The City:
Best breakfast spots

18 JANUARY 2023

Mouth-watering fry-up or cappuccino on the run – we don’t judge how you start your day. From a chic long brunch with friends to a post-gym power smoothie, these Brisbane eateries in The City are dishing out breakfasts and pouring coffees to keep you going all day.

Alta Café, Adelaide St  

Alta Café is an urban gem in the heart of The City. Just a short walk from Central Station, this is the perfect destination to relax with a coffee and breakfast before starting your workday. There are lighter options such as fruit toast with grilled banana or as crumpets with local honeycomb and baked brie. There is also a selection of daily cakes, muffins and fresh pastries in the window.  

Aquila, Eagle St  

Aquila is Italian for eagle so where better for Aquila to sit than along Eagle St? This Italian-style space has a rustic fit-out and serves breakfast on weekdays from 6:30am. From acai bowls to biscoff and banana hot cake, there’s a breakfast dish to suit any mood.  

The Bagel Boys, George St  

If you’re after the perfect New York Style bagel, you can’t go past The Bagel Boys on George St. Their traditional kettle-boiled bagels are mixed, rolled, boiled and baked fresh every day. Sink your teeth into breakfast bagels including the haloumi and bacon stack or veggie delight, or grab a blueberry bagel to go with the schmear of your choice.  

Brew, Burnett Lane  

Find a space in Brew's dimmed rustic basement to indulge in an all-day breakfast from 7am with a spectacular cup of coffee. Satisfy your cravings with classics like smashed avocado, Brew eggs ‘Benny’ or house-made fritters. If you're on the run, simply grab a halloumi bagel and coffee before dashing off.  

Coffee Iconic, George St  

Coffee Iconic is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the urban environment. The garden courtyard and alfresco mural will have you thinking you woke up in Melbourne. The charming laid-back café offers two local coffee varieties, along with a breakfast menu of both quick and delicious bites.  

ED Café, Edward St  

Nestled on the corner of Edward St, ED Café brings the suburbs to The City. With an expansive leafy wall mural, large communal tables and small breakfast nooks, this café is a tranquil escape from city life.  Their all-day breakfast menu is simple but sufficient. We love the hash benedict! 

Felix for Goodness, Burnett Lane  

Venture inside Felix for Goodness, a quaint light-filled space perfect for breakfast. Perch yourself on a stool overlooking Burnett Lane and watch the world go by or soak up the relaxed atmosphere inside. There is a divine selection of homemade tarts and pastries as well as an all-day brunch menu on offer here. Our picks? The chilli scramble, cardamom and ginger-spiced house granola and the falafel bowl.  

Frankie & George, George St  

Community and environmentally focused, Frankie & George is a modern and cosy café in The City. Open for breakfast every day, we recommend you try the French toast made with fresh doughnuts, Frankie’s Veg Bowl, or the mouth-watering steak on sourdough.

Inter/Section, Charlotte St

Linking Charlotte and Mary Streets, Inter/Section is home to caffeine masters Coffee Anthology, pastry wizzes The Whisk and contemporary café Fika. This is where convenience and comfort food combine; indulge in breakfast before grabbing a takeaway coffee and a pastry for later.   

Motorwagen, Adelaide St 

Located on Adelaide Street, Motorwagen serves up classic breakfast dishes with a modern twist. Named after the world’s first petrol-powered vehicle, the venue reflects the innovation and creativity of Mercedes-Benz. From Monday to Friday, feast on dishes like the brioche French toast, Motorwagen’s breakfast burger or “Eggs Benzy” with a rich brown butter hollandaise.  

Riverbar & Kitchen, Eagle St  

Riverbar & Kitchen is the Brisbane venture of celebrity chef and restaurateur Matt Moran. From 8am daily you can indulge in breakfast favourites like the Riverbar breakfast bowl and buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup. Wash it down with a fresh mocktail.  

Strauss, Elizabeth St  

Hidden down a laneway, coffee haven Strauss offers a refined menu of all-day breakfast dishes inspired by seasonal produce. Accompany your morning coffee with dishes including avocado or smoked ocean trout on sourdough, fruit and nut toast, or house-made honey granola.  

Stanton Café and Bar, Queen St Mall  

A modern classic, Stanton Café and Bar exudes luxury with an understated style. Located in QueensPlaza, the menu offers a gourmet range of flavours using quality produce and the freshest of ingredients. The breakfast menu changes with the seasons to deliver fresh, local and quality food packed with flavour.

The Maillard Project, Charlotte St  

If you eat, sleep and breathe coffee then The Maillard Project is the spot for you. The slick, urban-designed café is a place to not just eat and drink but also to expand your knowledge on how to roast, brew and serve coffee.  

Friends enjoying a drink at Riverbar.