Top 30 BEST Brunch in Orange County for 2024

1. Jimmy’s Famous Tavern

When it comes to the best brunch in Orange County, Jimmy’s Famous Tavern in Dana Point, CA has mastered the art of southern brunch indulgences. This is where I go when I want to splurge on a naughty brunch with fried chicken and massive bloody marys. My go-to order is “The Bubba” which features southern-style biscuits smothered in country sausage gravy, and stacked with fried chicken, crispy bacon, and two fried eggs. My pro tip is to order this with their truffle tots and ask for the bacon extra crispy.

Other honorable mentions are their Fried Chicken and Waffles. JFAT also offers $15 bottomless mimosas and the best bloody marys in town. I always start my brunch with their “Famous Mary” which includes Platinum 7X Vodka, house-made bloody mary mix, olive, jack cheese, salami, and pepperoncini.

Brunch Hours

When: Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 3 pm

Location: 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629. Phone: (949) 388-8900

2. Sapphire Laguna Beach

If you’re looking for the best brunch in Orange County that will linger in your memory for weeks after your visit, then look no further than Sapphire Laguna Beach. Restaurant owner Russel Bendel took over Sapphire Laguna Beach at the end of 2020 and has brought us one of the most delicious brunches with the help of trusted chef Jared Cook. Guests can expect cleverly crafted cocktails like the Patio Pounder, exquisite Pork Belly Benedict, and the most drool-worthy Nutella Waffles.

Check out a mouth-watering gallery of the Sapphire Laguna Beach brunch and make reservations on open table. If you love this brunch, you should also check out their other restaurants, Olea in Newport Beach and Ironwood in Laguna Hills.

Brunch Hours

Sunday 10 am – 3:30 pm

Location: 1200 S Coast Hwy Suite 101, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Phone: (949) 715-9888

3. Bayside Restaurant

Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach has long been on my list of the best brunch in Orange County. They offer traditional brunch options like Canadian Eggs Benedict to non-traditional brunch selections like Seared Salmon with potato puree, asparagus, and riesling sauce. I love that they have mini dinner entrees and an elevated menu featuring Crab Cakes, Lobster Sandwiches, and Steak and Eggs. Everyone in your group will be impressed with the vast variety of selections.

Did I mention they also offer bottomless champagne for only $12 and four different Bloody Marys?

Brunch Hours

Sundays 11:30 am – 3 pm

Location: 900 Bayside Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Phone: (949) 721-1222

4. Lighthouse Bayview Cafe

If you really want to impress your out-of-town guests, then look no further than Lighthouse Cafe. This hidden Newport Beach restaurant should easily be on everyone’s list of the best brunch in Orange County. Tucked away on the Balboa Peninsula behind Mariners Park, this restaurant is only viewable from the water and can be easily missed.

In addition to the exceptional brunch options, the restaurant looks like a real lighthouse with beautiful light-blue stained glass. Diners can enjoy selections like Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, Lobster Rolls, and Cinnamon Sugar Beignets.

You can also view our previous coverage of Lighthouse Bayview Cafe’s delicious dinner menu.

Brunch Hours

Weekends 8 am – 4 pm

Location: 1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Phone: (949) 933-1001

5. The Country Club

At The Country Club, you’ll find fantastic brunch selections like the upgraded Ribeye Steak and Eggs as well as the very popular Seasonal Donuts. For $20 they also have bottomless mimosas which never run dry. I also love that this restaurant is 21+ so you’ll definitely want to leave the kids at home for this adult brunch. View more pictures from our entire brunch visit.

Brunch Hours

Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 4 pm

Location: 330 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Phone:  (949) 281-2582

6. Beachcomber Cafe

Situated right on the beach at Crystal Cove, this Newport Beach cafe offers one of the best brunches in Orange County complete with ocean views. For starters, they have one of my favorite, the Big Bad Bloody Mary, which is served with a jumbo shrimp and crab claw. They offer a great brunch menu with everything from Coconut Macadamia Pancakes, numerous omelets, and Steak Chilaquiles. Once you’ve finished brunch, you can work of your meal with a relaxing stroll on the beach as you step off the restaurant.

