Early Risers on the Ranch
For the opening-bell finance pros and the dawn-patrol fitness crowd, Newport Beach turns the lights on early. If your day starts before the clock strikes 8, here is where you can grab a world-class breakfast, a quick bite and a jolt of caffeine.
Starbucks
Multiple Locations | 4:30 a.m.
If earliest is important, Fashion Island’s easy-access, fountain-adjacent Starbucks opens at 4:30 a.m.,For the opening-bell finance pros and the dawn-patrol fitness crowd, Newport Beach turns the lights on early. If your day starts before the clock strikes 8, here is where you can grab a world-class breakfast, a quick bite and a jolt of caffeine. as does Newport North. You know the menu — egg-pesto-mozzarella sandwich, S’mores Frappuccino, etc. The Newport Coast and Eastbluff locations open at 5 a.m. and Harbor View opens at 6 a.m.
Mag’s Donuts & Bakery
Newport North Shopping Center | 5 a.m.
Craving a maple bacon cronut before sunrise? A ham + cheese croissant or breakfast biscuit sandwich with your coffee? This local go-to is your best bet. Its beginnings 45 years ago were an American dream come true.
Java Bakery Café
Bayside Shopping Center | 6 a.m.
Options include breakfast bagels and burritos and fresh-baked pastries as well as eye-opening Turkish coffee and tuxedo mocha. The decor — chandelier, white tufted leather seating — seals the deal for those in the Balboa Island-adjacent neighborhood.
Bristol Farms
Corona del Mar Plaza | 6 a.m.
Consider the commuter breakfast sandwich before hitting the road or more leisurely blueberry-topped French toast bake or brisket breakfast burrito, and maybe pick up a few gourmet groceries. Also new: loaded protein egg bites.
Stacks Pancake House
The Bluffs | 6:30 a.m.
Stacks on stacks of international favorites at the Hawaiian cafe and bakery start at egg-topped chicken katsu curry, kalua pork Benedict, island chilaquiles, garden-stuffed crepes, Belgian waffle trio and favorite Mac’Nut Banana pancakes.
Caffè II
The Resort at Pelican Hill | 6:30 a.m.
Tee time! Pelican Hill Golf Club’s Caffè II offers bacon-and-egg sandwiches, pastries and Italian coffee drinks at greens-adjacent outdoor seating.
Levain Bakery
Fashion Island | 7 a.m.
Renowned for its cookies, new Levain also boasts serious morning game: full barista service plus fresh-baked muffins, scones, brioches, sourdough loaves and baguettes. For a special day treat, pair the humongous dark chocolate chocolate-chip cookie with the viral cookie milk latte.
Chaupain Bakery
Newport Hills Shopping Center | 7 a.m.
The croissant — fabulously flaky, crazy buttery, audibly crisp, altogether exuberant — would be starter enough, but there’s also tartine, quiche slices, pain perdu, prime roast beef breakfast sandwich and saucisse de Toulouse skillet.
Parakeet Cafe
Crystal Cove Shopping Center | 7 a.m.
“Love at first flight!” The spot offers many diverse breakfast possibilities, beautifully presented, many designed for vegans and vegetarians. Consider the elaborate avocado toast or Belgian waffle with banana and berries with a wellness latte.
Scratch Bakery and Cafe
Fashion Island | 7 a.m.
This casual eatery looking out onto the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard presents three kinds of breakfast sandwiches, each on the fluffy house-made Manna Bun, plus a Monte Cristo, French toast and the breakfast platter. Tasty pastries, too.
OEB Kitchen
Westcliff Plaza | 7:30 a.m.
Distinctive choices at the chic and cheery spot include the lobster scramble breakfast and Korean bulgogi Benedict — both served with beef tallow-fried herb potatoes — and, under the menu heading Fully Worth the Calories, Dubai chocolate crepe.
Joe & the Juice
Fashion Island | 8 a.m.
The pink-skewed millennial magnet is known for cold-pressed juices, smoothies and creative espresso- or matcha-based drinks. Morning wraps and bowls include the steak and eggs; eggs and avocado; and turkey scramble.
Ralph’s Coffee
Fashion Island | 8 a.m. (9 a.m. Sundays)
Prefer your early start with a side of preppy elegance? Ralph Lauren’s chic cafe, first in California, offers globally sourced organic Ralph’s Roast, decaf and espresso, an assortment of teas and pastries and a retro vibe.
