The Gilded Bellini at Babette's
Babette’s Newport Beach is my new favorite Orange County brunch spot. Boasting open, breezy dining areas both inside and outside on the garden terrace, the restaurant radiates beauty. Oh, and may I add that the restaurant is located off East Coast Highway with a breathtaking view of some Royal palm trees, SoCal sunshine and the ocean that looks like an infinity pool from afar. As a bicoastal bruncher, I love the fact that Babette’s originated in East Hampton, with that location out east still going strong. I personally love restaurants that have a beautiful atmosphere that is hard to come by, and Babette’s has just that. Especially after seeing Babette’s on the Real Housewives of Orange County (and yes, I am a huge fan of the show), it was even more of a confirmation that I had to come and give Babette’s a visit!
When walking into Babette’s you immediately find yourself fascinated by the gorgeous architecture and breezy, casually elegant space. Natural lighting from the sun overflows the entire restaurant. The light OC breeze enters the restaurant with you as you see the very chic bar area to the front, and the outdoor patio to the left.
My friend Marisa and I sat outside in the perfect spot, next to a ton of greenery and nestled in the middle of the patio. We were greeted by a very friendly server who was super informative about each dish. The menu was very impressive, featuring clean, organic dishes that are anything from ordinary.
I loved how the menu had both Newport Beach specialties, as well as East Hampton favorites as options. It was so hard to choose between which dishes we should go with! Marisa ended up getting the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast and I went with the Tuscan Quinoa Bowl. The Tuscan Quinoa Bowl was out of this world. It had kale, quinoa, fingerling potato, sunny-side up eggs, tomato and pesto. It was the perfect size of a dish. Since Babette’s uses clean ingredients, the meal didn’t feel greasy at all and I was left super satisfied!
After our meals, we knew we had to try some of Babette’s raw cold-pressed juices! We got the carrot/ginger and the kale/parsley/spinach/lemon. Served in a glass bottle, each juice was incredibly refreshing. I am a sucker for green juices, and this one was one of the best I’ve had! You could just tell that Babette’s quality of the juices, and in every dish they offer in general is made with only the best and freshest ingredients. I love that Babette’s supports local and regional farms using sustainable and organic farming methods.
Another thing Babette’s is known for? The restaurant’s raw cold-pressed juice cocktails! I saw them on the menu and thought they looked awesome, but wanted to save them to try for my next visit. And yes, I will be spotlighting one of these gems in my Cocktail Spotlight soon! It’ll give me some time to choose between the Just Beet It: beet, lime, Serrano pepper, tequila and mezcal, or the Pineapple Express: pineapple, cilantro, lime and rum.
Why stop at the juices? It was finally on to dessert! We got a Breakfast Health Cookie that was so yummy – looked like a cookie, but it was guilt, vegan AND gluten free. Cranberry, flax seeds, almonds, coconut, peanut butter GF flour blend by Thomas Keller were combined to create this snack that was bomb dot com. Just another item on Babette’s menu that was light, delicious, healthy and one that you just could not put down! We got one last thing – these incredible, rich vegan chocolate bites that literally tasted like chocolate cheesecake. Except the dairy-free version!
Babette’s truly is such a special spot nestled in the heart of Newport Coast. If you’re looking for an absolutely darling, elegant, relaxing & breezy brunching afternoon, Babette’s is waiting for your arrival.
Babette's Newport Beach
7962 East Coast Highway
Newport Coast, CA 92657
(949) 715-9915
Photography by: Grace + Light Photo
