Slingtown Espresso – Islington, NSW
Coffee, creativity and community are the ethos behind Islington café, Slingtown Espresso on Beaumont Street. Nestling among vintage and pre-loved stores, this longstanding coffee haunt is the hub of the suburb – a place where locals gather over a brew and bite in rustic surrounds of recycled timber, whitewashed brick walls and a plethora of posters. Start your day with avocado toast, a poached egg and feta on sourdough, or perhaps a bacon and egg roll hits the mark. Later diners can wrap their hands around a loaded salmon bagel with Italian herbs and cheese, while sweet tooths are satisfied with a blueberry Danish, Portuguese tart or munja brownie.
Don’t forget to grab a bag of your favourite coffee beans, such as Colombia Excelso Reserva, to take home on the way out. Regulars keep an eye out for ever-changing specials like the pork belly burger, loaded with crispy pork, creamy apple slaw and a hit of sriracha for the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess and spice.
Those seeking great brunch options in Bunbury head down Victoria Street to find Sears Café. The ideal place to start your day the right way, this café is bright and breezy with white subway tiles, potted greenery and leather banquette seating, while the walls are adorned with artwork of iconic musicians. On balmy days, sit alfresco under a big shady tree and peruse a menu boasting traditional Aussie-style breakfasts, freshly cooked pancakes and hearty lunch options.
Jump right in with smashed avocado and feta on toasted sourdough, or join a lively later crowd for smokehouse special burgers like pulled pork with slaw. If you're after a more substantial lunch, indulge in smoked beef ribs with slaw and chips, garlic pan-fried fish and chips, or a classic chicken Caesar salad. Breakfast lovers won’t go past the eggs Benedict, which arrives perfectly poached and bathed in velvety Hollandaise.
Coco Belle – Mount Pleasant, WA
Those seeking an aromatic brew and bite to eat in Mount Pleasant head to Coco Belle on Queens Road. Find a homely and warm vibe with an abundance of natural light in the free-flowing space, along with intimate and communal tables blending seamlessly with natural stone and timber tones. Chalkboards announce daily specials, while walls adorned with family photos add a personal touch to this neighbourhood favourite.
Classic breakfast plates shine here, from eggs Florentine with wilted spinach and Hollandaise on Italian white bread to a Swiss cheese, ham and chorizo omelette with toast. If you’re looking for something fresh and summery, the Summer salmon is a must-try – a vibrant plate of hash browns, poached egg, smashed avo and smoked salmon. Pair it with an Island Kiss smoothie for the ultimate morning pick-me-up.
To Be or Not To Be – Westlake, Qld
Discerning Brisbane foodies head to William Shakespeare-inspired café To Be or Not To Be on Westlake Drive for brunch fare with an Asian twist. Named after the iconic line from Hamlet’s soliloquy and sibling to Method to the Madness café, this fun and funky spot rocks clean lines, polished concrete, arched windows and plenty of cosy nooks for coffee catch-ups.
Breakfast here is anything but ordinary. The smashed avo gets an upgrade with chilli olive tapenade, mountain pepper feta cream, pickles, pepitas and poached eggs. For something bold and unique, try the crispy bao Benny – an irresistible fusion of char siu pork, sautéed spinach and XO Hollandaise, served on pillowy bao buns. Lunch-goers can sink their teeth into a New York sandwich stacked with beef pastrami, pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard mayo, or a pepperoni Turkish roll oozing with tasty cheese and mayonnaise.
The Little Cup Tea Room and Bake Shop – Nuriootpa, SA
Those seeking a cosy, comfortable and affordable café in the heart of Nuriootpa head down Murray Street to find The Little Cup Tea Room and Bake Shop. A full glass frontage lets in an abundance of natural light as you relax at wooden tables amongst potted greenery and artwork, all while browsing a menu that celebrates all-day brunch with a focus on housemade treats.
Start your day with chorizo baked beans on sourdough toast, topped with a fried egg, or opt for the ultimate loaded croissant packed with smashed avocado, tomato, feta, dukkah, rocket and balsamic glaze. Those in search of something heartier will love the crispy marinated pork fillet served with bok choy, rice, mango chilli dressing and sweet potato ribbons. Burger lovers won’t be left out either – the slow-cooked beef brisket burger with pickles, lettuce, tomato and chipotle BBQ sauce is a must-try.
Whether you’re after a simple avocado toast, a unique fusion breakfast, or a hearty all-day brunch, these cafés deliver the best morning feasts. From Perth to Brisbane, each spot brings something special to the table – and one thing’s for sure, you won’t be leaving hungry.
