By 
This post was originally written in 2020. It was last updated in January 2022.
I want to talk about what has become my favorite area to hang out: Orange County. This suburban sprawl has an amazing laid-back culinary scene and it’s the heartland of American surf culture.
One thing that truly embodies this Southern California spirit is the lavishly executed surfer vibes in the coffee shops I reviewed below. Even though I don’t surf, I grew up watching Laguna Beach on MTV and other shows and movies with a Southern California theme.
If you’re not familiar with LA, the beach cities in Orange County, like Newport Beach or Huntington Beach are hallmarks. Forget about Venice Beach, it all started in Orange County.
Another reason why I love discovering places in OC, is because of how unpretentious and mellow these coffee shops and restaurants are. Many of these places aren’t heavily promoted online or teeming with teenage influencers, which is what has always made my eating experiences in these places so memorable. I truly wish I could find something similar in LA, but it’s way too late for that. I bet if you were to ask anyone from LA if they knew about the existence of some of these OC restaurants or coffee shops, they would look at you like you’re speaking a different language. Not everyone likes to cheat on their go-to brunch spots, and certainly not drive to a different county!
This year I’ve also been driving down to San Diego County (blog post coming soon) to get a more in-depth perspective of how LA County, Orange County and San Diego County differ from each other. I’ve been fascinated by this exploration for a few years, which makes my drives to Orange County on the weekends a common occurrence. After living in LA for 4 years, it’s still mind-blowing how there’s always something new to discover. I also couldn’t write this post without thanking @sophiaannamato, a fitness influencer based in Newport Beach who couldn’t have been nicer about giving me the lowdown on the best places to go! Given the immensity of Orange County and my unfamiliarity with the neighborhoods, I don’t think I would have ever found many of the places on this list had it not been for her. So, thank you! Her Instagram aesthetic is everything! Check out her website here.
If you get the chance to go to OC, make sure you stop for a coffee in any of the places below. Not only are you supporting independent coffee shops, but it’s also a breath of fresh air from coffee shop chains on every corner.
Before we get into it, here are Sophia’s favorite places in OC. I had already been to many of these.
Here are my must-go coffee places in Orange County:
Scratch Bakery Cafe
Newport Beach (Fashion Island Mall)
Laguna Hills, Orange County
Fun fact! I met Sofia in November 2021 right after I ordered a hot chocolate from Scratch Bakery, a newly opened bakery in the beautiful Fashion Island mall in Corona del Mar. This is my new go-to hot chocolate spot in Orange County. Gosh, was it good! We talked about Rye’s Good, a new bakery in Newport, as well as her passion for discovering new restaurants. Right now, I’m in the process of writing an article about the best croissants in LA, OC and San Diego. Can’t wait to include Rye’s Good on the list!
Daydream Surf Shop
1588 Monrovia Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663
My favorite spot to grab a coffee in Orange County. Period. This coffee shop has surf gear, vintage apparel and contemporary home goods. This surfer-frequented establishment is hidden among the industrial warehouses of Newport Beach, away from tourists or casual walk-in customers. It’s truly a well-kept secret. Do not be alarmed if you don’t see anyone on the street on your way there.
The baristas look like they just stepped out of an Abercrombie ad and the laid-back feel is ever-present. The last time I went there, I even saw recently used wet suits drying on top of a car. The sea breeze from the ocean just a few blocks away is the icing on the cake to this beautiful coffee shop.
Besides this, their coffee is the best and the employees are super knowledgeable on every type of coffee. It reminds me a lot of the artisanal coffee shops I went to in Hawaii, since they sell a lot of locally curated goods. Once you get your coffee, do not hesitate to browse the vintage tees and their beautiful gigantic array of surfboards neatly lined up next to each other. There’s also a super nice comfy sofa for you to sit on and enjoy your coffee while you people-watch or work on your laptop. Depending on the day, there’s also a DJ that plays some really cool indie music out of his Macbook. Using the Shazam app, I discovered several new songs to build playlists from like The Oh Sees by The Axis. How much more dreamy can this place get?
