Queensland’s top 50 best brunch spots revealed
From perfect poached eggs to decadent French toast and green bowls, we reveal the top 50 brunch spots in Queensland.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
From perfect poached eggs to decadent French toast and nourishing green bowls, U on Sunday reviewers have put together the ultimate guide for foodies and reveal Queensland’s 50 best brunches.
Freja’s (best sweet)
3/1 Macgregor St, Wilston
0458 159 945
Instagram @frejascafe
After landing with a bang (Freja’s lifted the Best New Cafe gong in last year’s 50 Best Brunches) this gem of a cafe has gone from strength to strength. From the welcoming smile on the face of Freja Rasmussen (who owns the joint with partner ex-Stokehouse chef Nathan Dunnell), to the cute Scandi-style fit-out, innovative menu and delectable baked goods, it is everything one could want from a brunch spot, and then some. “Forest Floor” is a visual feast of field mushrooms, rosti, eggs and young leeks, while the brisket croissant with Cape Grim beef, macaroni, fried egg and chilli chutney is the hungry bruncher’s friend. Freja’s sweet game is strong with the zesty crumpet a star — a thick house-made crumpet with tart lemon curd, caramelised macadamias and crisp meringue shards. Lattes come in matcha, chai,
and cacao beetroot varieties, with alternative milks from Milklab.
Sourced Grocer
11 Florence St, Newstead
3852 6734
Instagram @sourcedgrocer
Sourced Grocer is both a providore of gourmet goods and a busy cafe serving up cheffy fare that heroes seasonal produce from local farmers. First-time visitors must try the freshly made rye crumpets, which make you never again want to eat one from a packet, served with a side of whipped butter and honeycomb. They pair well with a strong, smooth espresso pour coffee from Byron Bay’s Marvell St Coffee. The cabbage pancake is another winner, with charred broccoli, goat’s cheese, and a runny-centred poached egg. Caffeine-free drinks include tea and house-made sodas, or choose from two smoothies; green or banana and deluxe chocolate. Let friendly staff wait on you from the sunny front deck or eat in-store to watch the chefs work their magic from a tiny narrow kitchen.
Nodo
1 Ella St, Newstead
3252 3595
Instagram @nododonuts
Nodo stakes its reputation on its decadently rich, gluten-free doughnuts in flavours such as pumpkin maple and beetroot blackout. But stick around for its coeliac-friendly all-day breakfast and lunch menu and its inventive dishes won’t disappoint. There’s healthy appeal in the Harvest Bowl with its red rice, harissa hummus, charred veg, salad leaves, and a poached egg. But those looking for a calorie hit might tuck in to the organic beef brisket burger with its house-made sesame bun, smoked tender meat, pickles and a generous side of fries. Smooth, punchy brews come from Coffee Supreme, with alternative lattes, turmeric chai, matcha and organic hot chocolates. Superfood smoothies are a meal in themselves in flavours such as turmeric butter caramel and cookies and cream.
Bam Bam Bakehouse
2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
55265218
Instagram @bambam_bakehouse
The biggest dilemma facing customers of this terrific Gold Coast bakery is whether to sample the bakery treats so loved by the likes of MasterChef’s Matt Preston and actor Margot Robbie or dive into their creative all-day menu. The answer is both. Take friends who are willing to share and start with the likes of the Bam Bam Benny which decadently wedges ham off the bone and poached eggs in a flaky croissant or the nasi goreng with stir-fried rice, chilli, vegetables and a fried egg. Leave room for dessert — there are Nutella cruffins; choux bomb; pain au chocolat; almost croissant; and strawberry tarts to name a few of their irresistible bakery treats. The ample drinks list includes Single O and Marvell St espresso or filter coffees, plus teas, milkshakes, fresh juice, wines, beers and cocktails.
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.
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.
