Cafes

50 Of The Best Cafes In Brisbane That You Should Have Eaten At By Now

By Ranyhyn Laine
12th Mar 2024

If it’s poached, smashed, drizzled with maple, or can have bacon on the side, here at Urban List, we're all over it. Thankfully, our love for the morning meal has resulted in us being utterly spoiled for choice by the sheer multitude of Brisbane/Meanjin cafes serving up truly spectacular feeds first thing. 

Whether you dig on granola or froth a greasy fry-up, these are 50 of the best cafes in Brisbane (in no particular order) you can depend on—consider it your 2024 to-do list.

Bear Boy Espresso

8/180 Albion Street, Windsor

Tucked away in Windsor’s Colwill Place, Bear Boy Espresso is the younger sibling of the Gold Coast cafe of the same name. This pastel pink spot doesn’t just get our tick of approval for their cute interiors, but also for breakfast plates that will cure even the grizzliest of hangers. The eggs benny on a crispy potato hash waffle is a classic, but we can never go past the chicken and waffles. 

Pawpaw

898 Stanley Street E, Woolloongabba

Woolloongabba fave Pawpaw knows a thing or two about putting on a killer breakfast in a stylish Brisbane cafe. Our go-to dishes include their signature potato hash with turmeric hummus, smashed avo and haloumi, or just whatever insane variation of pancakes or waffles they’ve cooked up for the season.

Nodo 

Various Locations 

Not only is Nodo one of our favourite Brisbane cafes thanks to their iconic baked, gluten-free doughnuts (if you know, you know), but they’re also one of our go-to breakfast spots. Some might go for their extensive list of supernatural health shakes, but we’ll be the ones in the corner chowing down on new summer dishes like the strawberry waffles and savoury mushroom pancake. 

Florence Cafe 

54 Martha Street, Camp Hill 

Trading out of a converted cottage on the corner of Martha Street, Florence Cafe is a happy little hutch of goodness. Their all-day menu offers a broad range of wake-me-ups, from fried scones with syrup and mascarpone to wagyu tartare on toast. As a sweet added bonus, every jam, pickle and relish on the menu is made right there in house by the Florence team.

Petrichor & Co 

1/33 Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Head to Petrichor & Co for a Brisbane breakfast and you'll find a little slice of South America waiting for you. Drawing on the owners' Colombian heritage, the menu features spicy options like breakfast arepas and pulled beef empanadas, but you'll also find more familiar brunch fare like spiced pumpkin pancakes and acai bowls. 

You might also like: 

St Coco Cafe 

3 Cupania Street, Daisy Hill


Image credit: St Coco Cafe | Facebook

St. Coco Cafe is pumping out the breakfast and lunch dishes of your dreams. We're talking spiced slow roasted lamb shoulder, bratwurst benedict, vanilla ricotta brûlée bowls, you name it. If all that wasn't enough, St. Coco cafe's decor is a Pinterest lover's wet dream—all rustic, Cali-style fit-out, featuring a plethora of cacti and succulents, rugs and mismatched seating.

Little Black Pug

6/1297 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt 

So dog-friendly they’ve even named their menu items using puppy puns, Little Black Pug looks cosy from the front, but they’re hiding an adjoining dining space out back, with plenty of room to tuck into a Dog’s Breakfast (their version of a big brekkie), or something more creative. But the real drawcard? The menu for your doggo, complete with a warm puppycino or meatballs.

Citron 

354 Main Road, Wellington Point 

The team behind Pawpaw now have two entries on the list after the opening of Citron in 2022. Bring Mediterranean vibes to the Bayside, this bright, breezy spot is the place to tuck into the likes of Greek yoghurt panna cotta, buttermilk pancakes and hummus toast under yellow and white striped umbrellas, and pretend you're on the coast of Italy. 

King Arthur Cafe

164C Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley 

The small but mighty King Arthur Cafe thrives on local, out-of-the-box fare—think smashed avo with macadamia dukkha and Persian feta, or a fresh take on eggs benny with grilled mortadella and provolone cheese. Oh, and did we mention your four-legged friends are welcome, too? Pro tip, head inside and up the stairs to find more seating if the outside tables are full (and they usually are).