Special note: if you like makeup, Urban Decay headquarters are only a block away! Unfortunately, since it’s a warehouse area with no retail, it’s very hard to get a peek behind those black tinted glass doors.
Work In Progress (WIP)
2944 Randolph Av Ste 1, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This is my new favorite place in OC. Tucked away in a calm plaza lies WIP. The people, the stellar selection of drinks, and the beautiful vibes of this place made for a delightful experience on a hot, sunny day in December. I had the breakfast burrito, which tasted as good as it looked in the picture.
While I was waiting, I loved taking in the atmosphere of the place and people-watching. Many of them, like me, were by themselves, while others were working on their laptops. WIP also carries a selection of natural wines, home goods and cards. Their croissants are from Blackmarket Bakery in Costa Mesa and Chaupain Bakery in Laguna Beach. The former is located inside The Camp (more info below), which is a mere block away from WIP.
When I tell you that OC captures the Californian vibes like no other place, I’m not lying. WIP was so worth the drive from LA. Just like Daydream Surf Shop in Newport Beach, WIP is not a place you casually stumble upon, which makes it even more special.
Humblemaker Coffee Co.
350 Main St., Seal Beach CA 90740
Another coffee place that really hits it out of the park decoration-wise with a beautiful surf theme. A great reason to come here is that 10% of their profits go to Ten For Autism, a non-profit started by the owners of HumbleMaker to encourage other businesses to participate in funding therapy and activities for children with autism. The coffee is delicious and the space is big if you want to get some work done on your laptop. You may also sit on the gorgeous upstairs patio and enjoy your coffee with the vistas of Seal Beach.
Crew Coffee + Cremerie
3300 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663
The location and the decoration are a solid 10. Even if you’re not going to get anything, just the sight of this place alone makes it worth the visit. This beautiful boutique style coffee shop is located in the center of Newport Beach. The coffee is excellent and the ice cream sandwiches they offer on the menu are made in-house! Driving to Crew Coffee also allowed me to discover the beautiful LIDO Marina Village! This cute outdoor mall with eateries and boutique shops opened three years ago and it has the same exact quaint design as Malibu Farm located at the Malibu Pier. Personally, I prefer the Newport Beach location over the one in Malibu. It’s more laid-back, way more spacious and the views of the marina are stunning. I’m not disqualifying the Pacific Ocean views from Malibu, but there’s an ever-present rustic beach ambience in Orange County.
Coffee Dose At East Eighteen
116 E 18th St #3035, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
It seems that LA has been picking up on how great the coffee shops are in OC and decided to finally open a Coffee Dose in the heart of Melrose! The truth is, Coffee Dose has been a hip little neighborhood café in OC or a really long time. This review is for the Costa Mesa location, which, oddly enough, is inside a hair salon! This is such a fun coffee shop, because of the quirky sayings printed on the cups like “Anti Bitch” serum or “Fuck Mornings”. You will not see the coffee shop from the street since it’s tucked inside the hair salon. There’s also a very relaxing outdoor patio with the phrase “Sit Down Be Humble” plastered on the wall. The coffees here are some of the best I’ve had!
Vacancy Coffee Bar (added September 2021)
6480 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Zinc Café & Market (brunch)
3222 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Not to be confused with the mega famous Zinque Café in West Hollywood! Zinc Café has two locations: two in Orange County and one in Downtown LA, but the best one by far is in Corona Del Mar. The parking is super easy and the beach views you get when you drive there are unbeatable. The wide selection of food reminded me so much of Urth Café, but more upscale and better (sorry Urth). My avocado toast was seasoned to perfection, just incredible. If you’re looking for another option, I highly recommend trying the Lebnah Herb Salad plate. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything you order. Just by looking at the food people have ordered, you can see how good the quality is. They also have a deli counter where you can order and take out premade salads and other dishes.
SEJUICED Organic Juice Bar (smoothies, acai bowls)
2744 East Coast Hwy b, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
If you have lunch at Zinc Café and want to get a healthy dessert, or if you’re just in the area, you have to visit Sejuiced by Juice. Not only do they make their own granola but they also insist on using only organic ingredients! I saw the trays of freshly made granolas when I walked in. Sejuiced also offers a variety of gluten free snacks, salads, detox shots and plenty of smoothie options. I don’t remember the exact bowl I ordered but I do remember I made a few substitutions, which they were happy to accommodate. The almond butter was delicious, and given the size of the bowl, I saved half of it for the day after! Make sure to request a lid! If you’re an acai bowl lover, you definitely have to go to Berry Bowl, located at the Mitsuwa Market in Costa Mesa. Their acai bowls were voted number one in Southern California. Another place with delicious acai bowls is Berry Brand in Tustin.
Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice (Brunch)
1000 Bristol St N, Newport Beach, CA 92660
This is probably one of the best hidden gems in Orange County. Vibe Organic Kitchen Café is located in an inconspicuous strip mall off the freeway. Think of Vibe as the elevated version Sweetgreen. Every item on the menu is vegan and organic: salads, macrobowls, smoothies, burgers…everything is super clean and flavorful. I had the Buddah Burger. The patty tasted like a standard black bean patty, but the standouts for me were the siracha almond sauce and miso honey mustard it comes with. Not only was it super hearty and tasty, but it also came with a side of delicious hummus and veggies. You could tell the hummus was homemade. I was blown away by how good my whole meal was! When I told the cashier it was my first time there she couldn’t have been any nicer. I arrived on the early side of lunch time and was lucky to get a table. After 15 minutes, there was a super long line, which just goes to show you how good this place is.
The Camp
2937 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This eco-friendly outdoor strip mall offers a lot of healthy food options. The décor elements are super kitsch and the whole space is aimed to immerse you in a 1960’s vintage hippie van.
I highly recommend stopping at Seed People’s Market, which is an outdoor sporting goods store with an Urban Outfitters vibe. One side of the store is dedicated to outdoor sports gear, clothing and footwear. The other side, the one that resembles Urban Outfitters, has artisanal jewelry, candles, skincare products and more cutesy stuff. This place is so immense that there’s even an upstairs section.
If you want dessert or to simply grab something quick, you must visit the Blackmarket Bakery. Everything is made in-house so naturally, as soon as you step in, you will be enveloped by the heavenly scent. They have a wide variety of pastries, scones, cakes and lunch menu options, making the ordering process a little overwhelming!
Are you in mood for pizza? Check out Folks Restaurant, also located at The Camp.
On the other hand, if you desire a heartier brunch, head over to Orange County’s most famous Cuban restaurant, Habana. They have two locations, one at The Camp and another one at Irvine Spectrum. The atmosphere and the decoration is so romantic you won’t want to miss it.
Breakfast Republic
4213 Campus Dr Suite P166B, Irvine, CA 92612
Who knew that the coolest breakfast spot in OC was located at the Irvine University Campus? You will see mostly university students, which made feel super old. Breakfast Republic started out in San Diego and has made a name for itself as one of San Diego’s most popular breakfast chain restaurants. Although they don’t have a location in LA, you can still enjoy their food in Irvine, Orange County. I saw online their mouthwatering Oreo pancakes.
Granted, I’m not a pancake person but looking at the pictures it was difficult to resist the temptation. Unless you come right at 7 (opening time) be prepared to wait. They also don’t take reservations. I came here on January 1st around 12:30 and the estimated wait time if you came with a big party was an hour. Thankfully, I was seated right at the bar. The pancakes were super tasty and fluffy. The Oreo crumbles and the Oreo filling were every cookie lover’s dream. If you go there and you’re craving pancakes, definitely get the Oreos. The reviews on Yelp of certain dishes are hit or miss, but the pancakes are one of their top-rated menu items. If you’re in LA and you don’t want to make the drive, The Griddle Café on Sunset is a really popular LA spot for pancakes. I’ve never been there, but I read that the pancakes are humongous and there’s always a line every time I drive by. Nonetheless, Breakfast Republic also has a variety of vegan dishes and it has a more authentic Southern California charm. The breathtaking Corona Del Mar beach in Newport was only 14 minutes away!
