Find delicious morning meals at every standout cafe in Brisbane

No longer second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne, every excellent cafe in Brisbane stands produce-proud while embracing bold creativity.

Whether I’m in the mood for a laneway gem, sun-soaked vistas or Pinterest-perfect decor, there’s always a cafe in Brisbane to instil pure joy. Just add locally driven produce and killer caffeine, and there’s no denying that breakfast and lunch are my favourite meals of the day. Here, my favourite cafes in Brisbane for outstanding daytime feeds.

The shortlist

Family-friendly spot: Wild Canary
Best coffee: Single O Newstead
Hottest opening: Freya
Best views: Mulga Bill’s
Best for dog-friendly dining: Little Black Pug

1. Mulga Bill’s

scenic nature views at Mulga Bill’s, Brisbane — Dine on a delicious breakfast with scenic morning views at Mulga Bill’s.

Best for: Morning views

I love Kangaroo Point for its incredible vistas across the river, and dining at Mulga Bill’s unleashes the good life alongside seriously delicious dining. Open for breakfast and lunch, the cafe remains unpretentious despite its million-dollar location, while a fun-loving menu of dishes, like the breakfast pizza with two woodfired eggs, keeps things forever light and breezy. Hot tip: don’t miss the chubby Olasagasti anchovies as a side. Genius.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Buoyant

Location: 155 Alice St, Brisbane

2. Cafe Disco

Best for: Groups

One of the most unique takes on brunch you’ll find in the city, Cafe Disco dances to the beat of its own drum. I love discovering new Bangladeshi flavours thanks to the team’s authentic, seasonally led ode to the South Asian cuisine, with highlights including grilled lamb, chicken and haloumi skewers, and a green chilli egg scramble. The coffee is also excellent (Passport Specialty Coffee for those playing at home) and they do cold brew, too.

Cuisine: Bangladeshi

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Friendly and local

Location: 69 Hargrave Rd, West End

3. Idle Bakery

freshly baked bread on display at Idle Bakery, Brisbane — Pick up freshly baked bread at Idle Bakery. (Image: Parker Blain)

Best for: Bustling energy

A flicker of Fortitude Valley’s magic evaporated when Agnes Bakery shut its doors in June 2025 but devotees of the long-loved corner hotspot are finding solace in the team’s second chapter: Idle Bakery . Sure, the buttery bliss remains a huge drawcard but there’s also the all-new hybrid deli concept that impresses (at-home charcuterie platters, sorted) while a killer menu of sit-down meals keeps visitors around longer. I like the mushroom toast with garlic, thyme and crème fraiche, but really, everything excels.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Chic and always busy

Location: 84 Merthyr Rd, New Farm

4. Freya

artisanal locally-baked bagels at Freya, Brisbane — Head to Freya for a bagel and a brew.

Best for: Lazy lounging

Love your bagels? Freya opened in October 2025, dedicated to the densely delicious superstar and truly out-of-the-box fillings. Classics are also on hand so the smoked salmon is popular, but these guys shake things up with artisanal creations like blueberry dough paired with blueberry cream cheese, plus a banoffee cream with banana and caramel. I’m a savoury nut so for me, it’s all about the breakfast bagel, combining egg, bacon, semi-dried tomato, dill, lettuce and mayo for all-rounded AM perfection – but whatever you choose, you’re in for a very delicious treat.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Instagram-ready

Location: 33 Railway Tce, Milton

5. Little Black Pug

the cafe interior at Little Black Pug, