Given its charming beach town feel, it should come as no surprise that Newport Beach also boasts a delightful assortment of cafes and coffee bars. From grab-and-go bakeries to sit-and-stay coffee bars, the roster of places to conquer your quest for a quality cup of joe are endless. So before you turn to the nearest Starbucks drive-thru for a basic mocha frap, check out this list of our 13 favorite locally-owned cafes and coffee shops in Newport Beach.
The new kid on the block, Freelance Coffee Project, is a roastery and tasting room dedicated to pouring single-origin coffees. Spanning an impressive 3,500 square feet, the space was expertly designed by the original founders of Long Beach-based Common Room Roasters. The atmosphere is modern and hip, offering the perfect backdrop to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends or colleagues. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for a cozy spot to relax and recharge, Freelance Coffee Project is well worth a visit. Pro tip: If you’re not a coffee drinker, try their turmeric latte for a wellness boost!
Rendez Vous French Bakery & Cafe
Nothing beats a sit-down brunch on a Sunday morning. Rendez Vous French Bakery & Cafe in Corona del Mar is a lovely street side spot for an authentic French meal! This quaint cafe serves up some of the freshest crêpes, pastries, artisanal breads and croissants—all made fresh daily. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scratch-made cinnamon, cream or chocolate beignet, or stop in for a savory Ratatouille and goat cheese omelette.
Tucked in the heart of Fashion Island’s Design Plaza sits Wild Strawberry Cafe — a charming rustic spot filled with antique decor and the sweet smell of freshly baked goods. With everything from breakfast and brunch items like bagels, omelettes and crêpes to lunch specials like sandwiches and hearty salads, you’re sure to leave satisfied.
Kickstart your morning with a trip to the oh-so-trendy Herst Coffee Roasters on Via Lido. This serene and stylish spot offers craft coffee beverages and gourmet pastries with ample outdoor seating to sip and savor. Menu favorites include the Macchiato, Spanish latte and creamy Cortado crafted with a double shot of espresso and perfectly steamed whole milk. Be sure to pair your beverage with a decadent pastry like a slice of their freshly baked banana bread!
Prefer your coffee with a side of community? This hyper-local coffee shop is a hip haven for Newport locals looking to stay awhile. Daydream not only features a curated menu of craft espresso drinks, but it also doubles as a surf shop! Enter in, and you’ll find a collection of surfboards, home goods and beachy apparel that’ll leave you starry-eyed. The coffee/surf shop also features a surf club with a rack of 24 rotating experimental designs.
This popular PCH pit stop is the ideal place to conquer your quest for a quality caffeine fix. Relish the Aussie influence of this charming shop as you make the difficult decision of what to order. Let it be known: this menu is not so typical. Vacancy is famous for its eccentric menu featuring sippers like lavender lattes, creamy matchas and “Gothic” mochas infused with activated charcoal.
While their avocado toast may be a total winner, this little bakery and coffee bar is anything but basic. Since 1990, Haute Cakes Caffe has brewed up the best of the best when it comes to craft coffee. So whatever you choose to sip on, whether it be a Dirty Chai or cold brew on tap, you’ll dig the local charm of this neighborhood gem. But let’s be clear on something: Haute Cakes does more than just drinks; the cafe also serves everything from baked goods and breakfast dishes to lunch and grab-and-go market items.
Located in the cozy community of Balboa Village lies Balboa Lily’s—a community coffeehouse with quality brews and farm-to-table fare. Sip on one of their signature honey lavender lattes or an almond coconut mocha, and feast on breakfast favorites like the Housemade Waffle Platter, Nick’s House Sandwich or yogurt parfait. Be sure to bring Fido because Balboa Lily’s is dog-friendly!
Give your morning the jumpstart it needs with a trip to Alta Coffee! Known to have some of the freshest coffee in town, Alta’s extensive selection of a.m. beverages and goodies will surely fuel your day. Stop by their quaint Cannery Village location for a croissant, cinnamon roll or quichette and pair it with a classic Flat White or decadent Toffee Latte. And before you leave, be sure to check out the work of local artists, musicians and poets who showcase their work at this charming cafe.
Dark roasts and Euro-style pastries are just two of the things this fast-casual spot does well. But let it be known: there is much more to love. Stop by in the early morning, and expect to see surfers catching a cup of joe on their way to the beach. In the afternoons, you’ll find a more leisurely lunch crowd there for the hearty sandwiches and assortment of takeout deli items like imported French cheeses, pâtés and wines by the bottle.
Cure your sweet tooth cravings with a treat from Corona del Mar’s Rose Bakery Cafe. Serving a tasty breakfast and lunch, this local pit stop is the perfect place for a lox bagel, breakfast burrito, grilled sandwich or wrap. But if you really want to treat yourself, snag one of their glazed donuts and a drip coffee to go. Your diet starts tomorrow!
With a dedication to serving clean coffee using a germinated green bean conditioning and roasting process, it’s no wonder Reborn is a sensation within the local Corona del Mar community. Stop in and order a refreshing cold brew or iced berry latte before heading to the beach. At Reborn, you can totally taste the difference! And once you’re hooked, you’ll want to sign up for their coffee subscription program and get those fresh beans delivered directly to your door.
Sophisticated in style yet totally approachable, Zinc is an eatery and retail space all in one! Pop in for breakfast, lunch or dessert and sip on a selection of specialty coffees and wines. Then, once you’re done savoring, browse through the adjacent market and discover a variety of goods—from cookbooks and pantry staples to kitchen accessories and wellness products. You’ll quickly find that Zinc is much more than just another restaurant.
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger