Breakfast in Brisbane is almost like a culture within itself. Aesthetic cafés and bustling restaurants are around every corner, with early risers lining up for their morning fix, and sleepy-eyed brunch fanatics waltzing in for their go-to eggs benny. There’s no excuse to settle for your tasteless at home cereal when you can kick-start your day with some of the best Brisbane has to offer. Rise and shine because after all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
Miss Jones | New Farm
Open Mon-Fri 6am-1pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2pm
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 café is hard to miss, decked out with iconic pastel pink decor and an ‘excuse me miss’ neon sign – perfect for your socials! Their new menu is full of tasty treats, savoury delights and not to be missed, banoffee waffles! Don’t forget to also grab a cup of fresh barista-made coffee, it’s bound to make the early wake up worth it!
Morning After | West End
Open Mon-Sun 7am-3pm
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. A popular breakfast destination, if Morning After is too busy, they have also opened a new concept store, Yolk in Newstead.
Felix for Goodness | Brisbane CBD
Open Mon-Fri 8am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-1pm
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!
Farm House | Kedron
Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 6:30am-2:30pm
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.
Let Minnow | Clayfield
Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2pm
An old aquarium turned kitchen, Let Minnow proudly calls themselves “The Northside’s best kept secret”, and we can’t help but agree! Founded on the love of Queensland, the friendly and homely atmosphere is perfect for family catchups or a girl’s brunch. Table numbers have been disregarded, replaced with mini versions of Brisbane street signs, allowing you to explore suburbs from your seat. We’ve heard wonders about their katsu chicken toastie, aka crumbed chicken, katsu curry sauce, tomato, cabbage, and kewpie mayo all served on panini… yes please! It’s also worth adding that they now have a fully functioning bar, so grab yourself a drink – it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!
Florence | Camp Hill
Open Mon-Fri 6am-2pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2pm
Pull out your cameras because this modern neighbourhood café (a reinvented historic white 1930s cottage) is perfect for the gram! Nestled amongst the tree-lined streets of Camp Hill, this quaint café offers a menu bursting with nourishing, wholesome and seasonal meals. Their Florence bowl is a local must-have but be sure to also try the sourdough cacao pancakes! Either way, Florence is certainly the place to be on the weekend, with lines often running out the door, so if you can, try to book online to secure yourself a spot in advance.
Brooks & Stain | Wilston
Open Tues-Thurs 7am-3pm, Fri-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 7am-3pm
The perfect neighbourhood coffee spot, Brooks & Stain is a local favourite that epitomises the idea of good food and even better people. Whether you are dining in or taking away, they have a huge range of goodies, all prepared and cooked on site! If you are someone who loves the classics, they serve up a tasty eggs benedict, or switch things up and have a try of their homemade breakfast quesadilla. Whatever you choose, there’s simply no wrong choice!
Industry Beans | Newstead
Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
Step right up because Industry Beans is the dine-in experience for all you die-hard coffee fanatics. The coffee roastery, café, coffee education hub, and events destination, they offer unique food, all whilst giving you a front-row seat to their full working coffee roastery and greenhouse. Their brunch menu offers everything from exquisite porcini nests to your classic bacon and egg breakfast rolls. Not to mention, if you enjoy your morning coffee a bit too much, they proudly sell their signature Newstead Blend in store – so why not take some of the good stuff home with you!
West End Coffee House | West End
Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat 7am-2:30pm, Sun 7am-2pm
Looking to jazz up your morning feed? The West End Coffee House is the perfect solution. Driven by the polar-opposite talents of its owners, the breakfast menu is a fabulous mix of Western and Asian cuisine, featuring signature favourites and even some more daring options (dumplings for breakfast has never sounded so good!). Communal wooden tables accompanied by a soundtrack of vinyl pleasures, they really set the scene for a perfect West End wake-up.
Hellenika at The Calile | Fortitude Valley
Open Mon-Fri 12pm-late, Sat-Sun 6:30am-late
Sophisticated, minimalistic and absolutely luxurious, breakfast at Hellenika is your modern day Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Whether you choose alfresco dining or casual eats on the pool deck of the Calile, the surroundings are enough to make you throw on your sunnies like an A-list celeb. Food wise, there’s a divine mix of sweet and savoury, with Greek French toast and even a three-egg crab omelette!
