From tried-and-true egg combos and fluffy pancakes to healthy smoothies, acai bowls, and quick-grab burritos, there’s a breakfast out there for every taste and time frame. Here are 25 spots across the county where you can start your day right.
Eggs
Plums Café
Costa Mesa
Every breakfast menu worth its salt features eggs served scrambled, sunny, and maybe poached. But what about shirred? This preparation of eggs baked with cream and Parmesan cheese is far less known. At Plums Café, the indulgent entree is served in a still-hot cast-iron skillet, eggs sitting atop a crusty baguette that transforms into a cushion of flavor as the cream seeps in. Spinach and tomato bits cut the richness, while sliced potatoes dusted with parsley and hints of rosemary are equally scrumptious. 369 E. 17th St., 949-722-7586
Zov’s Cafe
Tustin
Zov’s has egg offerings that range from meat- or veggie-filled omelets to sandwiches and burritos, and the restaurant serves breakfast until
11 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30 p.m. on weekends. First-timers seeking a hearty dish should try the short-rib hash with colorful bell peppers to complement the tender shredded beef, crispy hash brown cake, and sunny eggs. For a lighter alternative, try the Lebanese breakfast incorporating hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, mint, tomatoes, and pita. 17440 E. 17th St., 714-838-8855
The Ramos House Café
San Juan Capistrano
Eating breakfast on the deck of this historic structure is quite the experience. Eggs get extraordinary treatment, with a greater variety of offerings than the compact menu would suggest. Fried poached eggs make a rare appearance, as do small but flavorful Scotch quail eggs. You can’t go wrong with Bubble and Squeak, a dish of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, tomatoes, and a fried potato and cabbage cake. 31752 Los Rios St., 949-443-1342
Early Bird
Fullerton
In the seven years since its opening, Early Bird has amassed a following, meaning there are regularly lines out the door. Thank dishes reliant on local ingredients, with eggs playing a starring role. Favorites include creative twists on eggs Benedict, and omelets such as the John Wayne with sausage, peppers, and mozzarella cheese. If you’re a fan of sunny side up, try the duck confit hash, which also packs unctuous shreds of meat mingling with fingerling potatoes, raisins, and onions. 1000B E. Bastanchury Road, 714-529-4100
The Hangout
Seal Beach
The epitome of beach casual, The Hangout serves a surprisingly strong roster of omelets a stone’s throw from the pier. Despite its unpretentious nature, the restaurant offers specials such as a whole lobster tail omelet. If it’s stick-to-the-ribs food you’re craving, load up with the fried chicken Benny that also includes poached eggs slathered in gravy. 901 Ocean Ave., 562-431-4888
Breakfast Republic
Irvine
Tucked in a prime spot in University Center, this newcomer presents options filled with fun and flavor. Eggs any way you want them unite everything from breakfast renditions of tostadas and jambalaya to hot dogs and a signature dish of shrimp and grits. Other choices include a morning take on mac ‘n’ cheese and a mashed-potato omelet. 4213 Campus Drive, 949-379-7177
Break of Dawn
Laguna Hills
Chef-owner Dee Nguyen’s culinary pearl is in strip-mall suburbia. Simple items such as “potato skillet” and “smoked salmon” belie complex, beautifully presented dishes. Many feature some of the best poached eggs you’ll ever eat, and others include ingredients ranging from wild boar blood sausage to scallops. Tempura-battered eggs are another specialty you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. 24291 Avenida De La Carlota, 949-587-9418
Burritos
Lit Cafe
Anaheim
The menu features elevated breakfasts that include French toast with house-made croissants and chilaquiles with grilled applewood smoked bacon, salsa verde, and a sunny egg. But at Lit Cafe, breakfast burritos are a highlight. The Mr. Rosas’ burrito includes scrambled eggs, caramelized onions, and chicken breakfast sausage. Or get there Saturday morning for a brunch version that includes spicy pork al pastor, crispy fries, sharp cheese, and a cabbage-cilantro slaw. 1071 N. Tustin Ave., 657-208-3485
Nate’s Korner
Santa Ana
Nate’s has been serving its modestly priced and well-portioned breakfasts for more than 25 years. Hot tickets here are breakfast burritos that are a cut above because of the hash browns. In addition to the expected blend of fried eggs, cheese, and meat choices that include pastrami, the burritos boast the most wonderfully crispy shredded potatoes around. 3960 S. Main St., 714-545-5772
