Start Your Day Right With Brisbane’s Best Breakfasts
Wakey wakey!
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Hey, early birds (and not so early ones)!
Hungry? Whether you need some replenishment after a large night dancing Brisbane’s rooftops, or searching for the perfect way to start the day, leave the cereal for another day and dig into a hearty breakfast from some of Brisbane’s best.
A bustling culture within itself, the Brisbane dining scene boasts an array of tantalising ways to fuel your day, giving our east coast friends a run for their money. You might be in the mood for pancakes with caramelised pecans and maple ice cream. Or perhaps Shakshuka with garlic labneh and slow-cooked beef is calling your name? Whatever your preference, there’s a plethora of dishes on offer to make sure you always get up on the right side of the bed. Here are the cafes and restaurants serving up the best breakfast in Brisbane.
By the way, we consider everyone in this list the best of the best! To make finding your next favourite that much easier, we’ve ordered the list alphabetically by suburb and also have filtering tabs for your convenience. Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here!
Alcove Café and Deli
Wilston
An early morning coffee favourite, Alcove Café and Deli makes it onto our list of cafes dishing up the best breakfast in Brisbane for offering not only delicious caffeine-fueled beverages, but fantastic food for dine-in or takeaway. Focused on providing local produce from South East Queensland, it’s clear they have a passion for fine food. Personally, the avocado smash is a staple go-to, but if you have a sweet tooth, don’t pass on the baked apple and pear crumble.
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Paddington Social
Paddington
It might not be breakfast in bed, but within this beautiful old Queenslander house you’ll truly feel at home. The cafe and Thai restaurant offers freshly made pastries alongside a creative breakfast menu from three incredible chefs. Their vegan hash bowl brings together a delightful combination of textures and flavours while sweet tooths will adore their chocolate chip pancakes with chocolate mousse, mixed berries, maple syrup, and candied pecan. Yum!
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NAÏM
Paddington
Predominantly plant-based with a modern Middle Eastern approach, a truly feel-good, tastes-good breakfast awaits here. Head Chef Vince Estacio formerly hails from San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Mourad to serve a menu that’s playful yet practical. Think breakfast pita boards with house-made hummus and Turkish delight waffles and our fave, the Shakshuka.
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Joedy’s
New Farm
This cafe is so good it did the near impossible: opening one week before Brisbane’s first lockdown, Joedy’s still managed to build a loyal following and incredible reputation while creating truly delicious food. The croissant eggs benedict are not to be missed or the avocado toast with lemon myrtle dukkah, citrus labneh and yuzu.
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Morning After
West End
Located in the heart of Brisbane’s West End, Morning After is no stranger to the Brisbane breakfast locals. Their menu is measured on two factors: health and indulgence, so order yourself a guilt-free breakfast as each dish supports local Brisbane producers. There are numerous reasons this spot is high on many people’s ‘best breakfast in Brisbane’ lists, but if you’d like just one, their iconic breakfast carbonara is enough to leave you wanting more – it’s the ultimate dinner-for-breakfast feast.
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Sister Café
Hawthorne
Sister sister, get yourself up and moving because this cafe is sure to brighten up your day. If the tasty smell of barista-made coffee isn’t enough, the pastel pink coffee machine and chocolate topped cappuccinos will have you drooling for more. Not to mention, the breakfast menu will leave you spoilt for options with delectable dishes such as pork belly benedict and mushroom ragu breakfast gnocchi.
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Unbearable Bagels
Teneriffe
There are only two things on offer here but it’s really all you need – bagels and black coffee. The ever-changing menu is full of innovative and droolworthy combinations that will keep you coming back for more, like the Estate Agent with smoked mushroom, chimichurri, cheese and a fried egg, or Big Al with pastrami, seeded mustard, pickled cabbage, aioli, and swiss cheese. Keep an eye on their ‘gram for their specials but be warned: they don’t last long so if you want it, go get it ASAP.