Note: If you make the drive to Breakfast Republic, definitely go on an empty stomach because the portions are huge!
UPDATE: The first Breakfast Republic in LA opened in late 2020!!
Address: 7141 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 500, West Hollywood, CA
Vegilicious
16821 Algonquin St #103, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
If you want to have the most peaceful and serene eating experience, you have to go to this place! Vegilicious is a Japanese vegan restaurant. This oasis in Orange County offers a wide variety of fresh Asian and Japanese inspired dishes. The owners, are a husband and wife couple who emanate love and positive vibes that you can instantly feel upon walking in. It’s truly infectious! I can’t say enough good things about them! The woman was so nice and checked up on me the entire time, always with a bright smile on her face. Not only do they make everything from scratch, but the price points are also reasonable for being an organic and vegetarian restaurant in Southern California. My order was the Tofu Curry dish. The curry sauce from on the tofu was homemade and delightful. The raisins gave it a nice contrast but they didn’t take away from the complexities of the curry flavor.
Vegilicious closes at 3 pm but they reopen at 5, which is something to take into account if you’re not from the area. Luckily, I came in about half an hour before they closed. The relaxing background music instantly transported me to Hawaii! I can’t wait to go back and try out more the menu! The other couple dining next to me also had delicious-looking and hearty plates. The variety of their menu is also really impressive. If you’re looking to satisfy your palette with nourishing and organic ingredients, please make Vegilicious in Huntington Beach a must-stop! Even their free water is delicious, since it’s filtered.
Unlike other places, since Vegalicious is a mom-and-pop restaurant, they don’t have multiple cooks, so the service is much slower than your average restaurant. With this being said, do not come here on a tight schedule! However, the wife will check up on you the entire time! This is a place to relax, decompress from the day and let the kind owners take care of you. It truly felt like I was in an oasis.
Crystal Cove Ruby’s Shake Shack
7703 East Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657
This is the best place to take a break from the beach or simply end up your day with a beautiful California sunset. I went there in November and I ordered the Turkey burger, which comes with a generous portion of French fries and their seasonal pumpkin shake, which I saw on the sign was made with real pumpkin.
I thought the burger was going to be subpar, but I couldn’t have been more wrong: it was moist and delicious. It wasn’t life-changing – turkey meat is nothing to write home about – but it was absolutely phenomenal. I wasn’t in the mood to munch on a ground beef burger at 8pm, so I went for the turkey burger, which was a lighter alternative.
Forget about the fries, it’s all about the shakes. You have to come here for the shakes. Oh My Goodness, that pumpkin spice shake was the best shake I’ve had since I moved here. Their shakes come with a spoon because they have ice cream in them. They also come with whipped cream and a cherry on top. I waited a little bit for it to melt down. I don’t know how they did it, but it felt like I was drinking an actual pumpkin pie. I didn’t taste the of milk or the ice cream. Overall, the meal was very light and I didn’t feel sluggish afterwards, despite drinking the entire shake.
The parking situation on the other hand, is a complete mess. I waited about 30 minutes to park, but surprisingly, once I ordered, the service was super-fast, and because there is only a limited amount of parking spots, the place was far from crowded! I got lucky enough to park in time to catch the last rays of the sunset. After my meal, there were no cars waiting in sight. With this being said, if you’re planning on going during sunset time, plan ahead and get there at least 30 minutes earlier! It’s a little bit tricky in winter time because the sun goes down super early, so try not to eat too much during the day.
Sipping my pumpkin milkshake with the stunning view while listening to the crashing waves was heaven on earth. I would endure the tedious parking line just for that pumpkin shake! They have different burger options and sandwiches. If you don’t want to pay for a fancy waterfront restaurant, but you still want views and affordable prices, this is it. If this place was in Venice Beach or Santa Monica, I bet they would charge just for sitting there. I’m so happy I finally tried this place out. If you park here, please be considerate of other restaurant guests and don’t occupy one of the precious parking spots just to go to the beach.
