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Sugar Shack, Huntington Beach – Enjoy tasty breakfast on the cheap.

Cappy’s Café, Newport Beach (opposite) – Don’t hassle the steak and eggs.

Plums Cafe, Costa Mesa (below) – Not really at the beach. But yummy.

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Plums Cafe ( 949-722-7586; 369 E 17th St; mains $7-13; breakfast & lunch;) Raise your breakfast game with a gourmet dish at this tasty bistro tucked in the corner of a cookie-cutter strip mall near Newport Beach. With its exposed brick walls and sleek designs, Plums will have you feeling oh-so-chic as you nibble hazelnut pancakes, Oregon pepper bacon and French-rolled omelettes.

Taco Rosa ( 949-720-0980; 2632 San Miguel Rd; most mains $8-25; ) Locals bring out-of-town guests to this festive, family-friendly Mexican restaurant (at the back of a strip mall) for thoughtfully prepared dishes a step above your everyday taco-beans-rice combos. The blackened chicken burrito is tops as is the chocolate fountain where kids hover for free samples. Beloved Taco Mesa, in Costa Mesa, is run by the same family.

Kingyo Sushi ( 949-721-5883; 21135 Newport Coast Dr; mains $8-30) This tiny sushi joint just down from Zov’s may be new on the scene but it’s already drawing a loyal following. Efficient service, accessible sushi chefs and sinfully good rolls will have you joining the fan club. If you like it spicy, the Kingyo roll – with Cajun tuna tataki (seared on a hot flame), spicy tuna and chili sauce – is a must.

Zov’s Café Bakery & Bar ( 949-760-9687; 21123 Newport Coast Dr, mains $8.50-17) Don’t be put off by the strip mall setting. Bustling Zov’s is the creation of passionate local chef and restaurateur Zov Karamardian, famous for her Mediterranean-style dishes prepared with Californian flair. From Moroccan salmon salads and grilled lamb sandwiches to spinach and ricotta ravioli, it’s all good. The desserts are excellent too. For chocoholics, the milk chocolate bomb should satisfy your cravings.

Bluewater Grill ( 949-675-3474; 630 Lido Park Dr; mains lunch $10-25.50, dinner $14-25.50; 11am-10pm Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm Fri & Sat, 10am-10pm Sun) Sit on the wooden deck and watch the boats at this polished harborside restaurant/oyster bar that serves incredibly fresh fish. Great for Bloody Marys and a leisurely seafood and coleslaw lunch.

Crab Cooker ( 949-673-0100; 2200 Newport Blvd; mains $11-29; 11am-9pm Sun-Thu, 11am-10pm Fri & Sat) Expect a wait at this always-busy fish joint, which serves great seafood and fresh crab on paper plates to an appreciative crowd wearing flip-flops and jeans. Don’t miss the delicious chowder – it’s loaded with clams. If you’re in a hurry, saunter up to the fish market counter just inside and order your seafood to go.

21 Oceanfront ( 949-673-2100; 2100 W Oceanfront; most mains $25-49; dinner) Prime steaks and fresh seafood served in a dimly lit Victorian-style dining room make this refined oceanfront restaurant a favorite for birthdays and anniversaries. Don’t forget your wallet.

Drinking

Alta Coffee Warehouse ( 949-675-0233; 506 31st St; 6am-11pm Mon-Thu, 6am-midnight Fri & Sat, 7am-11pm Sun) Hang your mug at this cozy coffee shop housed in an inviting beach bungalow that lures locals with a book exchange, art on the walls (for sale) and honest baristas who dish the lowdown on the day’s desserts.

Malarky’s ( 949-675-2340; 3011 Newport Blvd) Follow the laughing leprechaun to this beachy dive where hunky lifeguard bartenders pour tequila for sorority girls and their frat-boy suitors from USC. Bring ID – you will get carded.

Muldoon’s ( 949-640-4110; 202 Newport Center Dr, Fashion Island; closed Mon) The SoCal Irish tradition continues at upbeat Muldoon’s, anchoring a small strip mall across the street from Fashion Island. It’s one of the only spots open past 11pm for the beyond-30 set. Ten beers on tap. Good, if pricey, Irish pub grub.

3-Thirty-3 Waterfront ( 949-673-8464; 333 Bayside Dr) Sip cocktails with Newport’s most stylish up-and-comers at this upscale lounge where views of the yacht-filled harbor are superb. It’s perfect for happy hour or just relaxing