Hang with Your Brunch Besties at these 6 Venues

Brunch – that lazy weekend meal where catching up over the week’s news is obligatory along with delicious dishes and perhaps even a glass of bubbles.

Once a week we all scramble to find our brunch location, how many of us can make it and what time we are eating. As is the case with many culinary traditions, brunch’s origins are a bit hazy. 

Many consider it a byproduct of England’s hunt breakfasts where a smorgasbord of goodies was laid out for hungry huntsmen after the chase, while others consider it comes from the practice of Catholics to fast before mass and then sit down to a huge midday meal.

Here are six spots sure to appease brunch cravings this weekend:

A popular meeting spot for a morning coffee catch-up with friends or a cheeky afternoon cocktail, head to The Larder Kitchen on Esplanade in Victor Harbor to refuel and refresh after a day exploring the McLaren Vale region. This local eatery brings fresh and vibrant Mod Oz cuisine to the plate from char-grilled steaks to slow-cooked meat, zesty salads and sustainable seafood.

 

Brunch with friends at the weekend over tempting plates such as smashed avo on grilled sourdough topped with poached eggs, house dukkah, cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta; or wrap your hands around a toasted bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, petit greens and crispy capers.

Expect a modern twist on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare at locally loved cafe, Bubala on Grigor Place in Allambie Heights. Find a chilled-out interior vibe of mosaic tiles, black-topped tables and potted greenery, ideal for lingering over a brew of choice to ponder a menu reflecting the owners’ Israeli and Italian heritage.

 

Start your day with chilli scrambled eggs on za’atar laffa with smoked eggplant yoghurt, house chilli and saltbush, or halloumi and zucchini waffles with smoked salmon, poached eggs, fresh dill and za’atar yoghurt; sweet tooths are in heaven over banoffee French toast with banana, Biscoff, vanilla mascarpone, dulce de leche, honeycomb and torched meringue chocolate dukkah.

Bringing the farm to the beach, head to Six Smith on Ewos Parade in Cronulla for all-day fare with flair. Everything is made in-house at this charming café, with much of the produce coming from the kitchen garden, including eggs from resident hens; you can also order a housemade cake for your next special occasion or celebration, or take home a jar of preserves for the pantry.

 

Brunch-goers stop in after a beach walk for a coffee and French brioche toast with fresh figs, maple and almond praline, or avocado bruschetta with grilled sourdough, marinated feta, roasted grape tomatoes, leaves, miso and dukkah; perhaps build your own brunch from eggs your way, toast, bacon, avocado, halloumi, mushroom, wilted baby spinach and roasted cherry tomatoes.

A go-to for specialty coffee and café fare with flair, Bowen Hills foodies head to Kuhl-Cher Coffee on King Street to appease hunger pains and the need for a caffeine fix. This inner-city Brisbane roastery and diner exudes an industrial chic vibe of polished concrete, recycled timber and a brew bar where you can observe your cold drip coffee being prepared.

 

Join family for brunch and say hello to smashed avo on quinoa loaf with Persian feta, za’atar and smoked vinaigrette or scrambled tofu, pumpkin hummus, vegan cashew Parmesan and sourdough; perhaps the Okie Dokie poké bowl hits the mark with sushi rice, poached eggs, seeded avocado, Kewpie mayo and house pickles.

Set along the pristine Blackmans Bay beach, The Beach House on Ocean Esplanade is the ideal spot to refuel after a morning walk or take in the sunset on the terrace. This Hobart casual bistro oozes charm with wooden table settings, a full glass frontage offering water views and stools to perch on at the long bar while you decide on which cheeky cocktail to order.

 

Early risers opt for plates such as classic eggs Benny with crispy bacon, perfectly poached eggs, sourdough and rich Hollandaise sauce; or devour corn and halloumi fritters with poached egg, herb yoghurt, caramelised onion and spicy gochujang sauce, enjoyed with a brew of choice.

Offering a distinctive dining and food store experience, head to Locavore on Main Street in Lilydale to satiate hunger in style. Situated at the lower end of town in a beautiful heritage building from the 1880s, find thoughtfully curated local produce, coffee roasted onsite and professional service whether stopping in to fill the pantry or your stomach.

 

An ever-changing seasonal menu is ideal for slow mornings and boozy brunches – say good morning to a nasturtium and macadamia pesto omelette with Warrigal greens, mushrooms, aged cheddar and sourdough, or black sesame pancakes, with rosella jam, peanut butter ganache and fermented strawberry ice cream.