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Lobby Bar
Fortitude Valley
A contemporary French-influenced breakfast awaits on the chic laneway shadowed by the striking Calile Hotel at Lobby Bar. Using ingredients fresh from the rooftop gardens, start your day with clean staples and decadent pastries in the light-filled eatery, handmade to perfection on the daily. Sip on delicious coffee or cold pressed juice as the luxurious James St wakes up for the day, and watch the world go by as the Parisians do.
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Anouk Café
Paddington
Established in 2007, Anouk Café has earnt itself a reputation of great food in a great space. Set in the streets of Paddington, the cafe is bright and airy, and ready to embrace you with open arms and, of course, some of the best breakfast dishes in Brisbane. Offering classic international flavours, there are tantalising options of avocado toast, shakshuka eggs and their signature pad anouk. Plus, keep an eye out for their homemade baked treats on the counter – perfect to accompany your coffee or even to grab and go!
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Marchetti
Brisbane City
Start your day the Italian way with a coffee and baked goods from Marchetti. Tucked into the historic Tattersall’s Arcade, you’ll find a delectable array of sweet treats and savoury dishes, like Tuscan baked eggs and roasted forest mushrooms with white truffle. And, of course, the espresso is always top notch!
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Fiddle Leaf
Bulimba
Those gorgeous breakfast pics that always catch your eye on the ‘gram? You’ll find them at this lush cafe. With a colourful menu that makes healthy food look oh-so-good, this needs to be a staple in your rotation because every weekend the chef creates a truly gobsmacking new dish that’s available until it’s sold out. From vegetable pakora fritters to Moroccan spice lamb shawarma and even a mac and cheese breakfast croissant, the menu is consistently full of delicious surprises.
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Yolk
Newstead
Crawling out of bed and getting your hands on a bacon and egg roll is a sure-fire way to get out on the right side, so head to Morning After’s sister eatery because they are the best at the Sunday morning resurrection breakfast Brisbane. The minimalist menu of rolls, coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice is guaranteed to hit the spot. Our pick? The panko crumb mushroom with scrambled eggs, truffle mayo, and a hash brown on the side, of course.
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Mylk + Ko
New Farm
In the leafy streets of New Farm, you’ll find a delicious hub dishing out wholesome food to make you and your tummy very happy. The ever-popular Mylk + Ko uses fresh and quality ingredients supporting local producers to create meals and cabinet bites that wow. Favourites include the chilli crab scramble and vegan bowls that use açai made in-house.
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Felix For Goodness
Brisbane City
Whether you’ve wandered down the lanes and stumbled on this gem of a café or have heard of its infamous reputation, Felix for Goodness is a must for your breakfast bucket list. A hideaway restaurant and café in the Brisbane CBD, their coffee is not only top-notch, but their all-day brunch menu is made entirely from scratch! Whether you opt for their delectable harissa scramble or pea and feta fritters, be sure to leave room for their sweet treats, which are baked fresh every morning.
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Farmhouse Kedron
Kedron
Brimming with rustic charm and hearty flavours, Farmhouse is consistently hailed as one of Brisbane’s favourite cafes across its seven years of trading – and for good reason. Kicking off at 6.30am sharp every day of the week, breakfast at Farmhouse looks like made-from-scratch fare crafted by a troupe of qualified chefs. Using farm-fresh produce to craft their seasonal menu, the brekky icons here basically have their own cult following. In particular, their famous gnocchi with arrabiata sauce, thick cut bacon, and a soft poached egg, or the Farmhouse potato cake that’s equal parts crispy and cheesy, served with a dollop of their signature hollandaise. With charming nooks and crannies across the bustling cafe to host large groups and the weekend brunch rush, Farmhouse never fails to please the crowds.
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Industry Beans
Newstead
If you need coffee to start your morning right, you can’t go wrong with the innovative blends at Industry Beans. The coffee roastery, education hub, and events destination offers a unique brunch menu with everything from porcini nests to your classic bacon and egg breakfast rolls. Their array of brews are stocked in many cafes for a reason, with the bubble coffee a standout crowd favourite in the bright and contemporary space.
