The Top Ten Breakfast Places in Orange County, California
My husband and I love going out for breakfast. We even call it our weekly date. Orange County, California has a host of different kinds of fun places to try. There are a few that I honestly would have loved to have tried and included, but didn’t get a chance. Hopefully, I can get another chance to write another article about one of my favorite foods and include them. For now, here are some of our favorite restaurants to start the day:
Plum’s Cafe: Costa Mesa. Located in a strip mall, this place is so popular that even on weekdays it must allow for a long wait. But is it worth it! The owner is a transplant from Oregon who brings wonderful produce, coffee, and artwork to his establishment. The menu has some very interesting items, my husband loves coconut French toast, served with tropical fruits. I love the Greek omelette. We both have trouble resisting Oregon blackberry muffins! My mom says lamb / feta burgers served with a field veggie salad are the best. For my father, the Dutch baby reigns supreme.
The Omelet Bar: Just one block from Plum’s, in yet another mall, is this rather quirky little place. The waiters dress like Cyndi Lauper, but they are very good. Lots of very good egg dishes, but a good lunch menu also abounds. Many old Orange County memorabilia abound on the wooden walls. Homemade apple butter is really great on English muffins.
Las Brisas: Laguna Beach. Honestly, for us the food is highly overrated, but the view of the Pacific is what makes this place such a destination. Plus, you can walk the beach trails and shop all over the city, as long as you find a place to park!
The cabin: Laguna Beach. Another local classic. Literally a cabin. Sometimes this place has a dangerous reputation, but still somehow still a must see for vacationers.
Zinc Café: Laguna Beach. Mostly vegetarian, but the food is hearty enough that even a meat lover like my husband doesn’t mind starting the day here. It also has a cute little market attached, so you can try some of its goodies at home.
All Ruby’s Diners: It’s a chain, but popular with families. What can I say? Even my grandson loves noise and trains, planes, bikes (depending on the unit), and cars sliding on the roof tracks.
Alice’s in the Park: Central Park in Huntington Beach. If you love little family-run places and huge out-of-this-world cinnamon rolls, you have to go to Alice’s. Believe me, you will have to walk through the park several times to cut down on the calories, but the place is fantastic and worth every bite.
Café Neff: Laguna Niguel Design Center. It is only open during the hours of operation of the To The Trade areas, but its staff and food are favorites, not only of the designers and their clients, but of anyone who wants to do a more relaxed version of “the ladies who have lunch. “Plus I’ve never had anything but absolutely delicious food. They have daily specials and morning rolls. The maple bacon scent is too much to die for! The coffee is pretty good.
Ted’s Burgers – Right across the street from Cafe Neff in a strip mall, Ted’s is a local hangout. Everyone from families to motorcyclists to seniors to law enforcement loves Ted’s breakfasts. Nothing to look at, but everything is based on comfort food. The portions are so big that even my husband doesn’t mind sharing a meal with me!
Pacific Whey Baking Company – Four locations. Trendy but excellent breakfasts and bakery options. We love sharing and ABC omelet and a chocolate grinder. While they have an interesting menu for lunch and dinner, trust me, stick with breakfast and desserts.
Corner Bakery: Again, it is a chain, but good food and options. Outdoor seating in most places makes it perfect for one of our typical sunny California mornings. Ours is close enough and allows dogs in the yard, so we took our lab mix for a walk back and forth!
Hopefully, if you live nearby, you’ll be looking for some of these breakfast treasures. And if you visit in the future, look for them and give them a try.