CasaDamí in Newport Beach, CA: OC’s Best Brunch
French toast
Eggs benedict with caviar and truffle parmesan
Steak and eggs
We set out looking for the best brunch in Orange County, and found it along the harbor on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. CasaDamí is everything we didn’t know we needed: a European-inspired café with a breezy outdoor patio and the most indulgent eggs benedict we’ve ever tasted.
The ambiance is elegant but relaxed, with a coastal setting that instantly puts you in vacation mode. But it’s the menu at CasaDamí that truly seals the deal. Their steak and eggs are a brunch standout, while their charcuterie boards make the perfect shareable centerpiece.
Beyond brunch, CasaDamí delivers a carefully curated wine list that rivals fine-dining restaurants, featuring both legendary labels and lesser-known gems. Sommeliers will feel right at home here, as will espresso lovers.
Read on to learn about the European inspiration behind CasaDamí from proprietors Dave Shah and Camilla Caremoli.
Meet Dave Shah & Camilla Caremoli, Co-Owners
Camilla Caremoli and Dave Shah
What inspired you to open CasaDamí? Was there a particular moment or vision that sparked the idea?
At CasaDamí, our vision is to create a space that feels like an extension of the European lifestyle—where friends gather over exceptional food, thoughtfully chosen wines, and a perfectly crafted coffee, from morning until night. We want every guest to feel transported, as though they are dining in their favorite corner of Italy, Spain, or France, while still embracing the charm of Newport Beach.
Brunch culture is huge in Orange County! How did you approach creating a brunch experience that feels unique?
At CasaDamí, we wanted to offer a brunch that felt both familiar and elevated—anchored in tradition but touched with our signature European flair. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we refined it. Take our Avocado Croissant, for example—it’s our take on the ubiquitous avocado toast, but presented on a warm, buttery croissant and finished with smoked salt and a soft poached egg. It’s familiar, but more indulgent.
We also looked for opportunities to infuse subtle nods to Europe throughout the menu. Rather than the expected bacon or sausage, we feature linguiça, a Portuguese-style sausage that brings a little spice and old-world depth to the plate.
Your wine selection is thoughtfully curated. How you go about selection?
For me [Dave], the wine program at CasaDamí is deeply personal. I’ve always viewed wine as more than just a beverage—it’s a gateway to memory, culture, and connection. Many of the bottles on our list are inspired directly by my own cellar and the wines that have shaped my appreciation for craftsmanship and terroir.
When building the list, I focused on creating something that feels elevated but approachable—selections that complement our small plates and aperitivo-style offerings while inviting discovery. You’ll find Super Tuscans like Tignanello, Sassicaia, and Guado al Tasso—wines that hold a special place in my heart—alongside French legends like Château Margaux and Domaine Faiveley Corton-Charlemagne. We also give thoughtful attention to standout producers from California, including Napa, Sonoma, and the Central Coast.
Using a Coravin system allows us to pour exceptional wines by the glass, so guests can experience something special—like a Caymus or Gaja Barolo—without committing to the entire bottle.
What drew you to the Balboa Peninsula as the home for CasaDami?
I actually grew up on the Peninsula, so there’s a deep personal connection to the neighborhood and community. When we found this spot on the water, it immediately felt like the right fit—not just because of the view, but because it aligns perfectly with CasaDamí’s mission. Our goal has always been to create an experience that feels transportive, like you’ve stepped into a little corner of Europe. Being on the harbor enhances that—it sets the tone the moment you arrive.
What kind of experience do you hope guests walk away with after visiting CasaDamí?
Our hope is that guests leave CasaDamí feeling both comforted and inspired. We want them to feel at home—welcomed like family—yet also transported, as if they’ve just spent a few hours in a charming coastal town somewhere in Italy, Spain, or France. Whether it's brunch on the patio, golden hour with a glass of wine and caviar, or an intimate dinner by candlelight, every detail is designed to create a sense of escape.
Any other information you want to share with readers?
We’re excited to share that CasaDamí is now open seven days a week. Join us for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., linger from Golden Hour into dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
Our wine cellar is always evolving—we’re constantly adding new allocations, unique finds, and hidden gems that align with our philosophy of showcasing wines with soul.
