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Wilma's Patio Restaurant
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
203 Marine AveBalboa Island
Newport Beach, CA 92662
(949) 675-5542
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 7 am - 8:30 pm
Fri-Sat 7 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
59 reviews for Wilma's Patio Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Service is great and prices are typical Balboa."
(in 5 reviews)
"...too, love the Italian scramble with Italian sausage..."
(in 2 reviews)
"Golden and thick french toast and biscuits and gravy."
(in 8 reviews)
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59 reviews in English
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Review from Margaret I.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Super cute place, food was delicious, service was great.
I had the egg quesadillo, jalisco style (spicy) with carnitas. It was gigantic! And the guacamole tasted like it was made in house, which I really appreciate. The pricing was pretty reasonable too. -
Review from Chris E.
Newport Beach, CA
1/21/2012
I have been a few times, but it is not a place I crave to revisit.
It is COZY, reminds me of a mom and pop place with big portions (kind of diner-ish with the food options...but perhaps I have not tried the right things).
I am not impressed with what I have tried so far, and -while it is beachy- it kinda gets that stuffy loud room feel sometimes (read: great if you want to watch a sports game, not if you want to feel like relaxed sea side brunch.
My parking suggestion: drive up and have someone get out and put the name on the list, then all of you drve back off the island to the little parking area to the left (left turn on bayside as you leave island and then left into that doctor office parking area. They don't tow. THEN take a gorgeous little stroll over the bridge and down the stree to the restaurant. BOOM! Easy parking, an engaging saunter and a few more calories burned. You are welcome, my friend. -
Review from Annie H.
Irvine, CA
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Eh. This place is just okay.
The food here is substandard American fare - I've been here once for weekend brunch, and once for dinner. They offer pretty much the same menu items as you can find at Denny's, Coco's, or the diner down your street.
The reason this place is set apart is because of the service. I love the hometown, family-owned kind of attitude of this place. It's also a nice stopover if you are in Balboa, which makes a cute date spot.
The thing about this place is that it's PACKED on weekends!! You should expect no less than a 30 minute wait. I've definitely been to better brunch places though. You should just go here to support the family who runs this place!
If you come during dinner and sit near the bar, you can watch football games. Not bad! -
Review from Candy N.
Los Angeles, CA
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Like others have said, "substandard American fare." Parking is terrible (as always, on Balboa Island), and the service/food wasn't THAT amazing. I guess it's just for the homey, comfy atmosphere the place provides? I had the French Toast combination -- the bacon was not that good, but the french toast was really good -- better than I've had elsewhere. Still, I wasn't too impressed by the rest of the food ...
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Review from Adam C.
El Cerrito, CA
11/8/2011
My friend and chose this place in part because of the wide selection of enticing seeming items on their menu.
Once our food actually arrived, though, we were disappointed. My egg quesadilla was allright, I suppose, and the guacamole tasted fresh and delicious. But my hashbrowns were dry, crusty, and slightly burnt, and the glop of sour creme was uninspired.
Didn't really dig the interiors, something disharmonious about them. Our waitress' communication style seemed shrill and obtrusive. The prices were on the expensive side. The other diners seemed like pod people. -
Review from Bettina H.
Irvine, CA
9/9/2011
We eat here almost every weekend for breakfast too! We call ahead and make reservations for the patio and bring our Yorkie with us. Sometimes we share tables with other dog lovers too.
The food is consistently good, fresh fruit, great breakfasts and lunch. Service is good too. If you're noise sensitive some rooms can be too loud, just ask first.
Parking is a struggle, plan ahead or walk accross to the island. Shopping and enjoying the sunshine while waiting for your table is always part of the experience.
Our repeat business tells the real story. Years of patronage, we love Wilma's! -
Review from Jackie W.
Orange, CA
6/26/2011
I'll start off with the pros here: service was overall quick and friendly, especially considering we had a large party. The Eggs Florentine was very good (but not what I personally ordered).
Cons: In the summer time you have to fight the long stream of cars to get onto Balboa Island then attempt to find parking that's not 8 miles away so you can walk to the restaurant. We also had a reservation that was made about 6 weeks ago but we still had to wait a good 15 minutes. Again, large party so I give them somewhat of the benefit of the doubt on that one.