Despite the name, this establishment isn’t under the ownership of Ruby’s Diner as it once was.
Bear Flag Fish Co
21058 CA-1 #124, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
3421 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663
This is the latest addition to the list! I drove to Newport Beach on May 1st after Adam Devine shared that Bear Flag was his favorite place to order on Postmates. I intended to share a specific poke joint in Orange County, but after trying it out I felt disappointed. The poke was way too salty for my liking, so I ended up not including it on the list. Nevertheless, stay tuned because very soon I will publish a list of The Best Poke Places in Los Angeles! Anyway, as an Orange County connoisseur, I have walked by this place many times in Huntington Beach, but I never paid attention to it. However, after Adam Devine shared it and after reading the awesome reviews, I knew I had to go. Little did I know that Bear Flag is every fish lover’s haven and a favorite among Orange County residents.
I went to the location in Newport. It’s less crowded than the one in Huntington, which is located inside a beautiful modern food court. However, expect to see people there at all times. The atmosphere of the place is beautiful: nautical theme and clean white subway tiles that really bring out the wood accents and the mounted fish figures on the walls. Whenever I walked by this place, I had to stop and take a close look because they really hit it out of the park decoration wise.
Bear Flag is also a seafood market and will satisfy all of your fish cravings with their fresh seafood sandwiches, tacos, burritos, sushi and poke! I ordered the ½ Lb salmon poke with a scoop of rice on the side. The ½ Lb is $10 and the full pound is $20. If it’s for yourself, get the small one because it will definitely fill you up! The salmon melted in my mouth – so good! I knew it was good as soon as I saw the beautiful, mouthwatering thick cut piece of salmon they have on display in their market section. You don’t need to be a fish expert to appreciate the freshness of it. I also found out that their fish is fresh-caught daily! My total order was $13 and the poke also comes with complimentary chips! I was full so I didn’t eat them, but I also have to mention how good their rice was. I can’t wait to go back and try out the tuna poke! If you don’t want to order poke by the pound, you can also get a poke bowl. Since the poke is fresh-caught daily, I read that they tend to run out of it so go early! Bear Flag does not accept reservations but anyway, due to social distancing restrictions, I ate the food in my car. I couldn’t manage to take an aesthetically pleasing photo, but this is what the poke looks like!
I totally recommend this place. Their fresh, tasty and delicious food offered in great portions will make for a great lunch or dinner after a beach day. If you go to the Newport location, you have to stroll around the Lido Marina village!
Everyday Eatery
6634 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
What a cute place! Every Eatery is located in a very unassuming strip mall. Had I not driven there, I don’t think I would have ever found out about it at all, and this is coming from someone who frequents the Irvine area. The menu is really diverse and they have a great selection of items for whatever mood you’re in. I ordered the Macro Bowl, which was amazing. I don’t really like kale, but this kale was cooked perfectly and the presentation of the bowl, like every menu item in this place, was simply beautiful. You could feel the freshness of the avocado and the quinoa in the first bite. The interior is beautiful and Instagram worthy! Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of indoor seating space available, and it gets really busy during peak times, so be aware of this!
Utopia Euro Café
2489 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782
If you want to feel like you’re sipping coffee in Paris or London, this the spot to go! I’m not saying this flippantly, but the decoration in many brunch spots in Orange County is surprisingly superior to many LA spots. Utopia Euro Café has been open for business since February 2019. I found out about this place through Instagram and was intent on going to the grand opening which fell on a Saturday, but the heavy rains we experienced in Southern California last year made it impossible for me to go.
The floral wallpaper inside is aimed at immersing you into an European café. Every little decoration detail is so aesthetically pleasing – there’s even a British telephone booth outside! Their signature latte, Utopia euro latte, is so beautiful you won’t want to drink it. The rose flavor it’s really subtle and not sweet at all. Their menu, like the majority of brunch places I have mentioned, have something for everyone.
The Blind Pig Rancho Santa Margarita
31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Amazing food and terrific views!! Whatever it is that you order, you won’t go wrong! So so good! Besides their exquisite food, this place is famous for their drinks and carefully crafted cocktails. The only caveat of this place is that their brunch and dinner menus are different, so if you make the drive from elsewhere before 3 pm, you will not get to enjoy their delicious Parppadelle pasta, which is my favorite, but they do have other menu items that will satisfy your palette. The fries and the brussell sprout are also a must! The views of the lake are stunning especially at sunset, which makes for a nice change of scenery if you’ve been at the beach all day.
Morning Lavender Boutique & Cafe
330 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780
Aesthetically pleasing spot that was seemingly created for the gram! The chandelier lamps and the 3-tier dessert stand with macarons, mini sandwiches and scones reminded me so much of Alice in Wonderland!
On top of having a floral wall and a flower truck outside for more photo ops, the café is attached to a boutique clothing store, where you will find the cutest pastel color dresses perfect for the summer. The clothes are quite expensive, but they don’t hurt to look at.
I had the lavender latte and it was so good. The lavender flavor was subtle yet noticeably unique and didn’t disrupt the coffee flavor at all. In addition to the amazing lattes, they have a huge array of teas and a wonderful milk selection including macadamia nut milk, which is not easy to find!
There is an outdoor patio where a large party was celebrating a bridal shower. If you want to come with friends on a weekend, there is also a tea service available on weekends for which reservations are required.
Active Culture
1006 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
I first found out about this place thanks to an influencer who lives in Laguna and swore by this place. Everything on the menu is organic, non gmo and the portions are super generous. Needless to say, whatever you order will leave you satisfied for hours. The star of the place in my opinion, is the frozen yogurt. I’ve never seen so many varieties of unique vegan, dairy-free flavors! Not only are the flavors rich and tasty, but they feel like you’re biting into the actual fruit of whatever the flavor is that you pick! If you look up this place on Google, you will see Hailey Bieber picking up a frozen yogurt from this place. I also love the outdoor seating area, where you can just sit and simply enjoy the breeze and the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Foretti’s
2929 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
It’s her favorite Italian restaurant in Corona!
“Foretti’s / Pirozzi is a celebration of Italian traditions, specializing in authentic Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana-certified wood-fired pizzas baked in a 900 degree oven with the same techniques and ingredients used in Naples, Italy.
We also feature house made pastas and favorite dishes from across Italy, expertly paired with craft cocktails and a curated selection of Italian and California Wines; several from Orange County wine owners.” – Website
Rose Bakery Cafe
3536 East Coast Hwy ste. c, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
“We serve the best coffee in Corona del Mar” – Website
All their pastries are made in-house as well!
Hautes Cake Caffe
1807 Westcliff Dr, Newport Beach, CA
Thank you Sophia for posting about this place!! Just wow. I went there specifically for the Orange Ricotta Pancakes and they did not disappoint. These might be some of the best pancakes in Southern California. Unlike most pancakes served in the US, these are semi-sweet. The tiny bits of orange peel inside add the perfect amount of sweetness and blend all the flavors together extraordinarily. They are topped with warm berries. I’m not crazy about pancakes in general, but these were to die for. Make sure to get the 4 pancakes as they are not too big. I woke up super early and drove for one hour, but it was 100% worth it. There’s always a line and the place is first come first serve so make sure to get there early! Their menu also includes tons of gluten-free options.
Jan’s Health Bar
Locations: Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Corona Del Mar.
