Who doesn’t love the meal that combines the best of breakfast and lunch favorites? We’ve compiled a list of the best brunch spots in Orange County.
By Laura Okey.
Pinot Provence
Enjoy brunch every day with the restaurant’s Endless Brunch menu featuring classic brunch items infused with Provencal French touches by Executive Chef Alfonso Ramirez. Try the Provençal Scramble made with roasted tomato confit, leeks and chervil and the luxurious Crème Brûlée French Toast served with strawberry marmalade and mascarpone lemon cream. The two-course prix fixe menu is available in both the dining room and al fresco patio. $22 for two courses; $32 with endless mimosas, Bellinis or Bloody Mary cocktails. M-F, 7-10 a.m.; Sa, 8-11 a.m.; Su 8 a.m.-1 :30 p.m. 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900. patinagroup.com
Taco Maria
The food truck turned brick-and-morter now serves a three-course brunch on Sundays. Start with melones con chile with summer melons, yogurt, honey, chile, lime and salt or molletes with grilled sourdough, black beans, queso fresco, roasted tomato and huitlacoche butter; then choose chacales made with Anson Mills heirloom grits, roasted figs and vanilla butter or ricotta pancakes with Andy’s Orchard peaches, ricotta and lemon thyme maple; then select from chilaquiles with crispy tortilla, chile cascabel, queso fresco, fried egg and choice of chicken confit or mushroom chorizo or huevos rancheros made with hanger steak, early girl tomato, cattle beans and poached egg. $32. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.538.8444. tacomaria.com
SideDoor
Try new brunch items at the neighborhood pub’s Sunday Sessions Brunch such as malted waffles and green eggs and ham Benedict as well as favorites like chicken pot pie, fish and chips and the SideDoor avocado mash. Seating is on the Five Crowns backyard patio, weather permitting and a DJ spins tunes most Sundays. A la carte menu. $12 for bottomless mimosas.11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar, 949.717.4322. sidedoorcdm.com
Scott’s Restaurant & Bar
The restaurant has unveiled an all-new brunch menu using only the finest high quality food made from sustainable fisheries and local organic farmers. Enjoy delicious and savory brunch entrees like the delectable Nutella brioche French toast, crab eggs Benedict, bacon and egg flatbread and many more a la carte items. Scott’s now offers an impressive Bloody Mary cart with gulf shrimp, blue cheese olives and all the garnishes you need to create a one-of-a-kind Bloody Mary. If you prefer champagne, try their table side endless mimosas for just $10. Choice of one starter, one entree and endless champagne is $30. A la carte pricing and children’s menu available. Su, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400. scottsrestaurantandbar.com
Tortilla Republic
This Laguna Beach newbie has won the hearts of locals and visitors alike with an innovative menu and unobstructed views of the beach. Try brunch specialties such as huevos rancheros with two eggs sunny side up, roasted peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, Monterey jack cheese, black bean purée, ranchero sauce, crema, and avocado; egg white mole burrito with egg whites, spinach, cheddar cheese, mole de poblano, pico de gallo, and avocado or fresh roasted corn & blueberry pancakes with whipped salted butter, and maple syrup. “Eye Opener” cocktails including the prickly pear bellini, spicy bloody Mary and tomato fresca pair well with brunch dishes or opt for bottomless mimosas. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 480 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.393.4888. tortillarepublic.com
Bayside
With a rotating modern art exhibit and a location overlooking the Newport harbor, Bayside’s setting is only surpassed by the menu created by Executive Chef Paul Gstrein. Their popular Sunday Champagne brunch features a three-course menu with dishes such as chopped hearts of romaine, Black Forest ham Benedict, open-faced Bayside steak sandwich, linguine carbonara and chocolate soufflé cake. $29.95. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222. baysiderestaurant.com
La Vida Cantina
The popular new Mexican restaurant at The Triangle in Costa Mesa serves Sunday brunch and menu highlights include Izzy’s French Toast with baguette-style French toast topped with a warm berry mix and served with crispy jalapeno bacon strips; Breakfast Tostaditas with refried black beans, shredded pork, poached eggs, covered with a tomatillo sauce and topped with avocado, Mexican cream and cotija cheese or the Burrito de Huevo made with scrambled eggs, chorizo, onions, Serrano peppers and cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla. Su 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.612.2349. lavidacantina.com
Bluewater Grill
Offering an a la carte menu, Bluewater Grill is a local favorite where diners feast on specialties such as chocolate French toast, crab cake Benedict, Chef’s quiche of the day and smoked salmon frittata. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The District at Tustin Legacy, 2409 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.3474; 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach, 949.675.3474. bluewatergrill.com
Red O
