Laguna Beach has no shortage of good brunch, but a handful of spots consistently stand out from the rest. Best brunch spots in Laguna Beach, CA, range from oceanfront patios to a Craftsman-style dining room tucked along Coast Highway. Some lean casual and comforting, while others lean more toward a special-occasion outing. Here are four worth building a weekend morning around.
Key Takeaways
- Learn which spot has the best ocean view for a leisurely brunch.
- Discover where to find a resort-quality brunch inside the Surf & Sand Resort.
- Find out which restaurant keeps things casual with California comfort food.
- Understand which brunch spot brings the most variety to the table.
The Cliff Restaurant: Brunch With a View
The Cliff Restaurant‘s biggest draw is obvious the moment you sit down. Its multi-level outdoor patio looks straight out over the water, making it one of the better spots in town for a lingering morning meal. The menu leans into seafood and American classics, with plenty of options for a lighter or heartier plate.
What to Expect at The Cliff Restaurant
- A patio built for taking in ocean views over breakfast
- Classic brunch dishes like eggs Benedict, omelets, and French toast
- Breakfast bowls for a lighter, veggie-forward option
- A notably popular deep-fried bread pudding for the table
- Wine and cocktails available alongside the morning menu
It’s an easy pick for anyone who wants their brunch served with a view worth staying for.
Splashes: Resort-Style Brunch Right on the Sand
Splashes sits inside the iconic Surf & Sand Resort and offers a polish culinary experience. The kitchen is led by a longtime local chef, and the newly renovated dining room sits close enough to the water that you can watch the waves roll in. Brunch here is only served on Saturdays and Sundays, so it’s worth planning a weekend visit around it.
What Makes Splashes Worth the Trip
- A dining room refreshed for an even more polished setting
- Contemporary coastal dishes made with local ingredients
- Palm-shaded patio seating right along the water
- A kitchen led by a well-known local chef
- Weekend-only brunch that’s worth reserving ahead for
This is the spot to pick for a brunch that reads like part of a resort getaway, even for locals.
Nick’s Laguna Beach: Casual California Comfort Food
Nick’s Laguna Beach keeps things simple with an open, airy space and a menu built around California comfort food. The parmesan-crusted asparagus fries, served with a buttermilk ranch dip, are one of the more talked-about starters in town. Blackened halibut also shows up on the menu for anyone wanting a heartier plate than a typical brunch order.
What Stands Out on the Menu
- Parmesan-crusted asparagus fries with buttermilk ranch
- Blackened halibut for a heartier brunch option
- A relaxed, open dining room with easygoing energy
- Californian comfort dishes that lean more casual than fussy
- A laid-back setting that works well for a group
It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants brunch without the extra formality.
Sapphire: The Most Variety on One Menu
Sapphire brings together global flavors and classic brunch comfort under one Craftsman-style roof. Weekend brunch here covers a lot of ground, from a Kurobuta pork belly Benedict to Nutella waffles and fried chicken with cheddar biscuits. The patio offers a glimpse of the ocean, while the interior leans into a warmer, more modern lounge style.
What’s on the Table at Sapphire
- Kurobuta pork belly Benedict for a richer plate
- Nutella waffles and buttermilk pancakes for the sweeter side
- Fried chicken and cheddar biscuits as a savory standout
- Bottomless mimosas in a handful of different flavors
- A Craftsman-style setting with patio and lounge seating
If you want a brunch menu with real range, this is the one to try first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any of these spots take walk-ins, or is a reservation required?
Reservations are strongly recommended at all four, especially for weekend mornings when tables fill up fast. Splashes and Sapphire, in particular, are worth booking a few days ahead since their brunch is limited to weekends.
Which of these spots serves brunch on weekdays, not just weekends?
The Cliff Restaurant and Nick’s Laguna Beach both serve a brunch-style menu throughout the week, not just on weekends. Splashes and Sapphire are weekend-only, so plan accordingly if a weekday brunch is the goal.
Which spot works best for a bigger group versus a quiet morning for two?
Sapphire’s range of dishes makes it a strong pick for a larger group with different tastes at the table. The Cliff Restaurant or Splashes work well for a quieter morning for two, thanks to the water views.
Why Local Favorites Like These Matter When House Hunting
Spots like these are part of why I love showing buyers around Laguna Beach. Clearly there is so much to love, including its booming real estate market! Knowing which neighborhoods put you a short walk from a favorite brunch spot, or which streets offer a slower, quiet atmosphere on a weekend morning, are details that help a home search click into place.
Ready to explore the housing market? Reach out to me, Clara Blunk, and I’ll help you find a home near the parts of Laguna Beach you’ll want to spend your Saturday mornings—and every morning—in.
