Where to Brunch in Newport Beach
For some, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For others, it’s brunch—that glorious chunk of the weekend when both breakfast and lunch collide, and orange juice gets a boozy boost. We’ll take that situation any day if we could, plus all the other good things brunch brings, like friends, since it’s almost always a social affair. With that said, here are eight of our favorite places to brunch it up in Newport Beach!
Lido Bottle Works For a brunch on the bay, snag a seat at farm-to-table restaurant, Lido Bottle Works! This Lido Marina Village hotspot is known for its selection of tasty seasonal dishes, and the brunch menu is no exception. Treat yourself to Chef Joel Gutierrez’s signature Monkey Bread, which is crafted with housemade dough, dulce de leche, ancho and burnt orange cream!
In addition to its bayside location, there are a number of reasons Tavern House Kitchen + Bar is a popular spot for a morning or midday meal. With a brunch menu chock-full of delicious favorites like the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Malted Waffles and Prime Rib Hash, it’s obvious why this waterfront establishment is a crowd-pleaser. Let’s just say restaurateurs David Wilhelm and Gregg Solomon know how to level up classic American cuisine.
Nothing beats a decadent brunch on the harbor! Treat yourself to a sensational seafood spread at Balboa Bay Resort. Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the all-new bayside Lighthouse Room, you can indulge in buffet-style offerings. These include a full seafood display of oysters, crab claws, sashimi and more, plus a bakery and patisserie display, seasonal salad and fruit display and an eggs cooked-to-order station. For reservations, call (949) 630-4487.
Set on the lush grounds of Roger’s Gardens, this charming Corona del Mar restaurant is no slouch when it comes to the “farm-to-fork” approach. Chef Rich Mead presents a perfectly curated menu that rotates based on the seasons, and the Sunday Brunch offerings are not something you want to miss out on. Every Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can sink your teeth into dishes like the Seasonal Frittata and Seasonal French Toast.
Swing by Shorebird for a delicious brunch and unbeatable bay views! Here, you and your friends can sip mimosas and indulge in dishes like Overstuffed Bacon & Eggs and Lobster Bisque Encroute, all while watching the boats cruise by. And don’t forget to take advantage of their raw bar, where you can feast on fresh seafood like Hamachi Crudo and Salmon Carpaccio!
Featuring gorgeous views of the harbor, Lighthouse Cafe is the perfect place for brunch with the kiddos. The menu features a mix of classic brunch dishes like avocado toast, steak chilaquiles and lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes. Kids can enjoy a small stack of buttermilk pancakes, French toast sticks, cereal or an egg and a piece of bacon for $8.99. The restaurant also sits right next to Marina Park, so the little ones can romp around on the nautical-themed playground after their meal!
Located in Newport Beach’s premier shopping center, Fashion Island, The Great Maple is a buzzy spot for a casual brunch. This cozy restaurant serves up an assortment of mouthwatering dishes, including their Cajun Shrimp Biscuit Benedict and signature Maple Bacon Doughnuts. And here, brunch is served all day, so no need to worry about “running late.”
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