“In business since 1972, Jan’s mission is simple, make healthy food accessible and approachable for everyone. Long before it was trendy Jan’s was all about serving healthy food made with fresh ingredients from local vendors. While the benefits of eating healthy are endless, the goal of Jan’s is to help the customer cut through the confusion of the latest health trend or “diet” by providing them with a menu that contributes to a healthy lifestyle.” – Website
South of Nick’s
Modern Mexican
Locations: Laguna Beach and San Clemente
Ho Sum Bistro
3112 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Other restaurants to check out in Corona Del Mar (Newport):
Chironic Tacos (taco chain)
El Cholo (Mexican)
Zabb and Vegetarian Thai
Ellie’s Table Egan House
31892 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
If you haven’t been to San Juan Capistrano, you totally should! This quaint little city nestled in the rolling hills of Orange County is very reminiscent of Santa Barbara. Ellie’s Table Egan House is a stunningly beautiful café whose cottage-style architecture will make you feel like you’re in New Orleans. If you don’t want to sit inside, there’s a beautiful porch where you can peacefully enjoy your meal while basking in the glorious Southern California sun. The whole atmosphere was cozy and inviting. My order was the palm turkey focaccia sandwich and a side of pasta salad. It was tasty and I loved how the bread just melted in my mouth. The pasta salad was also really good. Both of these items were the perfect reward after a long drive from West Hollywood. Although they have a very impressive variety of menu items, the palm turkey focaccia sandwich is a must! Since San Juan Capistrano is the last city on the I-5 before reaching the San Diego County line, most of the breakfast menu items are Mexican-inspired dishes. If you have room for dessert, you have to try out their pastries and signature coffee!
Hidden House Coffee
31791 Los Rios St San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
The best coffee spot in San Juan Capistrano! They also have another location in Santa Ana.
“Hidden House Coffee is a veteran-owned coffee company serving premium coffee to those who enjoy every single sip in every single cup. We exist to develop roast profiles that make every single sip an enjoyable moment – whether you’re in one of our two local shops in Southern CA or you brew from home. ” – Website
Bueno Bueno Mexican Kitchen
26762 Verdugo St C, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Sweet Elle Cafe
5141 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
If you’re in Huntington Beach and you’re looking for breakfast/lunch options, you can’t miss this place! Sweet Elle Cafe is tucked away in the corner of a strip mall. The cozy and homey atmosphere with the vintage furniture make for a lovely and relaxing eating experience. Not only do they have a handful of menu items, including vegan and gluten-free pastries, but many locals agree on the fact that their coffee is the best coffee you will find in Huntington Beach! I recommend ordering either the Lox Bagel or the Lox Panini with avocado. Coffee-wise, I’m super basic, so I always order the same iced almond milk latte, but all the coffee options at Sweet Elle Cafe are delicious and plentiful. If you want to get some work done or simply have a leisurely meal, they have free Wifi, game boards and books at your disposal.
The Koffee Klatch
1440 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The best coffee in Laguna! The quaint and bohemian atmosphere with the plush couches will make you feel like you’re in a 90’s teen movie. They serve Stumptown Coffee, which is one of the highest quality coffees you will find in the US.
Alta Coffee Warehouse
506 31st St, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Alta has been a staple in Newport Beach since 1982 and it’s greatly beloved by locals. I love that they their pastries are baked in-house. From the excellent organic coffee to the beautiful farmhouse interior design, Alta is the best brunch spot you will find in Newport. It can get a little bit crowded, but they have ample outdoor seating space.
These two popular breakfast spots in Orange County are also worth checking out:
Cowgirls Café (1720 S Grand Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705)
Snooze AM Eatery (3032 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782)
Coastal Kitchen
34091 CA-1, Dana Point, CA 92629
Gorgeous restaurant décor and amazing food. They are open during COVID19 and they’re being very strict about the guidelines, which I’m so happy about because all of the anti-mask clowns in Orange County. The beautiful ample outdoor space makes the eating experience a sheer delight. They have a wide range of menu items that will satisfy every palate, but my favorites are the heirloom tomato salad and the rotisserie chicken with Brussel sprouts. If you want to enjoy an al fresco dinner away from the more touristy spots in Orange County, Coastal Kitchen in Dana Point will not disappoint!
California Fish Grill
3988 Barranca Pkwy Suite B, Irvine, CA 92606
I wish I lived closer to one of these!! There are a few restaurants with the same name but they’re not the same! Although you can find a handful of seafood restaurants in Orange County, you will not go wrong with California Fish Grill. This review is for the Barranca Pwy location in Irvine. The ordering process is very simple: you pick your fish of choice and then add your sides and wait for the cashier to call out your name. The fish is super fresh and never disappoints, the portions are big, the prices are reasonable and the workers are really friendly. Overall, you get a nice bang for your buck. My two favorite fishes to order are the salmon and the cat fish with brown rice and veggies.
