Brisbane's Best Breakfasts

Sunday morning breakfasts are an indulgence that should be taken advantage of regularly. Propositioned with the option of vegemite on toast (still a noble contender) or a impulsive breakfast out, housemate and I opted for breakfast out.

We’re both creatures of habit but broke out of our routine to venture somewhere new: The Rare Pear in Holland Park. It was bustling when we arrived and I chose the brioche french toast with caramalised banana and bacon while housemate chose the chorizo savoury mince with a herbed creme fraiche.

The coffee was decent but I’ll admit this breakfast venue isn’t about the coffee - its all about the food!

Oh dear! Your faithful breakfast hunter has been caught up in the whirlwind of every day life and hasn’t, unfortunately, been partaking in as many leisurely breakfasts around this fine city as she’d like.

A few highlights from the past few weeks though are:

• Corn bread with honey from Flamingo Cafe, Fortitude Valley
• Mushroom and goats cheese on brioche from Lady Marmalade Cafe, Stones Corner
• Syphon coffee at Urban Grind, Paddington
• And lastly a simple eggs benny overlooking the beach in tropical far North Queensland

Brisbane’s Best Breakfast is looking forward to venturing to a few new locations in the coming weeks.

You won’t find overtly fussy food at Paddington’s newest cafe, Urban Grind but what you will find is a cafe that instantly feels like you’ve popped over to a friend’s place for a cup of coffee and chat. It is one of those locations you secretly want to keep to yourself but can’t help telling people about. 

Carrying on from previous incarnations of Urban Grind there is a strong sense of community which is testament to owners Morgan and Rachel. The coffees this morning were two of the best I’ve had in months and the avocado on toast equally simple but delightfully tasty.

Details: Urban Grind | 131 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington

Cash Only, Free Wi-Fi

A recipe to avoid a case of Mondayitis involves a leisurely breakfast amongst the peace and quite of The Chelsea at The Barracks, Petrie Terrace. Pre-peak hour hustle and bustle their home-made crumpets with raspberry butter ($6) and a flat white coffee was the perfect way to start the day and prepare for the demands of the new working week.

Details: The Chelsea | The Barracks, Petrie Terrace.

On a Sunday morning such as today there is nothing finer than spending time with friends and enjoying an impromptu road trip. Of course, one needs to fuel up before embarking on their travels.

We stopped at The Hanging Garden Cafe, East Brisbane which, nestled inside the middle of a nursery, is always bustling on a weekend but never feels overcrowded. Between my banana and raspberry smoothie enjoyed with a side of an almond and pear muffin and my cohorts egg meals (benedict, omlette and fried on toast) we were all ready to hit the road.

Perhaps the best thing about Hanging Gardens, other than its relaxed atmosphere, is meals are mostly under $10 and service is speedy.

Details: Hanging Garden Cafe | 999 Stanley Street East, East Brisbane | Ph: 07 3891 9870

A end of week breakfast delight came in the form of a stop to Fortitude Valley’s Flamingo Cafe this morning.

From the friendly banter between the staff and patrons as we egged on the electricians reverse parking into the laneway to the perfectly balanced retro-kitsch decor - you instantly feel comfortable here.

Not to get people excited but it is quite possible that Flamingo offers Brisbane’s best avocado on toast. Their combination of avocado, tomato, fresh basil and Labna (which I had not had til today and now need to include on everything for its creamy and zesty tang) on a grain bread is quite simply perfection. It is fresh and clean on the tastebuds and leaves you utterly satisfied.

For those after a heartier breakfast Flamingo do a mean scrambeled eggs and if you’re on the run their freshly made muffins won’t disappoint.

Too humid for coffee, I opted for a Pink Flamingo (watermelon and strawberry juice) and sat back watching the city wake-up and start its day.

I know I will be back to Flamingo very soon. The only question is: Do I get a Nana Crystal (pear, apple and mint juice) or a Red Garter (watermelon, apple, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry and strawberry juice)?

Details: Flamingo Cafe | 5B Winn Street, Fortitude Valley

Open daily 7:30am - 4pm, EFTPOS accepted

Your dutiful breakfast hunter’s incredible clumsiness led her on a journey this morning through parts of Brisbane she’d not ever ventured and all in the name of being reunited with her purse. Luckily, there was a silver lining in being able to finally have breakfast at The C Word in Nundah. I had heard a lot of great things about this nook and wasn’t let down - including my delight at the chocolate freckle on my coffee saucer!

I had the ‘Crave Beggel’ from their breakfast bagel menu. It was the perfect mix of smoked salmon, rocket, zesty mayo and what they call their classic ‘egglette’. The coffee (Campos) was smooth and hit the spot.

There were plenty of cyclists enjoying their post-ride coffee which I think is always a good sign in a cafe! If you’re nearby or just want to venture a little out of your normal breakfast zone - The C Word is definitely worth the visit!

Details: The C Word |3/1192-1196 Sandgate Road, Nundah | P: 07 3256 7191

Friend S and I ventured to a new venue on Saturday morning in East Brisbane. Egg Bistro has turned what was previously an antique store into a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle outside on Stanley Street.

For under $20 you’ll be sure to find something to your taste on the menu and the Genovese coffee is perfection. S had the scrambled eggs with bacon and tomato relish. The bacon is delicious and easily the thickest cut bacon I have ever seen.

I opted for the cocoa crumpets with sour cherry and for $9 you would not be disappointed to try this for a sweeter, lighter breakfast option.

Details:

Egg Bistro| Stanley Street East, East Brisbane