Homegrown
Shop 4 Main St, Palmwoods
0458 270 368
Instagram @homegrownpalmwoods
This community-focused shabby-chic cafe in the Sunshine Coast hinterland serves simple fare that heroes local farmers and producers. A concise seasonal brekkie menu includes the likes of French toast brioche with stone fruit and rich spiced house-made beans with goat’s cheese and an egg. The omelette is airy and thin and has rustic cubes of sweet roast pumpkin and dollops of smashed peas topped with a herby salad. The delicate yoghurt and lemon myrtle pannacotta sits among crunchy homemade granola, figs and edible flowers. Sit inside its cottage shopfront or take a seat in the laneway or the leafy back garden next to the cafe’s micro-roastery, TinShed Coffee. The rotating house-blend is available in a bottled cold drip or as a seriously strong espresso pour.
Miss Bliss Whole Foods Cafe (best healthy)
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.
Scout Cafe
190 Petrie Tce, Brisbane
3367 2171
Instagram @scoutcafebrisbane
Housed in an old art-deco brick shopfront, Scout Cafe has an adventurous all-day brunch menu, but what keeps customers coming back is the New York-style bagels. Those and the strong brews from Supreme Coffee in either a cold or hot filter or espresso pour. The mainstay is the brekkie bagel: wedged in a white toasted bun is a fried egg, kaiser bacon, cheddar, rocket, house-made relish, fresh tomato and aoli. It’s terrific. Healthy types would love the huge brekkie burrito with its satisfyingly chewy spiced roast cauliflower, freekeh, fried eggs, almonds, pops of sweet currants, rockets and olive tapenade wrapped in a wheat tortilla. There’s a bambino’s menu plus fresh juices, and shakes in salted caramel, chocolate or strawberry. It’s worth a visit, scout’s honour.
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.
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.
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
Emeraude (best family friendly)
8616 New England Hwy, Hampton
4697 9008
Instagram @emeraude_hampton
Pull up a table in the sun-drenched courtyard or on the shady veranda of this hidden country gem and prepare to be wowed by the best of local produce. Heroing the hard work of nearby farmers is chef- owner Amanda Hinds, who takes a creative approach and ensures quality ingredients are the star of the show. The menu is constantly changing depending on the season, but expect everything from vintage cheddar, spinach and garden pea waffles with manuka honey and pork sausages from Toowoomba butcher Toni’s Meats, to Malaccan beef cheek curry. But it’s their brioche doughnuts that are an absolute must, ethereally light served with local rhubarb, custard and stewed apples. With altruistic service that epitomises old-fashioned country hospitality, this eatery is worth the drive.
Devon Cafe
R5 Westfield Garden City, 2049 Logan Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt
3422 1870
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.
Anouk (best special occasion)
212 Given Tce, Paddington
3367 8663
Instagram @anoukcafe
Dinner for breakfast is becoming quite the cafe trend and Anouk owner Justine Whelan is among those doing it best.
She plates up an all-day seasonal menu that rethinks what the first meal of the day can be. Think slow-cooked boozy beef cheeks on pearl couscous or za’atar-spiced lamb with warm pita, fried egg and lemon herb pesto. For a wintry brekkie dessert try the brioche French toast with roast pear and cinnamon mascarpone or start the day in decadence with the fudgy tiramisu. Waiters who know and care about the food they’re serving provide help navigating the menu. The extensive drinks list includes Chamellia organic leaf tea, Merlo coffee, homemade soft drinks, fruit sodas, fresh juices, smoothies and milkshakes. With its large windows, simple decor and plenty of greenery, it’s hard to beat the charm of this Paddington mainstay.
Six Feet Under
2 Masters St, Newstead
3257 4523
Instagram @sixfeetundernewstead
Don’t let its rather morbid name turn you off, this cool, contemporary cafe will only kill you with kindness. Affable staff welcome diners into the dark and moody basement space (for which the cafe is actually named), promptly taking drink orders with everything from green shakes to well-balanced Genovese coffee. There are also cheeky cocktails in play if you like your brunch boozy. But it’s the culinary line-up here that’s the star, with left-of-centre dishes on the menu. Think everything from a gluttonous take on eggs Benedict with spring onion and cheddar waffles topped with sweet and sticky char siu-flavoured pulled pork, acidy kimchi and poached eggs slathered in hot sauce-spiked hollandaise to French toast with cinnamon brioche, drizzled in miso caramel, with caramelised bananas.
