Brisbane’s best brunches on the southside revealed

On the hunt for a place to brunch in Brisbane’s south? We’ve pulled together the ultimate guide.

If you’re on the hunt for a great place to have brunch in Brisbane’s south, we have the perfect places for you. We’ve pulled together the southside spots from U on Sunday’s ultimate guide to Queensland’s Top 50 Brunches.

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CORNER STORE CAFE

113 Sylvan Rd, Toowong

3870 2223

Instagram @cornerstorecafe

If there were strict rules about what constitutes breakfast, this indoor-outdoor inner-city cafe would break them all. Sure, they serve eggs your way and smashed avo, but far better are the desserty banoffee waffles with banana, toffee sauce, almond praline ice cream with shaved chocolate floss or the bold flavours packed into the Pad krapow gai — Thai chicken mince stir fry, with a fried egg, rice, broccolini, coriander and chilli. There are mild, smooth espresso pours from Marvell St Coffee or try their 6.5 hour cold drip, smoothies, milkshakes or fresh fruit frappes. The best spot is the covered courtyard overlooking a cottage garden, where you’ll likely perch on weekends waiting for a table. With its efficient and friendly service, and inventive fare, it’s worth the wait.

Pad krapow gai from Corner Store Cafe

THE JAM PANTRY

2/575 Logan Rd, Greenslopes

3158 9570

Instagram @thejampantry

In season and local are the king and queen of this suburban eatery housed in an country-style cottage. Chef-owner Naomi “Nims” Zavackas fuels her creative talent into brekkie and lunch fare that keeps her and her customers excited about what she’ll serve next. Every month dishes written on 12 wall-mounted blackboards are “flipped” giving an out-of-the box treatment to dishes with deceptively simple titles (quiche, eggs, salad, toast, omelette, etc). For instance, sage fried eggs with roasted pumpkin, lentil sprouts and pear kimchi. The less adventurous can choose from the concise printed menu of standards such avocado toast and eggs Benedict. Quench your thirst with a fresh kombucha or fresh fruity soda. Coffee is strong and nutty and cappuccinos are topped with shavings of chocolate.

LADY MARMALADE

269 Logan Rd, Stones Corner

3324 2480

Instagram @ladymarmaladecafe

Inside a nearly 100-year-old building on a busy corner of Logan Rd sits the charming Lady Marmalade. There’s a familiarity in the simple dishes, such as eggs Benedict and the bacon and egg burger. But more impressive is the confit duck on chilli corn bread waffle with pecan butter, fried egg and candied pecans. There’s also a pulled-pork quesadilla with jack cheese and a side of hot sauce, avocado and black bean salsa. If you like things sweet, try the delicately presented ricotta blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, fresh blueberries, lemon curd and brown butter ice cream as well as a French toast that changes daily. There’s also an in-house pastry chef so you’ll be guaranteed freshly baked sweet treats which pair with the well-balanced coffee from Elixir in Stafford.

Pancakes at Lady Marmalade cafe in Brisbane

WILD CANARY

Botanical Bistro

2371 Moggill Rd, Brookfield

3378 2805

Instagram @wildcanaryeat

With a passion for produce and a reputation for putting farmers first, executive chef Glen Barratt is the powerhouse behind this eatery in Brisbane’s outer west. Crowds flock on weekends, drawn by the lovely setting, the thoughtful food and the famously picturesque, delightful cakes. From the savoury-dominated menu is Little Acre mushrooms (a mix of field, king browns, oyster and shiitake), plump and juicy, sharing space with olive and rosemary sourdough with a richly rustic mushroom pate. Purple wombok okonomiyaki includes fried egg, bacon, house pickles and garden herbs, while the gardener’s breakfast has it all — bacon, steak, cheese kranskies, grilled haloumi, avo, eggs, greens and more. Just save room for cake.

MISS BLISS WHOLE FOODS CAFE

85 Vulture St, West End

3137 1415

Instagram @missblissau

With nutritionist Jacqui Toumbas behind this rustic and homely indoor-outdoor cafe, healthy fare takes front and centre. But don’t expect tasteless bowls of lettuce. The restaurateur finds clever ways to make wholesome food shine, such as the poke bowl of crispy-skinned salmon, coconut lemongrass brown rice, pickled ginger, avocado, crispy kale, a soft-boiled, sesame seed-crusted egg and miso dressing. Delicious. Or perhaps try the carnivore burger with baked chicken, avocado and cashew cheese sandwiched between locally made focaccia with a side of sweet potato chips. The photogenic hummingbird hotcake with spiced banana custard and maple meringue is also a hit. Service can run a little slow on weekends, with the cafe’s calming back courtyard and cosy timber-heavy interior bursting with Instagram-obsessed Millennials, but the friendly staff ease the wait. As does the coffee, which comes strong and full-bodied, with single origin batch brews also available alongside Sri Lankan spiced chai, a coconut coffee frappé and turmeric, ginger and coco latte. Boozy brunches are also an option, with two wines, a beer, cider and spritz available.

Winter greens from Miss Bliss

BILLYKART

1 Eric Crescent, Annerley

3392 9275

Instagram @billykart

When celebrity chef Ben O’Donoghue and wife De-arne Wicks opened Billykart in Annerley in 2013, people said they were crazy. They were in the ’burbs in an old corner shop with barely a soul around. They proved everyone wrong. The staff make you feel like you’ve stepped into

a comfortable living room. Then there’s the food. If you’re on the fence about sweet breakfasts, the ricotta buttermilk pancakes will convert you. Served with caramelised banana, palm sugar coconut caramel and candied pecans, they satisfy without the feeling of overindulging. The breakfast menu is full of savoury gems, such as crispy corn fritters, with guacamole, heirloom tomatoes and chilli, as well as XO scrambled eggs with prawn crackers. The pair also runs Billykart at West End with a few menu changes.

CAFE O-MAI

15 Cracknell Rd, Annerley

3255 9778

Instagram @cafeomai

This family-run corner cafe celebrates the best of French Vietnamese cuisine with its steaming bowls of pho — made with 48-hour beef broth, served with chicken or Tasmanian black angus beef, as well as a version for vegans. Other traditional fare includes banh mi (choose from fillings including house-made crackling pork or pulled pork brisket), claypot baked eggs, and omelette stuffed with pork, prawns and crunchy bean sprouts. There’s simple Western brekkie options as well as homemade vegan treats on the counter. Choose from espresso coffee from Toby’s Estate, or better yet try authentic Vietnamese drip coffee served hot, over ice with sticky condensed milk or as an affogato poured over coconut sorbet, coconut sago pearls and sesame praline.

Cafe O Mai — Annerley. Vietnamese omelette.

GOODNESS GRACIOUS CAFE

250 Oxley Rd, Graceville

3379 2192

Instagram @goodnessgraciousbne

A pretty, heritage storefront in one of Brisbane’s loveliest suburbs is home to this charming cafe, that is indeed both gracious and good. Avocado on sourdough is a superior example of this modern-day brekkie classic, with smooth truffled hummus, labneh and a tasty garlic crumb. Haloumi and corn bread is quite the meal, with freshly pickled onion and pomegranate salad and two fried eggs on the side, while tiramisu waffle with chocolate mousse and cacao nib praline blurs the distinction between brekkie and dessert. There’s a well-stacked cake cabinet plus drinks are a highlight, from the smooth Parallel Roasters coffee to alternatives such as red velvet latte, golden latte, and cold drip or batch brew filter coffees. Goodness Gracious is a cut above and deserving of a visit.

GAUGE

77 Grey St, South Brisbane

3638 0431

Instagram @gauge.brisbane

Known for its artful plating and considered, unpredictable dishes, Gauge was named the 8th most delicious restaurant in U on Sunday’s delicious. 100 list last year. On weekends it opens its doors for brunch with a similar fine dining portion-sized approach. Take the toasted corn bread, gently spiced with chilli and coriander. A single thick slab is topped with heirloom tomatoes, kisses of smoked yoghurt and fresh coriander. For newcomers, the cafe’s must-try dish is the black garlic bread served with a spoon of brown butter, which walks

a line between sweet and savoury. Byron Bay’s Marvell St coffee provides the brews in espresso or filter, and there’s tea, fresh juice with three cocktails (mimosa, bloody mary or espresso martini) and other booze from 10am.

Dish from Gauge.

