This post was originally published on this site
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
Nestled 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 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.
Heidelberg Cafe
1100 S. Coast Hwy., Ste. 116
949-497-4594; heidelbergcafe.com