King St Bakery
20 King St, Bowen Hills
3180 3980
Instagram @kingstreetbakery
This petite bakery-cum-cafe serves up a little slice of Paris just outside Brisbane’s city centre with its authentically simple, French-influenced offering. Ora King salmon — considered the wagyu of the sea — is a light, satisfying choice, cured in citrus and served with a boiled egg, toasted rye bread, pickled vegetables and creme fraiche. Or go for something more indulgent such as corn and chive pan-fried fritters with chorizo, dill fromage blanc, poached egg and roasted radicchio, or the classic French toast with plum and rhubarb compote, anglaise and honey cream. Another option is to fill up on rustic pies, traditional French pastries or beautiful bread. Coffee is so strong you could stand your spoon in it, but there’s also the likes of velvety chai latte, juice from Noah’s and iced tea.
Chapel Park
3/1180 Sandgate Rd, Nundah
0406 195 885
Instagram @chapelparkcafe
Hipster chic with its polished concrete floors, white subway tiles, Scandi furniture and touches of greenery, this modern, minimal cafe may look a little cookie-cutter, but its food is anything but. Take perhaps a classic pikelet, turned almost cake-like with specks of poppy seeds, tanned from the pan and ethereally light, served with spiced poached pear and silken vanilla bean-spiked ricotta cream. On the savoury side there’s Turkish eggs with charred tomatoes, kraut and yoghurt, or even a pimped-up avo toast with chevre, salsa verde, charred corn and hazelnut crumb. Coffee comes from Bryon Bay’s Moonshine and there are pressed juices, thickshakes, smoothies and iced elixirs delivered by a team that’s a step above standard cafe level.
Nu Nu Restaurant (best location)
1 Vievers Rd, Palm Cove
4059 1880
Instagram @nunurestaurant
Looking out over the Pacific, the sea breeze gently whirling as the sun beams down, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place for breakfast than the timber, umbrella-topped outdoor deck at Nu Nu. Acclaimed chef and owner Nick Holloway brings his passion for exotic far north Queensland produce to the first meal of the day, with everything from a simple fruit bowl loaded with longans and dragonfruit to avo on toast with a tomatillo mole. Keep things light with a custard-like Bircher muesli made with coconut cream and Daintree vanilla crowned with mango and toasted coconut, or opt for the crowd favourite of crispy cassava hash with poached eggs, earthy beetroot two ways and tangy buffalo feta. But the true star is a silky omelette gently enveloping a bounty of local mud crab, its flavour emphasised by a sweet ginger caramel and white pepper broth poured at the table. Prices are high for breakfast but the quality ensures it’s worth it. That and the coffee — a full-flavoured brew from local roasters Tattooed Sailors delivered by friendly and hospitable staff.
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.
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.
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.
Campos Long Island
18 Longland St, Newstead
3252 3612
Instagram @camposlongisland
Campos has come a long way from its humble, much-loved entree on the Brisbane cafe scene at Fortitude Valley’s Wandoo St, back in 2007. The Sydney-based coffee company now has three Brisbane locations (and a roastery), and Long Island is the largest. The breakfast menu is fuss-free. Coconut “risotto” with poached fruits and almond and cinnamon crumble is creamy and not too sweet. Chilli scramble packs a punch, with feta, avo and super-spicy induja kicking a breakfast classic up a notch. Extra hungry? Opt for steak and eggs or Long Island fry-up. Coffee would want to be excellent, and it is. With pour over, nitro and cold drip options available, it’s a coffee geeks’ paradise. Drinks include smoothies and juices, plus mimosas, a bloody mary and a Venetian spritz.