Rick Bayless’ new restaurant at Fashion Island now serves Sunday brunch offering Mexican breakfast and lunch favorites alongside refreshing beverages. Inspired by traditional Mexican marketplaces, the restaurant’s patio is transformed into a series of stations serving huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, paella, seasonal salads, fresh fruit and pan dulce and a taco carving station. Everything is made-to-order, including a dessert station with liquid nitrogen ice cream. $45 adults; $15 children; kids under six are free. Endless Bloody Marys, Tequila Sunrises and mimosas are $20. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 143 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.718.0300. redorestaurant.com
Hopscotch
This Fullerton favorite serves New American classics for brunch with items like crispy pig ears, chilaquiles, crème brûlée French toast, brisket hash and biscuits and gravy. Be sure to indulge in one of their crafted cocktails, as they have some of the best in the county. Sa-Su, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. 136 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.2222. hopscotchtavern.com
Matador
Located in the heart of Downtown Fullerton, Matador serves traditional and contemporary Mexican-inspired brunch dishes such as chorizo Benedicto, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, Lila’s cheese enchiladas con huevos and cinnamon crusted French toast. Don’t miss their specialty cocktails such as the Matador margarita or eso es todo amigos. Sa-Su, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 111 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.871.8226. thematador.com
St. Regis Monarch Beach
With the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this lavish epicurean spread showcases dishes from around the world such as fresh seafood, sushi, international dishes, made-to-order pancake and omelet stations and their signature Bloody Mary Bar. $69; $79 including unlimited champagne; $35 children ages 5-12. Su, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3200. stregismb.com
Woody’s Wharf
A great location for Newport fun with a view of the boats. Take advantage of endless champagne for only $15 and an a la carte menu with items such as huevos rancheros and steak and eggs. Portions are generous which makes for an outstanding value. Sa, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 2318 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.675.0474. woodyswharf.com
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
Sundays were made for relaxation and champagne and Cha Cha’s is the place to enjoy live music and a two-course brunch menu, including a glass of champagne for only $23 per person. Add bottomless mimosas for just $6. Menu highlights include huevos rancheros with fresh Guajillo and tomatillo sauces; braised short rib chilaquiles with tomato and chorizo salsa; and Cha Cha’s hash and poached eggs with roasted chicken, poblano peppers and potatoes. Regular brunch menu available as well. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 110 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.255.1040. chachaslatinkitchen.com
Ways & Means
Try a variety of a la carte menu items such as smoked salmon deviled eggs, Ginny’s wild boar hash, posh fish and chips, bamboo steamed salmon salad and blueberry buttermilk pancakes. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 513 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.516.1800. wmoysters.com
Solita Tacos & Margaritas
Executive Chef Deborah Schneider presents big flavors in a la carte Mexican favorites such as huevos rancheros, berry cinnamon bread pudding and chilaquiles y huevos while mixologist Colin Pflugradt offers fresh fruit mimosas, frozen sangria and Bloody Marys to compliment your meal. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Bella Terra Center, 7631 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.894.2792. solitatacos.com
Fig & Olive
Savor a delicious weekend brunch with a la carte dishes such as truffle mushroom fontina scrambled eggs, fig Gorgonzola tartlet, Riviera shrimp and salmon, rosemary chicken Panini and the Fig & Olive waffle. Sa-Su, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fashion Island, 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.877.3005. figandolive.com
Las Brisas
Take in Laguna Beach’s beautiful coastline while dining on food inspired by the Mexican Riviera. Las Brisas serves a four-course brunch complimented by champagne. Try dishes from omelets and grilled steaks to fresh seafood and decadent desserts. $39 adults; $16 children under 12. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
The Harbor Grill
Locals and visitors enjoy favorites such as Eggs Nova Scotia, Dungeness crab omelette, Southwestern scramble and Belgian waffles. Bottomless glasses of champagne are only $5.50! Su, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 34499 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.240.1416. harborgrill.com
C4 Deli: The Cure for the Common
Check out this NY deli meets modern wine bar concept that serves creative fare for breakfast and brunch on the weekends, C4 Deli offers $7 bottomless mimosas and breakfast specials such as their bacon and nutella sandwich, corned beef and eggs and lox platter. Sa-Su, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 200 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.263.1555. c4deli.com
