In recent years, Canberra has become a popular destination for foodies and brunch enthusiasts due to its stunning scenery and flourishing culinary scene.
Whether you’re a local resident who wants a new recommendation or a visitor exploring the city’s diverse cultural offerings, there are plenty of excellent places you can head to for enjoy your first meal of the day.
In this article, we will highlight some of Canberra’s best breakfast or brunch venues, including some well-known favourites and other hidden gems you might not have been aware of.
So, please make yourself comfortable, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s explore the delectable world of Canberra’s breakfast and brunch scene.
Patissez
Looking for a Canberra foodie experience that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy? Then look no further than Patissez in Manuka.
This trendy cafĂ© and bakehouse shot to social media stardom thanks to their crazy and downright delicious creations, most notably their infamous ‘freak shakes’. But Patissez isn’t just about over-the-top milkshakes; they also offer a range of classic brunch options such as hotcakes and avocado smash.
For those looking for something a bit different, Patissez also serves up Tijuana tacos and loaded breakfast burgers that are sure to satisfy. One standout dish is their zucchini fritters and crispy corn topped with poached eggs, pico de gallo, Kewpie mayo, fresh avocado, seeds and Danish feta, which is sure to satisfy you for a good few hours.
Address: Manuka Shopping Precinct, 21 Bougainville Street, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: 0402 808 191
Website: www.patissez.com
Silo Bakery
For a fresh and delicious breakfast or brunch in Canberra, make your way over to Silo Bakery in Kingston.
Described by no less of a judge as the New York Times as possessing a charming blend of Brooklyn and wartime Parisian bakery vibes, the popular bakery is a unique and cosy spot to visit.
It offers a delicious range of freshly-made bread and pastries that are baked on-site. So, it is worth taking a moment to peruse the selection at the counter before deciding what to order.
You can’t go wrong with a classic croissant with smoked ham and Maasdam cheese or the indulgent Gruyere omelette. And for those looking for a breakfast that’s both healthy and tasty, its Eggs Florentine with poached eggs, sautĂ©ed spinach, olive oil, parmesan and toasted baguette is a great
option. Alternatively, you might like the tomato and chilli jam eggs served up alongside a baguette.
Whatever you choose, you are sure to leave suitably impressed without too much damage to your wallet.
Address: 36 Giles Street, Kingston ACT 2604
Phone: (02) 6260 6060
Website: www.silobakery.com.au
Edgarâs Inn
Edgar’s Inn in Ainslie is a popular spot for locals, many of whom practically view it as part of their own living room.
A versatile venue, it offers something for everyone, including Wakefield’s Upstairs Bar & Wine, widely thought of as one of Canberra’s best bars – and The Inn, which allows you to mingle with creative locals. But for those seeking somewhere for breakfast or brunch, Edgar’s is also arguably the city’s most underrated cafĂ©.
Their sourdough toasties are a hit with locals, especially the cheese, ham and tomato combo that just melts in your mouth. The avo smash with goat’s feta, parsley dukkah, and mint is also a heavenly option, as is the pesto mushrooms on sourdough, which comes highly recommended by owner Frank Condi.
Address: 1 Edgar Street, Ainslie ACT 2602
Phone: (02) 6257 5488
Website: www.edgarsinn.com.au
The Cupping Room
Looking for the perfect morning brew? Then head to The Cupping Room, where the world-champion award-winning barista extraordinaire, Sasa Sestic, uses fresh, grounded ONA beans to prepare specialty coffees with sustainability in mind.
A concept cafe conceived by the crew at ONA Coffee specialty roasters is a popular spot among the bearded and nose-ringed crowds. Grab one of their signature brews and enjoy a sago and chia pudding with lychee and strawberries.
If you fancy something a bit more substantial, the Pork belly benedict is terrific. It has pork belly with superb crispy skin, that comes with a fried egg, kimchi hollandaise, horseradish powder and pickled slaw. Either way, you’ll need to arrive early to claim a spot!
Address: 1/1-13 University Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601
Website: www.thecuppingroom.com.au
Little Oink
Little Oink is a trendy cafe that has taken Canberra’s food scene by storm with its playful menu and delightful dishes. From its Oinko Burger to the ‘You’re all I Avo Wanted’ and the ‘Bun in a Million’, their menu is a treat for both your palate and the pun-lover in you.
For those who prefer to customise their food, the ‘Pimp my Meal’ option lets you add your favourite extras like gluten-free toast and marinated halloumi.
Overall, Little Oink’s cosy and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely brunch. The restaurant’s outdoor dining area is also spacious and bright, adding to the charm of the place.
Whilst there, we recommend the ‘Scramble Everything For Love’ and the ‘Get in my Pork Belly’. Although, if you prefer something more simple yet satisfying, the ‘Keep It Simple Stupid’ – two eggs with avocado, pico de gallo, salsa verde, sourdough toast and jalapenos – should do the trick nicely.
Address: 22 Cook Place, Cook ACT 2614
Phone: (02) 6251 2688
Website: www.littleoink.com.au
Muse
For a literary-inspired dining experience, bookworms should make their way over to Muse, which you’ll find in the East Hotel between Manuka and Kingston.
This charming cafe, nestled in a bookshop, boasts a dedication to seasonal produce and is a popular spot for students, politicians and academics to work and relax.
Start your day with a substantial meal such as nasi goreng or sriracha eggs benedict or go the sweet option by indulging in a sweet Eton Mess. After your meal, you can peruse the bookshelves or jot down your next literary masterpiece.
On weekends, you can enjoy their bookshop brunch menu, which offers three tiers of drinks, including house prosecco, Canberra local district wine, and premium French Champagne. All of which are paired with a delicious selection of house-baked granola, fresh fruit, bacon, asparagus, scrambled eggs, broccolini, roasted mushrooms, bruschetta, and plenty more!
This brunch option is available for groups of 10 to 24 people and is a terrific way to forget the pressures of weekday work.
Address: East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: (02) 6178 0024
Website: www.musecanberra.com.au
Mocan & Green Grout
The precinct at New Acton is a vibrant and trendy neighbourhood filled with both historic and modern architecture, you’ll discover some of Canberra’s coolest cafes, restaurants and bars.
Mocan & Green Grout, one of the area’s gems, offers a green courtyard-style venue that feels like a rainbow in its vibrancy. Watch as chefs expertly prepare your dish whilst surrounded by the tactile
bare wooden tiles and concrete countertop that give the cafe its cool, grungy vibe.
Favourites here include the chevre and avocado on sourdough or apple bircher with berries, nuts and mango. Be sure also to try the B & E roll, which perfectly showcases the excellence of their suppliers with egg from the Smiths Farm, bacon from Grazing Box Gum, a roll from the Three Mills Bakery and Black Horse relish.
Address: 1/19 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6162 2909
Website: www.mocanandgreengrout.net
Monster Kitchen & Bar
If you’re in Canberra and craving a breakfast buffet, don’t miss the one in Monster Salon’s dining room at the Ovolo Nishi Hotel.
Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, this plant-based menu is worth a visit. The quirky and colourful atmosphere is always bustling with activity, so make sure to dress fashionably.
Breakfast is served daily from 7 in the morning to 10:30 am, and it’s essential to strategise to get the most out of the buffet. This means pacing yourself so you can have a bit of everything.
Try the nourishing miso soup and delicious fruit and muesli options, or go for the house omelette or Monster French toast from the a la carte menu. Be sure to also give the green Ovolo shakshouka a go, which is made with baked eggs, green vegetables, coriander, jalapeno, mushroom and shiso pepper. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven!
Address: Ovolo Nishi, Ground/25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6287 6192
Website: www.monsterkitchen.com.au
Urban Pantry
Urban Pantry is a popular brunch spot located at Manuka Lawns, where couples, families and friends can be seen enjoying modern cuisine underneath the trees.
The cafe offers a fresh and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a stylish location in which to dine. Its menu is updated seasonally and has a Melbourne vibe, often featuring staples like as blueberry hotcakes and corn fritters.
Hangover woes can be also cured with their signature Urban Burger, featuring Brindabella bacon, fried egg, cheddar, hash brown, relish and aioli. For something a bit healthier, the UP & Go smoothie, which is made with blueberries, yoghurt, banana, cinnamon, and oats, should see you right.
Address: Manuka Shopping Precinct, 5 Bougainville Street, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: (02) 6162 3556
Website: www.urbanpantrymanuka.com.au
Wildflour Bakery
For one of Canberra’s best family-friendly brekkie dining experiences, check out Wildflour Bakery.
This trendy cafe boasts an industrial-chic vibe and an artisan bakery that will leave you craving for more. The best part? The undercover courtyard is situated right next to the play equipment, ensuring that the kids are entertained while you wait for your meal.
The menu at Wildflour Bakery features classic breakfast options like eggs benedict with sautéed spinach and potato and herb rosti, as well as the popular brekkie burger. The kids will also love the pancakes with ice cream and maple syrup.
For something more substantial, go for the poke bowl, and pair it with some ONA coffee. You can also grab a loaf of bread to go, so you can enjoy the deliciousness of the Wildflour Bakery at home.
Address: Eyre St Market, Shop 8/34 Eyre Street, Kingston ACT 2604
Website: www.wildflour.com.au
Doubleshot
Doubleshot is one of Canberra’s leading lights when it comes to breakfast and brunch, thanks to its delicious food. It is also a terrific spot to dine on either side of checking out the National Gallery, which ranks among the city’s top attractions.
To find, look for the ivy walls that add to the stylish vibe of Deakin Court.
Once there, its modern Aussie menu is full of options you will love, including its famous smashed avo.
If you fancy something a little different, the sautĂ©ed wild mushrooms with Meredith goat’s cheese, caramelised onion, kale, hazelnuts, olive sourdough, and torn basil is a winner. Pair it with a nice cup of coffee, and you are ready.
Address: Shop/7 Hopetoun Circuit, Deakin ACT 2600
Phone: (02) 6162 2027
Website: www.doubleshotdeakin.com.au
Penny University
While you are exploring the Kingston precinct, be sure to stop by at Penny University. There, you can enjoy a range of delicious breakfast options throughout the day, including French toast with luscious strawberries and cream.
In addition to freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, this vintage-style cafe offers brunch-style cocktails to start your morning off right. Their all-day breakfast options also feature savoury okonomiyaki pancakes and Bircher muesli, which are always beautifully presented.
Named as a tip of the hat to the 17th century Penny Universities of London, where people had to fork out a penny to gather and socialise, this modern-day incarnation welcomes everyone, not just
hipsters. The cafe is decorated with vintage and recycled objects, creating a unique ambience.
If you happen to be travelling with kids aged ten and under, their ham and green eggs dish, made with scrambled herb free-range eggs, peas, and spinach, and served on sourdough ancient grain, has proven very popular with little people.
Address: 15 Kennedy Street, Kingston ACT 2604
Phone: (02) 6162 1500
Website: www.pennyuniversitycafe.com
Space Kitchen
If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch spot in Canberra to suit all the family, be sure to check out Space Kitchen in the suburb of Phillip.
Their French toast is taken to the next level with a delicious combination of passionfruit curd, strawberries, mascarpone, strawberry compote, white chocolate and caramelised meringue, .
The menu also includes breakfast corn, halloumi and zucchini fritters, and a full signature brekkie with all the classics. For the little ones, their kid-friendly menu includes unicorn hotcakes, Mexican-style huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos.
If you need a cake for a special occasion, try the cookie monster cake or Ferrero Rocher cake. Should you be in the area in the afternoon, don’t miss their Willy Wonka-themed afternoon tea.
Address: 12 Furzer Street, Phillip ACT 2606
Phone: (02) 6281 6668
Website: www.space-kitchen.com.au
Sweet Bones
Indulging in vegan treats doesn’t always have to be righteous, and Sweet Bones is a go-to for satisfying those cravings. As one of the original restaurants on Lonsdale Street, this rustic-style Braddon eatery boasts a loyal following for its cinnamon buns and bacon (or bacon) cheeseburger.
Tex-Mex inspired options are also available, and the casual vibe with street art and canteen-type tables creates a terrific energy in which to enjoy them.
Try the momentous nacho mountain with avocado and coriander sour cream or their house big breakfast with coconut bacon, sauteed mushrooms, tofu scramble and wholemeal sourdough, and their avo smashed. The menu shines with dishes made from local ingredients, and you’ll definitely want to come back to try other foods from the menu.
Address: 8/18 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612
Phone: 0413 067 890
Website: www.sweetbonescompany.com
Cup and Coaster
Fyshwick, an industrial suburb on the outskirts of Canberra, is emerging as a culinary destination. Among the notable establishments, there are Capital Brewing Co, known for its excellent beer, and Cup and Coaster, a charming industrial-chic cafe.
Cup and Coaster’s decor is sleek and minimalist, and they are known for their exceptional French toast. Expertly crafted much to the delight of foodie Instagrammers, it features vanilla ice cream, seasonal fruits, roasted almonds, mango sauce and butterscotch sauce. Overall, it’s a hefty meal, but every bite is worth it.
For those who fancy expanding their taste buds, the tapsilog, a classic Filipino breakfast which includes dry filo-marinated beef, fried egg and garlic rice, is a terrific option.
Address: Shop 2, 64 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone: 0420 963 499
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cupandcoaster