National Mom and Pop Business Owner Day is recognized on March 29! This year celebrate at Wilma’s Patio.

You know those small-town diners you see in the movies? The kind where everyone knows your name, the cook knows just how you like your eggs, and the server asks about your mom while refilling your coffee with a smile? A place that feels like home (even though their French toast is better than mom’s)? That’s Wilma’s Patio.

Nestled away on picturesque Balboa Island, Wilma’s Patio has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for over 35 years. Owners Sheri and Dave have done a phenomenal job fostering a family-like atmosphere, and many of their employees have been at Wilma’s since the 90’s! Their quaint Marine Avenue location is steps from the beach, making it an idyllic spot for Saturday morning breakfasts, or Friday night date nights!

Wilma’s chef, “Chef Tomas”, has been their head chef since 1991. Chef’s fresh and healthy spin on classic dishes has brought Wilma’s numerous awards and accolades around Orange County. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty serving of fish & chips, or a BLT with thick-sliced bacon and crispy iceberg lettuce, or one of their signature eggs benedicts, Wilma’s has it all. And it’s all really good. They even have a wide variety of Mexican dishes – their enormous “Burrito Grande” is one of the best burritos in town!

While the interior of Wilma’s Patio is cozy and welcoming, our favorite spot to sit is coincidentally enough, the patio! There’s no better place to be on a sunny day, and the fact that it’s dog friendly is an added bonus. Take your pup for a walk around the island, then end with drinks and dinner at Wilma’s! (We suggest calling ahead to make a reservation, as the patio can be busy, especially in the summer.)

With new restaurants popping up weekly around Newport Beach, it’s nice to see a classic spot like Wilma’s Patio still doing so well. In all of our travels, we’ve found that there is something special about dining in a restaurant that is family owned and operated. There’s a deep sense of pride in every meal that is served, and Wilma’s Patio is no exception. They take great pleasure in their home-style cooking, and unbeatable hospitality. Why not pay the “family” a visit, and see for yourself? We guarantee you’ll love the food, the ambiance, and even better – the people.

Written by: The Traveling Newlyweds