Brunch Hours

Monday – Sunday 7 am – 11:30 am

Location: 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657. Phone: (949) 376-6900

7. Knife Pleat Afternoon Tea

Served only on Saturdays, this traditional Afternoon Tea is a brunch fit for a queen. For $115, guests will enjoy a selection of tea sandwiches and pastries like the Winter Black Truffle, provencal black truffle, cream cheese, and walnut Pullman bread. My favorite of the 6 pastries was the Fruit Scone served with clotted cream, spiced pear jam mandarin & cranberry marmalade.

If you really want to splurge, there is also an upgraded Cavier menu! For pictures of the full Afternoon Tea experience, you can view our experience here.

Brunch Hours

Saturdays 11:30 am – 1:45 pm

Location: 3333 S Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Phone:  (714) 266-3388

8. The Cannery

If sitting on a beautiful patio overlooking the Newport Beach harbor sounds like paradise, then The Cannery is the perfect brunch for you. I love bringing friends here to enjoy freshly shucked oysters, delicious lobster rolls, and crab cake benedicts. The Cannery brunch in Newport Beach is available Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 3pm.

If you love their brunch you should also check out Dinner at The Cannery and their fantastic happy hour.

Brunch Hours

Weekends 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: 3010 Lafayette Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Phone:  (949) 566-0060

9. Oak Laguna Beach

I recently discovered the delicious brunch at Oak Laguna Beach when searching for a place to meet for a friend’s birthday. This restaurant has a fantastic dinner and I was thrilled to see they offer a unique brunch dishes that are spectacular. I highly recommend trying the fried chicken and waffles and Monte Cristo.

Brunch Hours

Saturday & Sunday beginning at 10 am

Location: 1100 S Coast Hwy # 202, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Phone: (949) 940-3010

10. Tableau

Tableau in Costa Mesa just recently opened at the South Coast Plaza shopping center and they absolutely offer the best brunch in Orange County with their unique twist on traditional brunch favorites. Their Jasmine Tea French Toast is a favorite among diners and I especially am obsessed with their Mixed Berry Pancakes. If you’re craving something savory you won’t be sorry with their Asian-inspired take on Chicken and Waffles. They even have a fabulous pastry case so you can bring some extra goodies home.

Brunch Hours

Saturday & Sunday starting at 9 am

Location: 3333 Bear St Suite 119, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Phone:  (714) 872-8054

11. Wild Goose Tavern

Who doesn’t love a bottomless mimosa brunch? At Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa, you can have unlimited mimosas with your choice of juice and enjoy popular selections like their perfectly cooked steak and eggs. One thing I love about Wild Goose Tavern is that they make their breads in-house so be sure to try their bagels and Sicilian-style pizza.

Brunch Hours

Saturday & Sunday 9 am-1 pm

Location: 436 E. 17th St. Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Phone: (949) 722-9453

12. Descanso

Descanso offers their brunch with some flare by cooking everything tableside at their La Plancha grills. Think of Descanso as an elevated Benihana for delicious Mexican cuisine. Their weekend brunch on the weekends. I highly recommend the Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles.

Brunch Hours

Saturdays & Sundays: 10 am-2 pm

Location: 1555 Adams Ave. Ste 103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Phone: 714.486.3798

13. Aveo Table & Bar

My fiance’s parents live in Dana Point and one of our favorite places to enjoy brunch is the Aveo Table & Bar location in the luxurious Waldorf Estoria Monarch Beach Resort. They have a wide selection of delicious brunch dishes like their fried chicken with churro waffle and mezcal maple syrup. What makes this brunch especially sweet are the outstanding ocean views!

On Sundays, they even have live music and additional Latin-inspired dishes like horchata lattes.

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Sundays | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Location: 1 MONARCH BEACH RESORT, DANA POINT, CA, 92629 Reservations

14. Citrus City Grille

Old Town Orange is full of delicious restaurants but our favorite has to be Citrus City Grille. Locals flock there on the weekends to indulge in their awesome Sunday brunch buffet with fresh sliced prime rib, endless mimosas, and a huge selection of breakfast classics, pastries, and side dishes. The buffet also includes a freshly prepared egg dish.

Brunch Hours

Saturday Breakfast 11:30 am – 2 pm and Sunday Brunch Buffet 10 am – 3 pm

Location: 122 N Glassell Street Orange, CA 92866. Phone: (714) 639-9600

15. Flemings Steakhouse

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, I can’t imagine a nicer brunch than Flemings Steakhouse located at Fashion Island. Here is a sneak peek at their brunch. Of course, the top choice has to be their amazing petite filet benedict, but I’m also a huge fan of their chicken and waffles. They also remodeled their patio a few years ago and it’s a beautiful place to sit outside on a summer morning in Newport Beach.

Brunch Hours

Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm

Location: 455 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 Phone: 949-720-9633

16. Old Vine Kitchen & Bar

The Camp in Costa Mesa hosts a handful of great restaurants, but when it comes to the best brunch in Orange County, Old Vine Kitchen & Bar is a classic. They’ve been known for having the best brunch in Orange County for years. My favorite is their Rueben Omelett, but they also have fantastic crepes.

Brunch Hours

Sunday: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm

Location: 2937 Bristol St. Suite A-102 Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Phone: 714-545-1411

17. Snooze an A.M. Eatery

If you want brunch with a fun twist head to Snooze A.M. Eatery with locations in Tustin, Huntington Beach, Laguna Niguel, and Orange. They have 8 different eggs benedict options and creative pancakes like my favorite, the Pinapple Upsidedown Pancake. You can also just splurge and try a pancake sampler. One thing is for sure, whatever you order will be delicious.

Brunch Hours

All Day, Every Day! From 6am – 4 pm

Locations: 3032 El Camino RealTustin, CA 92782, 7511 Edinger AveHuntington Beach, CA 92647, 240 W. Chapman AvenueOrange, CA 92866, 28141 Crown Valley ParkwayLaguna Niguel, CA 92677

18. Mama’s on 39

Another fantastic brunch in Orange County is Mama’s on 39 in Huntington Beach and Ladera Ranch. They have bottomless mimosas plus Instagram worthy brunch options like their epic french toast topped with an icecream cone! If that’s a bit too much, their steak benedict is also fabulous. The best part about their brunch is it is served any time 7 days a week!

Brunch Hours

When: Sunday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 9 pm
Friday – Saturday, 8:30 am – 10 pm

Locations: 21022 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, CA 92648  Phone: 714-374-1166

25606 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite K-2, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694  Phone: 949-889-2600

19. The Goldfinch

One of my favorite new restaurants in Irvine is The Goldfinch located at the Eighteen Main Complex. Their dinner is wonderful and their brunch is just as awesome. Popular items include their baked Sicilian eggs, fried rosemary Jidori chicken with waffles, and mimosa kit served with a bottle of brut.

Brunch Hours

Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 2 pm.

Location: 2000 Main Street, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614. Phone: (949) 379-8769

20. Postinos Wine Cafe

Another new restaurant in Irvine is Postinos Wine Cafe at Park Place. This restaurant has become really popular with its fun charcuterie and bruschetta boards. They also have a great brunch with delicious options like their meatball shakshouka. They are also one of the few places I’ve found in Orange County where you can get a Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur.

Brunch Hours

Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 1 pm

Location: 2981 Michelson Dr, Ste E, Irvine, CA 92612. Phone: 949.336.2600

21. Carmelita’s

Located just steps from popular Laguna Beach is Carmelita’s. They offer a great brunch on the weekends with seafood omelets and enchiladas. My personal favorite is their bacon wrap crabbed stuffed jalapenos. Wash them down with a strawberry margarita and you have the perfect brunch for any beach day.

