The 10 Best Brunches In Orange County California

Brunch is one of the most popular and beloved meals of the day. Brunch gives us the excuse to feel fancy and to drink in the morning without being judged (thank you, bottomless mimosas). Here are the 10 best spots for brunch that you must try in Orange County.

1. Crema Cafe

Bakery, Cafe, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, European

If your brunch needs are craving a European-inspired restaurant that is walking distance to the beach then visit Crema Cafe in Seal Beach. The menu offers classic favorites like sweet and savory crepes, but also has a variety with their hearty sandwiches and fresh salads. There is cozy seating inside the café, and there is also pet-friendly seating out on the patio. This restaurant also has its own bakery that makes fresh baked goods daily, and they can be ordered during your meal or to go.

2. Ecco Pizzeria & Bar

Bar, Pizzeria, American, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Wine, Beer

Ecco Pizzeria & Bar is tucked away in the back of The CAMP, a popular outdoor eco-friendly shopping center in Costa Mesa. Ecco provides and sources locally farmed ingredients for their delicious food. The brunch menu has a variety of options which contains about half breakfast items and half lunch items, and yes, that does include lots of yummy pizza options. There are also brunch specials like the ‘americano’ and ‘sobeca.’ But if you want a boozy brunch, the ‘kegs and eggs’ special offers endless mimosas or Peroni draft beer with the purchase of any brunch entree.

3. Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen

Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen

When you go to Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen, not only are you indulging in a delicious meal, you indulge in an exciting atmosphere. Their Sunday Champagne Brunch doesn’t just have a special on the menu, it also has live music. With the brunch special, you start off with chips and salsa with a glass of champagne or a mimosa (or add bottomless mimosas), then choose a salad, soup, or fruit plate as a first plate, and then choose an entree, enchiladas, or tacos for your main plate.

Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen, Brea Gateway Center, 110 W Birch St #7, Brea, CA, USA, +1 714 255 1040

Huevos Rancheros | © Courtesy of Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen

Crave

In downtown Santa Ana, Crave is a popular spot, and it is easy to see why. They use locally grown produce, simple fresh ingredients, and even freshly bake their own bread daily to make affordable gourmet food. Crave’s menu contains delicious and healthy food, and has a variety of breakfast and lunch items. They also have new weekly specials and, if a special becomes popular enough, it will be added to the daily menu. Vegetarians will love Crave because of the endless options they have to offer.

Crave, 410 W 4th St, Santa Ana, CA, USA, +1 714 907 0063

5. The Beachcomber Cafe

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Seafood, American, Gluten-free

When it comes to location, The Beachcomber Cafe has every other restaurant beat because it is literally on the beach. The café resides on 12.3 acres of Crystal Cove and is surrounded by beach cottages. There is also a shuttle offered that will take you to The Beachcomber Cafe from the Crystal Cove Historic District. Enjoy the ocean breeze and breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean while you brunch, and try their amazing beignets. Also, make a reservation in advance, unless you do not mind waiting to get a table.

6. Early Bird

Early Bird

For all the early risers out there who want their meals as soon as possible, head on down to the Early Bird. You will not find any frozen or pre-made items in the kitchen, because everything is made from scratch. The most popular dishes at the Early Bird are the eggs Benedict and the French toast. But what you really have to try is their coffee. They import the best green coffee from around the world and roast it daily.

Early Bird, Morningside Plaza, 1000B E Bastanchury Rd, Fullerton, CA, USA, +1 714 529 4100

7. Haute Cakes Caffe

Cafe, American, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dessert, Pastries

Haute Cakes Caffe focuses solely on breakfast and lunch dishes, but the real star is their pancakes. But instead of calling them pancakes, they’re referred to as ‘haute cakes.’ The haute cakes are made with their house made batter. If you want something classic, try their buttermilk haute cakes or their gluten-free haute cakes. But if you’re more adventurous, try their blueberry cornmeal haute cakes or their orange ricotta haute cakes. If you’re really not feeling like pancakes, you can always go for one of their scrambles, sandwiches, or salads.

8. LUCCA Cafe

Restaurant, American, Mediterranean

During the week, LUCCA Cafe is a European bistro that serves fresh small plates, cheese, charcuterie, and has an extravagant wine bar. But once the weekend comes, it is time for the weekend brunch. When it comes to the brunch menu, the eggs in purgatory, the French toast, and the cinnamon roll are some of the most popular items. If you’re really hungry, you can also build your own breakfast. If you don’t feel like breakfast, try a LUCCA speciality sandwich, or salad. No matter what you order, you’ll have a delicious meal made with the best quality ingredients.

9. Blackboard Bistro

Bistro, Restaurant, American, Vegan, Vegetarian, Fast Food

If you’re looking to brunch at a cute and small restaurant with some history behind it, take a look at the Blackboard Bistro in Seal Beach. Located right off of PCH, the Blackboard Bistro was once the Seal Beach schoolhouse. Sticking to the school theme, there are two different menus. The breakfast menu is referred to as ‘homeroom,’ and it includes traditional and tasty breakfast items. The lunch menu is called ‘recess,’ and that offers homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. All the food is made fresh from scratch, and no matter what you decide you will not regret it.

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