Felix For Goodness

50 Burnett Lane, Brisbane CBD

Looking for organic, locally sourced breakfast that's lovingly made from scratch in the Brisbane CBD? Look no further than Felix. This Burnett Lane café is a hidden gem that offers up the perfect all-day breakfast menu, including gingerbread granola, classic avo on sourdough, and housemade frittata as good as mums, alongside fresh smoothies and specialty coffee.

The Green 

G1/27 James Street, Fortitude Valley 


Image credit: The Green | Instagram

Definitely one of the greenest Brisbane cafes on the list, The Green won us over from the get-go with its cacti collection, not to mention the Lebanese-inspired breakfasts. Regular breakfast muffins will never be good enough for us after having sampled The Green’s Lebanese muffin with kofta, shatta, egg and hummus, and we love that you can add on hashbrowns with smoked labne when you’re extra hungry.

Morning After

Cambridge Street, West End

They'll take care of you in the morning and well into the afternoon with their hearty breakfast and equally tasty, lunch fare. This iconic Brisbane cafe may always have a line of people waiting out the front, but trust us, it's worth lining up for. A typical brunch date at Morning After usually includes their iconic breakfast carbonara (always say yes to pasta for brunch) and an order of crispy hash browns on the side.

Sister Cafe 

2/273 Hawthorne Road, Hawthorne 

A bright and colourful corner of Hawthorne, Sister takes after sibling Miss Jones’ peachy pastel aesthetic and offers a brunch menu to knock your socks off (the pork-belly eggs benedict and breakfast gnocchi are both must-orders). Add a few cups of their Single O coffee poured with perfect latte art and you'll have the Insta flat lay photo of your dreams. 

Banter Coffee House

1/190 Radford Road, Manly West

One of the best cafes in Brisbane's bayside, Banter offers one of the most comprehensive all-day menus we’ve ever seen. With extravagant features like the savoury waffle benedict with crispy bacon bits and cereal panna cotta, it’s literally impossible to be bored by their offerings. That said, they’ll happily whip you up a sage and reliable avo smash or big brekky no wukkas. 

Café O Mai

15 Cracknell Road, Annerley

It’s 11 in the morning. You’re hungry and hung. What’s the first thing that pops into your head? Café O Mai’s pork meatballs in rich tomato sauce with quail eggs and a fluffy white baguette of course. You could go for something less adventurous, but why would you?

Huskk Cafe 

2/8 Days Road, Grange 


Image credit: Huskk Cafe | Instagram

Don't let Huskk Cafe's cosy, minimalist space fool you—on the breakfast menu here you'll find an adventurous selection of dishes far bigger in flavour and flair than the venue lets on. With everything sourced locally and seasonally, tuck into feeds like gingerbread pancakes with pistachio brittle and lemon curd, or the halloumi and egg breakfast burger with lashings of aioli. 

Andonis Cafe

Various Locations

Is 10 dishes on a menu not enough for you? Well, Andonis Cafe has upwards of 20, each one of them as drool-worthy as the last. Bonus, they’ve got multiple locations where you can tuck in—so you’ve got plenty of opportunities to try everything on the list. We’re all about decadent feasts like the big Canadian breakfast on a house-made waffle and the loaded croissant, but you might prefer one of the classics like their eggs benny or breakfast burger.

Blockhouse Eat + Drink

130 Ryans Road, Nundah

Nundah favourite Blockhouse has a moreish and creative breakfast menu that’s all over the shop in the best possible way. Katsu benny. Lamb shoulder breakfast yiros. Avocado on toast with popcorn chicken and miso butter. We could go on. Added bonus, you can add 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas to your breakfast for $60.