PEARL CAFE

28 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

3392 3300

Instagram @pearl.est.2007

This European-style bistro with its bentwood chairs, exposed brick walls and antique mirrors serves up brekkie fare to match its interiors. Think wintry comfort food, such as maple-soaked wild boar ribs with house baked beans and a fried egg, that would not be out of place served for dinner with a glass of vino. Or the deep-fried herby smoked fish cake atop wilted kale, smashed peas and a poached egg. For a brekkie that’s like dessert, try poached apple, roasted rhubarb, coconut and almond crumble or chocolate ganache French toast. Allpress provides strong smooth espresso pour coffee, or try freshly squeezed orange juice or fruity house soda. Boozy brunch starts from 10am and for special occasions, book the private dining room.

SMOKED PAPRIKA

Smoked Paprika

65 MacGregor Tce, Bardon

3161 5469

Instagram @smokedpaprikacafe

When it’s big portions and hearty fare you’re after, there are few places as generous as Smoked Paprika. This cosy cafe throws almost everything but the kitchen sink at its dishes, ensuring you’ll be full almost all day. Let the thoughtful staff help guide you through the lengthy, out-of-the-box, all-day menu which extends from zucchini fritters with poached eggs and Bearnaise sauce to blueberry pancakes with orange ricotta, walnut ice cream and fairy floss. But it’s their signature dish — the Smoked Paprika breakfast — that is unmissable, combining two slices of toasted Turkish bread with meltingly tender, Hungarian beef goulash, punchy with the venue’s namesake spice, alongside poached eggs, well-made hollandaise, rocket, grilled haloumi and a truss tomato.

Smoked Paprika breakfast. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

THE GUNSHOP CAFE

53 Mollison St, West End

3844 2241

Instagram @thegunshopcafe

This West End institution was among the first in the city to serve cheffy fare beyond eggs and bacon. The cafe is renowned for its gigantic, deep-fried, potato and feta hash cakes with herbed sour cream, and the dish hasn’t left the menu since opening more than 15 years ago. It has changed owners since then but has stayed faithful to its beginnings. The sweet potato and thyme rosti stack is terrific, served with light beetroot hollandaise, layers of smoked salmon, poached eggs, spinach, asparagus, and crumbs of hazelnut and pepita crumbs. The cafe’s bistro-style wooden and brick interior is as welcoming as the staff. Strong, smooth brews come with dairy, lactose-free Zymil, almond and soy milks available. There are also house-made tonics, milkshakes and smoothies or alcoholic drinks from 10am.

SISTER CAFE

2/273 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne

Instagram @sister__cafe

With its pastel-hued, modern, minimalist interior and covered footpath seating, this relaxed suburban cafe has become a hotspot for Hawthorne locals — particularly new mums. Attracting them into the sister venue to New Farm’s hugely popular Miss Jones, is the smooth Single O Killerbee coffee and a team of welcoming staff. The other drawcard is, of course, the food. The on-trend menu ranges from the ubiquitous smashed avo — this version with creamed corn, hazelnut crumb, pickled onion, charred corn and chipotle on sourdough — to breakfast gnocchi with mushroom ragu, bacon crumb, poached egg and truffle oil. Brekkie options run all day, but after 11.30am a handful of lunch dishes comes into play, such as a karaage chicken roll and a wagyu cheeseburger. And there are also plenty of options for vegetarians.

Sister Cafe, Hawthorne. Green Bowl. Pic Peter Wallis

PICNIC CAFE

12 Martha St, Camp Hill

3398 6600

Instagram @picniccafe

A cafe that provides blankets to keep customers warm on chilly winter mornings says a lot about how much its owners care about their customers. This thoughtful approach carries through to the friendly and efficient table service and to the all-day breakfast menu catering for vegans, vegetarians, coeliacs and carnivores. There are Middle Eastern influences in the grilled pumpkin with haloumi, nut dukkah and sticky onion jam piled high on a thick slice of sourdough. The extensive menu also includes Tim Tam waffles, quinoa nasi goreng, plus there’s smashed avo and eggs on toast for those who prefer to keep it simple. Kids aren’t left out, with an affordable selection that includes baked beans on toast and strawberry pancakes with ice cream.

