Mom-Worthy Dining in Orange County

Make this Mother’s Day extra special with an unforgettable meal at one of Orange County’s standout restaurants. From lavish buffets by the beach to soul-satisfying Southern brunches, these handpicked destinations are ready to spoil Mom with thoughtful menus, beautiful settings, and delicious surprises on Sunday, May 11.

The Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach
Give Mom the gift of relaxation with a spectacular beachside brunch at The Waterfront Beach Resort. She’ll be greeted with a flower bouquet and bottomless “MOMosas,” including a make-your-own mimosa bar. The impressive spread includes savory breakfast dishes, gourmet sushi, premium meats, seafood, Cabo Wabo fare, and an array of sweet treats. Live music, airbrush painting, and roaming magicians add a festive touch. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults $135, children 5–12 $69, under 5 free. Reserve here.

Benny & Mary’s, Irvine
With an eclectic setting and a menu to match, Benny & Mary’s is an ideal spot to celebrate Mom. Highlights include Smoked Salmon Toast with beet-cured salmon and herbed cream cheese, paired with a colorful mimosa flight featuring orange, pineapple, cranberry, and grapefruit juices. Brunch is offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations or call 714-439-1733.

Story Bar+Kitchen, Anaheim Hills
Start Mom’s day with a Cucumber-Lavender Mimosa or Espresso Martini before diving into signature dishes like Ube Coconut Waffles, Chicken & Waffles with maple-bourbon syrup, and Strawberry Matcha Waffles. A great option for those looking to treat Mom to something fun and flavorful. Brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Book online or call 714-253-3413.

Driftwood Kitchen, Laguna Beach
Take in the ocean views at Driftwood Kitchen’s impressive brunch buffet. Chef Rainer Schwarz presents a full lineup of savory and sweet options, including seafood, salads, hot brunch specialties, made-to-order omelets, prime rib, and glazed ham. Kids have their own station, and the dessert bar is not to be missed. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults $95, children $25, kids under 6 eat free. Reservations or call 949-715-7700.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Newport Beach & Tustin
Celebrate “The Winery Way” with a two-course brunch crafted by Executive Chef Yvon Goetz. Enjoy signature dishes, fresh seafood towers, and endless mimosas in a chic setting. Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menus vary by location. Call Newport Beach at 949-999-6622 or Tustin at 714-258-7600. Menu and details

Knife Pleat, Costa Mesa (South Coast Plaza)
Treat Mom to a refined Afternoon Tea on Saturday, May 10 or Sunday, May 11 at Michelin-starred Knife Pleat. Enjoy LaMill tea, freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and exquisite desserts. Enhance the experience with caviar or champagne. Reservations required; prepaid and non-refundable. Reserve via Tock or call 714-266-3388.

Fable & Spirit, Newport Beach
Executive Chef David Shofner presents an elevated brunch featuring Wood-Fired Shakshuka with Moroccan-spiced tomato, baked eggs, queso fresco, and naan. Other standouts include House-Smoked Salmon on anise toast and Crispy Edge Sourdough Pancakes for little ones. Brunch runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by dinner service from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Reservations or call 949-409-9913.

Georgia’s Restaurant – Irvine, Long Beach, Eastvale
Known for its soulful Sunday brunch, Georgia’s is serving favorites like Fried Chicken & Waffles, Shrimp & Grits, and the Mardi Gras Omelet. The first mimosa is complimentary for all moms. Brunch available at all locations. More info

Puesto – Irvine & Anaheim
All moms dining at Puesto on Mother’s Day will receive a complimentary Toasted Hazelnut Tres Leches Cake, topped with raspberries, vanilla cream, and hazelnut crumble. Pair it with a Puesto Perfect Margarita for the ultimate treat. View locations

Sushi Roku, Newport Beach (Fashion Island)
Sushi-loving moms will enjoy the finest globally sourced fish, expertly prepared and beautifully presented. Add a glass of Champagne or sake to complete the experience. Reservations or call 949-706-3622.

Dublin 4 Gastropub & Wineworks For Everyone, Mission Viejo
Celebrate Mom with special brunch dishes and cocktails beginning at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy Irish favorites like the Traditional Irish Breakfast with black and white pudding, Irish banger, rashers, and more. Dinner service resumes from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dublin 4 Reservations | Wineworks Reservations

Haven Craft Kitchen+Bar, Orange
Located in the heart of Old Towne Orange, Haven is offering a fresh and flavorful brunch menu featuring Skillet Cornbread, Chorizo Hash, Duck Confit Chilaquiles, and House-Made Donuts. Bottomless mimosas, Haven Bloody Marys, and their famous Irish Coffee are also on tap. Reservations or call 714-221-0680.