Farmhouse
9 Somerset Rd, Kedron
3861 1956
Instagram @farmhousekedron
Smiling staff, happy customers, contented pets — the good vibes abound at this bright little pocket of country character in Kedron. If pretty is your thing, the vegan pink coconut yoghurt pannacotta will please. More robust but equally colourful is the baby tomato bruschetta, a riot of scarlet cherry tomatoes on black sourdough with vivid green tahini. The Farmhouse green bowl is a satisfying savoury vegan choice and hearty appetites will appreciate the breakfast gnocchi and crispy cheese potato cake. Flavours, like the colours, are intense and on point. At the counter, generously proportioned cakes include carrot and red velvet options, elegant cake pops and rich, fudgy brownies. Coffee is good and smooth, while elaborate smoothies, frappes, shakes and juice are a specialty.
Water Street Kitchen
85 Water St, Walkervale
4196 0689
Instagram @waterstkitchen
This cute eatery in a quiet residential street is at the forefront of a culinary sea change in Bundaberg. Chef Alex Campbell (formerly Watt, New Farm and Moo Moo Wine Bar and Grill, Broadbeach) sources produce from the Wide Bay’s salad bowl to create fresh classics with a modern twist while his wife and co-owner, Jennifer, keeps service and styling on point. No haddock and boiled egg for this kedgeree: the lightly curried rice (with peas and dill) is tossed with the sustainably fished, locally smoked, macadamia-infused blue mackerel and the eggs are on top, poached. Eggs Benedict is katsu benny, with panko crumbed chicken, katsu curry on brioche. Coffee is from Surry Hills roaster, Single O. Sit outside in the sun, or enjoy the cool sophistication inside the 52-seat weatherboard restaurant.
Putia Pure Food Kitchen
4/17 Royal Pde, Banyo
3267 6654
Instagram @putiapurefoodkitchen
Putia epitomises the strength of Brisbane’s suburban cafe game. Chef Dominique Rizzo leverages her high profile to draw visitors to northside Banyo, where chic surrounds, skilled and welcoming wait staff and excellent food combine to deliver a brunch experience you’ll be eager to repeat. A light and fluffy vegan crumpet is piled with bright vegies and smoked cashew cheese; chocolate-studded baked doughnuts come loaded with vanilla gelato and chocolate espresso sauce; or try the three-egg Italian omelette with pancetta, charred cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and truffle-infused parmesan. Prices are above average but so is the execution, while the plant-based focus makes for healthy, colourful dishes. Drinks include Hrvst St juices, kombucha, blended frappes and coffee from Wolff in nearby Hendra.
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.
Willow & Spoon
190 Newmarket Rd, Wilston
3352 7927
Instagram @willowandspoon
In a pretty Queenslander-style storefront, Willow & Spoon boasts a menu that pushes the boundaries while front of house keep it friendly and laid-back. It’s a winning combination for long-time owner Keith Nunn. So, yes, you can order granola or bacon and eggs, but Willow’s menu urges diners to think outside the breakfast box — try The Willow, a wedge of cured pork belly with truffled scrambled eggs, barley toast and buttered leek; or indulge in the brioche French toast with peanut and chocolate Nutella butter with banana gelati and raspberry coulis. Coffee (Supreme Roasters) is made with care, while old-fashioned thickshakes are a speciality. A small selection of beers, ciders and wines is available and would sit well with the more substantial menu items.
