Our list of the best brunch in Newport Beach for 2024 has it all. Whether you’re craving an epic bloody mary, beautiful ocean views, or crispy chicken and waffles dripping with maple syrup there is something here for everyone. I’ve covered many brunches throughout Orange County, but there is always something extra special about brunch in Newport Beach. Of all the delicious places we’ve visited, these restaurants offer the most crave-worthy brunches around.
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About Newport Beach
I’ve lived in Newport Beach for over 8 years now and it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the country. We have the most wonderful sandy beaches, scenic ocean views, and fabulous weather all year. The cuisine in Newport Beach is also outstanding with fresh coastal dishes and an exceptional selection of restaurants to enjoy the perfect brunch while listening to the serene sounds of ocean waves.
1. Flemings Steakhouse
Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm
Brunch at Flemings Steakhouse has gotten even better since the recent remodel of their patio. Located in the luxurious Fashion Island, guests can enjoy gorgeous fire pits, spacious seating, and modern decor. The dishes at Flemings Steakhouse are beautifully presented and not to mention delicious. I especially love their classic chicken and waffles which arrive stacked with crispy fried chicken, Belgian waffles, pecans, and fresh fruit.
2. Helmsman Ale House
Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 2pm
Helmsman features Californian cuisine which includes two bars, a dining area, and an outdoor patio. Aside from their fun ambiance, Helmsman Ale House offers a delicious brunch menu. One of my favorite dishes is their blueberry banana bread French toast with a generous scoop of cinnamon and brown sugar butter topped with fresh blueberry syrup. Helmsman also serves an impressive chicken and waffles with marinated buttermilk, black pepper stout, maple syrup, and waffles. The stout maple syrup is even made in-house! If you’re looking to enjoy innovative cuisine for brunch in Newport Beach, head over to Helmsman!
3. Lighthouse Bayview Cafe
Every day from 8am to 4pm
The Lighthouse Cafe is a special hidden gem located on Balboa Island and one of my favorite places to bring guests. Not only is this restaurant absolutely charming, but the menu is equally as magnificent as the ocean views. My first time here, I discovered that the restaurant looks just like a real lighthouse! Their brunch menu is well-rounded with great food and cocktail options. The Lighthouse Bayview Cafe offers classic breakfast options like avocado toast and brioche French toast, but their menu also includes plenty of seafood. Highlights include their lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes, Lighthouse eggs benedict, Bayside omelet, and Lighthouse burger. They even have a bottomless mimosa brunch which is $16 per person.
4. Bayside Restaurant
Sundays from 11am to 4pm
With an amazing view of the harbor and subtle sounds of a live saxophone playing to all your favorite tunes, this is one of the best brunch spots for live music. Oh, and did I mention that Bayside offers a fantastic eggs benedict? The griddle crab cakes florentine, pictured above, comes with fresh wilted spinach, citrus hollandaise, and asparagus. Bayside also offers other delicious benedicts, like their Canadian and smoked salmon benedict. We loved our experience at Bayside’s brunch in Newport Beach. They even offer bottomless champagne that is so delicious it doesn’t even need the orange juice!
5. Beachcomber Cafe
Breakfast from 7am to 11:30am; Lunch from 11:30 to 4:30pm
Beachcomber Cafe is easily the best brunch in Newport Beach for an amazing ocean view. It’s located right on the sandy beach, where we enjoyed a delicious meal accompanied by the sound of crashing waves. In fact, Beachcomber is so elusive you have to take a shuttle just to dine there. One of their most impressive menu items is their bloody mary which comes with a huge crab claw. I absolutely love Bloody Marys and Beachcomber is the perfect place to enjoy an impressive one!
6. The Cannery
Sundays from 11am to 3pm
The Cannery is located on the Balboa Peninsula and offers beautiful waterfront dining with views of the Newport Harbor. Here you’ll enjoy a coastal outdoor brunch on their expansive patio. They are a great place to indulge in the freshest oysters in all of Orange County. If oysters aren’t your thing then you will definitely want to try their grilled Hawaiian prawns which are equally as delicious as they are beautiful. They are placed in whiskey barrel aged soy sauce and Thai chilies making this dish a serious winner. They also offer bottomless mimosas. If you’re looking for an elegant and beautiful place to dine, check out The Cannery for an amazing Sunday brunch in Newport Beach.
7. Back Bay Bistro
Sundays from 10am to 2pm
Located at Balboa Bay Resort’s, the Back Bay Bistro, enticed us with their epic Sunday seafood brunch buffet. The restaurant has amazing panoramic views of the Newport Bay and guests will love all the delicious selections. Their menu is filled with unlimited access to fresh seafood, assorted cheeses, classic brunch bites, and endless desserts. Not convinced yet? Don’t forget their complimentary free-flowing champagne and mimosas!
8. Farmhouse at Roger’s Garden
Sundays from 11am to 2pm
The fresh farm to table cuisine prepared by Chef Richard Mead coupled with the beautiful garden surroundings of Rogers Garden creates a one-of-a-kind dining experience. A few years ago, I even created a beautiful tablescape to add to the unique ambiance. If you’re planning to shop for some new roses and herbs for your garden, I recommend enjoying a delicious brunch at Farmhouse first! Their Sunday brunch menu includes delicious dishes like seasonal French toast, frittata, and even a specialized Farmhouse bloody mary. Reservations are highly recommended for Farmhouse.
9. Red O
Saturdays & Sundays 11am to 3pm
If you love Huevos Rancheros or an amazing Breakfast Burrito in the mornings, then head to Red O at Fashion Island for the best place to enjoy a Mexican brunch feast. They also have a fabulous Lobster Benedict as well as Lobster & Shrimp Enchiladas. Their weekend brunch is delicious and the best place to switch up your Mimosas for a mouth-watering margarita. In addition to brunch, Red O is also one of the best happy hour spots in Newport Beach.
10. Wilma’s Patio
7-Days a Week
Wilma’s Patio is located on Balbao Island and is a popular spot among the locals. Breakfast lovers will not only enjoy their extensive menu, but at Wilma’s Patio you can enjoy all-day brunch 7 days a week. Enjoy classics like their french toast, choose from over 6 different benedicts, or enjoy from a selection of 6 different omelets. They even have Balboa Belly Bombers which are sourdough bowls filled with a selection of various scarmbles. One thing is for certain, no matter what day of the week you decide to have brunch, you’ll never run out of options at Wilma’s Patio.
11. Billy’s at the Beach
Saturday & Sunday 10am – 4pm
I normally go to Billy’s at the Beach for their fun happy hour, but they also have a fantastic brunch with a Hawaiian twist. You can enjoy a huge pupu platter for two with crabcakes, coconut shrimp, cho cho skewers, black sesame crusted ahi and bbq babyback ribs. If you’re craving something sweet, their stack of banana nut pancakes with a coconut meringue is sure to please. Billys at the Beach is also located right on the water with an amazing waterfront view!
Just writing this article is making me crave an amazing brunch. There are so many fantastic restaurants in Orange County but these are the places I go when I want to enjoy the best brunch in Newport Beach.
Best Brunch in Newport Beach for Ocean Views
Just as a helpful recap, here is a quick list of the best places to grab brunch in Newport beach if you’re looking for ocean views.
- Billy’s on the Beach
- Lighthouse Cafe
- Beachcomber Cafe
- Bayview Backbay Bistro
- The Cannery
Discover More Amazing Brunches in Orange County
Sondra Barker