Farmhouse

9 Somerset Road, Kedron

Managing to give off country barn vibes despite being located in a suburban street in Kedron, Farmhouse usually has a line snaking down the street on Sunday mornings—but it’s worth the wait. Maintain your position for breakfast gnocchi in arrabiata sauce with thick-cut bacon, bolognese on crispy polenta or their famous one pan hotcake.

Goodness Gracious 

250 Oxley Road, Graceville

The only thing you really need to know about Brisbane cafe Goodness Gracious is that they don't do anything by halves. They’re big fans of the whole hog and offer an all-day menu that pops off with decadent dishes like the coconut Hong Kong-style French toast, chilli scramble and even a cheeky arancini benedict. 

A Cafe Called Kevin

726 Brunswick Street, New Farm 


Image credit: Ranyhyn Laine | Urban List

Take one heritage building on a leafy street, give it a sleek, modern makeover, add two seasoned hospitality veterans and a creative kitchen team and what do you get? You get Kevin, New Farm’s cosy new brunch spot. Whether you’re in need of takeaway caffeination or a filling breakfast, this relaxed cottage cafe has you covered, and your doggo is welcome to come along too. 

Mylk & Ko

1/148 Merthyr Road, New Farm

Gorgeous Brisbane café, Mylk & Ko is, quite literally, food for the soul. From Lamington and Ferrero acai bowls to sweet citrus crumpets and gratin eggs benedict, many of the items at Mylk & Ko provide the option of being dairy-free, gluten-free and/or vegan. A win win for everyone!

Blue Bear Coffee House 

92 James Street, New Farm 

The breakfasts coming out of this cottage turned cafe on a breezy corner in New Farm are nothing short of drool-worthy. Another spot with almost too many options, Blue Bear Coffeehouse has every brunch craving covered. You want eggs benny? You got it, on a Belgian waffle with halloumi and paprika hollandaise to boot. A croissant? Try their version loaded with brisket, fried eggs, herbed aioli and grilled halloumi. Plus there’s pancakes, avo on toast, savoury mince, a bacon bagel...you get the picture.   

Chapter IV

180 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington

Housed in an old Queenslander complete with a verandah that offers up some pretty epic views of the city, Chapter IV takes your fave brekky dishes and gives them an epic twist. A must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth is their peach melba waffles, but the soft shell crab benedict is a signature for good reason.

Willow & Spoon

190 Newmarket Road, Newmarket

A quaint little northside café with a retro feel, Willow & Spoon is sitting pretty on Newmarket Road and waiting to fulfil your every breakfast whim. With a new owner behind it for 2024, we're expecting some fresh things from the Brisbane breakfast scene staple, and by the looks of the the new menu, they plan to deliver.

Kin

24 Macquarie Street, Teneriffe 


Image credit: Kin | Supplied

A maven in the avo toast game, Kin is committed to delivering the goods at all times of the day. With delicious coffee roasted exclusively for Kin, this breakfast venue is located just off the Teneriffe riverwalk—perfect for taking a stroll after you've indulged in a hearty brunch. For ultimate breakfast satisfaction, look no further than the breakfast burger with bacon, cheese and fried egg, although we’re also quite partial to their Spanish omelette.

The New Black 

694 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

With a creative new special coming out of their kitchen every week, there is always a new excuse to head back to this laneway cafe. The New Black's usual menu features plenty of familiar favorites, including an epic eggs benny creation and though small, their laneway seating is a Sunday morning vibe. 

Smoked Paprika 

2/5 Nash Street, Paddington

One quick scroll through Smoked Paprika’s Instagram feed and you’ll be drooling excessively, already planning your visit for their next weekly special. Last week it was a mac ‘n’ cheese scotch egg, next week, who knows? Their regular menu is pretty damn tasty too, and with their portion sizes you’ll be full until dinner. 

Lady Marmalade 

269 Logan Road, Stones Corner 

There’s two main reasons we love this Stones Corner Staple. One, instead of table numbers Lady Marmalade uses animal figurines—adorbs. Two, their confit duck on chili cornbread waffles with pecan butter and a fried egg is always the hangover cure we need.