A Catalina Day Trip: Ocean Views, Island History, and Unforgettable Stops

We recently took a day trip to Catalina Island, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit. With sweeping ocean views, fascinating local history, and a true sense of escape just an hour from the mainland, this island getaway delivered from start to finish.

Getting There: Catalina Express
We started the day with Catalina Express, departing from the Downtown Long Beach terminal. The ride to Avalon takes about an hour, and we upgraded to the Commodore Lounge—which was absolutely worth it. With priority check-in and boarding, roomy leather-trimmed seats, panoramic windows, and a complimentary beverage and snack, it was an easy and relaxing way to begin the day.

Catalina Express offers departures from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, with excellent safety protocols and chances to spot dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds en route.
More info at CatalinaExpress.com

A Local’s Take: Avalon Local Tours
To explore Avalon, we joined Avalon Local Tours for a two-hour guided golf cart tour that gave us an insider’s look at island life. Our guide Carol was incredible—she’s a true local and knew just about every boat in the harbor, every trail, and every piece of island history. We saw more than 25 sights and learned about Catalina’s wild buffalo, native plants, and even the story behind the iconic Catalina Casino (which we admired from the outside).

The tour also touched on the Wrigley family’s legacy, John Wayne’s Catalina adventures, and what life is really like for residents. It was scenic, personal, and a highlight of our day.

Lunch with a View: Pier 24
For lunch, we headed to Pier 24, Avalon’s newest waterfront restaurant located at the historic Steamer Pier. It’s a nod to the vessels that brought generations of visitors across the channel—and it quickly became one of our new favorites.

We enjoyed a fresh and flavorful Berry Salad, rich and flaky Baked Cheddar Biscuits, and a standout Crab & Shrimp Boil that we’re still talking about. With huge windows looking out over the harbor and outdoor patio seating, it’s a great place to relax, take in the view, and enjoy some truly delicious food.

Back in the Saddle: Catalina Island Horseback Adventures
After a 17-year absence, horseback riding has officially returned to Catalina Island—and it’s not to be missed. Our scenic ride with Catalina Island Horseback Adventures was peaceful, informative, and absolutely beautiful. Most rides range from 45 to 90 minutes and travel through hills, valleys, and clifftops with ocean views. We even spotted deer and a couple of island foxes along the way.

Our guide shared plans for the stables’ future—soon to include live music, cornhole, and a relaxed outdoor hangout space that’s set to launch later this summer. It’s part of a bigger revival that ties back to island tradition: in the 1930s, the Wrigley family established El Rancho Escondido, a working ranch and Arabian horse-breeding operation about 12 miles outside Avalon. The ranch continues today and is often open for Saturday tours.

Dinner to Remember: M Restaurant
We ended our day with dinner at M Restaurant, located on the waterfront and adjacent to the Hotel Metropole. It’s newly remodeled with an elegant, coastal atmosphere and a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients.

We especially loved the Manilla clams with Whidbey Island clams, pinot grigio, oregano, crushed red peppers, and garlic ciabatta bread—a dish that perfectly captured the flavor of the island. We also enjoyed the Stuffed Manicotti and Panko-Crusted Sand Dabs, all made from scratch and beautifully presented. The wine list includes biodynamic and organic selections, and the cocktails were equally impressive.

From the comfort of the Catalina Express to the unforgettable sights and flavors of Avalon, this Catalina day trip reminded us just how close paradise really is. Whether it’s your first time visiting or a long-overdue return, there’s always something new to see—and plenty of reasons to go back.

Exciting Additions at Anaheim Hills Festival: Egg Tuck, Story Bar + Kitchen, and More!

Anaheim Hills Festival is thrilled to welcome Egg Tuck, the beloved LA-based breakfast sandwich concept, to its first Orange County location. Opening on Tuesday, March 18, Egg Tuck will serve its signature soft scrambled egg sandwiches on fresh brioche buns, alongside egg burritos, fluffy egg tots, fries, and in-house brewed coffee. 

Guests can find Egg Tuck next to T-Mobile at Anaheim Hills Festival (8150 E Santa Ana Canyon Road), with daily hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Egg Tuck joins other exciting new dining options at the center, including Story Bar + Kitchen, which is now open, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, set to arrive later this year.

Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Christy Gray, Story Bar + Kitchen offers a menu designed around community and togetherness, featuring elevated comfort food and shareable plates. The restaurant also serves a weekend brunch, with creative spins on classics, including benedicts and skillet scrambles. Brunch cocktails include Strawberry Thai Basil, Cucumber Lavender, and Hibiscus Pineapple Mimosas to complement the champagne selection.

Story Bar + Kitchen is now open daily at Anaheim Hills Festival, with current hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Happy Hour is available Sunday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the bar.

Don't miss these exciting new flavors at Anaheim Hills Festival!

Anaheim Hills Festival is located off SR91 at Weir Canyon Road in Anaheim  anaheimhillsfestival.com