Nick’s Deli
Seal Beach
When you’re craving a quick but satisfying breakfast in Seal Beach, follow the locals to Nick’s. This Main Street staple is perfect if you want a breakfast burrito that will fill you for hours on end. The ones slung from this walk-up, beach-casual spot are massive, stuffed with eggs, rustic potatoes, and meats ranging from chorizo to Italian sausage. Breakfast is served all day, but bring your greenbacks; Nick’s is cash only. 223 Main St., 562-598-5072
Bowls & More
Thrive Juice Lab
Laguna Niguel
Pumpkin Joy Bowl, Blue Laguna and Pink Dragon smoothies, and fresh-pressed juices (above)
Active Culture
Laguna Beach and San Clemente
Protein Bowl
Blue Bowl
Huntington Beach and orange
Build Your Own bowl (vegan)
The Stand Natural Foods
Laguna Beach
Berry Groovy Bowl (vegan)
Breakfast Anytime
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Orange and Tustin
This Colorado-based chain opened its first O.C. outpost in Tustin in 2016 and launched its Orange location earlier this year. Offerings range from breakfast-centric takes on tacos and potpies to frittatas, pancakes, and hash. Customization is highly encouraged. In addition to a variety of juices, Snooze offers a full bar with morning cocktails. Enjoy breakfast every day until 2:30 p.m.
Mama’s on 39
Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, and Newport Beach
It’s easy to feel at home at Mama’s on 39, whose name is an ode to the comfort food inspired by a mother’s cooking and the restaurant’s location on Beach Boulevard, aka State Route 39. Two additional spots in Newport Beach and Los Alamitos have joined the original one in Huntington Beach, and all offer a strong breakfast menu served all day. Chicken and waffles are among the most popular items on a roster that ranges from granola pancakes and an “old-fashioned” Benedict to a breakfast pizza.
Harbor House Cafe
Dana Point and sunset beach
If you’re driving down PCH at midnight and craving a classic diner breakfast, head to Harbor House. Whether you opt for the original spot in Sunset Beach—established in 1939—or the Dana Point locale that opened in the 1940s, you can grab breakfast 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Indeed, the only breakfast staple with limitations is the oatmeal, which wraps at 3 p.m. We’re partial to the omelets, smothered in cheese and served with sides such as tortillas, rice, or home fries. The fare is filling if not fancy, but at 3 a.m., isn’t that the point?
Off the Griddle
The | Where | The Specialties | Also |
Stacks | Dana Point, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach | Pancakes incorporating everything from fruit to Oreos to vanilla sauce | Belgian waffles, crepes, and French toast, including a Cap’n Crunch peanut butter version. Don’t skip the coconut syrup. |
Flappy Jack’s | Orange | Pancakes of all varieties, including Hawaiian with fresh pineapple and coconut, banana nut, lemon blueberry, silver dollar, chocolate chip, and an entire page of gluten-free items | Waffles, French toast, and crepes |
Eat Chow | Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Santa Ana | Buttermilk pancakes with options such as blueberries and chocolate chips, and lemon mascarpone French toast with lemon curd, berries, and sweet red wine gastrique | An “a.m. Burger,” breakfast BLTA on a brioche bun, and breakfast salad with poached eggs and pesto |
Haute Cakes Caffe | Newport Beach | Traditional buttermilk pancakes and varieties including orange ricotta, buckwheat, and gluten-free oatmeal blueberry | A chorizo scramble and a breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, white cheddar, and avocado |
Off the Grid
Anepalco
Orange
Chef-owner Daniel Godinez’s small shop dishes out some of Orange County’s best chilaquiles. Beautiful presentation mirrors astounding taste. No mere plate of breakfast nachos, the chilaquiles arrive as a thick cylinder, bound by red or green sauce. Rojos are the favorite, and it’s easy to taste why. The red sauce is made from a secret blend of dried chiles and is orbited by specks of cotija cheese. A sheet of eggs, avocado mousse, and cream top this Mexican masterpiece. 415 S. Main St., 714-771-2333
Moulin
multiple locations
French pastries that appear almost too pretty to eat sit proudly behind glass, along with other on-the-go items such as paninis and salads. The kitchen busily whips up crepes dusted with powdered sugar, thick slices of orange-scented French toast, and perfect omelets. Moulin’s casual yet authentic take on French fare seems to be working, with the bistro set to expand to six locations throughout Orange County by early next year.