Todd & Pup

398 Tarragindi Road, Moorooka

Southsiders like keeping Todd & Pup under wraps, but we’re about to blunder in and blow the lid off of this cheeky secret and send everyone rushing in for their cripsy pork belly with cornbread, chipotle maple and poached egg. Think neighbourhood gem, this local joint jumps with a community vibe powered by primo coffee and is, as the name suggests, dog friendly.

Picnic Cafe

Shop 5/12 Martha Street, Camp Hill | 111 Boundary Street, West End 


Image credit: Picnic Cafe | Ranyhyn Laine

Picnic Cafe has been in the lazy weekend breakfast game since before sourdough hit the mainstream, so they have their menu stacked with creative favourites like TimTam pancakes and mac 'n' cheese croquettes piled with bacon and poached eggs. They've also now got a second cafe in West End, that if possible, is even better than the OG location. 

Smug Fig 

7 Jeavons Lane, Stones Corner

They might have left their old East Brisbane digs and moved over to Stones Corner, but Smug Fig is still one of our fave cafes in Brisbane and still dishes up a mouthwatering brunch. Best of all, their everchanging French toast special is still on the menu, though you might not be able to go past the chai waffles.

Plant Vibes 

52 Brookes Street, Bowen Hills 

They may be all about the plant-based eats, but trust us, you won’t miss the bacon at Plant Vibes if you’re not a vegan. From the breakfast burrito loaded with tofu scram to the creme brulee pancakes, everything on the menu here is designed to make you feel good from the inside out—and their Scandi-looking interiors are pretty cute too.

The Corner Store Cafe

113 Sylvan Road, Toowong

The Corner Store Cafe is pretty much the cradle of brunch for the entire west side, paving the way for breakfast trends the city over. Their latest menu has some amazing inclusions (hello potato and leek fritters) but we’re fanging for the chorizo and egg roll.

Pitch & Fork 

65 Sylvan Road, Toowong

The best thing about Pitch and Fork is that their menu always changes to reflect the season,  so you know you’re always getting the freshest ingredients. So get your pitch and/or fork ready to yield to some tasty brunch fare. Signature brunches include the Pitch chilli omelette with corn cheese toast and their housemade waffles. 

Peach Cafe 

97 Haig Road, Auchenflower 


Image credit: Peach Cafe | Instagram

After a rough 2022, when the flood took out their entire venue, Peach Cafe is back pinker than ever, with a new menu to boot. We’d happily visit just for one of their gooey Nutella cookies and a latter, but if it’s brunch you’re after, there’s creative options like their strawberry milk cloud hotcakes, mango mochi chia pudding and potato hash burger on a milk bun.

Halo Ground 

100 Brookes Street, Fortitude Valley 

Tucked away on a quiet street just outside of the Valley’s main hub, Halo Ground is somewhere you’ve probably passed by once or twice without even noting its presence—but you really need to make a beeline for it at your earliest convenience. Their Instagram feed has us drooling on the regular, thanks to epic plates like their pork belly benny and orange blossom hotcakes. 

Piggy Back Cafe

86 Curragundi Road, Jindalee 

If it’s a colourful breakfast you want, you’ll want to head for Piggy Back Cafe, where the only thing more vibrant than the fairy floss-adorned French toast are the rainbow lattes. You may leave in a sugar coma, but it will have been worth it. 

Mitch & Antler

62 Suez Street, Mitchelton 

This northside spot has been drawing in the crowds since the day it opened, thanks to its cute, cottage-like interiors and creative menu. Must try dishes from Mitch & Antler's menu include their chicken katso croffle, topped with poached eggs and katsu curry sauce, and the Hokkaido-style French toast with apple and rhubarb stew, salted caramel and ice cream.

Never Been

2908 Logan Road, Underwood

Who says the cafes on Brisbane’s outskirts aren’t delicious? Underwood's Never Been doesn’t just look good with it's leafy outdoor laneway and cavernous interior, it’s also got a seriously drool-worthy breakfast menu. With eats like their tiramisu French toast, Texan croque madame and con carne benedict, you'll want to have your stretchiest pants on for this one. 

