Forget the safe scramble and tired toast. These handpicked venues are taking morning menus in daring new directions, inviting early risers and brunch aficionados to step outside the standard breakfast box. Whether you're waking up in Surry Hills or soaking in the coastal air of Umina Beach, there’s a bold bite waiting to surprise you.
Joe Black Café – Surry Hills, NSW
Nestled among the tree-lined avenues just a stroll from Hyde Park, Joe Black Café in Surry Hills is the quintessential hideaway for city dwellers chasing their first cup or a mid-morning reprieve. The interior blends cheeky charm with polished edges - bright green tiles bounce off timber floors and an irreverent mural sketches out a caffeinated evolution. It’s a spot where regulars know your order and newcomers are welcomed with a grin.
Mornings begin with maverick twists, none more intriguing than the Stormin Norman - a colourful collision of Spanish onion, ripe cherry tomatoes, buttery avocado mash and onsen-poached eggs draped over smoked salmon and sourdough. It’s the slow-cooked housemade Bolognese, topped with silky poached eggs, that truly turns heads. It’s brunch with backbone.
Book your table now and savour something unexpected; review your meal to show your appreciation.
The Timbuktu Café – Brighton, Vic
A world tour of breakfast awaits at The Timbuktu Café, tucked just off Brighton’s Wilson Street. With its laid-back feel, cosy corners and a family-friendly play area, this eclectic café is as much about community as it is about cuisine. Sunlight streams in, aromas drift from the kitchen and there's always a passport-free ticket to somewhere delicious.
From Jersey to Cairo, the breakfast board reads like a travelogue. The ‘Old Cairo Bazaar’ dish is a morning masterpiece - chilli-poached eggs atop a medley of labneh, sautéed tomato, red capsicum and sun-dried tomato, all seasoned with a smoked paprika finish and a sprinkle of dukkah. Grilled toast anchors the flavour fiesta.
Pack your appetite and reserve your seat today; make sure to review your experience.
Two Dogs Laughing – Beaconsfield, WA
On South Street in Beaconsfield, Two Dogs Laughing delivers a joyous detour from your average café run. It’s a sensory playground with bursts of greenery, retro décor and a playlist of aromas from the open kitchen. A quirky sense of humour underpins everything, from the name on the door to the daily blackboard specials.
For something that challenges and charms, the cilbur is a must - perfectly poached eggs rest on a bed of smoky yoghurt, lavished in Aleppo burnt butter and scattered with native dukkah, pomegranate jewels and vibrant herbs. All served on grilled focaccia, it’s the kind of plate that redefines morning indulgence.
Don’t just laugh - book in and taste the joy; then review your experience.
On Umina Beach’s laidback West Street, Café RONTO channels coastal calm with a clean-cut aesthetic of white tiles, warm timber and trailing greenery. Sunseekers take to the terrace while locals linger over plates designed to nourish, energise and satisfy. The vibe is casual but curated, with every detail contributing to a refreshingly grounded café experience.
The standout morning dish speaks of global inspiration and local love - smoked salmon layered with fennel-infused labneh, avocado, kale and a zip of pickled red onion, all balanced on toasted focaccia. It’s a health-conscious yet flavour-rich way to ease into your day.
Make a morning of it - book your next brunch here. Don't forget to review your meal.
Brew and Brew Café and Bar – Forrest, ACT
At Brew and Brew Café in Forrest, mornings begin with purpose. The space hums with polished energy - sleek interiors, focused baristas and a food counter offering more than the usual suspects. Coffee isn’t just poured here - it’s handcrafted, with beans chosen to elevate your daily ritual.
For the breakfast purist with elevated taste, the twist on eggs Benedict is hard to ignore. Velvety poached eggs perch on toasted sourdough, layered with creamy avocado, smoked salmon and wilted spinach. It’s a clean, classic start - but done with undeniable finesse.
Rise early and secure your spot - this breakfast deserves your full attention and review.
These five venues aren’t just serving breakfast - they’re redefining it. With inventive ingredients, global twists and fearless flavour combinations, they prove the morning menu is fertile ground for culinary creativity. Step into one of these trailblazing cafés and taste the revolution yourself.
