I recently discovered A Crystal Cove’s weekend brunch, which features a mimosa cart service, and decided to spend the day in beautiful Newport Coast. The drive from the South Bay took only 45 minutes. We enjoyed the clear blue sky and fluffy clouds, and we were delighted to find that Crystal Cove offers a stunning ocean view.
A Crystal Cove is owned and operated by the River Jetty Restaurant Group. Executive Chef Elvis Morales is a key partner who has a successful history within the group; he previously worked at A Restaurant and later led the kitchen at CdM. Currently, he leads the kitchen at A Crystal Cove, which has the distinction of being the first restaurant in the River Jetty family to offer weekend brunch.
The interior of the restaurant is both chic and nostalgic, reminiscent of the elegance of restaurants from the past. The oval bar in the center serves as a striking focal point, accentuated by a stunning, illuminated golden trumpet that gives the restaurant a signature appearance. The seating options are varied, and I particularly enjoyed the luxurious leather clamshell booths. Even the barstools are upholstered in padded leather, adding to the overall comfort and style.
The Mimosa Cart provides an exceptional experience with a variety of options. You can choose between the iconic Veuve Clicquot or Prosecco, paired with fresh juices such as orange, guava, or passion fruit. Alternatively, you can select a French 75 or Kir Royale, using St. Germain or Chambord. To add a colorful touch, you can include garnishes like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just be prepared to make a decision, as there are many possible combinations!
Morales has crafted an enticing selection of starters, including a charcuterie board and thinly sliced tempura eggplant topped with spicy tuna and wasabi tobiko. If you’re in a celebratory mood, consider trying the 1855 Premium Angus Beef Tartare or indulging in a caviar service featuring the rich and creamy Ars Italica Oscietra Royal caviar. The Charred Octopus is beautifully plated, with ají amarillo sauce drizzled over the dish, perfectly enhancing the flavors of the chorizo, charred octopus, and roasted potatoes.
The menu features an impressive selection of remaining salads, clam chowder, and entrees. Craving breakfast? You can choose from delicious options like Brioche French Toast, Eggs Benedict, or Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. If you’re leaning towards lunch, try the Crispy Chicken Sandwich with cilantro coleslaw, Whole Grilled Branzino, or choose from a variety of premium steaks, including Japanese A5 Wagyu. For a lighter option, consider the Spiced Pear Salad among other lunch salads.
I must admit that I prefer Morales’ poblano hollandaise to regular hollandaise. A standout dish is the Mexican Benedict, which features marinated al pastor chorizo, perfectly complemented by the poblano hollandaise and micro cilantro. Even the English muffin stayed crisp throughout the meal.
The interior vibe made me feel nostalgic, so I decided to order the Lobster Cobb salad. I appreciated the chef’s unique take on the classic dish, using lobster instead of chicken. The salad featured sweet corn, feta cheese instead of blue cheese, and heirloom grape tomatoes instead of chopped hothouse varieties. Finally, a drizzle of avocado aioli added a delightful finishing touch. I enjoyed his modern take on the classic.
I particularly enjoyed the comfortable leather booths and the generous space between tables, which created a pleasant atmosphere for conversation. The food was delicious, and the selection of top-quality adult beverages was impressive. Treat yourself by visiting A Crystal Cove for a fantastic brunch experience, complete with beautiful ocean views and live music.
If the weather is nice, consider hiking or tidepooling at nearby Crystal Cove State Park.
Brunch service is available on Friday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 3 PM.
A Crystal Cove
7864 E Coast Hwy Newport Coast
riverjettyrg.com/a-crystal-cove/