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King Arthur Cafe
Fortitude Valley
Not an early riser? The all-day brunch menu at King Arthur Cafe has the goods for you. The salmon omelette and kimchi fritters are essentials or keep it sweet with the panna cotta and açai granita. Their signature King Arthur blend is renowned amongst the coffee community and the cafe is also licenced so mimosa, anyone?
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The New Black
Fortitude Valley
An epic breakfast is on the cards at this snug cafe on Ann Street. Offering an indulgent menu of new takes on old favourites, you’re sure to leave satisfied. Highlights include the fried chicken benny or truffled smashed eggs with seasonal mushrooms, while those who like to start their day with dessert will love the red velvet waffle.
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Pawpaw Cafe
Woolloongabba
Wake up and travel to South East Asia with the contemporary cuisine at this tropical eatery boasting some of the best all-day breakfast in Brisbane. The signature hash with turmeric hummus, smashed avo, halloumi, beetroot relish, and dukkah is always keeping the crowds coming back, while the tom yum omelette is sure to add zest to your day. Pro tip: come early, as there’s often a few hungry people outside waiting for a table.
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The Green
Fortitude Valley
Stroll into this lush greenhouse on James Street to be rewarded with a Middle Eastern menu of scrumptious eats. From their signature shakshuka with smoked labne, chilli, and Turkish bread to the Tahini granola with blood orange, cacao, coconut yogurt, and barberries, The Green offers a breakfast that will make you feel good in more ways than one. Bonus points because every dish is practically destined for the ‘gram!
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Harveys Bar + Bistro
Fortitude Valley
A bar and bistro might not be your first port of call when it comes to breakfast, but Harvey’s defies the odds. The small menu packs a punch, featuring ricotta buttermilk pancakes with caramelised banana and honeycomb butter or the potato and feta roesti with creamed sweet corn, poached egg, and San Danielle prosciutto.
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Corner Store Cafe
Toowong
Unassuming on the outside but full of quality on the inside, the talented team housed inside the renovated cottage Corner Store Cafe is hugely popular amongst locals and beyond for their ability to whip up consistently tasty fare from 7.30 until 2, day in and day out. Each dish is fresh and filling, from the beef brisket and potato hash to the strapadsada with Greek-style herb and tomato scrambled eggs, fetta, sourdough toast, and pine nuts.
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Hellenika
Fortitude Valley
For a breakfast that’s easy on the tastebuds and the eyes, look no further than Brisbane’s resident poolside oasis. Fresh, simple, and delightfully moreish, you can’t go wrong with Hellenika’s small but mighty breakfast menu, but those in the know are sure to give you the same recommendation: it’s all about the eggs on eggs on eggs.
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Kuhl-Cher
Bowen Hills
As one of Brisbane’s only inner-city cafe roasteries, Kuhl-Cher is the bustling neighbourhood cafe that caters to the coffee aficionado and blissful bruncher alike. Whether you pull up a seat on the street, kick back inside the ambient space, or grab takeaway from the convenient coffee window and cabinet, a Kuhl-Cher breakfast always hits the spot. All the classics are on the seasonal menu, like avo on toast, bagels, brekky bowls, and tasty treats for the sweet tooth. Need breakfast in a rush? Opt for a coffee roasted onsite and their signature banana bread with espresso butter and thank us later!
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Victoria Park
Herston
Get a headstart on your day at Brisbane’s favourite lush precinct! Victoria Park’s family-friendly Bistro is serving up all the brekky classics until 10.30am every Saturday and Sunday (with a lighter breakky menu available from Monday to Friday), while championing fresh and local ingredients on an ever-evolving seasonal menu. Keep it light with honey-baked rose granola and the muffin of the day, or dig into hearty favourites like the housemade hash with fried chorizo, full English breakfast, or créme brulee French toast. The little ones can burn off some energy in the playground nearby, before tucking into bites from the kids menu like pancakes and beans on toast. As for your morning cuppa, that first sip overlooking the rolling parklands and cityscape is guaranteed to hit the spot!
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Header: @thegreen_au / @lobbybarbrisbane / @mylkko