Weekend Brunching & Hotel Hopping in Newport Beach
Sunday is also “fun day” and what better way to enjoy one’s self than to be served a delicious brunch and toast to the long week with a glass of champagne or perhaps a Bloody Mary? I’m all in for that kind of weekend fun.
With an impressive array of 8 different hotels and resorts, diners are in for a treat here in Newport Beach. Brunching in a relaxed, resort environment is the perfect way to welcome in the weekend. Here we share some details on the decadence they are serving up on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. So whether you are enjoying a staycation, or just want to pretend for the day, enjoy this collection of options for deliciousness.
Sit-Down Boastful Brunches
Oak Grill is located at the Island Hotel Newport Beach in Fashion Island. Guests dining at Oak Grill enjoy their favorite selections from the la carte Sunday Brunch menu from 11:00am to 3:30pm. The dining room features a bright, sophisticated room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The outdoor terrace is under the shade of a canopy of trees. In the distance is a newly redesigned pool area with palms and tropical greenery creating a lush sanctuary, right here in the heart of Fashion Island.
Brunch specialties include: a delicious Belgian Waffle with fresh strawberries, and vanilla bean whipped cream, Fried Chicken & Biscuit with two eggs over easy and sausage gravy, and the Cinnamon Roll French Toast with Myers’s Rum, cream cheese glaze and fresh berries. Other favorites include: the Maine Lobster Chopped Salad, The Classic Reuben Panini and the House-Cured & Cold-Smoked Salmon. Bottomless mimosas are available for $10.
Pelican Grill located at The Resort at Pelican Hill features dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and is home to their golf course and golf facilities. The Grill showcases an elegant dining room and an outdoor patio to enjoy the views. The Grill also includes a large bar area with two big screens to catch all the weekend sports action in a more casual setting. On Sundays from 10:30am to 2:00pm they offer an a la carte Brunch menu with lots of options. The starters and salads portion of the menu include sixteen different items. My personal favorites include: the Spicy Tortilla Soup ($9), the Ahi Tuna Tartare ($14) and the Cobb Salad ($16).
Entrees include a host of sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, eggs any way and fresh seafood, including Chilean Sea Bass for $32. The craft cocktail and beer list is aplenty, with a broad selection of wines and champagnes by the glass or bottle.
Waterline Newport Beach restaurant located at the Balboa Bay Resort is one of a few dining spots that sits right on the bay and offers commanding views of the boating activity on the water. An elegant dining room features large picture windows and a lovely patio skirts along the boardwalk is just steps away. On Sunday’s from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Waterline offers an unlimited cold buffet including: Artisanal cheeses & charcuterie, assorted breads and pastries, a seafood display including shrimp, crab claws on ice, smoked salmon, and a dessert display of assorted mini desserts. Each guest then selects one hot entrée, from a selection of six, such as: the Halibut BLT, Waffle, Quiche, and so forth. Unlimited Mimosas and Champagne are also included. ($49-adults). They also recently added a “build-your-own” Bloody Mary bar for $16/$18.
Breakfast Buffets Worth Waking Up For
The Coliseum Pool & Grill is located at The Resort at Pelican Hill and is well-known for its dramatic views overlooking their expansive shimmering pool, with the golf course and ocean as the backdrop. Ideal seating is on the patio to take all that beauty in, and there is indoor seating and a bar with one big screen. They offer a regular breakfast daily and on the weekends they also offer a Breakfast Buffet. On Saturdays that is offered from 7:00am to 12:00, and on Sundays from 7:00am to 1:00pm. The a la carte menu features Waffles, Burritos, Smoked Salmon on Bagel, Omelet with Potatoes and choice of sausage, ham or bacon ($15-$18), or for the meat eaters a hearty Steak and Eggs is $24. There are lots of side dishes and a full bar for those sparkling sips and eye openers we seem to enjoy on the weekends.
On Sundays from 10:00am to 2:00pm the bartenders have dreamed up a “build your own” Bloody Mary for $18. Guests can select their level of spicy with an assortment of hot sauces and garnish it with flavored salts and toppings, such
as: bacon, jalapenos, pickles and bell peppers.
Hook & Spear restaurant is located inside the Marriott Hotel & Spa at Fashion Island. They offer a Breakfast Buffet with views of the lush pool area. The hours on Sunday are from 7:00am to 12:00. Their new restaurant focuses on sustainable coastal cuisine. ($27-adults).
The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach has a Breakfast Buffet at their SHOR restaurant on Sunday’s from 6:30 to 11:00am. The chef focuses on a mix of Baja California and Mediterranean inspired cuisine. With indoor seating and a patio under the trees, it offers guests a truly “So Cal” vibe. ($28-adults)
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview has three options for Sunday mornings at their restaurant, Vista.Kitchen.Bar. They have a full Breakfast Buffet, a Continental package and a complete Breakfast menu. These are offered from 7:00am to 12:00. Don’t miss the lovely outdoor sitting areas as well. This is a perfect perch from which to view the tranquil Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and a bevy of birdlife. ($25-adults).
The Carlton Hotel’s Tiffany’s Cuisine restaurant offers a Breakfast Buffet on both Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 to 11:00am. The Chef focuses on fresh California flavors and Tiffany’s guarantees a healthy start to the day. ($17-adults).
The Duke Hotel Newport Beach near the airport features a Breakfast Buffet menu at Citrus restaurant on the main level. This is available both Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00am to 12:00 noon. ($24-adults).