Outpost Kitchen
Costa Mesa
Shoehorned between industrial shops, this eatery serves organic, Australian-inspired fare that ranges from meat-and-egg-intensive entrees to smoothies and granola. Outpost’s specialties include house-smoked salmon and a breakfast sandwich with fried egg, prosciutto, and baby spinach. Order at the counter, grab a seat at a high communal table, and enjoy the action emanating from the open kitchen. 1792 Monrovia Ave.,
949-873-5123
85 Degrees C
multiple locations
Since its first U.S. shop opened in Irvine a decade ago, this Taiwanese bakery has become the “it” place for a grand selection of grab-and-go pastries and drinkable treats. Choices range from Japanese-style matcha buns to French rolls and the chain’s famous loaf of milk bread. Liquid treats such as smoothies or signature sea salt-infused coffees or teas are equally delicious.
Order Up!
Our Instagram followers share their breakfast faves
@zoe.rosie Rialto in Downtown Fullerton! Favorite cozy and casual sidewalk brunch. The kindest, chillest staff and the best breakfast potatoes around.
@kat.deangelis Cafe & Te in Fountain Valley – it’s a totally hidden GEM with Euro-Viet breakfasts – I get the fried eggs with pate, saucisson sec, cornichon, French ham and warm baguettes!!! French toast is made with baguettes as well.
@thislifestyled Lola’s Cafe Ladera Ranch (Lola’s Breakfast Burrito) or Ellie’s Table in SJC (Omelette & all the baked treats!)
@slammed_sammy Bonjour Cafe Dana point has the best French toast I’ve ever had!
@somartvisuals Omelette House! Pineapple pancakes are delicious!!
@katiewilke Old Vine Kitchen + Bar at the camp in Costa Mesa bomb omelettes, biscuits and gravy… they even have scrapple
@adamorozco Cowgirls Cafe in Santa Ana! Homemade classics with no frills!
@keeennnnt Secret Spot in sunset beach – HB Surround Sound burrito!!!
@simplyseasideorganizing @zebrahousecoffee in San Clemente. Their gluten free muffins and lattes are delicious!
@jarmfield7 @orangeinncafe in Laguna Beach, great food and even better service
@______mfg @organic_tree in Dana Point for ALL organic avo toasts, adaptogen lattes, juice, smoothies, and amazing fresh bread!!!
@michelle_pichardo @hautecakescaffe BEST PANCAKES @thetroughoc BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO
@socalfan63 Sugar Shack in HB. Great atmosphere and food. Haven’t had a bad meal there yet. Plus you can hang at the beach after you eat
@yasiansarinutrition The Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl from Le Pain Quotidien
@mrsczap @cafemaisondanapoint their root vegetable hash with poached eggs and chimchurri sauce️…or avocado toast with Omari, greens and fried egg️or their fresh pastries ️
@jstock19 @eggslice the pop up at @shuckoysterbar
@gracieforyou @cremacafe their chorizo Benedict and house-made pastries are out of this world.
@kmilrot1 Wilma’s — Spanish omelet!
@hbtrl4 No Ka Oi downtown Huntington Beach for their french toast with coconut syrup!!!
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