EXTRACTION ARTISAN COFFEE (awarded best coffee)

Extraction Artisan Coffee

7/3375 Pacific Highway, Slacks Creek

3133 4667

Instagram @extraction_artisan_coffee

Start a conversation with the barista about the speciality grade coffee options on order at this cafe and roastery and you’ll quickly see how much this crew loves their brew. You can have your coffee any way you want it — doppio, decaf, filtered, cold dripped or served up on a tasting plate. But make sure you order something to eat too. Almost everything on this innovative menu — including breads, sauces and syrups — is made from scratch, in-house. For those in need of nourishment, the kale, mushroom, tomato, avocado, beans and brown rice-filled brunch bowl is a brilliant choice. If you want to go sweet, the fluffy pancakes, topped with marinated strawberries and passionfruit mascarpone, are hard to go past. Staff who know their stuff, a creative menu and terrific coffee make this a must-visit in Logan.

Extraction Coffee. Supplied pics from Instagram.

ST COCO CAFE

3 Cupania St, Daisy Hill

3299 3264

Instagram @stcococafe

Hidden in a nondescript carpark is Daisy Hill’s hottest attraction — a funky, friendly hipster cafe called St Coco. The brainchild of twin sisters, locals Amber and Cynamon Norris, the cafe has a loyal following for its friendly service and bold food options — from passionfruit curd waffles to bratwurst Benedict — and signature coffee blend. Dishes such as the Bondi bowl make a morning serve of vegies easy to digest, with butter garlic mushrooms, cauliflower puree and steamed broccolini paired with haloumi cubes and poached eggs, while the acai fix — topped with coconut, passionfruit and chia seeds — is the ideal mix of savoury and sweet. Decadent smoothies double as dessert or try the breakfast cocktail — a refreshing (booze-free) concoction of lemon juice, elderflower, rosemary and blueberries.

WEST END COFFEE HOUSE

80 Vulture St, West End

0478 891 364

Instagram @westendcoffeehouse

For value for money and sheer speed you can’t beat this cool, grungy, West End cafe. A crack kitchen team operates with the pace and proficiency of Usain Bolt, dishing up an out-of-the-ordinary, Thai-inspired menu within minutes. Diners order at the counter, choosing between the likes of fried rice with marinated pulled pork, wok-fried egg and prik nam pla, Thai basil stir-fry and a King’s omelette. The Laos sausages — chipolata-sized herby pork snags with sweet tomato and chilli jam — will win fans, as will the Chinese leek dumplings, traditional, pan-fried, chive-filled cakes that are crispy on the outside with a chewy, mochi-like filling. Coffee is from Campos and is smooth and well-rounded on milk, but also comes as filter, cold drip or iced. With charismatic staff echoing the vibe of the place, this a cafe guaranteed to become a brunch favourite.

West End Coffee House in West End. Laos sausage. Pic Annette Dew

DEVON CAFE

R5 Westfield Garden City, 2049 Logan Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt

3422 1870

devoncafe.com.au

Like an oasis in the middle of Westfield Garden City shopping centre, this outdoor cafe is all about out-of-the-box dining. Quirky takes on traditional dishes include their signature French toast featuring mango multiple ways and a pine-lime cream, to a silky smooth blue swimmer crab omelette, seasoned with salty pops of fish roe. Exotic influences are aplenty, including yellow dhal with baked eggs and roti or miso-marinated kingfish with an eel croquette. Coffee is as clever as the culinary offering, with options including a tasting flight, where a single-origin brew arrives in espresso format, with milk, and as a filter coffee. There are also milkshakes, freshly squeezed juices and interesting signature drinks. Service is swift, diligent and well-informed.

MORNING AFTER

Cnr Vulture and Cambridge streets, West End

3844 0500

Instagram @____morningafter

If it’s the morning after a big night, this cool Scandi-style West End cafe provides the required punch of caffeine with a choice of two blends from 5 Senses and one from Roast by Yili. The owners, mother and son Soula and Yianni Passaris, are serious about service and well-trained staff don’t miss a beat. Diners are warmly greeted when they arrive, as the affable yet efficient waiters are knowledgeable about the menu and thoughtfully suggest their favourite dishes. Food runs the gamut of uber-healthy in the trendy brekkie bowl of chickpea fritters, turmeric hummus, kale, pumpkin, edamame and quinoa, to rich and carby in the carbonara pappardelle with 63-degree poached eggs, mushrooms and pancetta. Crumpets — made locally — are served with house-made blueberry jam and have that perfect chewy texture, while the blue swimmer crab omelette comes with a generous amount soft crab piled underneath a zingy, fresh green papaya salad. The latter dish pairs nicely with the fresh green juice or a glass of wine or beer from a concise alcoholic drinks list.