Dine / Heidelberg Cafe
FOOD & DRINK
Corner Cafe
A LONGTIME LOCAL FAVORITE , HEIDELBERG CAFE CONTINUES TO DRAW CROWDS WITH ITS WHOLESOME BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FARE , FRIENDLY SERVICE AND EXPANSIVE PATIO .
By SHARON STELLO
N estled on the corner of South Coast Highway and Brooks Street , with a big patio and peek-a-boo ocean views , Heidelberg Cafe is a longtime favorite among locals and visitors alike . With breakfast and lunch dishes served until mid-afternoon , a wide variety of coffee drinks and a case full of fresh baked goods , this casual spot is the perfect choice to meet up with friends , relax while reading the newspaper or grab a warm beverage to take on a stroll at the beach .
The current owner , Sun Park , took over in
Clockwise from top left : Some of Heidelberg Cafe ’ s breakfast dishes including ( from left ) avocado toast , Eggs Heidelberg and blueberry stuffed French toast , plus a rosevanilla tea latte ( front right ) and strawberry matcha drink ( left ); the cafe ’ s patio ; cream cheese-filled blueberry stuffed French toast
2010 and remodeled the restaurant four years ago , but the welcoming , neighborhood feel has remained the same . While the cafe serves up the expected morning fare , from pancakes and waffles to breakfast burritos and omelets , it also surprises with some elevated dishes that look almost as good as they taste . From eggs Benedict — and varieties like salmon Benedict and bacon Florentine — to homemade French toast stuffed with almond paste and topped with powdered sugar , there are numerous sweet and savory options .
The creative coffee and tea drinks don ’ t disappoint , either . Try a rose-vanilla or lavender-vanilla tea latte for a hint of floral flavor . A recent monthly special , the cold strawberry matcha drink also proved popular . And for the more adventurous , choose the ube ( purple yam ) latte . Of course , plenty of traditional coffee and drinks are also offered .
For a light breakfast or to start the meal , the avocado toast is a feast for the eyes and the palate . Bursting with fresh-from-the-garden flavors , toasted wheatberry bread is topped with creamy avocado and sun-dried tomatoes , cucumber slices , arugula and feta cheese , then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze .
One of the cafe ’ s bestselling items is Eggs Heidelberg , which starts with two slices of baguette , then layers on Norwegian smoked salmon and poached eggs . The plate also comes with sauteed cherry tomatoes , and the whole thing is drizzled with sour cream .
For a more indulgent option , order the blueberry stuffed French toast . A small loaf of brioche bread is stuffed with cream cheese , breaded with panko crumbs and deep fried , then topped with blueberry compote . Cut into the loaf , and the delicious cream cheese oozes out , mixing with the blueberries .
Those coming for lunch have plenty of choices , too , including salads , sandwiches and pasta . One of the signature dishes is Creamy Chicken Pasta with chicken breast , sun-dried tomatoes and chopped fresh tomatoes , basil , red onion and a garlic cream sauce served over pasta . Sandwiches range from a tuna melt to a turkey club , grilled steak sandwich and salmon burger , plus the Heidelberg Burger with wagyu beef , cheddar cheese , lettuce , tomato , pickle , grilled onion and special sauce .
For a plated meal , try one the Wiener Schnitzel , which features breaded veal scaloppini with house potatoes and mixed green salad , served with lingonberry jam .
It ’ s obvious why diners keep coming back to Heidelberg Cafe with its wide variety of delicious dishes , welcoming atmosphere and a patio that ’ s perfect for a beach town morning . g
HEIDELBERG CAFE 1100 S . Coast Hwy ., Ste . 116 949-497-4594 ; heidelbergcafe . com HOURS : 6:30 a . m . to 2 p . m . Monday through Friday ; 7 a . m . to 3 p . m . Saturday and Sunday
CLARA BEARD
78 LAGUNABEACHMAGAZINE . COM