Brunch Hours

Weekends from 10am

Location: 217 Broadway St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Phone:949-715-7829

22. Billy’s At The Beach

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise at Billy’s At The Beach and enjoy Hawaiian-inspired brunch dishes like the Loco Moco, Luau Omlette, and Malasad. In addition to great food, you’ll also enjoy being right on the Newport Beach harbor with beautiful views. They also have a great happy hour!

Brunch Hours

Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 10 am – 4 pm

Location: 2751 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach CA 92663. Phone: (949) 722-1100

23. Wilma’s Patio

This iconic restaurant is located at the charming Balboa Island and is a favorite among locals. At Wilma’s Patio, you’ll find something for everyone with their diverse menu full of nostalgic home-cooked meals. Unique to Wilma’s is their Balboa Belly Bombers, a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl stuffed with your choice of egg scramble. The best part is you can order breakfast whenever you want!

Brunch Hours

Sunday – Thursday 8:00 am – 8:30 pm. Friday – Saturday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Location: 203 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662. Phone: (949) 675-5542

24. Farmhouse

Located within the popular Roger’s Gardens nursery is Farmhouse restaurant. You’ll feel like you’re dining in a beautiful garden as you enjoy a wonderful brunch by chef Richard Mead. Since Farmhouse is right down the street from me I might be biased, but the food is just as amazing as the ambiance. While the menu is not as big as it used to be, it’s still worth a visit.

Brunch Hours

Sunday 11:30 am – 2 pm

Location: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd. Corona del Mar, CA 92625. Phone: 949.640.1415

25. Hendrix

Hendrix in Laguna Niguel is best known for their massive butcher board dinner, however, they also have a wonderful brunch. This restaurant is a favorite among locals who come in to enjoy their lemon ricotta pancakes, skirt steak & eggs, and seared bass.

Brunch Hours

Weekends 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Location: 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.

26. Moulin Bistro

Transport yourself to Paris at my favorite local French bistro. Moulin serves the most amazing pastries as well as numerous omelets, crepes, croque sandwiches, roast chicken with frites, salads, and more. This bistro has become so popular in Orange County that they now have locations in Newport beach, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, and South Coast Plaza.

Brunch Hours

Every Day at 7 am and the last order is 2:30 pm

Location: See all Moulin locations

27. Bloom

Another fabulous restaurant by Russell Bendel and his team is Bloom in San Juan Capistrano. They’re also our 2022 Restaurant of the Year. Highlights on their brunch menu include the country fried steak & eggs, farmers market vegetable scramble, and Jidori fried chicken and waffles. I’m also obsessed with their squash blossoms!

Brunch Hours

Weekends beginning at 11 am

Location: 31760 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Phone: (949) 503-2654

28. Terrace by Mix Mix Kitchen

One of my favorite Orange County chefs is Ross Pangilinan for his infusion of Filipino-influenced dishes. During their weekend brunch, you’ll definitely want to try the Filipino Breakfast with his famous Pork Cheek Adobo. It’s also served with shrimp lumpia, sweet longanisa, garlic fried rice, fried egg, chicharrones, and spicy vinegar.

Brunch Hours

Weekends starting at 11 am

Location: South Coast Plaza 3333 Bear St. Unit 316 Costa Mesa, CA  92626 Phone: (657) 231-6447

29. Balboa Bay Resort

Every Sunday the waterfront Lighthouse Room at Balboa Bay Resort welcomes families, friends, guests, and club members to an epic seafood brunch in Newport Beach. I assure you this buffet-style brunch will impress even the pickiest brunch lover with fresh seafood, an omelet station, a bloody mary cart, and so much more.

Brunch Hours

Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Location: Balboa Bay Resort 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663 Phone: 949.645.5000

30. The Cliff Restaurant

From the outside, you almost cannot tell that behind an unassuming Laguna Beach art gallery lies a restaurant with one of the best ocean views. The Cliff Restaurant offers a delicious brunch selection, but the view is absolutely stunning. This is a classic Orange County restaurant that locals love but is a little hidden.

Brunch Hours

Weekend beginning at 8 am

Location: 577 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Phone: (949) 494-1956