and savory spread comes loaded with dips, sausage, eggs, fresh breads and little bites you kind of pick at and then suddenly, it’s gone. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure situation, but if you want something more familiar, the Chilaquiles are solid and the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are as good as people say. Light, fluffy, just sweet enough.

The space is open and bright, with velvet booths begging you to stay awhile and leather bar seats that are actually comfy. It’s a Mexican and Persian-inspired brunch that feels thoughtful without being over the top and sticks with you.

Location: Irvine

 

Eat Chow

If laid-back spots are more your thing, Eat Chow keeps things simple in a way that works every time you go. It’s cozy, a little quirky and always busy in that reassuring way. The breakfast toasts are always good go-tos, topped with tomato, avocado or eggs, and their classic egg chows bring enough flavor to wake you up faster than coffee (although theirs is freshly brewed and perfect with something sweet). Pancakes are fluffy, bacon is crisp and portions are generous without being ridiculous.

Location: Costa Mesa & Newport Beach

 

Early Bird

Early Bird leans into the whole breakfast-all-day thing, and they do it very well. The menu covers a lot of ground, but nothing feels random. Everything is made from scratch, and there’s a real focus on local ingredients. Go for one of their signature plates like roasted Carnitas Chilaquiles or the Lomo Saltado, with tender steak bites and two eggs draped over French fries. The Mexican Coffee is strong and sweetened with piloncillo (rich cane sugar), portions are fair and no one’s rushing you out the door. Inside, it’s warm and welcoming, the kind of place that fills up with regulars who know exactly what they’re getting. True to its name, earlier is always better here. 

Location: Fullerton

 

Plums Cafe

With a menu that screams Pacific-Northwest comfort, Plums Cafe brings the energy to Eastside Costa Mesa, and it shows up in all the right ways. The menu gives cozy with a twist, starting with their famous Dutch Baby, a baked, deep-dish pancake dusted in powdered sugar and finished with butter and lemon. The Northwest Berry Waffle is another easy yes, stacked with fresh berries and whipped cream, while the Oregon Trail keeps the savory side interesting, with a smorgasbord of buttermilk pancakes, eggs, and your choice of sausage, bacon, pepper ham or meatloaf (yes, meatloaf!).

It’s also worth mentioning that this spot is also one of OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice selections.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

The Original Pancake House

Step back in time and yes, prepare to wait in line at The Original Pancake House. This place has been around since 1953, and it still pulls a crowd like it opened last weekend. The 49er Flap Jacks are the classic choice, chewy, gooey, tender, and paired with whipped butter and syrup. Dutch Babies, giant omelets and crepes (gluten-friendly for those with a sensitive palate) round out the menu, all done the same way they’ve been doing it for decades.

Location: Orange

 

The Beachcomber

Ever wanted a place to come around where brunch literally comes with ocean waves in the background? The Beachcomber is here to please. Sitting right on the sand in Crystal Cove, it’s about as coastal as it gets. The experience starts with the view and carries through to a menu of coastal classics, from fluffy beignets to hearty breakfast plates like the Shrimp and Crab Cake Benedict or Crystal Cove Omelette with white cheddar cheese. Mornings here feel slower, especially with the sound of the waves in the background. Early is ideal if you want to beat the crowds and catch that softer light.

Location: Newport Coast

 

Driftwood Kitchen

Driftwood Kitchen brings a slightly more polished take on oceanfront dining. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the coastline while the menu leans into fresh seafood and elevated brunch staples. Try dishes like the Scottish Smoked Salmon Bagel topped with micro cilantro or the Granola Crusted French Toast with hazelnut butter and mixed berries. Pop over to the Stateroom Bar for champagne or a specialty cocktail. Expect ocean-to-table Cali cuisine that feels thoughtful without being overly complex, perfectly paired with the tidal backdrop. 

Location: Laguna Beach

 

Mama’s on 39

Mama’s on 39 is comfort food turned all the way up. Known for Southern-inspired comfort food, the menu doesn’t hold back. Enjoy oversized portions, loaded plates and flavors that lean rich and satisfying. Our favorites? Mama’s Famous Chicken ‘N Waffles, the Hangover Cure (wink, wink), colossal pancakes stacked high and served warm. It’s all here and then some. While you’re there, check out Mama’s Wall of Fame. View dozens of photos of inspiring mothers throughout the community nominated by the locals who regularly dine here. 

Location: Huntington Beach & Los Alamitos

 

Harbor House Café

Serving up classics since 1939, Harbor House Café runs on its own schedule, literally. Open 24 hours, it’s as much a late-night spot as it is a breakfast go-to. The menu is classic diner through and through. Enjoy anything from pancakes to burgers, to corned beef hash available whenever the craving hits. The vibe is unfussy, the portions are generous and the crowd is always a mix. Harbor House is always there for you, and that’s the whole point. It’s consistent, familiar and oftentimes exactly what you need.

Location: Dana Point & Sunset Beach

Where is the best brunch in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa has one of OC’s deepest brunch benches. Top spots include Salty Horse (Newport Boulevard), Plums Cafe (Eastside, 32+ years), Eat Chow (the original, since 2008), The Pocket (Monrovia), AhbA Costa Mesa, Habana at the LAB, Populaire Modern Bistro at South Coast Plaza, and Eller Bakery for viennoiserie.

What is the best brunch in Newport Beach?

Newport Beach brunch standouts include Tavern House Kitchen + Bar (Sundays only, by Riviera Magazine’s Best Brunch winner David Wilhelm), The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific (Saturdays and Sundays, in a 1921 historic building), Shorebird (marina views), Red O (Rick Bayless at Fashion Island), Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar, and Haute Cakes Caffe in Westcliff.

Which OC restaurants are in the Michelin Guide?

Multiple restaurants on this guide hold Michelin Guide recognition, including Poppy & Seed in Anaheim and Habana in Costa Mesa. Tim Ho Wan in Irvine is a direct branch of a Michelin-starred Hong Kong dim sum house.

What time does brunch start in Orange County?

Most OC brunch programs run from 9 or 10 AM to 2 or 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Some, like Harbor House Café (open 24 hours) and Park Bench Cafe (Wednesday through Sunday), have different schedules. Tavern House Newport Beach is Sunday-only. Mayfield runs Wednesday through Sunday, walk-in only. Always check current hours before going.

Are reservations needed for brunch in OC?

Yes, strongly recommended for weekend brunch at the high-demand spots: Pelican Hill’s Coliseum Pool & Grill, Tavern House, Lōrea, A Crystal Cove, The Cannery, Red O, Populaire, NEP Cafe, and Tim Ho Wan. Walk-in only at Mayfield and a handful of casual spots like The Pocket and Eller Bakery.