Sister Café | Hawthorne
Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2:30pm
Sister sister, get yourself up and moving because this café is worth the early wake-up. 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 sticky asian pork belly on a crispy potato hash!
Alcove Café and Deli | Wilston
Open Mon-Sun 6am-1pm
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.
Wild Canary Bistro | Brookfield
Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
Get ready to brunch in the botanicas at the Wild Canary Bistro, nestled in the beautiful sights of Brookfield Gardens. Serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, their menu takes a holistic approach to local produce and community. Take in the soothing views and be transported to a green oasis as you sip away on your morning coffee. If you are dining with family and friends, definitely consider the shared grazing board, topped to the brim with the likes of Maffra farmhouse cheddar, roasted pecans and sourdough baguette.
Anouk Café | Paddington
Open Mon-Sun 6am-4pm
Established in 2007, Anouk Café has earnt itself a reputation of great food in a great space. Set in the streets of Paddington, the café 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!
Peach Café | Auchenflower
Open Mon-Sun 6am-12pm
Enter through the peach coloured doors and be welcomed with fab food, friendly service and all-round peachy goodness. Located right next to a fully fenced children’s playground, this café is perfect for families looking for a morning adventure without the stress. Watch the kids from the window inside or get takeaway and sit in the park! Their Spring Mini Menu is about to launch, but for now, local favourites include eggs benedict, the nourish bowl and pancakes.
Little Loco | New Farm
Open Mon-Sun 6:30am-3pm
If the mornings tend to feel like a struggle, be sure to pop into Little Loco for your daily pick me up, because after all, the best things come in small packages. Snuggled in the heart of New Farm, they offer specialty coffee, all day breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Not only do they nail the perfect eggs benny every time, but their freshly baked treats always leave us wanting more! Plus, the café is completely dog friendly, meaning your pampered pooch can join in on the fun as well!
Deedot Coffee House | Holland Park
Open Mon-Fri 6am-2pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2pm
After a series of renovations, Deedot is back and better than ever, and they’re renowned for their extensive all-day breakfast menu and top-notch coffee. A local hotspot on the weekends and midweek, they are more than worth the wait, serving up the beautiful simplicities of eggs on toast, or more extravagant delights such as beef brisket gnocchi. Either way, savour the morning sun and welcome the day with a big smile and full stomach.
Kitchen 8 | Northgate
Open Mon-Fri 6am-2:30pm, Sat 7am-12pm
With a crew dedicated to quality cuisine, you know you are in for a culinary treat when heading through Kitchen 8’s doors. Whether you are grabbing takeaway or hosting a family brunch, they are certain to impress. Open seven days a week, their seasonal menus truly showcase all the goodness Queensland has to offer. Psst… the K8 Brisket Benedict is a must-have, it’s insane!
Artie & Mai | Albion
Open Mon-Sun 7am-2:30pm
If you drive past a bustling red building in Albion, you’ll know it’s the home of Artie & Mai – the perfect destination for morning catchups. A modern rustic treat, the café is not only a wondrous sight to take in but has plenty of dishes to tickle your fancy. A strawberry waffle sandwich, portobello mushrooms, or fish tacos, the menu is jam-packed with variety, it’s guaranteed to not just be a one-time trip!
The Smug Fig Café | East Brisbane
Open Mon-Sat 7am-2pm, Sun 8am-2pm
Hidden behind the greenery of pot plants and nestled inside a cottage garden nursey, the Smug Fig Café is the treasure at the end of the plant rainbow. The perfect venue to catch up with friends or even just relax and unwind, they are currently available for both bookings and walk-ins, making morning plans even easier. So, bask in the green goodness around you, order your very own BAE (bacon and eggs) and start the day right. After all, you only get breakfast once …a day.
