By: Julie Means

Tucked away in the heart of the Design Plaza in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, Wild Strawberry Café offers a delightful haven for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Since opening on Valentine’s Day 2011, this charming café has remained a beloved spot for locals and visitors, thanks to its charming atmosphere and delicious menu.

From the moment you step inside Wild Strawberry Café, you are greeted with an inviting ambiance that perfectly balances rustic charm and modern elegance. The enticing scents of cinnamon and coffee invite you to explore the array of sandwiches and sweets artfully arranged in the deli. The décor evokes the nostalgic charm of a French café with its clean, quaint and antique elements, beautifully offset by modern artistic touches. Fresh flowers on each table add a beautiful, welcoming touch. Whether you choose to sit indoors or enjoy the fresh ocean breeze on the outdoor patio, every corner of the café exudes a sense of comfort and relaxation.

The menu at Wild Strawberry Café offers a diverse array of healthy café foods, bakery items, a raw bar of smoothies and bowls and espresso drinks that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences.

“We are always seeking out new and improved products, which is why we made the switch to an amazing coffee several years ago. We are proud to serve organic Intelligentsia coffee and teas, along with natural syrups from Proper Syrups,” shared owner Natasha Kazic. “We also prioritize using clean ingredients in our dishes. My family and I dine at our establishments daily because it’s important for us to eat healthily, and we love providing our community with the same quality.”

All egg dishes feature organic, pasture-raised eggs. The café utilizes extra-virgin, first cold-pressed oils and butter, with no seed oils in sight. Their commitment to exceptional cuisine and superior service in a warm community setting keeps loyal customers returning and attracts new ones daily. Regular patrons appreciate the quality of the ingredients, ensuring they come back for more.

"We have customers who come in every day for the same dish, and some even prefer to be served by the same server. We’re fortunate to have a fantastic team!" Natasha said with a smile. "It’s truly rewarding to know that our customers choose to dine with us daily."

Breakfast enthusiasts will be thrilled with options like Spanakopita, chorizo breakfast burrito, egg white veggie frittata, oatmeal and pastries. For those seeking lunch, the menu includes a variety of salads like the kale power salad and antioxidant salad, sandwich favorites such as the Black Forest ham sandwich with honey Dijon, Muenster cheese, spinach and roasted bell peppers; the turkey sandwich with Swiss cheese, avocado, and pesto aioli on a French baguette; and the vegetarian sandwich featuring tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbersand sprouts, also served on a French baguette.

No visit to Wild Strawberry Café is complete without indulging in their delectable selection of pastries, desserts and sweet and savory crepes. From the cakewich to the almond jelly cookie, each dessert is crafted with the finest ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. They’re also incorporating new pastries into their menu that are made without sugar, for those that want to indulge in a healthier way. Pair your sweet treat with a cup of their expertly brewed coffee or a refreshing smoothie, and you have the perfect recipe for a blissful afternoon.

In addition to traditional favorites, Natasha and her team are always coming up with new ideas and dishes. If something is popular, then it will become a fixture on the menu.

“For example, the Serbian pita became our most popular item, after it was initially offered as a special,” Natasha explained.

Customers can't get enough of their current specials, including freshly made breakfast tacos featuring organic, pasture-raised eggs and freshly made chicken tacos with homemade salsa. These are available at their Kiosk location, which opened In April 2023, across from Fashion Island at The Commons. This innovative, WiFi-enabled outdoor space between 600 and 610 Newport Center features plush seating ideal for events, outdoor meetings and enjoying the coastal California lifestyle. Their newest location just opened in October at 400 Newport Center Dr., at the medical building.

What truly sets Wild Strawberry Café apart is its commitment to fostering a sense of community. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels like part of the family. The café regularly hosts events such as live music nights and local artist showcases, creating a vibrant social hub where people can connect and celebrate the local culture.

While some might be challenged by opening a new business, especially a restaurant, Natasha’s enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to her community made it possible to succeed, not only with her first restaurant, but now with multiple locations.

“There’s no need to force change; just go with the flow and move like water,” Natasha shared. “I’m grateful that our restaurant found success from the very first day. We truly listen to our customers' needs and strive to deliver exceptional products and service. Our community means everything to us, and we’re dedicated to providing the best for them.”

Whether you're looking for a serene spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a charming lunch destination, or a cozy nook to savor a cup of coffee and a pastry, or need catering, especially for the upcoming holidays, Wild Strawberry Café is the perfect place. Located in the heart of Newport Beach, this delightful café promises a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious

About the Owner:

The essence of Wild Strawberry Café lies within its founder, Natasha, along with her husband Alex and their family, who embody a true team spirit and a love for family and life. Nearly 15 years later, Natasha and Alex remain deeply involved in their business, and you can often find Natasha personally creating fresh flower arrangements for the tables every Monday.

For more information, visit Wild Strawberry Café at www.wildstrawberrycafe.com or follow them on IG @wildstrawberrynewport

Wild Strawberry Cafe Original Location: 240 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, Phone: 949-706-0462

Kiosk: 610 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, Phone: 949-423-2066

Wild Strawberry Cafe The newest location just opened at 400 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach in the medical building

Stay tuned for another exciting update: Wild Strawberry Cafe will be opening its 4th location by the end of the year, in Laguna Beach. Milena Dujakovich, Natasha’s daughter, will be the owner!