This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

The First of Four New Restaurants at Marbella Open

Four new restaurants – South Coast Kitchen, Harlow's, the Olives Branch Mediterranean Grill and a Mexican grill – turn Marbella Plaza into a world of new cuisine.

In pursuit of his own kitchen to aid his catering business, chef Justin Davis found Marbella Plaza to be the perfect place for his first restaurant, South Coast Kitchen: Café, Bistro and Catering.

Davis’ kitchen introduces San Juan Capistrano to his unique blend of French, Italian and Northwest flavors, within the comfort of the the café’s artistic décor.

"This is a place where catering clients can come in for tastings and feel comfortable," Davis said.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Davis’s wife, Laura, an artist, designed the nature-inspired yet modern feel for her husband's eatery.

"People are excited to try all the different menu items," Davis said.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Espresso and pastries in the morning, and an intriguing variety of taste and texture for lunch, South Coast Kitchen is now open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, Tuesday through Saturday. 

“Every chef wants to do things clean and simple. I try to keep clean flavor profiles, accessible options for people, things that they recognize with a little twist,” Davis said. 

A newly popular dish is the grapefruit, avocado and prosciutto salad. It features an agave-sweetened grapefruit paired with avocado, all topped with white balsamic vinaigrette make for a healthy and curious bite. 

Another surprising option for the cuisine inquisitive is the deep-fried barrata sandwich. If features fresh, creamy mozzarella, pesto, oven-dried tomatoes, prosciutto, balsamic reduction, aioli mushroom and arugula.

“I take the whole sandwich and drop it in the fryer to get it crunchy and finish it in the oven,” Davis said.

Davis says he feels at home in Marbella Plaza with the support he has received from the plaza businesses and local customers.

In the future South Coast Kitchen will offer "bistro nights," staying open for a whole new seasonal dinner menu. 

Davis also looks forward to catering and hosting dining room parties at the bistro during the holidays. 

But South Coast Kitchen is just the first of four new restaurants to open at Marbella:

Harlow’s

With her experience in party planning, San Juan Capistrano resident Bonnie Harlow Kingston can’t wait to bring the community together for a New Year's Eve opening of her new restaurant and bar.

Harlow's pairs healthy and fine cuisine with the uptown fun of crafted cocktails. 

Harlow's will offer everything from dinner and unique drinks to Sunday champagne brunches.

The Olives Branch

Family owned Lebanese cuisine, the Olives Branch Mediterranean Grill, will open Monday Nov. 26.

Father and son co-owners Bill and Omar Chmait look forward to introducing San Juan Capistrano residents to the unique flavors of Lebanese cuisine within the comfort of family dining. 

“The community is so welcoming and beautiful,” Omar Chmait said.

Mexican Food

According to a sign at the center, a new Mexican grill will be making its way into Marbella soon, along with its Italian and French cuisine neighbors. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?