Rating: 8.7
There is nothing like a lovely, leisurely brunch, especially in a city like Melbourne, that is blessed with so many wonderful cafes. Whether you are dining on your own with a good book or catching up on all the latest gossip with friends, here are some of the best brunch spots in Melbourne to check out.
An institution in Melbourne, The Hardware Société, is on a mission to redefine what brunch can be.
Located in the laneways of the CBD, this rustic-chic café boasts a congenial vibe and excellent service.
Their menu features a range of classic dishes like French toast, eggs benedict and croissants that are cooked with an impressive mix of love and perfection.
For those feeling a little more adventurous, some of their more innovative creations like gin cured salmon with buckwheat blinis and croquet madams with pork rillettes and apple sauce, may well catch your eye.
Address: 10 Katherine Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: https://hardwaresociete.com
If you like to take lots of photos of your food to post on Instagram then Brighton Soul is the brunch spot for you.
Found on Church Street in the vibrant heart of Brighton’s café and restaurant scene, this venue offers up some of Melbourne’s most visually appealing culinary delights.
You’ll find Japanese Salmon Sashimi and Mexican Tiger Prawn tacos on their international menu. As well as seafood laksa and lobster tail. All of which features vibrant colours that are beautifully presented in creative ways.
Contained within a relaxed, yet unassuming exposed brick interior setting, the café has a drinks list, that includes the equally eye-catching, and innovative, blue algae cold brew.
Address: 129 Church St, Brighton VIC 3186
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BrightonSoul/
If you like to enjoy your brunch in a beautiful setting then Higher Ground offers that and plenty more.
Located on Little Bourke Street, in the centre of the Melbourne CBD, this stylish café is housed in a stunning, heritage-listed, former power station.
It features exposed-brick walls, which is beautifully contrasted by lush greenery, to form a pleasant setting in which to dine.
Radiating somewhat of a churchy feel, with high ceilings and multi-level dining, Higher Ground specialises in offering a range of upscale bites.
Dishes like ricotta hotcakes and crab eggs benedict are among their most popular offerings. While their coffee is widely acknowledged as being exceptional.
Address: 650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: https://darlinggroup.com.au/venues/higherground/
One of the best fine dining examples of brunch in Melbourne can be found at the Prior Thornbury.
Situated in the centre of High Street Thornbury, about 15 minutes away from the Melbourne CBD, this refined neighbourhood cafe features a stylish contemporary interior that creates a relaxed dining experience.
The menu showcases the work of Nick Korceba who was previously the Head Chef at Maha.
It features a range of exquisite dishes like cheesy polenta, black tahini salmon and a nourish bowl that is out of this world.
But if you really fancy a decadent treat, the chocolate salted crumpets will bring a massive smile to your face.
Address: 637 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Website: http://www.priorthornbury.com.au
Operator25 is quite aptly named considering it is located in the old telephone exchange building – a gorgeous 1900s heritage listed property in the Melbourne CBD.
Specialising in brunch and excellent coffee, this funky venue has a sleek and modern interior with artsy décor that creates a very causal and relaxed vibe.
Close to the W Melbourne Hotel, it offers seasonal and temporary Asian inspired menus. Some of their dishes, like salmon aburi and roasted teriyaki mushrooms, often feature, along with other favourites like chia pudding and sweet potato waffles.
Whatever you choose to eat, the quality of the food is always excellent. Whilst the service is fast and very friendly.
Address: 25 Wills St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: https://www.operator25.com.au
Rating: 8.7
Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most iconic beachside destinations. Every year more than 2 million visitors come to this beautiful part of New South Wales. Renowned for its laid-back vibe, great surf and fabulous brunch scene, Byron Bay also has a reputation for being a centre of excellence when it comes to coffee. Here’s our pick for some of the very best cafes in Byron Bay:
It might have a rather understated shopfront but ask any local and they will tell you that Sparrow is definitely one of the best coffee shops in Byron Bay.
Nestled right in the heart of the main strip, Sparrow serves up delicious Allpress Coffee, as well as a selection of fresh juices and the ever popular coconut water.
It’s usually busy here, but the vibe is always warm and friendly. Not least from the staff.
They also offer some excellent pastries. And if you are in a hurry you can always pre-order your drink via their very own coffee app.
