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Orange County Brunch Guide

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(credit: theorangehillrestaurant.com)

Sunday brunch is all about bringing families together for great food and interesting conversation in unique settings. Check out the OC's best venues, many with waterfront picturesque views for this family tradition.

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Orange County Mining Company
10000 Crawford Canyon Rd.
Orange, CA 92705
(714) 997-7411
Sunday
www.orangecountyminingco.com

Take in 360 degree panoramic views while enjoying a champagne brunch in one of the most unique dining settings in Orange County. The Orange County Mining Company was inspired by California's silver mining era and features relics and artifacts from the industry. The venue is warm and rustic and popular among brides looking for a unique, picturesque wedding reception location. Their brunch menu is diverse and hearty and includes Seafood, Omelet, Mexican, and Ice Cream stations.

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(credit: theorangehillrestaurant.com)

Orange Hill Restaurant
410 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 997-2910
www.theorangehillrestaurant.com

Located in the hills of Orange, the restaurant offers fine dining with a view. The property, which has hosted private parties and weddings, is gorgeous and boasts cascading waterfalls, koi ponds, and a large English-style fireplace. Weekend brunch includes made-to-order pasta, omelets, fresh seafood, carving stations, desserts, and more.

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(credit: Ramos House)

Ramos House Cafe
1752 Los Rios Street,
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 443-1342
www.ramoshouse.com

The quaint cafe is situated in the Los Rios District of San Juan Capistrano, the oldest remaining residential street in California. The Ramos House was built in 1881 and retains much of its historic charm. Guests dine outside and enjoy a seasonal menu that can change daily. Their weekend brunch, which includes a glass of champagne or pomegranate/orange mimosa, features an eclectic spread of gourmet foods including sweet corn hush puppies, cinnamon-apple beignets, duck hash, and spicy crab cake salad. It should be noted that this is not a buffet and visitors choose a starter and main course from a list of set menu options.

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Plum's Cafe
369 East 17th Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949)722-7586
www.plumscafe.com

Plum's Cafe, which is known for it's award-winning breakfast, features a Northwest-influenced menu. Located in Costa Mesa, the restaurant offers a comfortable, yet elegant dining experience. Their weekend brunch features Fresh Roasted Hazelnut Pancakes, Dungeness Crab Omelet, Oregon Pepper Ham, Campfire Trout, and a variety of specialty drinks. Unique to your typical weekend brunches, the cafe offers a special kids' menu.

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Las Brisas
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-5434
www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

Formerly known as the Victor Hugo Inn, Las Brisas was transformed to become one of the most popular restaurants for authentic Mexican Riviera cuisine in Orange County. The restaurant overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Laguna Beach coastline, attracting visitors from all over the world. Their menu includes recipes from Mexico's west coast and is inspired by the seafood of the region. Their four-course Sunday brunch includes champagne and features savory crepes, freshly-made omelets, roasted lamb, and authentic Mexican pastries, all with a Mexican flare.

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Motif
St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort
One Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, California 92629
(949) 234-3200
www.stregismb.com

Enjoy oceanfront dining in Dana Point at one of the most luxurious resorts in Orange County. The European-style restaurant features an array of international dishes, striking views of the Pacific, and weekend entertainment. Along with the traditional Omelet, Pancake, Seafood, and Carving stations, you'll find gourmet dishes including Hickory Smoked Salmon, Thai Style Seafood Salad, Baked Alaskan Halibut, and Confit of Duck Leg. Champagne can be included at an additional cost.

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(credit: Tiffany L./Yelp)

Lucca Cafe
507 Quail Hill Parkway
Irvine, CA 92603
(949) 725-1773
Saturday and Sunday 9:30-2
www.luccacafe.net

Hailed as one of the best dining experiences in Orange County, the cafe offers Mediterranean-style dining and features French and Italian cuisine. The husband and wife team use natural and organic products and wild or cage-free proteins to create their dishes. The cafe prides itself on its freshly-made foods and offers an elaborate spread of menu items for their weekend brunch. Select from one of their signature dishes including Eggs Lucca, Pain Perdu, and their Irvine Scramble or Build Your Own Breakfast.

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Bayside
900 Bayside Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-1222
www.baysiderestaurant.com

With its scenic harbor views and New American cuisine, Bayside is a popular Newport Beach venue for Sunday brunch. The award-winning executive chef livens up an array of traditional dishes which include Bayside "Benedict" with Smoked Salmon on Toasted Brioche, Cast Iron Grilled Butterflied Quail, and an Open Face Maine Lobster Sandwich. The restaurant's circular glass wine cellar boasts more than 2500 bottles of wine favorites from around the world, because after all...this is brunch! Guests dining at the restaurant for Sunday Brunch are also entertained by live Latin and Brazilian music from three-piece band The Bahia Boys.

Caryn Bailey is a foodie mom who knows the ins and outs of Orange County. She blogs at Rockin' Mama.

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