I take breakfast quite seriously. Not only is it the most important meal of the day, but if I'm going to be dedicating an early morning to a meal somewhere, I want it to be a good one. Brisbane, fortunately, is not short on options. From Middle Eastern-inspired plates to excellent iterations of the classics, the city's breakfast scene has plenty to get out of bed for.
Whether you're after a quick coffee and pastry, or a long brunch somewhere sunny, these are the Brisbane breakfast spots worth knowing.
1. Idle (New Farm)
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One of the newer additions, and also one of the most delicious. The Anyday team’s all-day cafe specialises in breads and pastries alongside a concise breakfast menu. I'm a particular fan of the Euro plate and the chocolate chip cookie. There's also a selection of chic deli items, like tinned fish, olive oil, and Pepe Saya caramels.
2. Scout Cafe (Spring Hill)
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Tucked into Spring Hill, Scout Cafe is a cosy breakfast choice. The menu is unfussy but considered, with a permanent breakfast bagel among the things worth ordering. It's a good spot for when what you're after is strong coffee and something satisfying to eat.
3. Jane's Deli (Coorparoo)
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This Coorparoo spot has made a name for itself with a mix of sandwiches and deli-style plates. Favourites include the continental plate with olives, cheeses, labneh, tomatoes, eggs and sourdough baguette, and the rotation of sandwich specials.
4. Anouk (Paddington)
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A Paddington mainstay since 2007, Anouk is a go-to for a reliable breakfast. The Shakshuka (loaded with fresh herbs) and the iced coconut matcha are personal favourites.
5. Morning After (West End)
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A West End favourite, Morning After is a reliable choice for a proper breakfast, with a menu that goes beyond the usual eggs and toast. They earned a lot of attention for the breakfast carbonara, but the rest of the menu leans closer to familiar brunch favourites.
6. Cafe Tino (Fortitude Valley)
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Breakfast here feels like you could be somewhere in Europe. The all-day cafe serves Euro-inspired dishes alongside Single O coffee and a soundtrack of vinyl. It's also an all-day spot, so if you stay long enough you can have a wine and a few small plates.
7. Cafe Disco (West End)
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The name might suggest a late-night destination (which is partly true on Fridays), but most of the time, Cafe Disco is firmly in the business of daytime eating. The West End cafe draws on Bangladeshi-Australian flavours, turning out dishes such as scrambled eggs with spring onion and green chilli gremolata alongside keema pau, lamb kofta and chicken tikka.
8. ēmmē (New Farm)
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Taking over the corner dining space that used to house Spoon, the menu at ēmmē takes cues from the Middle East and Mediterranean, with dishes like Turkish eggs, sujuk and egg pita, and slow-cooked lamb served with hummus. In other words, there’s plenty here for those who want something hearty first thing.
9. Nodo (multiple locations)
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Nodo is a Brisbane institution. Best known for its gluten-free doughnuts, the cafe also serves an all-day breakfast menu, with everything from breakfast burgers and bacon-and-egg rolls. There are several locations around Brisbane, so it's an easy one to add to the weekend breakfast rotation — particularly if you believe every savoury breakfast should end with something sweet.
10. Farmhouse (Kedron)
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Farmhouse opens early (at 6:30am to be specific), making it well suited to those who like to get breakfast in before the day really gets going. The menu covers the classics, alongside plenty of house-made and seasonal touches. There's also an adjoining store if you want to take a few provisions home with you.
11. Bear Boy Espresso (Windsor)
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Housed in a renovated 1920s building in Windsor, Bear Boy Espresso is a neighbourhood cafe with a simple menu. You'll find the usual eggs and toast alongside more indulgent options, including chicken and waffles. It's a good one for a lazy weekend breakfast, and they also do a great matcha.
12. Industry Beans (Newstead)
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If coffee is the most important part of you breakfast, Industry Beans is an obvious choice. It doubles as a roastery and cafe, with its own beans roasted on site and a menu of all-day breakfast dishes.
13. Kin (Teneriffe)
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You've probably seen customers lining up down the street for Kin's matcha (and specials), but they've also got a breakfast menu worth trying. Tucked into Teneriffe, it serves a concise menu with a focus on fresh ingredients and well-made coffee. It's also just steps from the river, if you prefer takeaway and a view.