Little Loco
NEW FARM
Sure it might be a tight squeeze, and you might have to wait a while for a table, but damn if Little Loco’s breakfast menu doesn’t make our hearts beat a little faster every time. They’ve been around awhile but definitely haven’t dropped off in the creativity department—their bacon and egg bao are proof of that.
Morning After
WEST END
They’ll take care of you in the morning and well into the afternoon. A typical brunch date at Morning After usually includes their iconic breakfast carbonara (pasta for brunch is always a good time, trust us) and a fancy-ass MaMuffin from the all-day menu, and maybe some late-morning calamari to get you into the lunch mood. A must-do for any bruncher worth their pink Himalayan mountain salt
Pawpaw Cafe
WOOLLOONGABBA
Woollongabba fave, Pawpaw knows a thing or two about putting on a killer breakfast in a stylish space. Our go-to dishes include the croissant eggs benedict, piling bacon and hollandaise sauce on a flaky croissant, or whatever insane variation of pancakes they’ve cooked up for the season—this time it’s charcoal pancakes with raspberry curd and white chocolate ice cream.
Blockhouse Eat + Drink
NUNDAH
Nundah favourite, Blockhouse has a moreish and creative breakfast menu that’s all over the shop in the best possible way. Fried chicken and corn waffles. Okonomiyaki waffles with maple bacon steak. Avocado on toast with popcorn chicken. We could go on. Best of all, the Blockhouse brunch menu runs allll day.
Little Clive
ANNERLEY
Tucked away on the southside, Little Clive has the kind of decadent and well-turned-out breakfast menu that makes for life-long customers. One scroll of their Instagram feed and you’ll be group messaging the crew for a brunch date—and their regular waffle specials will have you coming back again and again. If you can go past their customisable eggs benedict, that is.
Farmhouse
KEDRON
Managing to give off serious country barn vibes despite being located in a quiet suburban street in Kedron, Farmhouse usually has a line snaking down the street on Sunday mornings—but if you can hang in there, it’s worth the wait. Maintain your position and be rewarded with breakfast gnocchi in chilli sauce with thick-cut bacon, parmesan and free-range poached egg or Belgian waffles with dark chocolate fudge.
King Arthur
FORTITUDE VALLEY
Just off James Street in Fortitude Valley, King Arthur is one of those classic cafes you just can’t help but keep coming back to. As well as some of the most delicious and hearty feeds for breakfast, you’ll also find a plethora of housemade cakes and sweet pastries, with jars of fermenting veggies stacked up on the shelves ready for plating.
Miss Bliss Wholefoods Kitchen
WEST END
Get the ‘gram ready because Miss Bliss Wholefoods Kitchen has some of the prettiest dishes and digs going around. Located in West End, step into this tropical oasis and fill your fork with fine nourishing fare. They’ve got everything from French toast and sweet potato hash to peanut butter acai bowls. It’s pure perfection, not to mention incredibly wholesome, with almost the whole menu gluten and dairy-free.
Smoked Paprika
BARDON
One quick scroll through Smoked Paprika’s Instagram feed and you’ll be drooling excessively, already planning your visit for their next weekly special. Last week it was a mac ‘n’ cheese scotch egg, next week, who knows? Their regular menu is pretty damn tasty too, and with their portion sizes you’ll be full until dinner.
The New Black
FORTITUDE VALLEY
With a creative new special coming out of their kitchen every week, there is always a new excuse to head back to this laneway cafe. The New Black’s usual menu features plenty of familiar favorites, including an epic eggs benny creation and though small, their laneway seating is a Sunday morning vibe.
Naim
PADDINGTON
Naïm has earned quite the reputation for their beautifully plated, Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast menu featuring dishes like baklava waffles, brekkie pita and falafel benedict. If you’re a sufferer of meal envy opt for the shakshuka (baked eggs) with toasted challah bread and tuck in safe in the knowledge that you’ve ordered one of the best dishes on offer.
Botero
BRISBANE CBD
Take a trip to Botero on Creek Street for exceptional coffee and fantastic breaky options. If you’re dashing in before work, their coffee is some of the best in town, but catching an earlier bus so you can tuck into crumpets with smoked salmon and poached eggs or their amazing maple bacon French toast is always a good idea. Even their version of avo toast is suitably extra with pumpkin, feta and house dukkah.