Heritage Barbecue
31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Owned by the Castillo family, Heritage Barbecue is the first fully-licensed Texas-style barbecue restaurant in Orange County (and possibly California), with offset outdoor smokers like the ones you will find in Austin, Texas.
Other places:
Black Tap in Downtown Disney (Anaheim) – This New York City restaurant, famous for their over-the-top gigantic milkshakes, is in the Downtown Disney District! You do not need to enter the park to access Downtown Disney. They offer parking validation if you spend over $20.
Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana (101 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832). This family-owned business has the best pizza in OC, all the ingredients are imported from Italy.
Hola Adios Coffee Shop 120 Virginia Pl unit 101, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Neat Coffee Shop 1922 Pomona Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. This coffee shop was founded by the same owners from Daydream Surf Shop Coffee Shop!
Descanso Restaurant (Mexican) 1555 Adams Ave #103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 — Tapas style Mexican restaurant
Clay Oven Cuisine Of India 15435 Jeffrey Rd #116, Irvine, CA 92618 — Someone who lives in OC told me to add this restaurant on the list!!
Centro (Italian) – 140 E Main St, Tustin, CA 92780
Centro is a family-run restaurant that specializes in custom-made wines, craft beers and Italian food. The pizzas and pastas are handmade daily! Additionally, the wines are crafted from a family vineyard in Paso Robles, and the craft beers are brewed on the premises! Archana S. from Yelp wrote: “The freshness and quality of the ingredients are like none other. If you’re craving some wine, and pizza, this is the right spot. “
Ai Pono Cafe in Costa Mesa (poke and street Hawaiian food)
Off The Boat Fish Grill in Tustin (Mediterranean)
Irvine Grill (Mediterranean)
Istanbul Grill (Mediterranean)
Anaheim Packing District is foodie wonderland. Their beautiful two-story food hall boasts an impressive plethora of cuisines from all over the world: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Korean, Mexican, Syrian, etc.
More amazing food halls in Orange County:
Rodeo 39 Public Market (Stanton)
Trade Food Hall (Irvine)
4th Street Market (Santa Ana)
Lot 579 (Huntington Beach)
Steelcraft Garden Grove (Garden Grove)
Davio’s (Irvine) – Fine dining Italian.
Frame Coffee (Fullerton)
Lion & Lamb Coffee Roasters (Costa Mesa)
Able Coffee Roasters
7451 Edinger Ave Ste 115, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
“Our goal, as a chef-turned-Education Specialist and a Behavior Therapist-turned-business owner, is to create paying jobs for individuals with disabilities. We use quality certified organic beans, imported directly from small farmers across the globe and roasted daily to create paying jobs for individuals with autism and other disabilities” – theableworkers.com
Dough & Arrow
3033 Bristol St Q, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The best cookies you will ever have. You can also have your latte served in a super cool reusable milk carton bottle!
Summer House
2744 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Located on Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Corona del Mar, Summer House is a super inviting spot with fresh, contemporary, American-style comfort food! It’s the perfect tourist-free brunch spot in Newport.
Avocado Cafe Irvine
6060 Scholarship, Irvine, CA 92612
“We believe in quality and taste at Avocado Cafe Irvine. That’s why we make everything fresh. Every. Single. Day. Juice, smoothies, sandwiches — all freshly made. ” – Mark (business owner)
The Den Cafe
125 N Broadway D, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Restaurants in Seal Beach
Crema Cafe (Breakfast, coffee)
Romano Cucina (Italian)
Donut City
Colombe Coffee
Fish Camp (seafood)
Harbor House Cafe
I hope this list has inspired you to further venture out into Orange County’s emerging food scene! Did you know any of these places? Remember that I’m always open to recommendations!