I had the tuna melt while most everyone else got breakfast. Not the best decision. It wasn't bad but for the price ($10) I could have gone to Ruby's on the pier and had a better one. I think I would have been better off ordering one of the egg dishes or something breakfast related since everyone seemed to enjoy that when they ordered it. The inside is...meh. I can't really think of a better description. It's a mish mosh of decor, there's no beach feel and for the prices you pay, you expect something a little better than wooden chairs to sit in. My dad also had to wait about 15 minutes longer than everyone else for his food to come out when he just ordered scrambled eggs and bacon so that was a little weird.
I would give this place another try to see if I had a better experience but right now my review stands at "Meh. I've experienced better." -
Review from Tito Y.
Emeryville, CA
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Big menu... lots of comfort food.
Ordered the hamburger and onion rings. Tried to learn some of the grilling techniques so I can practice this one from home. For an island meal that isn't high end, this place is pretty good. Depending where you sit, it might be neat place to take a date.
The quality of food was decent. I would suggest that maybe you have a few things in the back of your mind to order. -
Review from Lisa O.
Highlands Ranch, CO
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not gourmet food but great for breakfast. Friendly waitstaff. They kept our coffee cups filled. The food was good. Huge cornbread servings! I like that this seemed like a local hangout that wasn't trying to compete with the fusion food of the month restaurant typical in this type of area.
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Review from Hiep N.
Newport Beach, CA
4/11/2011
Wilma's has a huge menu with lots of choices, but ultimately it's no different than a Denny's. I order the belgian waffle and I was expecting a delicious waffle. It ended up being boring and gross.
My friend ordered a burger which was actually pretty good.
I'm not sure why this place is so busy? It's way over priced for the food you're getting. Service isn't the greatest either. I would not recommend this place. I'd definitely hit up the Cottage in Laguna or Haute Cakes in Newport if I wanted breakfast by the beach. -
Review from Claire M.
Irvine, CA
7/7/2011
Our family usually comes here on the weekend for breakfast, and only breakfast.
Before I liked breakfast (weird, I know) I'd get sandwiches, which were good. However, after getting over my breakfast phobia, I realized the eggs benedict (garden benedict!!) & waffles are amazing. Now, they're the only things I ever get. The food is great, not the best things ever, but good quality.
Get there early for seating right away. Somewhat expensive, parking can be a challenge (esp. in the summer and holidays) However, location is amazing, can't beat balboa island! Just put a reservation in and shop around the island while you wait! -
Review from Francis N.
Anaheim, CA
4/28/2011
Great location, parking not so bad, go here for the menu selection. Good service. Bit pricey, but portions are big.
Ordered the meatloaf sandwich with fries and tried the spanish omelet and corned beef hash breakfast combo. Meatloaf was good, not dry but had no sauce though, bread nicely toasted. The french fries were medallion-shaped and tasted really good; nice crisp to them and felt fairly light.
Spanish omelet was okay, the meat was lacking flavor though. I'm personally not a fan of corned beef hash but the hash browns that came with it had a nice buttery taste to it.
Will go back to try a couple things such as the eggs benedict and french onion soup. -
Review from Tracey A.
San Anselmo, CA
11/13/2010
Tradition is tradition is tradition and this is one tradition that the Wefster and his sibling won't allow me to break. Not that I'd want to: It's not a trip to Newport Beach without one or two breakfasts at Wilma's.
Good, simple breakfast food served by attentive staff in a perfect breakfast environment: light, airy... dare I say "beachy".
Afterwards, you're well positioned to work off the meal with a stroll around the island perimeter. Follow that up with some shopping along the main drag's boutiques, then spread your towel on the warm sand, pop open your summer read, and voila: a more prefect day cannot be had.
Wilma's isn't the cheapest breakfast in town but neither will it break the bank. They're open for lunch and dinner too, but by then you shold be off doing other things. Wilma's is a perect way to start the day. -
Review from Melissa W.
Green Valley, AZ
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best place for breakfast on the island. Huge portions, fresh ingredients, good food. Service is great and prices are typical Balboa. Enjoy!
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Review from Sarah L.
6/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
I came here with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins who are from SoCal. They had been here before and said the food isn't spectacular, good, but something you could easily make at home for a lot less $$$ - they were right.
The food is mediocore, not full of flavor, but not totally bland either. They call it "Authentic Mexican". Even thought I'm not Mexican, I've experienced enough Mexican cuisine and wouldn't label their food "Authentic". I got the Soft Fresh Fish Tacos. Decent for $13. A nice 1 cup serving of guacamole :) It was white fish, good flavor, but no seasoning.
The service was friendly and attentive...but I dont know if this is because my uncle told waiter that I was looking up the Yelp review on my iPhone during lunch. Plus, how hard can it be to put on a smile and sunny attitude when you're working on Balboa Island? Come on, I'm from Seattle, we get maybe 60 days of sun a year! Brownie points for not charging my cousin's soda when the rest of the table had just water. That was a fun suprise!
Conclusions:
-Fun and kitchy atmosphere/decor.
-Eromous portions (many tables had 1/2 plates still leftover)
-Kinda pricey for the quality of food
-But dependable food/good tasting for when you're not feeling like taking a risk and want familiar cuisine -
Review from Lukey B.
Costa Mesa, CA
2/5/2011
Short story:
Extensive menu, really good food, decent prices for being on Balboa Island, good atmosphere, cute neighborhood to walk around and hang out in afterwards. Street parking is the only parking available, but it's usually not to hard to find a spot on Marine Ave if you give it a few minutes and don't mind walking a block or two.
.................
The longer read:
I've been to Wilma's twice now. Once for breakfast and once for lunch, and I was surprised to see that they do both equally well. Usually a place that does breakfast so well just specializes in breakfast sometimes lunch, but their menu is HUGE and everything we've tried there so far has been good.
Breakfast:
Good corn bread, tasty pancakes, awesome omlette (I had the chili con carne). Not super flavorful on the omlette, but nothing that a little pepper and Tabasco couldn't help out.
Dinner:
Onion rings were awesome. The shredded beef enchiladas were surprisingly good, considering this isn't a Mexican restaurant and it's not their specialty. And my Red Hot Chicken Sandwich was pretty darn good too.
We sat inside once and outside the other. Both times the service was good. The atmosphere is homey, with a fireplace in one of the back dining rooms. It's kind of like being back at mom's house for a meal. They also have a small bar area with a couple of TVs that had NFL games on when we were there for breakfast.
Overall a good experience both times - we'll be back. -
Review from Tabitha L.
Arlington, TX
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very good food !!!! Service was great !!!!
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Review from Maggie S.
Laguna Niguel, CA
1/21/2011
This is truly one of Newport Beach's hidden gems. Its the perfect place to enjoy a great meal and authentic atmosphere without having to be surrounded by the usual tourists who come to experience a slice of our charming little paradise. A perfect saturday consists of a late breakfast with one of my girlfriends that live on 'the Island', followed by a breathtaking stroll around the island with Rupert (my dog). There is a boardwalk that runs the whole way along the islands perimeter and I'm always running into old friends on the walk! But anyways... i digress. If you want a delicious hearty breakfast, then Wilma's is the spot.
PS. The reviewer who said the french toast is average must be joking. Its delicious with a capital 'D'. (maybe they thought French toast is actually French.) -
Review from Kat S.
12/17/2008
Wut? its 1o'clock in the afternoon?
Wut? you are out luncheon with bosses from the office and currently having an quite intimidating set?
~ Adios all my awkwardly socially non-acceptable routine. im having my egg nontheless since Wilma's Patio serves breakfast all day.
LARGE breakfast selection, i tried the Balboa Belly Bombers. Its a round french bread being hollowed out and stuffed with scrambled egg. Well, it sure looks more interesting than tasting. no no, its not bad if you'd like to just try the funny name for once, but i'll stick to my scrambled eggs and french toast next time.
BBQ chicken salad looked very yummy. That will yet to be reviewed next time since i was too chicken to sample it from other people's plate. -
Review from Steven N.
6/27/2009
The short version: okay food, large menu, Newport pricing, cozy decor.
I've eaten here 5 times now. Most of the time, I've had a breakfast item. Food is just okay and kind of expensive. Well it is Newport Beach, so that really shouldn't surprise anyone. Breakfast will cost you around 15 bucks a person.
So why would I come here 5 times so far? Well, I come because how it makes me feel. It is very cozy and has a country bed and breakfast look. This is very relaxing to me. They also have decent service with a large variety of choices on their menu. Sometimes this is bad as I tend to change my mind a lot when I'm presented with many items to choose from.
This place is very busy on the weekends and suggest going on a week day if possible. Parking can be an issue. You will find neighborhood street parking, it is just a matter of how many streets down you will need to go.
Also be advised as there is only one bathroom. And save room for desert. Not here but at one of the several places that serve frozen bananas across the street. Balboa Island is known for their frozen bananas. Grab a frozen banana and take brisk walk around this tiny, charming island.Listed in: I hate Newport Beach but will…
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Review from Anita L.
9/9/2006 5 photos
Definitely good homestyled food and very kid friendly environment. There is an inside area as well as an outside patio. We sat inside and felt like we were sitting in someone's home.
This family owned and runned business has a HUGE menu. It took me a very long time to go through the entire 5 pages and even longer to make my final decision. I had narrowed it down to a few items and our server helped me decide. Breakfast, lunch and dinner items are served all day long except for a few specialty items listed on the lunch and dinner pages exclusively for lunch or dinner.
I started off with a cup of French onion soup. It was good but slightly salty. Hubby had a blue cheese burger but with a turkey patty (you can choose a traditional beef burger, turkey or veggie patty) and I couldn't resist and took a bite. It was good but I didn't taste enough blue cheese on it.
I had the blackened chicken torta which was served on a French baguette. It was really tasty and had a slight kick to it. I got coleslaw as a side and it was also delicious.
Lil guy had breakfast for dinner and the pancakes were chewy and not as fluffy as one would've thought.
On the whole the dinner was a 3-star deal, but when the dessert of chocolate by suicide cake arrived we were all mesmorized by the richness and pure decadence of this heavenly slice. The layers all tasted different ranging from the cake being not sweet to the next layer of chocolate with a bittersweet aftertaste to the chocolate ganache being extremely rich and sweet. Eaten together it was to die for. Lil guy stopped talking, and even I, not one who is easily impressed by sweets, took 4 bites.
It was this cake which bumped the 3 stars to its 4-stars. Even specialty cake shops have not created a chocolate cake worthy of me taking 4 bites! This one really takes the cake (no pun intended). -
Review from Eileen T.
Aliso Viejo, CA
12/17/2009 13 photos
We parked our bicycles outside. We didn't lock our bicycles, and I even left my jacket and helmet in the bicycle basket. That's one thing I like about Orange County. We don't have to worry about our bike getting stolen.
Mr. E and Dr. P both got beers as soon as they sat down. I got a big glass of Iced Tea. I was so thirsty!
It was around 1pm, but they still offered breakfast. Dr. P ordered Spanish Omelette. When the waitress brought the omelette to our table, Michelle said it looked like Chinese sweet and sour sauce on top of the Omelette. haha.... The Omelette was stuffed with shredded beef, green chilies and Jack cheese. It was rich and tasty. We liked the hash brown, too. The Omelette also came with wheat toast. The toast was a bit too burnt and dried though.
I ordered Cobb Salad with Ranch Dressing. It was a really big plate of salad. Turkey breast, bacon, avocado, black olives, hard boiled egg, bleu cheese, and Jack cheese... on top of salad green. It was a very good Cobb Salad.
Mr. E and Zoe split a Philly Steak Sandwich because it was huge. Our waitress split the sandwich in two plates for them. 1/2 sandwich was still too much for Zoe. No wonder she's only half my size.
We always say Jack is like a little boy. He ordered like a little boy, too. He actually tried to order from the kid's menu. haha.... But the waitress caught him. Cod Fish & Chips looked good. I tried a piece of cottage fries, and it was yummy.
Dinner Salad from the 1/2 sandwich 1/2 salad combo. The other half of the combo, Roast Beef Sandwich.
Balboa Belly Bombers looked really good. We actually thought about ordering this when we read it on the menu.
Our waitress split the bill for us. We really like the food here. Service was fast and friendly. The restaurant was cute and cozy. If we come back to Balboa Island, will definitely come back for breakfast again. -
Review from Jay S.
Marina, CA
6/17/2009
Wilma's Patio is known for an item on the menu called the Balboa Belly Bomber, an egg dish with a lot of food in a bread bowl. Don't order the Balboa Belly Bomber. Actually, I've never had it, it's probably good. I just wanted to throw an Arrested Development reference in here.
Great location, great service, and a huge menu. Like Greg M, I was also told that the french toast was outstanding, but found it to be merely a little above average. The impression I get is that most of their food is a little bit above average, nothing bad, nothing really spectacular. If you're looking for a reliable American breakfast/brunch spot on Balboa Island, Wilma's is definitely a good choice. -
Review from Matt C.
7/22/2009
Overall, exceptionally poor. If yelp allowed 0 starts that is what this dump would rate...
The servers are arrogant, along with most of the clientele that go here. Most of the folk were Newport Beach snobs. They live in their own worlds and need a reality check. But the sad thing is, they don't know good food either, because the food here stinks. It's way overpriced and bland. We sat next to a table where the parents let their children run wild, they were loud, and yelling, and running around the restaurant like wild animals. The parents were oblivious to what was going on - more preoccupied with talking to whomever their adult guest was, who also seemed like a typical pompous snob. Poor parenting...
Never go here, you'll be wasting your time and money. -
Review from Jeannie C.
Irvine, CA
1/23/2009
I think if it wasn't for Newport Beach Restaurant week which ends tonight and my fellow yelpers, I wouldn't have thought about going here. My friend last day at work is today with the company and I informed her about restaurant week. Anyway, she decided on Wilma's Patio.
Once you walk in, it feels so homey, no glitz and glamor like you may expect in Newport Beach. The waiters seems to be all men and they were very nice surprisingly.
I ordered from the prix-fixe menu:
Started with the mexican shrimp cocktail which is tasty, it tasted like a gabacho soup. It was filled with Shrimp and avocado, however, I was hoping for bigger Mexican Shrimp.
I ordered the blackened calamari and shrimp seafood salad. The dressing has quiet a kick to it; the calamari was tender and not chewy and once again, the shrimp was smaller than expected but still spiced very well. I was hoping to get more seafood in the salad and it seems like they had to maximize the plate size by adding a lot of greens. If and when I order this again, I will definitely have to ask to put the dressing on the side.
For my dessert choice, I wanted the chocolate cookies and was told, they didn't have anymore. How can you run out of chocolate chip cookies! So i decided to go with the chocolate cupcake. I have not eaten it yet.
I am still unsure if this is a type of Mexican restaurant or an American restaurant with a Mexican flare since their menu goes from Eggs Benedict to hot dog to Clam chowder to chile relleno. -
Review from Rob W.
Orange County, CA
6/27/2009
hmmmmmmm....A-OK? I gotta tell yah...I'm really struggling with that. Maybe 2.5 stars rounded up to 3?
Want a $12. Omelet? How 'bout a $14. Breakfast in a Bread Bowl? Or maybe just a 2 Egg Breakfast for $10? Breakfast Enchiladas $13?
I honestly kept an open mind right up until the food arrived. Just plain ordinary....honest! Ordinary is the perfect description. Breakfast Enchiladas with very plain scrambled egg, no bits of green onion or seasoning or salt or cilantro or....or anything....just plain egg 2 flour tortillas with cheese and enchilada sauce straight from a can. Hashbrowns, plain as can be. Side of salsa, straight from a can. Pancake combo with sausage....same thing....plain.....some pancake mix straight from a box I assume. Sorry - I expected more.
The "patio" is an interior covered patio with no view. There are two tables out front near the sidewalk. Otherwise just like any other restaurant without a view.
Service was great, very attentive.
Very ordinary overall with unjustified Newport Pricing. -
Review from Joelle P.
Newport Beach, CA
1/8/2011
I'm sorry, but I just didn't have a good experience here. It's a decent restaurant from the exterior but my food was food and it was not "authentic mexican" like I had heard other people claim. Plus, the wild kids who were running around and screaming 2 tables down did not help. Restaurant management, please have the courtesy to tell the parents to control their wild children. Thank you!
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Review from Ric B.
San Diego, CA
3/2/2009
Had the fish tacos. Pretty friggin' disqusting. The fish was rubber, and I was glue. I am a pig and I could only choke down 2/3 of once taco. I left a whole taco and 1/3 on the plate. If you knew me you would know that that just does not happen. My gf ordered the same thing and her stomach bothered her all night after eating one of the tacos. She actually took the fish out of the taco after a few bites, and just ate a lettuce and cheese taco.
I did like their nachos plate, and the Dos Equis beer was good. The service was pretty good too. But those tacos were just completely gross. Sorry Wilma. = ( -
Review from Cindy N.
West Covina, CA
4/14/2009
GOOD: Beautiful neighborhood to enjoy a Saturday afternoon meal. Pet friendly.
BAD: Can't really think of any, except, hmm, no alcohol???
OBJECTIONABLE: One stalled shared bathroom. Eck.
The food is simply American, take that to mean what you may. All the burgers, fries, and sandwiches you want, mixed in with some variances of Mexican dishes. Their breakfast spread is amazing. There must have been 10 different kinds of eggs benedicts and 10 kinds of waffles. Served all day.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere. Its situated amongst the shops on Balboa, very casual and homey feeling. I had my dog with me and the servers were gracious enough to offer him a bowl of water.Listed in: Shut Up and Drive
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Review from Tracy T.
Redondo Beach, CA
9/8/2009
Friendly hostess, quick service, and DELICIOUS eggs benedict with a ton of hollandaise sauce. The key to my heart is hollandaise and they give plenty of it.
Even though we missed our name being called (we wandered over to the olive oil store during our wait time), they seated us next. I overheard the hostess say to the people behind us that that's what they do, so that we should feel free to wander around and check out the sites. But apparently the couple behind us were special or something because she gave us the stink-eye when we did it. Still, she seated us next. It was our fault for being passed over, and I'm sure it's annoying to fit people in like that. But it was weird that it was offered to the people behind us but not to us. I guess that's a good thing in a way because we didn't look like tourists? Yeah I don't know.
Well we were seated after about a 15 minute wait and I immediately swooned upon seeing eggs benedict and its many versions on the menu. Eggs florentine is a favorite of mine, but I HAD to get bacon benedict with hash browns when I saw it on the menu. The poached eggs were underdone, but I like em that way. Plenty of yolk and plenty of hollandaise; it coated the hash browns well. And slices of bacon instead of ham?!? Covered in hollandaise and egg yolk? Best cholesterol I've had!
If it were just me and my bacon benedict, I would have given them 5 stars, even at $12 a plate. But B had the fish and chips and they were a disappointment. The fries here are these cottage fries, pickle cut undercooked rounds that definitely needed more time in the fryer. The three big chunks of fish in the thickest batter ever! It was like cornbread batter, with a big layer of sogginess between the outside and the fish. No wonder they were so fat and round. They looked like a deep-fried twinkie and were battered like a corndog. Sadness.
The place was super busy for brunch/lunch which is a HUGE hint to stick to breakfast foods. -
Review from malcolm j.
San Diego, CA
8/6/2008
Got DOGS?! We did! Three of them! Three huge black dogs! My friend and I were heading down the 101 from Dog Beach, looking for a place for a late breakfast.
A little time spent on the smart-phone found 'Wilma's Patio' as a 'dog-friendly' place. So we figured we'd give it a shot, and see just how dog friendly they are when two donkeys, and three large, wet, dogs rolled up looking for food.
First, they only allow dogs at the two outside tables, which were both full, but the hostess offered to take my cell phone, and give me a call when one opened up, so we didn't have to wait around. Which was great, we walked the dogs around Balboa Island and window shopped, and sure enough, about 20 min later, she called telling us our table was ready!
After sitting down, our 'table guy' Jesus brought out a huge bowl of water which the three mutts lapped down quickly, before flopping down like overstuffed toys.
We asked for 'spicy' bloody marys to get the meal going, and what an excellent job he did in making them! There were as hot and spicy as the girl next to me.
The food was next. We had special reqeusts, and they were all honored. It's hard to screw up a mexican breakfast. .and they didn't The meal was excellent, and non rushed. The staff even came out to pet all three dawgs as we enjoyed our morning.
For a casual, late breakfast place, with nice friendly staff. . I'd reccommend this place highly! I may even come back, because Jesus promised to buy coctail onions for next time! -
Review from Tony C.
Newport Beach, CA
3/4/2010
LOVE IT!
When I don't want to get all dressed up and fight the crowds for a weekend breakfast I cruise over to Wilma's for a quick bite. This Ma and Pa place has been around for so long I can't don't remember it not being here, and I'm freaking old!
When you walk in right away you realize that you are actually in what was somebody's house. I don't even know who's (I'll Google it) but it makes me wonder. I usually sit at the bar because that's were "Flaco" gets all of his work done. He's an amazing spirit there, as he gets all of the beverages ready for most of the restaurant.
I order the same thing each time which is usually why I go there.... because I crave it! Drum roll please ....... The Egg Enchilada. MMMMMM Good! That with a Mimosa and I'm all good!
Check it out as this place will fill your belly! -
Review from Jeremy H.
San Diego, CA
8/25/2008
Unfamiliar with the area, we lucked out when deciding to eat here. Its right in the heart of Balboa Island, so I expected tourist prices and tourist quality. Not the case.
