Melbourne is a great place to wake up hungry. No matter where you are, you can always find somewhere serving good coffee, baked eggs, and avo toast. Here are ten of the best places to start your day in the brunch capital of Australia.
The Boatbuilders Yard
Whether you fancy dinner and drinks or a leisurely breakfast, this waterfront venue never fails to impress. Enjoy the view across the Yarra River while tucking into pumpkin baked eggs, zucchini fritters, or their deliciously smoky BBQ beans.
Axil Coffee Roasters
Axil specialises in ethically produced coffee, alongside sweet and savoury brunch dishes. There are four Melbourne locations to choose from, so you’re never far from your morning pick-me-up.
Smith & Daughters
For plant-based dining in Fitzroy, Smith & Daughters is hard to beat. Expect rock ‘n’ roll posters, brunch cocktails, and Italian-inspired dishes that just happen to be meat-free. Whether you fancy limoncello rice pudding or spaghetti frittata, you’re guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face.
Higher Ground
Housed in a former power station in the CBD, Higher Ground is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Picture rustic brickwork, 15-metre high ceilings, and arched windows letting in lots of natural light. The food is just as impressive, ranging from seasonal small plates to creative brunch options like polenta porridge with persimmon and a spiced lamb fry-up with miso eggplant.
Wilson & Market
This urban bistro and bar is a hit with the locals, as well as the press – food critic John Lethlean raved about its ‘satisfying, generous and big-flavoured food’. The English breakfast feast is a case in point – bring your appetite and someone to share it with.
Coffeehead
With award-winning blends roasted on site, this quirky Camberwell café is a haven for coffee lovers. There are healthy breakfast options like chilli scrambled eggs and Moroccan veggie bowls, but if you’re hungry or hungover, the Big Head breakfast is the way to go.
Gilson
With its laid-back vibe and Italian-inspired menu, it’s easy to see why Gilson is buzzing all day long. Drop in for blueberry fritters or a wood-fired pizza, then cross the road for a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The European
For brunch with European flair, book a table at this elegant bistro opposite Parliament House. Choose from classics like eggs Benedict and omelette Arnold Bennett or splash out on caviar with soft boiled eggs, toasted brioche, and blinis.
Top Paddock
Widely considered to be the star of the Richmond brunch scene, this bright and airy café is the perfect place to start your day. It’s impossible to resist their Insta-famous blueberry and ricotta hotcake, topped with berries, cream, lemon sugar, and strawberry eucalyptus syrup.
Hardware Societe
This cosy café is one of the top spots for brunch in the CBD. Try their famous baked eggs, served in individual cocottes, or the croque Madam with pork rillettes and pickled fennel remoulade.
This is list is far from exhaustive, so let us know your favourite Melbourne brunch spots in the comments!
