7 of the Best Brunch Spots in Orange County

iscover some of my absolute favorite brunch spots in Orange County! Whether you are looking for quick and casual, high-end, beach views, each of these brunch locations will check something off your list and will, without a doubt, satisfy everyone’s palets.

1. Brunch at Restaurant Habana

• Locations:

Irvine – 708 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

Costa Mesa – 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

• Brunch Times:

Sundays 10:00AM – 3:00PM

Why I Love Brunch at Restaurant Habana:

First and foremost, there is nothing like the Habana brunch experience. Everything from the authenticity of the atmosphere to the quality and variety of the food offered is absolutely jaw-dropping. Themed after an old Cuban restaurant, you will find yourself transported into another world. Antique chandeliers, aged tables, black-and-white vintage tv’s playing old shows in the background. It is hard to find a more unique atmosphere than this in Orange County.

We haven’t even talked about the food yet. Did I mention it was a buffet? I know you are instantly picturing all the typical buffet food, but erase any preconceptions from your mind now because you are about to be blown away. All the food is displayed in an absolutely picture perfect manner. Incredible meats, salads, cheeses, pastries, etc all scattered over colorful, mismatched plates.

Traveler Tips:

• You will almost definitely need a reservation for their weekend brunch because it has quickly become wildly popular. Try to book at least a full week in advance and check the availability at both locations.
• Go slow and try EVERYTHING.
• They also have fresh coconuts you can order and a fresh mimosa with brunch never hurt anyone.
• I am a sucker for pastries and they have a huge variety. Try a few different ones with an authentic cup of coffee or rich latte.

2. Brunch at Ramos House Café

• Location:

San Juan Capistrano – 31752 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

• Brunch Times:

Weekends 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Why I Love Bruch at Ramos House Café:

The Ramos House Cafe is a quaint little restaurant in the actual house of the owner and the ambiance couldn’t be cuter. I loved the feeling of eating my meal out in the courtyard of a home. Located on a popular side street in San Juan Capistrano, you can enjoy your brunch and watch as the other shoppers walk past to peak inside all the locally owned shops.

As if their location and history weren’t unique enough, they have one of the most creative and original brunch menus I have ever seen. With dishes like Huckleberry Coffee Cake, Basil Cured Salmon Lox and Gingerbread Crusted Duck Mac N’ Cheese, you will be eager to try just about everything available on their menu.

Traveler Tips:

• This is one of those places you really want to sit and enjoy your time, the atmosphere and the food so plan a visit when you have time for a lazy meal.
• They do not take reservations so try to get their early. If you have to wait, enjoy walking around the local shops for a few minutes!

3. Brunch at Moulin

• Location:

Laguna Beach – 248 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Newport Beach – 1000 Bristol St N St. 10, Newport Beach, CA 92660

• Brunch Times:

Everyday 7:00AM – 8:00PM (no specific brunch menu)

Why I Love Brunch at Moulin:

Moulin doesn’t necessarily have a set brunch menu, but their breakfast and lunch options are all so delicious. Authentically French, the owner (a Frenchman himself), has made every effort to create a unique experience. All of the decorations have been brought over from France. Most of the workers are French and almost all of the Chef’s and Pastry Chef’s are French as well.

For food, you can choose from their menu of omelettes, crepes, sandwiches, panini’s, etc and/or make a selection from their unbelievable bakery. To make this place even cuter, they have a shop section where you can buy imported foods, wines, champagnes, candies, etc from France! I go here whenever I am needing a good European fix 🙂

Traveler Tips:

• Moulin can get very busy around brunch time on the weekends. They do not take reservations so be ready to hunt for a table.
• If you have a larger party, I definitely recommend visiting their Newport location. Their Laguna location is very small and better for parties of 4 or less.
• Pick up some fun French candies and if you happen to run into the owner, he can give you some excellent wine recommendations.

4. Brunch at Anastasia Café

• Location:

• Brunch Times:

Everyday 8:00AM – 3:00PM (no specific brunch menu)

Why I Love Brunch at Anastasia Café:

Tiny, but unique, this Laguna Beach Cafe is unassumingly delicious. While not as flashy as some other locations, you will be surprised with just how mouth-watering their food tastes. Right in the heart of Laguna Beach, you can walk off your wonderful brunch wandering past all the adorable little shops. Or just head straight down to the beach! The walk isn’t more than 10 minutes.

This location is also a smaller space so I would recommend groups of 4 or less. We managed to fit 6 of us, but we had to snag three different tables as they became available and took up a significant portion of the space.

Traveler Tips:

• Seating is first-come-first-serve, so I would suggest while one person is ordering the others are looking for a table.
• Parking outside is metered so you will need to pay either with coins or a credit card for parking.

5. Brunch at Café Gratitude

• Location:

Newport Beach: 1617 Westcliff Dr #112, Newport Beach, CA 92660

• Brunch Times:

Weekends 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Why I Love Brunch at Café Gratitude:

Although you could never guess, Cafe Gratitude is 100% vegan! Oh and 100% organic and plant-based. Pretty much my favorite restaurant in all of Orange County. Enjoy unbelievably delicious vegan dishes like cinnamon rolls, quiche, nachos, pasta, etc.

Enjoy your ridiculously healthy brunch with the cool Newport Beach breeze blowing by. I love that all of the waiters and waitresses are so genuinely kind and enthusiastic. Also, all of their house-made drinks are to-die-for. Their ginger-ale, basil lemonade and matcha latte are must-trys.

Traveler Tips:

• You can make reservations! Yaay!
• Plenty of seating for larger groups.
• Don’t let the fact that everything is vegan scare you away, honestly it it some of the best food I have ever had, period.

6. Brunch at Zinc Café

• Locations:

Laguna Beach – 350 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

3222 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

• Brunch Times:

Everyday 7:00AM – 6:00PM

Why I Love Brunch at Zinc Café:

Zinc is a fun place to brunch for a more casual vibe, but still amazing food. Zinc is a completely vegetarian restaurant, but again, don’t let this scare you away. They still have plenty of delicious breakfast options like their avocado toast, egg dishes, pancakes, etc.

They also have a market section where you can choose to make a plate of food from the freshly made items available. Things like vegetable mixes, lasagna, salads, etc. Located in both Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach, both locations are within walking distance to the beach. The perfect place to go if you plan on spending the day at or near the beach.

Traveler Tips:

• Both locations can be tricky when it comes to parking so be prepared to look for a spot for a few minutes.
• Laguna Beach location is metered parking.
• Best for groups of 6 or less.
• Have one or two people order while the rest look for a table.
• Their lavender latter is amaaaazing.

7. Brunch at The Loft

• Locations:

Laguna Beach – 30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

• Brunch Times:

Weekends 6:00AM – 10:00PM

Why I Love Brunch at The Loft:

Arguably the brunch location with the best view ever. The Loft is inside The Montage. A resort right on the cliffs of Laguna Beach. Although pricey, the quality of the food and service and the breathtaking views of the ocean will make it well worth it.

We have enjoyed our weekend brunch at The Loft many times and on multiple occasions have seen dolphins swimming by. I am still waiting to see an actual whale, but I am convinced it will happen eventually. I always recommend making a reservation, this way you can tell the valet workers when you arrive what the reservation name is under.

Traveler Tips:

• The atmosphere would suggest a nicer outfit than a casual brunch elsewhere, but they aren’t going to refuse you service if you show up in something more casual.
• Valet parking is $15 and a tip for the drivers is always a kind notion.
• While the views from The Loft are beautiful, I also LOVE to sit and enjoy a beverage in the lobby before or after. The huge fireplace paired with the cool ocean breeze is just irresistible.