Sarducci’s Good for Openers

Sarducci’s Cafe and Grill is best known for its Italian dishes and seafood, and features what the restaurant touts as “South Orange County’s Most Incredible Desserts.” But what many don’t realize is how good the breakfasts are.

In keeping with the nature of San Juan Capistrano, Sarducci’s offers a very relaxed environment and good, friendly service. The place is adorned with ceiling fans and white patio furniture and provides a choice of seating indoors or out. If you choose to sit out on the lower patio, you can watch the morning trains come in. The best news is that it’s one of those rare places where you can get quality food and generous portions at a very reasonable price.

Definitely worth trying are the Eggs Alaska (poached egg on an English muffin with tomatoes, crab and Hollandaise sauce), and the Seafood Omelette, with crab, shrimp and Hollandaise. The Italian Sausage Omelette is topped with tangy marinara sauce and comes, as all omelets here do, with potatoes and mini-carrot muffins or toast.

The Cajun breakfast, with spicy smoked ham, sausage, chicken and scrambled eggs, pleases the more adventurous palate. Other good possibilities include chicken and mushroom crepes with sherried cream sauce, seafood crepes with crab, shrimp and Hollandaise sauce, and a familiar favorite: eggs Benedict.

In addition to their good coffee, Sarducci’s offers espresso or cappuccino, and a choice of fresh juices.

Sunday brunches, accompanied by champagne, fruit juice or mimosa, are $7.95. The regular breakfasts are moderately priced, at around $10 to $12 for two people.

Sarducci’s, 31751 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday till 11 p.m. (714) 493-9593.