Brisbane's Best Brunch Spots: A Local's Guide to Morning Feasts

Brisbane is undeniably a morning city. Give locals a 6am wake up and a plate of perfectly poached eggs over a late dinner any day. As a city of early risers, the Brisbane breakfast scene has become quite the art form. While eggs benedict remains a staple, you'll now find adventurous brunch feeds across every suburb, served in aesthetically pleasing cafes that demand to be photographed. Here's where to find the most exceptional morning meals in Brisbane.

Morning After - West End

Located in the heart of Brisbane's West End, Morning After has mastered the art of morning indulgence. Their iconic breakfast carbonara has become the stuff of local legend - because who says pasta is only for dinner? The cafe sources local produce including honey, bread, and pasta, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. Classic white brick walls adorned with hanging greenery create the perfect backdrop for their generous menu of both healthy and indulgent dishes. The MaMuffin and fried buttermilk chicken benedict on a cheesy potato hashcake with chipotle hollandaise are crowd favourites that keep regulars coming back week after week.

Naïm - Paddington

When authentic Middle Eastern fare meets a quintessentially Queenslander-style corner cafe, magic happens. Naïm has become one of Brisbane's favourite all-day breakfast spots, serving modern Australian takes on Arab-world classics. Perch yourself in the quaint dining room overlooking Paddington's jacaranda-lined streets and be transported to Tunisia with their popular hummus bowl - a fluffy bed of housemade dip topped with marinated olives, tomato salad, crispy chickpeas, za'atar, and flatbread. Their traditional shakshuka and souvlaki octopus skewer plate showcase the depth of Middle Eastern breakfast culture, while quality coffee by Blacklab rounds out the experience.

Anouk Café - Paddington

Given Terrace in Paddington is Brisbane's breakfast mile, and Anouk Café stands as its crown jewel. Housed in a restyled old apothecary with original bay windows and exposed red brick walls, this industrial-style cafe oozes charm. The outdoor seating in the glorious Queensland sun is prime for people-watching while sipping phenomenal coffee. With gold-gilded mirrors, divine works of art, and Bentwood seating inside, Anouk delivers an experience that's as much about ambiance as it is about the food. Arrive early - by 8am at the latest - to secure a spot at this perpetually busy establishment.

Pawpaw Café - West End

Flooding with natural light, Pawpaw Café is an inviting space to dine and enjoy an innovative breakfast. The menu features classics with surprising twists - think parmesan gnocchi, mushroom croquettes, and blossom-scented semolina porridge with nutmeg caramel hotcake. Their croissant eggs benedict, with its crispy croissant and runny eggs, is a satisfying way to start any day. The cafe's vibrant atmosphere matches their creative food, and their extensive vegan options including tofu bao buns and Malaysian Yellow Curry have earned them a devoted following among plant-based eaters.

Coffee Anthology - Brisbane CBD

In huge news for Brisbane's coffee scene, Coffee Anthology was named the eighth best coffee shop in the world in 2025. Their friendly baristas will talk you through flavour profiles ranging from chocolate and nutty to fruity before matching your chosen roast to the best brewing method. The multi-roaster approach keeps things exciting, meaning coffee aficionados discover new and exciting drops with each visit. With Fika and cult patisserie The Whisk under the same roof, this sophisticated industrial space is perfect for a chic city brunch date featuring caramelised banana rice pudding, pandan waffles, and croissant eggs benedict.

Joedy's Cafe - New Farm

Perfectly positioned across from idyllic New Farm Park, Joedy's opened in early 2020 just weeks before lockdowns hit the hospitality industry hard. Despite the challenges, the team consistently delivers incredible food with friendly service. Their focus on ethical sourcing of local South East Queensland produce shines through in every dish. The iconic flakey croissant eggs benedict topped with truffle-infused hollandaise, fresh greens, and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly has become a must-try. The cafe has also collaborated with local artisans, so you can pick up handmade goodies from house-made chutney to pink himalayan salt body scrubs.

Farmhouse - Kedron

Managing to give off serious country barn vibes despite being located in a quiet suburban street in Kedron, Farmhouse usually has a line snaking down the street on Sunday mornings. The wait is worth it for their breakfast gnocchi in chilli sauce with thick-cut bacon, parmesan, and free-range poached egg, or their iconic one-pan hotcake. The rustic charm and hearty portions have made this a destination cafe for Brisbane's northern suburbs, proving that exceptional brunch doesn't require a trendy inner-city postcode.

Scout Cafe

Some dishes give you random cravings at 3pm on a Tuesday afternoon, and Scout's brekkie bagel is exactly that kind of dish. Gooey golden egg melts over thick-cut kaiser bacon, accompanied by fresh tomato, rocket, cheese, and sweet relish made in-house. When eating in, it comes with a serrated knife that cuts through the chewy bagel perfectly. Small details make a big difference at Scout - the service is so smiling and helpful you'd swear the staff were about to ask for your autograph. It's these touches that elevate a simple breakfast into something memorable.

Cafe O Mai

For something beyond standard bacon and eggs, Cafe O Mai's incredible Vietnamese flavours deliver a unique morning experience. Start your day with fragrant pho (even the vegan option impresses), wholesome eggs baked in clay pots, or banh mis served on house-baked baguette. The Vietnamese coffee provides the perfect sugar hit to energise your morning. This is where Brisbane's multicultural food scene truly shines at breakfast.

Extraction Artisan Coffee - Slacks Creek

If you take your brunch game seriously, a visit to Extraction Artisan Coffee is an absolute must. This Slacks Creek eatery makes everything on-site, from their heavenly brioche bread to their flavour-bomb relishes. The attention to detail in every component elevates their dishes from good to exceptional. It's proof that Brisbane's best breakfast spots extend well beyond the inner city, rewarding those willing to venture into the suburbs.

What Makes Brisbane Brunch Special

Australian brunch culture has several distinctive features that Brisbane exemplifies perfectly. Presentation is everything - dishes are skilfully garnished with edible flowers and artful arrangements. There's a balance between sweet options like waffles, pancakes, and acai bowls, and savoury dishes focused on healthy, fresh ingredients. Avocado on toast and vegan options are ubiquitous, but so is creativity that pushes boundaries.

Brunch in Brisbane starts early - 8am is considered reasonable, but 7am is better if you want to avoid queuing at popular spots. Budget around $25-30 for a good brunch including cappuccino, dish, and juice. Most top brunch spots are nestled in nearby neighbourhoods within a short distance from the CBD, making cafe-hopping a delightful weekend activity.

Brisbane's brunch scene continues to evolve, with chefs pushing creative boundaries while honouring the fundamentals of quality ingredients and skilled preparation. Whether you're craving traditional eggs benedict or an innovative fusion dish, these cafes represent the very best of what Brisbane has to offer the dedicated breakfast enthusiast.