Few will argue against the statement: “Brunch is the best meal of the day.” After all, it is the only meal where really anything goes. “I’ll have a short stack, side of mac and cheese and a mimosa please?” At brunch, that is completely acceptable. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or some calorie-laden grub to eat on your “cheat day”, here is a carefully curated list of the 10 best brunch spots in Newport Beach.
Panini Cafe
Relaxed cafe serving Mediterranean & Italian inspired entrees, panini and a crazy good breakfast menu. The brunch scene can get rather busy here on the weekends as locals walk from nearby homes with their dogs in tow. I love coming here when I feel like I have healthy intentions but what I really want is the egg sandwich croissant.
2333 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar | www.mypaninicafe.com
3-Thirty-3
One of the reasons that I love 3-Thirty-3 so much is because they cater to everyone in your brunch group. You know the ones who want to really hearty breakfast, then those who would rather just have a nice salad and then the ones who fall somewhere in the middle. They have a serve yourself bloody mary bar and a build-your-own breakfast burrito.
333 Bayside Dr, Newport Beach | www.3thirty3nb.com
Alta Coffeehouse
Alta has been a long time favorite of locals, especially those living on the Balboa Peninsula who are within walking distance. Alta falls more in the healthy category than under down home cooking. The decor is a cozy, farmhouse vibe and patrons are more likely to rock flip flops than heels.
506 31st St, Newport Beach | www.altacoffeeshop.com
Sol Cocina
When you’re craving Mexican for breakfast, then it isn’t difficult to decide where to go. Sol Cocina, which is popular for happy hour, is a rather happening brunch spot where the well-heeled converge.
251 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach | www.solcocina.com
Bayside Restaurant
This is by far the fanciest restaurant on the list. The vibe is calm and sophisticated. Come here when you want to celebrate a special occasion or are particularly hungry given the multiple-course menu.
900 Bayside Dr, Newport Beach | www.baysiderestaurant.com
The Galley Café
Down home cooking is what you can expect here. This waterfront diner opened in 1957 and is still a favorite among locals and visitors who come to chow down on burgers, indulge in some classics like eggs benedict or try the house special chili cheese omelette.
829 Harbor Island Drive, Newport Beach | www.thegalleycafenewportbeach.com
Plums Café
Even though this is technically in Costa Mesa, it is on the border of Newport and therefore deserves a spot on this list. The food is consistently tasty and the brunch is on par. Plums serves Northwest-inspired fare like Oregon pepper bacon and hazelnut pancakes.
369 E 17th St, Costa Mesa | www.plumscafe.com
The Porch
Another gem of a restaurant located on the Balboa Peninsula where the brunch is exceptional and the ambiance lively. Dish of choice is the eggs benedict with lox.
508 29th St, Newport Beach | www.meetattheporch.com
Rose Bakery Café
Plan to wait in line before ordering at the counter at this small café in Corona del Mar village. Serving a rather large menu (and very vegetarian friendly), this is a popular weekend brunch spot for locals, who seem to all converge here over breakfast burritos with their four-legged friends in tow. Vegetarians will be head over heels for their veggie burger – which you can get wrapped in lettuce!
3536 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar | www.rosebakerycafe.net
Zinc Café
While all the food at Zinc is strictly vegetarian, even though heartiest carnivore will love this place. It is a healthy oasis and the ambiance is calm, eclectic, cool. Zinc gets rather busy and it can be quite difficult to find a table so come with patience, and certainly not expecting steak and eggs.
3222 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar | www.zinccafe.com
What is your favorite brunch spot in Newport Beach?
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