By Dinushka Gunasekara | 18th May 2022
Hey, early birds! 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 start your day, giving our east coast friends a run for their money. To make sure you always get up on the right side of the bed, here are our picks for Brisbane's best breakfasts.
Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here!
Wilston
An early morning coffee favourite, Alcove Café and Deli offers not only delicious caffeine, 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.
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.
Paddington
Predominantly plant-based with a modern Middle Eastern approach, a feel-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, Turkish delight waffles, and plenty of shakshuka.
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.
New Farm
Situated in the hustle and bustle of New Farm, Miss Jones is the spot to be for anyone looking for a breakfast to satisfy tastebuds and aesthetic! The cafe is hard to miss, decked out with iconic pastel pink decor and an ‘excuse me miss’ neon sign (psst, it’s perfect for your socials). Their eggs benny on a croissant is a showstopper, and don’t forget to grab a cup of fresh barista-made coffee.
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. Their iconic breakfast carbonara is enough to leave you wanting more – it’s the ultimate dinner-for-breakfast feast.
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.
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.
Fortitude Valley
Chic and delicious, the Lobby Bar at The Calile Hotel offers simple yet elevated dishes. From the classic breakfast with a herbed omelette, kasundi, sautéed mushrooms, parmesan and bacon, to the green bowl with spiced dahl, avocado, dukkah, and greens grown on the rooftop garden, pair it with a fresh juice and your bound for a brilliant day.
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. 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!
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!
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.
Bulimba
Completely dedicated to the glorious crumpet, this quaint space elevates the humble dish with innovative toppings you’d never think to pair. Pickles on crumpets might sound sacrilege, but with leg ham, aged cheddar, and the house mustard you’ll be in love. Their specials are constantly rotating, so stay tuned on their Instagram to not miss out on fig with lebneh, lemon curd, and fennel meringue, or smoked ham with pineapple, bocconcini, onions, and red sauce – delight!
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 do it best. 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.
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.
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.
Kedron
A tribute to family farms and fresh produce, a trip to the Farm House will have you feeling as if you are eating inside a cosy country barn, despite being in the suburbs of Kedron. With many flocking in for an early-morning feed, it’s always worth the wait. Serving up a delicious menu including breakfast bruschetta and one pan ricotta hotcakes, this is the perfect spot for anyone and everyone (furry friends welcome!). Be sure to also check out their expansive drink menu, including everything from locally roasted coffee to impressive fruit frappes.
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.
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?
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.
Brisbane City
In the heart of the Brisbane CBD, you’ll find a three-storey coffee and food oasis packed with industrial charm and unique yet comforting flavours. Taking cues from a diverse range of cooking techniques, the kitchen is led by Dan Brown, who focuses on sustainable dishes crafted with his experience in Europe’s Michelin-starred houses and some of Australia’s top hatted restaurants. Think curried scrambled eggs with pork and fennel sausage or an authentic French toast with caramelised banana and Montreal Maple syrup.
Woolloongabba
Wake up and travel to South East Asia with the contemporary cuisine at this tropical eatery boasting all-day breakfast. 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.
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!
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.
Toowong
Unassuming on the outside but full of quality on the inside, the young and talented team at Corner Store Cafe is hugely popular amongst locals and beyond. 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.
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.
Notorious for turning a random encounter into a three-hour conversation and running across streets to pat a dog, Dinu is a curious girl who loves a good story. Her extensive knowledge of Donald Glover is yet to come to good use and she would do basically anything for a hash brown. Catch her bombarding her friends with articles she thinks they should read or spending way too much time creating the perfect playlist.