Elk Espresso (best out of the box)
Oasis Shopping Centre,
Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
5592 2888
Instagram @elkespresso
Expect to queue for a table at this hugely popular breakfast haunt, which keeps diners coming back with its ever-evolving, out-of-the-ordinary and elevated menu. Tucked underneath the Oasis shopping centre at Broadbeach, the industrial-modern-meets-urban-rainforest cafe offers ocean views from its outside tables, but it’s the food that will steal your gaze. For traditionalists, there are basics including the now famous potato hash with avocado, poached eggs and hollandaise, a brekkie burger or eggs on toast. But it’s the “something awesome” section of the menu that begs exploring, boasting everything from aged cheddar and corned beef croquettes with sweet corn puree, beetroot and poached eggs to Violet Crumble waffles with honeycomb, dark chocolate ganache and a glimmer of gold leaf for a little extravagance. Or how about wobbly cardamom and vanilla panna cotta with granola, orange gel, coconut yoghurt and berries? Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient staff will help you navigate myriad choices, while you sip a well-made Single O coffee, or better yet, their Milky Bar and Oreo thickshake, which is worth every diet-blowing calorie.
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.
The Shak Organic Cafe
11/43 Burnett St, Buderim
5445 3692
Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2pm
Instagram @theshakorganics
The owners of this rustic organic cafe are passionate about ethically sourced food and this care for ingredients is evident in the top-notch menu and the faultless, friendly service. Hungry diners should tuck into The Hunter — The Shak’s version of a big brekkie — which consists of a huge bowl filled with a whole field mushroom, wilted greens, bacon, duck and maple chipolatas, grilled tomato, dukkah, poached free-range eggs and toasted ciabatta. Or try the sourdough waffles with chocolate and almond mousse, local berries, honeycomb and creme fraiche. Espresso coffee is made with organic dairy milk, soy or house-made coconut, almond and hemp or try a caffeine-free turmeric or dandelion root latte. If you’re keen for a sweet finish, there are vegan and gluten-free treats in the cabinet.
Kuhl-Cher Cafe
3/45 King St, Bowen Hills
0438 949 875
Instagram @kuhl_chercoffee
Service always comes with a smile at this roastery-cum-cafe in Brisbane’s busy King St food precinct. Diners order at the counter, choosing to sit in the echoey internal dining area, scented with freshly ground coffee beans, or more relaxed footpath seating. An all-day breakfast menu is in play, offering a tight but well-rounded selection, from a signature big breakfast with two eggs, bacon, chorizo, tomato, roast mushrooms, haloumi and avocado, to the “build your breakfast” where the diners choose what they do and don’t want from a generous list of options. But it’s the specials that really impress here, with everything from shakshuka to pulled pork tacos. As you’d expect of a roastery, coffee is a focus, but don’t expect it to come strong. Milk blends are served extra mild, smooth and creamy.
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.
Mama Coco
Shop 4/196 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt
4052 1226
Instagram @mama_coco
This homely, welcoming cafe offers a menu far more modern than its comforting surrounds would suggest. Basic breakfast fodder is there for the classicist, but it’s the rest of the offering, from chorizo and potato hash with a fried egg, oven-dried tomatoes, broccolini, hummus and labneh, to smoked salmon with a green pea pancake, that piques interest. For a warm and hearty taste of the Middle East, go the chilli labneh eggs, where charry eggplant meets a well-spiced tomato sauce and labneh, with crispy shards of flat bread for dipping. Endearing staff ensure service runs smoothly and keep you caffeinated with Tim Adams The Doctor coffee. But don’t leave without taking home a house-made cake, which may include a lemon curd muffin or frangipane raspberry tart.
Highline
5/1132 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach
Instagram @highlinepalmbeach
It may be tiny but what this minimalist cafe lacks in space it makes up for in quality and care. Take a seat at just one of three tables inside or on the covered footpath, and let owners Tim Casagrande and wife Candice take care of the rest. The menu is a tight affair which takes simple items and pushes them outside the box. Think jaffles filled with the likes of butter chicken or eggplant, chickpea and tomato masala, or toast topped with fresh and pickled zucchini, burrata and green olives. In addition there’s a glass cabinet bursting with fresh salads and house-made sweets. Coffee is from Byron Bay’s Marvell St, where Tim used to work, and is full-bodied with a light sweetness, making it great with milk, but it is also available as filter or iced. There are no smoothies or shakes, but you will find well-made chai, turmeric lattes, kombucha and cold-pressed juice.
