While the Northside vs Southside debate rages on in the Urban List office with no clear resolution in sight, there is something I can say objectively and that is that the Southside truly does have a number of really great cafes and breakfast options right now.
And the interesting thing is that a lot of these cafes are specializing in something unique, whether it be sausages, jams, or Vietnamese food. Although I am admittedly a member of Team #SouthsideForLife, I say if you’re willing to travel a little for great food, then this list of the Southside’s best breakfasts is a must read.
The Jam Pantry
Greenslopes
The Jam Pantry in Greenslopes is famous for the delicious homemade condiments like papaya and lime jam and beetroot and cranberry relish that pepper the breakfast menu. The ever-changing seasonal menu at this southside café keeps things exciting, but every now and again the popular Mac ‘n Cheese omelette comes back for a limited time. Keep your eyes peeled!
Snag & Brown
Annerley
The humble sausage is making a comeback and leading the charge is new Annerley café Snag & Brown. The snags—chorizo, pork chipolatas and tomato and polenta sausages to name a few—form part of the all-day breakfast menu also featuring with Bear Bones Coffee and West End Tea Co teas. There’s also plenty of space for your hound in this cosy little cottage.
Apples on Ainsworth
Salisbury
Apples on Ainsworth is tucked into a quiet nook in up and coming Southside ‘hood, Salisbury. The laidback vibe and use of fresh ingredients has made it a firm favourite among locals, while the halloumi stack with roasted tomatoes and basil pesto has made it a firm favourite with me.
Café O Mai
Annerley
When it comes to breakfast, sometimes you just get a little tired of all the standard options. And that’s where southside café Annerley’s Café O Mai comes in with their bevy of Asian-inspired breakfasts. Order up a soothing chicken or beef pho for a healthy start to the day, or indulge in the Vietnamese-style claypot eggs, just make sure you don’t leave without a hit of the super-strong Vietnamese coffee.
Davies Bakery
Tarragindi
Although it’s hiding in a tiny shopping village in Tarragindi, it hasn’t stopped Davies Bakery from producing some of the Southside’s best breakfast goods. We love the bacon and egg rolls, freshly cooked cinnamon doughnuts, delicious smelling bread and above average coffee at this under the radar breakfast champion.
Seven South
Yeronga
Sunny Seven South (named because it’s 7 kilometres south of the city, der) in Yeronga is made for relaxing breakfasts. The blueberry hotcakes with edible flowers are a superstar of the menu, but savoury-lovers have much to choose from too; our tip is the poached eggs with crispy polenta and pancetta hash. Drool.
Cake & Bake
West End
Part bakery, part café, Cake & Bake in West End is a hive of baking activity that presents almost too many stellar breakfast options. Whether your preference is creamy quiches, buttery croissants, Danishes with seasonal fruit or on point coffee, it’s a winner. I also love that they have a number of parking spaces—yes, impossible to find free parking spaces—in crowded West End.
Image credit: Ariana Gillrie