Billykart
WEST END AND ANNERLEY
We’re big fans of unique, quirky brekkies, and no one does quirky quite like Billykart. They take the humble baked beans and amp it up with Kransky sausage, hash browns and red cabbage kimchi, and turn porridge into a work of art with buckwheat, cocoa, cardamom, cinnamon, maple poached pear and granola.
Pablo
NEW FARM
Now before you go trying to tell us that Pablo shut their doors years ago, stop, because the rumours are true—Pablo is back, and they’ve brought their smashed peas with them. Pablo 2.0 isn’t even far from the original, and you’ll find a line up of brunch eats worth falling in love with all over again on their new menu. But let’s be real—you know you’re going to get the peas.
Chapter IV
PADDINGTON
Take every one of your favourite breakfast dishes and give it an epically tasty twist—that’s pretty much the menu at Chapter IV. Housed in an old Queenslander complete with a verandah that offers up some pretty epic views of the city, Chapter IV dishes up hearty versions of French toast, fritters, waffles, hash cakes and eggs benny, with a healthy green buddha bowl thrown in for good measure.
Finished your Brisbane breakfast and ready for lunch? Check out the best spots for a long lunch here.
BREAKFAST IN NORTH BRISBANE
LET MINNOW CAFÉ | CLAYFIELD | KATSU CHICKEN TOASTIE
Talk about a party in the mouth. This toastie is chock-full of crumbed chicken, katsu curry sauce, tomato, slaw, and kewpie mayo.
HUSKK CAFÉ | GRANGE | THE BREAKIE BURRITO
We’re rolling up to this northside spot for a spicy, smoky breaky in the form of a fat burrito – overflowing with beans, bacon, scrambled eggs, spinach, tomato, cheddar, and chipotle tabasco.
BLOCKHOUSE | NUNDAH | BEEF CHEEK
Woke up feeling a bit cheeky? Blockhouse’s slow braised Wagyu beef cheek with pickles, chipotle hollandaise, and English muffin did too.
FUEL & CO. | NUNDAH | VANILLA BEAN AND BANANA HOTCAKE
Bananas and strawberries make this healthy, right? Maybe not after crispy bacon, fig and honey cream, and syrup are slathered on top… But we don’t really care.
MY MISTRESS | CLAYFIELD | OH MY GEISHA
Say ‘thank you, mistress,’ for a Japanese-style cabbage pancake with bacon, fried egg, Kewpie mayo, house made otafuku sauce, nori, pickled ginger, dried shallots, and chilli.
BREAKFAST IN CENTRAL BRISBANE
KING ARTHUR | FORTITUDE VALLEY | APPLE PIE CROISSANT WAFFLE
Yes, it’s all of those things. On one plate. We could waffle on all day about how delicious this dish is, but we’ll let it speak for itself…
LITTLE LOCO | NEW FARM | GOLDEN GAYTIME WAFFLE
Tastes like childhood. Belgian-style waffle topped with ice cream, peanut crumb, sticky caramel sauce, chocolate lashing, and chocolate honeycomb dust. Quaking!
MISS JONES | NEW FARM | LLOYD’S BREAKFAST
Little Loco’s little sister, Miss Jones’ Lloyd’s Breakfast is super delicious and unique (ham and cheddar waffles anyone?). It also comes with bacon, poached eggs, spinach, tomato relish and avo on sourdough.
SASSAFRAS OF PADDINGTON | PADDINGTON | RICOTTA HOT CAKES
Decadent house-made honeycomb butter atop soft, ricotta hotcakes, drizzled with maple syrup. Best believe we’re adding crispy bacon and grilled banana, as they suggest.
SCOUT CAFÉ | PETRIE TERRACE | BREAKY BAGEL
We’re huge fans of the simple, but effective. This bad boy is filled with a fried egg, kaiser bacon, cheddar, house relish, rocket, tomato and aioli.