West End Coffee House (best value)
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.
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.
Halo Ground Coffee & Food (best new cafe)
100 Brookes St, Fortitude Valley
0402 777 545
Instagram @halo.ground
Invention — and a bit of cheek — are the stars of the show at this light-filled modern, minimalist indoor-outdoor cafe. Breakfast fare could double as lunch or dinner, with creative offerings ranging from a falafel plate with charry eggplant and hummus to the naughtily named, but equally delicious Cock Waffle with salty fried chicken topping a sweet potato waffle with wombok slaw, kimchi and poached eggs. Vegetarians, pescetarians, coeliacs and those who are dairy-free are also well catered for by the diverse menu from head chef Casey Poland (ex-Sake). A pastry chef is employed a few days a week to turn out stunning sweets such as florentine tortes, croissants, mini cakes and Nutella doughnuts, a welcome accompaniment to the cafe’s Cleanskin Coffee Co brews. Halo Ground is a cafe that impresses.
Jam Corner
1 Palmer St, Townsville
4721 4900
Instagram @jamcorner
Ask any Townsville local where to go for breakfast in the north Queensland city and their first answer is Jam Corner. Run by chef-owner Matt Merrin, the cafe has become an institution of sorts since opening in 2010, loved for its cheffy take on traditional morning fare. Think Bircher muesli with passionfruit curd, wattleseed crumb and honey macadamias, an Asian chicken omelette with larb-style minced poultry, or serrano ham with a fried egg, corn croquette and tomato chutney. No doubt also helping it win fans is the fact you can have a champagne brekkie from 10am and there are, of course, standard coffees, plus thickshakes, T2 teas, juices, and a refreshing house-made Earl Grey iced tea, which is perfect to beat the Townsville heat.
No Name Lane
16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
5538 5221
Instagram @nonamelane
Just a coffee bean toss from the ocean, this bright and breezy cafe is an ideal spot to refuel after an early morning surf. Caffeinated beverages steal the spotlight here with beans from Brisbane’s Black Sheep Coffee Roasters served as white, black, filter or pour over, as well as in cheeky cocktails like a salted caramel espresso martini that’s sure to kick off a Sunday brunch the right way. The food takes classics and gives them a fun, modern spin, such as garlic and thyme mushrooms on toast with truffle tapenade, parmesan and onion gel or blueberry hot cakes with textures of blueberry, white chocolate ganache, dark chocolate crumble and whipped maple butter. Engaging and switched-on staff round out a smart package that ticks all the boxes.
Forreal Kitchen
28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach
5572 5572
Instagram @forrealkitchen
“We don’t do diets. Life should be balanced.” This is the motto at this cute, colourful Gold Coast cafe, where healthy fare meets tasty treats. Diners can keep their bikini or boardshort bods in shape with the likes of unicorn chia pudding with banana and pink pitaya “nice” cream or the hot green prebiotic mess with apple cider-dressed vegetables and poached eggs. Or test the stretch in their elastic pants with chicken karaage nasi goreng or, perhaps, bacon and egg nachos with jalapeño relish. Whatever the choice, the diverse menu, which offers classics alongside the creative and uses organic ingredients, has you covered. As do the friendly staff, who help guests navigate the drinks list, which runs from Vittoria coffee to smoothies, juices, rainbow lattes, teas, tisanes, milkshakes, cocktails, wine and beer.
Cardamom Pod
3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport
0424 251 008
Instagram @cardamompodbrickworks
Adored by the fit-spo crowd, as well as those who just like darn good food, this industrial-meets-earthy cafe serves up an exciting, entirely plant-based menu. The Instagram-worth acai bowls have become a go-to, topped like a work of art with everything from mango mousse and house-made macadamia and apricot granola to raw Snickers bars and caramel sauce. But it’s the creative hot fare that’s the real winner, with dishes such as the Indian street food waffle featuring a spinach pakora waffle, roast pumpkin, potato peanut fritter, beetroot raita, tomato chutney and avocado Expect a wait for a table on a weekend, but it’s worth it, especially if you choose one of the specialty drinks like a ginger bread latte, super smoothie or mocktail of rose, pomegranate, lime and cardamom.
