Adelaide cafes and restaurants taking brunch to the next level
From a classic New York Jewish deli to a suburban café heroing native ingredients and an inspired winery venue, we visit five Adelaide eateries taking brunch to the next level.
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More indulgent than breakfast, more relaxed than lunch, brunch hits the sweet spot between the two in a meal that can be hot or cold, sweet or savoury, nutritious or decadent. That versatility makes it the ultimate social meal, a crowd-pleasing spread that stretches from wholesome Bircher muesli bowls to bottomless cocktails.
But among the cafes hosting eager crowds every weekend, a few venues stand out for taking brunch to another level.
From a classic New York Jewish deli to a suburban café heroing native ingredients and an inspired winery venue, these are Adelaide’s best spots for brunch.
BLOOM
In a cavernous former tram barn overlooking the Torrens, this plant-filled cafe mimics the natural environment outside with a sage green ceiling and a heavy emphasis on stone and timber. The elevation grill and open fire in the kitchen mean there are traces of smoke all over the menu, which rotates regularly to make room for seasonal offerings like a gruyère omelette topped with crunchy sliced asparagus, goats chèvre and fire-roasted almonds and smoky whole eggplant roasted over the coals and topped with black garlic, cashew cream and lemon thyme. Caffeine fiends are catered to with espresso, batch brew and pourover coffee, while those looking for something a little stronger can upgrade to a bottomless brunch every day of the week.
Address: 38 Winwood St, Thebarton
MAGILL ESTATE KITCHEN
Looking out over the leafy Eastern suburbs towards the ocean, Adelaide’s premier urban winery could coast onto this list thanks to location alone. Add in the sleek design and a drinks list featuring Penfolds’ house rose champagne and you’ve got one of the city’s most sophisticated brunch offerings. Everything on the tight seasonal menu is made in house, from the scoop of vanilla ice cream that crowns lighter than air ricotta pancakes to blini-like crumpets topped with cold smoked ocean trout, hollandaise, fresh dill and a dash of honey. Once you start eating, you’ll find a rich interplay of flavours in every bite, and the immaculate plating ensures that these dishes are every bit as elegant as the degustations at MEK’s more formal sibling next door.
Address: 78 Penfold Rd, Rosslyn Park
Visit Magill Estate Kitchen online
BANKSIA TREE CAFE AND RESTAURANT
The first thing you notice when picking up the menu here is a map of South Australia listing all the local producers – 95% of the ingredients are sourced from within the state. It’s part of a commitment to sustainability that includes composting all kitchen waste and serving takeaway coffee in biodegradable cups. Native ingredients also feature prominently, from the ruby red Davidson’s plum and cherry syrup on the gorgeous doughnut French toast (which is cooked over a redgum fire and topped with Persian fairy floss) to the crispy saltbush leaves that garnish the avocado toast. But it would be a crime not to try the signature blue swimmer crab from nearby North Haven with poached eggs, house XO sauce, beetroot hummus and a Geraldton wax and river mint emulsion.
Address: 147 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide
Visit Banksia Tree Cafe online
FLYING FIG
Prep for weekend brunch begins early in this heritage stone cottage, where the pastrami is smoked for eight hours then steamed for another two before it’s finally ready at 10:30 on weekend mornings. The tender meat anchors one of four Reuben sandwiches on a menu of New York Jewish classics that also includes housemade bagels, pickles and preserves as well as a glossary in case you don’t know your lox from your latke. A specials blackboard veers slightly off-theme with more experimental dishes, but always features two vinegar-based shrubs with refreshing flavours like strawberry balsamic or fig, apple and rosemary.
Address: 161 Jeffcott St, North Adelaide
SOL ROOFTOP
If you can’t handle any decisions before you’ve had your morning coffee, this curved rooftop bar overlooking the Torrens (and most of Adelaide) has you covered. Simply say yes to the one option available: three tiers of decadent treats that blur the line between brunch and high tea. Warm, cool and sweet bites including loaded blue swimmer crab crumpets and baby pavlovas are washed down with two hours of prosecco and citrusy house spritzes, and brunch is served until 3 for late risers.
Address: Level 9, Sky City Adelaide, North Terrace
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