Hunt down the best brunch spots in Brisbane

Science, or at least The Courier-Mail, concluded that us here can’t get enough of the morning dining scene. We’d like to think it’s due to sophisticated taste buds, but it’s more likely that we keep curdling the hollandaise.

Each weekend Brisbanites can be found lining the footpaths, ordering eggs poached, fried or scrambled, plus a coffee, smoothie or cocktail to complete this morning ritual or Sunday tradition.

Brunch is the most important meal of any weekend – especially in Brisbane. Discover our favourite spots.

Central

Campos, Fortitude Valley – While the Campos roasting house on Wandoo St may be better known for its coffee, let its creative brunch offering surprise you.

Customs House, Brisbane City – Dine on white linen out on the terrace beneath the historic Customs House on Sundays. The Story Bridge views are unbeatable.

Felix for Goodness, Brisbane City – Serving all day brunch, feed your insides with everything good from avocado on toast to house smoked market fish.

Harvey’s, Fortitude Valley – For those who like a boozy brunch, Harvey’s has a "libations" menu from 10am that has five brunch cocktails, including a classic bloody mary.

Riverbar, Brisbane City – River views – check. Breakfast foods – check. Cocktail menu – check. Start your day (and perhaps even end it) at celebrity chef Matt Moran’s Riverbar.

Strauss, Brisbane City – Looking for an authentic CBD laneway experience? Pop into Strauss off Elizabeth St. The coffee is among the best, and food isn’t far behind.

North

Alcove, Wilston – Join the locals for brunch at this rustic venue. The timber is recycled, the styling shabby chic and produce comes from the south east.

Artie & Mai, Albion – A reliable staple on the brunch scene – Artie & Mai is open most public holidays and serves a top-quality, all-day breakfast menu from its digs on Sandgate Rd.

Dandelion & Driftwood, Hendra – For the best coffee in Brisbane with an all-day brunch menu that’ll have you um-ing and ah-ing over what to choose, head to D & D.

Let Minnow, Clayfield – Cute, suburban and with a fishy theme, this quaint cafe takes its cues from its former life as an aquarium. Share a brekky board, or keep it all to yourself. 

Nundah Corner Cafe & Bistro, Nundah – A small menu is our type of menu. Choose from ten options and don't forget to add on bottomless mimosas.

Pineapple Express, Hamilton – For a quick and healthy fix, Pineapple Express is the one. Grab an easy wrap, an acai bowl or healthy smoothie.

The Balfour Kitchen, New Farm – Balfour Kitchen whips up an imaginative breakfast using local gourmet ingredients and unusual flavour combinations.

The Low Road, Windsor – The Tropicana-themed quirky and kitsch cafe resides just near Windsor Station. Go for a feed, stay for the coffee, laugh at the A-frame chalk sign.

South

Billykart, West End – This is the second Billykart by chef Ben Donovan, and like the first this popular cafe plays up his signature laid-back style and love of fresh, local ingredients.

Gauge, South Brisbane – Feel like your brunch lacks imagination? Try Gauge on for size. From black-coloured garlic bread to sourdough waffles with quince, hazelnut ricotta and lemon verbena milk sorbet, this is anything but ordinary.

Morning After, West End – Breakfast carbonara – the only two words needed to get us there. Morning After effortlessly balances a menu of cheeky treats and healthy eats.

Miss Bliss, West End – Not keen on the idea of a greasy fry up? Miss Bliss is the home of healthy unprocessed whole foods and refined sugar free foods.

Pearl Cafe, Woolloongabba – If the words "housemade butterscotch milkshake" don’t make you weak at the knees, the rustic wholesome fare on offer will.

Plenty, West End – "Know your farmer" is the motto and at Plenty you can expect your brunch to come from the South East Queensland area.

Suburban, West End – Forced out for brunch and don’t like eggs? Knock over a burger, french toast or a garden bowl here.

East 

French Twist, Bulimba – This spot is perfect for something lighter such as muesli, juices and baked treats. Its food styling is Instagram worthy.

Little Loco, New Farm – Super shakes, excellent avo on toast and even bacon and egg bao buns – not heading to Little Loco is your mistake.

The Smug Fig, East Brisbane – Tucked inside the Cottage Garden Nursery, The Smug Fig is serving up all kinds of Instagram-worthy brunches – including regularly changing french toast creations.

West

85 Miskin Street, Toowong – Set in a converted Queenslander, this back-street restaurant specialises with its four-course breakfast degustation. A must do!

Anouk, Paddington – Housed in a historic building, Anouk plays up a French influence in its styling. Drop by for a simple feed, or something fancy (like huevos a flamenco).

Chapter IV, Paddington – Go for the views, stay for the food. Chapter IV is set in an old Queenslander building that has views overlooking leafy Rosalie and the city.

Kettle & Tin, Paddington – Brunch here for a relaxed breakfast with a hipster vibe. Its waffles and hair-of-the-dog cocktails are popular with locals.

Naim, Paddington – A favourite for its gorgeous plating and Middle Eastern-inspired fare, Naim puts an interesting spin on all it does. 

Single Guys, Kenmore – Perhaps you’re out exploring a little further from the CBD and find yourself in Kenmore. The Singles Guys is the spot for good coffee and great food. 

Smoked Paprika, Bardon – A hidden gem in Bardon, this suburban cafe is open seven days and offers unusual takes on the classics at a good price.

Destination brunch

Sometimes you have to travel a little out of the city to get a great brunch – and we promise these ones are worth travelling for.

Wild Canary, Brookfield – Passionate about using local produce, head chef Glen Barratt sources produce from nearby farmers and works to make the dishes shine.

The Flying Nun, Samford – Get in early or book a table because this popular cafe gets busy. Set partly in an old church and partly in a rainforest garden, here you can enjoy a menu of exquisite seasonal dishes.

Frenchies Cafe, Wynnum – Bring your pup to this pet-friendly cafe for your mid-morning coffee and fuel up.

Cedar & Pine, Wynnum – This petite tapas bar in downtown Wynnum is an easy 20-minute drive east of the CBD to Brisbane’s Bayside.

Why not turn brunch into a day out with our top day trips itineraries?