Hot Shott
3/17 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
5532 3275
Instagram @hotshottcafe
If it’s a bit of theatre you fancy with your breakfast, this humble Gold Coast cafe steps up to the plate. The headline act is the smoked rainbow trout with smashed avo, cherry tomatoes, Danish feta and sourdough, which comes under a cloche of apple-wood smoke only to be released like a magic trick. The bagel board has almost as much wow factor, starring a duo of petite bread rings ready for diners to top DIY-style with the likes of prosciutto, smoked salmon and cheddar. And while they may have less visual appeal, brekkie classics such as eggs Benedict and sweet corn and feta fritters just might steal the whole scene. A solid kids’ menu is also in play, including pikelets and dippy eggs. Yatala’s Supreme Roasters supply brews alongside freshly squeezed juices, old-fashioned milkshakes and smoothies.
Paddock Bakery
20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami
Instagram @paddockbakery
Expect to queue for a table and to order your food at this insanely popular Gold Coast bakery-cum-cafe in an old Queenslander cottage in the backstreets of Miami. Crowds flock here for the epic, Instagram-worthy baked goods. The menu features everything from
a paddock lemon cheesecake cruffin to fudgy peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies, which can be eaten on their own or blended into one of the signature, fully loaded, diet-destroying milkshakes. The all-day breakfast menu heroes Paddock’s famed wood-fired sourdough, especially in dishes such as the breakfast in bread with chorizo, black beans, queso fresco, vegetables and chipotle ranchero sauce packed into a hollowed out loaf. Coffee is from Single O and house-made cold press juice and teas are also available.
Morning After (best service)
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.
BSKT Cafe
4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
5526 6565
Instagram @bsktcafe
Boasting a playground out the back for the kids and indoor and outdoor seating, this family-friendly cafe takes your traditional idea of breakfast and turns it on its head. While you’ll still find classics like omelettes, beans and eggs, and a big breakfast to keep the unadventurous happy, it’s dishes such as the brekkie salad, southwest tofu scramble, 12-hour sticky pork and protein falafel plate, which really excite. Of course the kids aren’t forgotten with pint-sized tacos, toasties, pancakes and chicken and fries on offer too. Coffee is organic, fruity and balanced, there’s plenty of smoothies and cold-pressed juices, with specialty drinks like a minty matcha latte, and keto hot chocolate. Cocktails, beer, wine and cider are also served from brunch time.
Commune
844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
5520 3377
Instagram @communeespresso
Tucked just off the Gold Coast Highway, this shabby chic cafe with its umbrella-lined courtyard is the type of place you can rock up to straight off the beach with boardies or bikinis still on. Friendly staff take your order at the counter from the fresh, produce-driven menu, which uses organic ingredients to make almost everything from scratch. Take, for instance, house-cured salmon with house-made pickled onions on rye, or winter faves such as a silky quinoa, apple and flaxseed porridge — one of several vegan dishes available. Their colourful acai bowls are also a must, topped with the freshest of in-season fruit. Coffee is from Campos and on Fridays they do unlimited filter pours using the Colombia Mirador singleorigin blend for $5.
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.
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.
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.
Watch: Firearms, flame throwers, 31 vehicles seized in major Brisbane raid
Firearms, flame throwers and more than 30 stolen vehicles have been uncovered in a major police raid at a property in Brisbane’s south.
‘F***ing scab, dirty rat’: $650k union fines for vile picketline actions
The mining union has been hit with more than $650,000 in fines, with key individuals fined thousands too, after officials hurled vitriolic abuse at strike-breaking workers during a lockout at a Queensland coal mine.