Newport Beach Brunch 💙 Malibu Farm ☕️

Kicked off the new year with a slow, scenic meal by the water in Newport Beach—Malibu Farm just earned a spot on my "must-return brunch list"! 🥳 📍 Malibu Farm Lido3420 Via Oporto 101, Newport Beach, CA 92663 This little spot sits in Lido Marina Village, such a charming neighborhood! The storefronts line the harbor, with restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and home goods stores all within steps. As you wander, you’ll spot boats bobbing in the water, people gearing up for a fishing trip, and so many dogs 🐶—total heaven for dog lovers (I couldn’t take my eyes off them!). True to its name, the restaurant sources all ingredients from local farms, so everything tastes fresh off the harvest 🧑🏻‍🌾—no artificial fluff, just pure, vibrant flavors. 🥪 Mustard Breaded Chicken Sandwich The star here is the crispy, panko-coated Dijon mustard chicken breast—golden, crunchy, and packed with tangy flavor. The whole-grain toast is super filling, piled high with fresh greens, raw Brussels sprout slaw, and juicy heirloom tomatoes for a satisfying crunch and pop of color. A slather of lemon aioli adds a bright, zesty kick, while the creamy broccoli purée (it’s texture is just like mashed potatoes!) brings a unique, earthy twist. Every bite has layers of taste and texture—so good! 😋 🍞 Baked Coconut French Toast Tiny cubes of brioche bread are stacked and baked until the outer layers have a light, toasty crisp, while the inside stays soft and buttery with a rich milk flavor 🥛. It’s drizzled with sweet-tart cranberry jam and topped with light, not-too-sweet whipped cream, plus a side of maple syrup for extra indulgence. The coconut flavor is subtle (not overpowering at all!), and even with three kinds of sweetness, it never feels heavy. As a total carb lover, I ran to Trader Joe’s right after to buy brioche bread—ended up recreating this at home for three days straight! 🥺 🦀 Crab Cakes These are made with a mix of crab meat and veggies, pan-fried until golden. The crab has a nice presence in each bite, but the portion is way too small—you’ll finish one in a single mouthful. They’re okay, but not a must-order—skip these if you’re trying to prioritize the best dishes! 🤷🏻‍♀️ Sitting there, watching seagulls glide over the water, the gentle ripples in the harbor, and people strolling with their dogs… time just slowed down. It was perfect—slow, relaxed, and totally capturing that laid-back Southern California vibe. 🌊 #MalibuFarm #NewportBeach #NewportBeachBrunch #CaliforniaFood #CaliforniaRestaurantReview #WaterfrontRestaurant