4 RCA-winning Cafes for Leisurely Brunches and Lunches

As we continue on our delicious drive around the country discovering the plethora of Readers’ Choice Award-winning venues, let’s take a look at those cafes where weekend catch-ups are looked forward to with anticipation.

Here are four of our faves for leisurely brunches and long lunches:

Tasmanian favourites and international flavours meet at Dalton Café on Victoria Street in Ulverstone. This Devonport eatery exudes a charming vibe of concrete flooring, timber table settings, Edison bulb lighting and shelves stacked with produce; while on balmy days the alfresco dining area and deck beckon to soak up the sun with a coffee and slice of cake.

From café classics of smashed avo on toast with feta, poached eggs and balsamic glaze to spicy salami pizza topped with onion, olives, capsicum, chilli and jalapeño, there is something to tempt all tastes; perhaps devour a chicken burger with lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli and chips.

Fresh, approachable, flavour-driven fare utilising locally sourced produce is what you’ll find on the menu at Fred Eatery on Mount Barker Road in Aldgate. This Adelaide Hills dining destination rocks a green vibe of potted plants, a vivid green staircase and accents, setting a calm zen for enjoying all-day brunch and lunch.

 

Early risers delve into plates such as blue swimmer crab and chilli scramble, or a pulled pork and smoked ham Cuban sourdough sandwich with cheese melt, spice mayo, pickled onions and housemade baked beans.

Driving through the picturesque coastal town of Agnes Waters in Far North Queensland, be sure to take time out to visit Café Discovery at Agnes. A modern interior is styled with a Scandinavian feel of exposed timber floors, pine chairs, chocolate walls and pendent lights, creating a relaxed dining atmosphere to enjoy a meal with friends.

 

Serving up a Mod Oz menu, brunch-goers enjoy plates like Jamaican waffles with caramelised cinnamon banana, cream and ice cream; or everyone’s favourite eggs Benedict, with baby spinach, Hollandaise, balsamic drizzle and bacon.

A trip down the South East coast is worth the scenic drive if only to try out The Hungry Monkey on Collins Street in Kiama, not far from the iconic blowhole and lighthouse. The smell of freshly baked treats entices patrons inside a weatherboard building to share a table for coffee, seated by a comic strip-inspired mural, or on the verandah to soak up warm rays and a balmy, coastal breeze.

 

Stop in to refuel after a morning walk and chow down on zucchini and halloumi fritters, with rocket, crème fraiche, avocado goddess, pecans and pomegranate; or oven-baked hotcake, honey custard, rose water strawberries, almond granola, coconut and pistachio.