As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Even when you eat too much and end up in a food coma before mid-day. When it comes to eating out for breakfast, we’re spoiled for choice with places to get a good feed in Brisbane. So we’ve rounded up some of our favourite spots to make things easier for you. Here’s our pick of 12 legendary Brisbane breakfast spots to check out.
1. Morning After, West End
Celebrating 10 years, this breakfast icon is not done serving up some of the best dishes you could dream of. Ever heard of breakfast carbonara? It’s the signature dish at West End spot Morning After. The innovative breakfast and brunch menu here features dishes like a moreish wagyu beef kapow and flavour-packed baked eggs. But the real showstopper is the indulgent carbonara, complete with runny egg.
đź“Ť Cambridge St, West End
2. Little Hideout Café, Balmoral
In 2022, Little Hideout Café in Balmoral was named best avo toast in Australia. Yes, it’s a bold claim to say that something is the best in the country, but Avocados Australia went ahead and made their decision. And they’re the industry body representing Australian avocados so, look, they might know what they’re talking about.
We thought their avo on toast was delicious and we do recommend trying it for breakfast.
đź“Ť2/185 Riding Rd, Balmoral
3. Blue Bear Coffeehouse, New Farm
An absolute favourite when we’re out and about in New Farm, Blue Bear Coffeehouse is the perfect spot for a breakfast date. If you’re a fan of seafood in the morning, look no further than their delicious Salmon Bagel (I always get it). The Karaage chicken toastie is pretty darn good too.
đź“Ť92 James St, New Farm
4. The Gunshop Café, West End
The Gunshop Cafe is emblematic of the laidback and eclectic vibe of West End, and it also happens to be an outstanding breakfast spot. Known for its incredible pesto eggs and flavourful sourdough, its staples are always a reliable choice, but the specials are worth venturing out of your comfort zone for! Their take on French toast, stuffed with ham and cheese and accompanied by all sorts of delightful treats — including a macaron! — is proof of their tasty and tasteful innovation.
đź“Ť53 Mollison St, West End | Other locations in Toowong & Chermside
5. Lune Croissanterie, South Brisbane & CBD
The pastries at Lune Croissanterie are the stuff of legend. In 2016, the New York Times declared that they had the best croissants in the world. And look, they could be right. Lune’s freshly baked pastries are an absolute treat, perfect for breakfast, and any other meal of the day.
đź“ŤBurnett Lane, shop 10/79, Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD | 15 Manning St, South Brisbane
6.To Be Or Not To Be, Westlake
Calling all lovers of classic literature, and those who find it equally romanticising. There’s a café tucked away in the heart of the Brisbane suburbs which is dedicated entirely to William Shakespeare, which includes a mural of Will himself, holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a skull in the other.
On the breakfast menu, you’ll find a selection of classic dishes such as eggs benny, breakfast tacos, paninis, burgers, salads, as well as sweet potato pancakes.
đź“Ť180 Westlake Dr, Westlake
7. Doughcraft, Albion
Located in Craft’d Grounds, Doughcraft is inspired by the tasty bread, pasta and pastry havens you might find in France or Italy.
Treat your sweet tooth to a selection of gourmet treats such as doughnuts, cruffins, Danishes, and flavoured meringues.
However, if you’re more of a savoury sailor, then you’ll also find meat-filled pastries, sausage rolls, beer-infused buns, gorgonzola breadsticks, and heartwarming paninis.
đź“Ť181 Mary St, Brisbane CBD
8. Project Salubrious, Burpengary
If you’re a foodie who eats free of gluten and dairy, this is one venue you’ll want to check out. Project Salubrious is nestled on the northside, and they’re serving up health-conscious plates that’ll bring your breakfast date to the next level.
On the brekky menu, you’ll find soft and fluffy pumpkin pancakes, cashew brioche with ham, spinach and mustard cream, as well as an omelette of the day.
đź“Ť143 Rowley Rd, Burpengary
9. Rise Bakery, Portside Wharf
Live out your Parisian dreams with all the pastries you can think of at Rise Bakery. Located at Portside Wharf, this elegant French bakery serves up everything from creamy ham and cheese croissants to quiches, tuna baguettes, desserts and more.
Rise Bakery even has a French champagne bar onsite in case you wanted to pair a glass of bubbles with your breakfast and brunch food.
đź“ŤShop 7.01F/39 Hercules St, Hamilton
10. Sorelle Eatery, St Lucia
One of Brisbane’s most stunning cafés is Sorelle Eatery, which is located in St Lucia. Grab the gang for an Italian-inspired breakfast or brunch, whether it be a spring onion crepe, Sicilian chilli scrambled eggs or lemon coconut ricotta hot cakes.
The eatery also doubles as a homewares store, so you can stock up on decor and fragrances while you’re there.
đź“Ť242 Hawken Dr, St Lucia
11. Smoked Paprika, Paddington
This unassuming cafĂ© is indisputable one of Brisbane’s best, and its perpetual busyness is a testament to that fact! With drool-worthy weekly specials like chilli crab-folded eggs with croissants, pea purĂ©e, avo, whipped feta, bacon and pistachio crumbs, and a regular menu that’s also bursting with bold, well-spiced flavours, you’ll want to keep coming back to Smoked Paprika.
đź“Ť5 Nash Street, Paddington
12. The New Black, Fortitude Valley
Offering breakfasts as healthy as they are plentiful and unique, this trendy spot puts its own spin on the classics with options like espresso waffle, zucchini & corn fritter and beef brisket croque madame on the menu.
You can also build your own breakfast at The New Black, and wash it down with one of their piping hot, quality brews.
đź“Ť694 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
13. Paw Paw, Woolloongabba
Informed by its Thai roots and managing to transcend them into deliciously uncharted territory, Paw Paw is as ready to serve a flavourful prawn omelette with Thai sweet chilli jam as it is a rich crème brûlée French toast, one just as tasty as the other.
đź“Ť898 Stanley St E, East Brisbane
14. Farmhouse, Kedron
Started as a tribute to family farms, Farmhouse stays close to its roots with an emphasis on freshness and simplicity, in the best way possible! Renowned for their thick hotcakes and breakfast gnocchis, there’s plenty here to make everyone happy, whether they’ve got a sweet tooth or are more of a savoury dish lover.
đź“Ť9 Somerset Road, Kedron
15. Corner Store Café, Toowong
This charming space — complete with its own little vegetable garden — is a vibe but it’s got plenty of substance to go along with its style. Serving up quality brews and hearty breakfasts, both staples and specials, is what they’re best at, and their perfectly golden baked goods are nothing to scoff at!
đź“Ť113 Sylvan Rd, Toowong
Editorial contribution by: MJ GayĂłn.