Little Dreamer Café 

3/51 Kameruka Street, Calamvale


Image credit: Little Dreamer Café | Instagram

Breakfast dreams are made (and eaten) at Little Dreamer Café. All their breakfast eats are a stunner to look at, but none as much as the Dreamer’s breakfast tower. Comprised of two levels (yes, TWO), it features a board piled with eggs, bacon, hash browns, avocado toast, and other breakfast goodies, crowned with a plate of waffles.

To Be Or Not To Be 

180 Westlake Drive, Westlake 

To brunch or not to brunch? The answer is always to brunch if To Be Or Not To Be is involved. This Westlake cafe may be Shakespeare-inspired, but the eats here are anything but tragedies, with a menu full of creative breakfasts like black forest pancakes, lamb paratha and breakfast tacos. You can also check out their sister cafe, Method To The Madness, in Kenmore.

Hunter & Scout

7/327 Honour Avenue, Graceville

Lush and green, Hunter and Scout is the place to go to make the most of Brisbane’s perpetual summer. Their all-day breakfast menu covers the entire spectrum from stalwarts like the big breakfast and a classic avo toast, to ricotta pancakes with lemon curd and a three-cheese hash brown benedict. 

Anouk 

212 Given Terrace, Paddington

An all-day menu is tough to pull off because it needs to provide zesty lunchtime options that are also feasible for breakfast. Safe to say that Anouk nails it every time. Their seasonal menu has some hectic features like a smoked hash with bacon and bourbon bacon jam and breakfast pasta with mushroom, cream and parmesan.

Joedy’s Cafe 

2/938 Brunswick Street, New Farm

Conveniently located across the road from the stunning New Farm Park, Joedy’s Cafe has one of the best seats in the house when it comes to Brisbane’s best cafes. Their all-day menu offers options for everyone, including slow cooked pork eggs benny on a toasted croissant and bruschetta topped with stone fruit, whipped ricotta and truffle honey.

Plentiful 

2/7 Park Terrace, Graceville 


Image credit: Plentiful | Instagram

Plentiful has been wowing brunch lovers since the day they opened, thanks to their generous servings and luxe surrounds. There’s so much we love on their menu, from their crumpets topped with caramelised apple, whipped cinnamon mascarpone, oat crumble and miso caramel to the honey barbecue brisket eggs benedict on a buttery croissant.

The Mailman

2 Bluebell Street, Alexandra Hills

Tucked away in the suburbia of Alexandra Hills is The Mailman, a cosy spot that dishes up decadent breakfasts and smooth coffees. Don't expect bog standard bacon and eggs here, instead they're dishing up creative plates like potato hash with kaffir lime labneh, puff pancakes and weekend specials that will have you coming back again and again and again. 

Naim

14 Collingwood Street, Paddington

Naïm has earned quite the reputation for its beautifully plated, Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast menu featuring dishes like pastrami latke benedict and brekkie pita boards. If you're a sufferer of meal envy opt for the shakshuka (baked eggs) with toasted Turkish bread—it’s one of the best dishes on offer.

Gramps Cafe 

110 Windsor Road, Red Hill 

With mismatched furnishings and a cosy feel, there’s no better place to get a home-cooked meal than at Gramps Cafe. They’ll fix you up with some early morning staples like savoury mince with labna and capsicum chili jam, Jaffa French toast or their signature gooey ham and cheese toastie, all made with love and best served alongside a fresh brew. 

Deedot Coffee House

1/973 Logan Road, Holland Park West

If you’re one of those people who thinks the more creative the breakfast the better, Deedot Coffee House might just be your match made in heaven. You could just opt for something off the all-day menu, like the doughnut French toast or slow-cooked lamb bruschetta, but really, it’s the weekend special you’ll want to dig a fork into.

Looking for something to do after breakfast? Head here: 

Image credit: Bear Boy Espresso | Ranyhyn Laine 

Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.