MORNING AFTER | WEST END | CARBONARA
They may have offended all Italians, but the cheesy carbonara with 63-degree eggs, field mushrooms, smoked pancetta and manchego is our idea of breakfast heaven.
LOKAL + CO | WEST END | BANANA DUMPLINGS
Don’t use up all your attention taking in the uber chic Scandinavian vibe around you, or your breakfast buddy might just steal a bite of these dumplings doused in cinnamon sugar, with vanilla mascarpone, chocolate sauce and berries.
BREAKFAST IN SOUTH BRISBANE
LITTLE CLIVE | ANNERLEY | ROTATING WAFFLE SPECIAL
It’s like delicious Russian roulette. Which flavour will you get? Luckily, each special is as tasty as the next.
TODD & PUP | MOOROOKA | BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE CRUMPETS
Decadent and fluffy, these house-made crumpets are topped with a cream cheese whip, candied lemon, blueberry preserve, candied lemon and lemon balm.
CAFÉ O-MAI | ANNERLEY | AUNTY FIVE’S CLAYPOT
A traditional Vietnamese street breakfast, this comforting dish is packed with Vietnamese lemongrass pork sausage, mushroom, tomato and tamarind sauce with sourdough.
DEEDOT COFFEE HOUSE | HOLLAND PARK WEST | POTATO FRICO
Get your freak on with Deedot’s potato frico–complete with a potato and cheese pancake, poached eggs, chorizo chutney and gremolata.
LADY MARMALADE | STONES CORNER | CONFIT DUCK CHILLI CORNBREAD WAFFLE
It’s a mouthful, and that’s just how we like it. A confit duck Maryland with pecan butter, fried egg, candied pecans and maple chilli sauce, served on a chilli cornbread waffle. Yee haw.
BREAKFAST IN EAST BRISBANE
PAWPAW | WOOLLOONGABBA | PAWPAW’S SIGNATURE HASH
For a meal that packs a yummy punch, hit up Pawpaw’s potato hash cakes with poached eggs, turmeric hummus, smashed avocado, dukkah, haloumi and beetroot relish.
PICNIC CAFÉ | CAMP HILL | TIM TAM PANCAKES
Wham bam, thank you ma’am. Tim Tam pancakes will change your life as bites of strawberry coulis, Nutella, gingerbread crumble and vanilla bean ice cream hit your palate.
FLORENCE CAFÉ | CAMP HILL | PARIPPU
Spiced red lentils with coconut sambal, fried kale and toasted sourdough. It’s as delicious as it sounds.
NEESH BAR | EAST BRISBANE | CRÈME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST
Good morning and bonjour! This European delight is topped off with deep-fried custard, house granola, vanilla bean ice cream, fruit and caramel sauce.
SISTER CAFÉ | HAWTHORNE | BUTTERMILK ESPRESSO WAFFLES
Sisters are doing it for themselves, dishing up dishes that are almost too pretty to eat, like those STUNNING buttermilk espresso waffles. Yaaass sis.
BREAKFAST IN WEST BRISBANE
WILD CANARY | BROOKFIELD | GARDENER’S BREAKFAST
Carnivores, feast on a generous plate of bacon steak, kranskies, poached eggs, grilled haloumi, tomatoes, mushrooms, avo and greens and sourdough toast.
SMOKED PAPRIKA | BARDON | SHAKSHUKA
This one has us shakshuka to the core. Dig into Israeli baked eggs in a rich tomato and capsicum sauce with chickpeas, house spice mix, feta, grilled halloumi and sourdough to soak that sauce up!
GOODNESS GRACIOUS CAFÉ | GRACEVILLE | MAC ‘N’ CHEESE BENEDICT
You can’t help but drool just thinking about it… Panko crumbed mac ‘n’ cheese, poached eggs, hollandaise, shallot crumb, and your choice of bacon, chorizo, salmon, or halloumi.
PITCH + FORK | TOOWONG | PHILLY CHEESE STEAK
Spice up your morning with this classic American sandwich, complete with rocket, provolone, jalapeño relish, and fries.