Good food, big portions, quality service, lots of space and a nice view down Marine Ave from the patio. Breakfast served until 5pm although I had lunch. You get what you pay for here(prices aren't exactly cheap but reasonable) and there's plenty to choose from. Get the cole slaw. Keep in mind that parking may be a problem.Listed in: I'm Gone
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Review from Nancy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2006
Wilma's Patio is located on the little village of Balboa Island, where there are other small shops around the area that is reminiscent of small-town villages. The building itself looks like a homey cabin, and you are immediately pulled into it's comfy ambience right at the door, watching others eat their delightful meals at the tables by the front porch. Inside, there are booths and tables with a homey feel, and the lovely patioside where we had the fortune of be being seated.
The patio side wall is decorated with a large mural of an "ocean view" with dolphins and seagulls. It is here that you certainly feel at home at Wilma's patio, with a large canopy awning overhead.
We had breakfast that morning, and the food tasted home-made... like something I could whip up myself. The portions are small for what you pay, at least for the breakfast items, and though my hunger was abated, I was not full from my order. The cornbread is really tasty though.
Overall, I think this place is great for it's casual, homey ambiance and would be a place to go for its atmosphere... not really to eat for fullness -- but I haven't tried the lunch items. -
Review from Annie W.
Costa Mesa, CA
4/11/2011
My friend lives down the street from Wilma"s so we decided to give it a try. The service was great. We sat in the patio area with my dog and they brought her bowl of water, that was nice of them. I ordered the french toast and was diappointed. The french toast tasted dry, like it was left of the a little too long.
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Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2008
My parents love Balboa Island, so whenever we would head down there, we would end up at Wilma's Patio. I thought it had closed down, but that shows you how much I know. It's pretty good. I have a hard time reconciling the nostalgia I have for the things I liked in my youth to my adult sensibilities, so I may be totally wrong about this place in that I may now hate it even though I once truly loved it.
The fries are amazing. -
Review from Ritu K.
1/10/2011
Mediocre at best. Felt like I was eating at some generic Denny's... My wheat pancakes were super boring, coffee was meh, sausage was greasy and OJ was equally as uninspiring. Typical diner like appearance inside. The only saving grace is its located on the charmingly quaint Balboa Island.. Skip it for breakfast....
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Review from Stacey L.
Irvine, CA
9/4/2007
Great place for breakfast or brunch, but expect a long wait on weekends. The price is pretty expensive for breakfast food, but alot of it is the ambiance of cute little Balboa island. It has a fun little beachy bed/breakfast feel inside and the people are always friendly. Some tasty little scrambles too, love the Italian scramble with Italian sausage, tomatoes and basil. Yum!
You can stroll the street of Balboa Island before or after breakfast and treat yourself to a frozen banana or Balboa bar hand dipped with your fave toppings. If you can't choose a topping, they have everything! Literally. -
Review from Huana P.
Santa Monica, CA
12/15/2007
Wilma's Patio is a casual, cottage like restaurant with typical American food. Pancakes, waffles, omelettes for breakfast. Sandwiches, burgers, seafood entrees. Spaghetti for the kids.
It is Zagat rated, but I thought the food was similar to diner food, but maybe a little bit nicer. The burgers are pretty large and tasty. For the healthier route, get a turkey burger instead of a meat burger. Try the mushroom burger. It's pretty large, and they certainly don't skimp on the mushrooms and sauteed onions on top of the patty. The turkey burger doesn't taste like much, but if you add some ketchup then voila! it tastes like a regular hamburger!
The fries are fresh and shaped like Ruffles potato chips, except thicker and lighter. The onion rings are typical.
This place is a cute place to go if you want to play it safe, and not spend the big bucks at all the other restaurants on Balboa Island. The waiters are all very friendly and accomodating. Prices are affordable. -
Review from Cranky Greg M.
Fresno, CA
6/14/2009
I've had breakfast here a couple of times. It is average, but the service is usually adequate. On weekend mornings it is very busy, so I would advise that if you have 4 or more people in your party, to make reservations.
I had French Toast, which everyone seems to think is really good. I really thought it was nothing special. It was good, but average. The bacon was cold and kinda soggy, and the coffee must be a cheaper brand,
But people seem to like this place because it is really busy being on Balboa and all. If this restaurant was in Santa Ana, I think the reviews would be much different!
Overall this place i good, not great with average food but a friendly staff.