Address: 1B Byron Street, Byron Bay
Enjoying possibly the best location in the whole of Byron, Beach offers sensational views of Clarkes Beach from the beachfront just off it.
A very classy café which has a warm and relaxed ambiance, they rather aptly serve up the Byron Bay Coffee Company’s organic ‘beach’ blend. If you are ordering a takeaway you may even get to see dolphins splashing about whilst you wait!
Should you wish to dine in the though, rest assured the food here is delicious. Head chef Simon Palmer has developed an excellent menu that proudly showcases dishes that champion local produce and coastal flavours.
Address: Clarkes Beach, 2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay
One of Byron’s most iconic venues, The Roadhouse is a coffee shop by day and cocktail bar at night.
Boasting a sprawling terrace, this light and airy whole-food café has a somewhat rustic, yet chic charm that perfectly personifies the essence of Byron.
Serving Allpress coffee by the gallon load to ever appreciative locals, The Roadhouse also offers up a delicious whole-food menu, a range of excellent woodfire pizzas in the evening and a wide selection of exceptional cocktails.
Expect to queue for a little while to get in to the establishment, such is the café’s popularity. But don’t be too discouraged by any line up because it is definitely worth the wait.
Address: 6/142 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay
Another place that is always busy with its fair share of locals is the Bayleaf Café.
Known for its excellent vibe and charming interior décor that radiates a certain bohemian essence, the food is very, very good here. Taking the form of fresh, organic eats that satisfying even the most discerning of palettes.
The coffee is exceptional as well.
Blackboard Coffee is the house blend, and they offer full menu of soul satisfying options specifically roasted for them.
If you fancy something a little different, especially on a hot day, their Coconut Cold Brew served with dried flower petals should excite you.
Address: 2 Marvell Street, Byron Bay
Although it is a little off the beaten track, a trip to Folk is definitely worth it.
Situated in a holiday park, this local coffee shop has actually featured in Vogue! It is a beautiful café that serves ethical, local and organic produce in a pleasant setting that incorporates lush greenery, custom made timber benchtops, interesting artwork, pottery and other such quaint adornments.
Offering a plant-based menu, where all the food is made in-house, their coffee of choice is Dukes Coffee Roasters. Which is always delicious and immaculately served.
If you fancy something a little different though, why not try one of their fantastic flower garnished smoothies?
Address: 399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay
Rating: 8.7
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! In Brisbane you will find a fantastic range of breakfast options across the numerous trendy cafes, hip bistros and luxury hotels within the city. Here are some of the best of them. All of which will set you up nicely for the day ahead.
Ever had a Latin American style breakfast? Well that is exactly what you can have at Petrichor.
Inspired by the mouthwatering flavours of Latin America and in particular Colombia, these guys offer ‘Food made with love’.
We’re talking classics like huevos rancheros and arepas stuffed with pulled pork that will really make your heart sing!
If that is a little too adventurous for your tastebuds so early in the morning, their avo smash on sourdough or spiced pumpkin pancakes are sure to be a hit.
Those with a sweet tooth will love their artisanal cakes. All of which are all baked on the premises.
Address: 1/33 Racecourse Road, Corner Allen Street & Racecourse Road, Hamilton QLD 4007
For a terrific all day breakfast inspired by the exotic flavours of Southeast Asia head to the Pawpaw Café in Woollongabba.
A real favourite amongst locals, their signature hash cakes are sensational! Served with poached eggs, smashed avocado, haloumi, turmeric hummus, dukkah and beetroot relish, your only issue will be deciding which delicious element to try first.
Boasting a relaxed interior which is beautifully decorated in a style to match the menu, other specialty dishes include their croissant eggs benedict with plenty of bacon and pink pitaya pancakes – which they serve with vanilla bean ice cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, berry coulis and white chocolate crumble.
Address: 898 Stanley St E, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
The farm-to-plate revolution is growing in popularity in Brisbane, and nowhere is this more prominent than at Farm House in Kedron. Championing a philosophy that also supports local produce the café has a real country barn presence to it.
At the weekends there are often long queues to get in. But that can only mean one thing. The food they offer is amazing!
