The best breakfast in Canberra is a very hotly debated topic, with many locals fiercely loyal to their favourite one. Whether you are looking for a full fry up, or something a little more sophisticated, there are many cafes who can easily lay claim to offering this. Here are a few of our favourite picks:
Sweet Bones Bakery
Braddon is an uber-cool area in Canberra. It is where quirky cafes, cutting edge contemporary Australian restaurants and artisanal coffee roasters are housed in a series of industrial buildings centred around Lonsdale Street.
One of the first cafes to take residence there was the Sweet Bones Bakery. And many people advocate it is still the best.
Contained within a cool rock ‘n’ roll setting, close to many of the best luxury hotels in Canberra, the café takes vegan food far beyond the next level.
Committed to serving outstanding dishes that are vegan, cruelty-free and absolutely delectable, their all day breakfasts, which include a ‘Big Breakfast’ with coconut bacon, tofu scramble and hummus, is the stuff of dreams!
Address: 8/18 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612
Pollen
Enjoying a beautiful setting within the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Pollen is one of the most delightful eateries in Canberra.
Stylishly furnished with blue and white décor that includes fabulous textiles by Juanita Flett, the café seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.
Their menu, although small, offers plenty of flavour, with dishes ranging from classics like Eggs Benedict to more exotic offerings like the Healthy Breakfast – which includes a plate of poached eggs, chickpeas, paprika, tomato, feta, eggplant moule, za’atar, fried basil and dukkah all presented on flatbread.
Boasting a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and very good service, this is a fantastic breakfast establishment in which to kick start your day.
Address: Clunies Ross Street, ACT 2601
The Cupping Room
Not far from University Avenue and close to the Ovolo Nishi Hotel, The Cupping Room is a quaint cafe that is a popular spot to bring your dog.
Serving magnificent ONA coffee, as well as very accomplished hot chocolate, the ambiance in the café is relaxed and congenial.
Their menu is real comfort food too – with their French Toast being served with a decadent mix of an oreo crumb, berries, banana, milk icing and mascarpone.
Given this, and how many cute pooches are around, dog lovers will definitely want to stay here for a while.
Address: 1/1-13 University Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601
Chatterbox
Located in the vibrant heart of the district of Belconnen, Chatterbox offers an ingenious menu of half or full serves.
The perfect way to cater to all levels of hunger, the café also has plenty of options for those with vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free dietary requirements.
These include the likes of toasted banana bread, a Paleo breakfast and even a ‘full plate’ for carnivore guests with huge appetites.
The coffee here is exceptional too and draws crowds from all over. So its always a good idea to arrive at this family friendly venue earlier than you would like to eat.
Address: 40 Cameron Ave, Belconnen ACT 2617
Local Press
Located on the Kingston Foreshore, the Local Press Café is a real favourite amongst, well, locals.
Not only does this rustic, health-conscious, establishment showcase fantastic views of the foreshore, it also offers up inventive contemporary Australian food, under a ‘healthy body, healthy plant’ ethos.
All their dishes feature preservative-free and unprocessed whole foods, many of which are locally produced, and all of which are ethically-sourced.
Their delicious all-day breakfast menu includes the fabulous Salmon Scramble, which is one of their most popular breakfast dishes.
A sumptuous arrangement of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, pickled fennel and onion, horseradish and herb yoghurt, radish and caperberries, all served on fresh grain sourdough – which could well be the ‘healthy’ breakfast of champions.
Address: 35 Eastlake Parade, Kingston ACT 2604