Two, much loved favourites, include the breakfast gnocchi, which is served in a delicious chili sauce with parmesan, thick-cut bacon and free-range poached eggs and their wonderful one pan ricotta hotcakes.
Address: 9 Somerset Rd, Kedron QLD 4031
One of the best breakfast settings in Brisbane can be found at Chapter IV in Paddington.
Located in a magnificent Queenslander, just across from the Antique Centre, the café boasts a verandah which showcases stunning views of Rosalie and the city. It also has a children’s playroom, so adults can enjoy their meal in peace.
Serving up their take on all the classics, their all-day breakfast offerings include generous portions of French toast, waffles, eggs benedict, fritters and hash cakes. Their green buddha bowl is one of the most popular items on their menu too.
Address: 180 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064
For a quirky breakfast experience head to the Billykart Kitchen in Annerley.
Tipping its hat to the old billy karts that used to glide through the area in the 1950s, this sleek café is located in an old corner store which boasts hardwood floors and a really cool, retro coffee machine.
Featuring a seasonal menu created by TV chef Ben O’Donoghue, the café has been known to offer a signature ‘breakfast board’ of coconut chia tapioca pudding, smashed avocado & feta on sourdough with a poached egg, seasonal fruits, a waffle with maple syrup and a sesame choc crisp.
Address: 1 Eric Cres, Annerley QLD 4103
Rating: 8.7
Whether you’re a skinny latte, double shot, with one sugar, kind of guy; or a flat white, on almond, with a shot of espresso kind of girl; there is a coffee shop on virtually every street corner of the Gold Coast. Here are some of the very best of them!
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, near many of the best luxury hotels on the Gold Coast, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the place to go if you are a true coffee aficionado.
Renown for its commitment to sustainability and quality, Paradox use cutting-edge roasters onsite to ensure consistent excellence in all its single origin coffees and custom blends. This includes specialty grade Nicaraguan and Ethiopian Sidamo Coffees.
A lovely place to sit and really enjoy the experience, the food here is exceptional too.
Address: 10 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
If you love your coffee with a generous serve of bohemian luxury then Next Door Espresso in Burleigh Heads is where it’s at!
Boasting a distinctly Mediterranean vibe; this delightful coffee shop features an olive tree, blue and white striped seating, and white bougainvillea and jasmine vines, as part of its alfresco décor.
Their signature house blend is organic Moonshine coffee. Sourced from the tiny town of Federal, in the hinterland of Byron Bay.
For those who really want to immerse themselves in the Gold Coast coffee scene, this is a venue you should linger in for a while.
Address: Unit 1/24 Junction Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Another Burleigh favourite, Seadog proves that size doesn’t matter!
Located just off James Street, this tiny coffee spot operates in a four metre squared space that used to house an ATM. But locals now know it as one of the best spots on the entire Gold Coast to get a gourmet coffee to go.
Once you try their organic Peruvian coffee you will immediately understand why this place is so popular.
It doesn’t have any tables, but as you are right near the beach, that is as good a place as any to enjoy their quality brew.
Address: 8/50 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Over at Mermaid Beach the Bam Bam Bakehouse has become synonymous with the words ‘great coffee’.
Loved by pretty much everyone who has tried it, this popular spot is always busy. But this never impacts upon the quality of your coffee experience.
Their signature coffee is Marvell Street out of Byron Bay which features El Salvadorian, Columbian and Ethiopian blends.
In addition to their excellent java, the Bam Bam Bakehouse serves what they describe as ‘the Gold Coast’s best croissant and pastries’.
These include the likes of delicious choux bombs, cruffins, eclairs and tarts, which pair perfectly with your brew.
Address: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Located on the beachfront of the Oasis Shopping Centre in Broadbeach, Elk Espresso is a bit of an institution on the Gold Coast.
They use Proud Mary coffee beans, sourced from Collingwood in Victoria for their signature house blend – which is designed for milk based coffees.
The café also regularly showcases the talents of guest roasters from all around Australia, for those who want to try something a little different.
Elk is such a popular spot they don’t take reservations. Which is not surprising given that it is also known for its fabulous food offerings.
A ‘boozy bottomless brunch’ and sensational breakfast panna cotta are just a couple of their most popular menu items.
Address: Shop G044 Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218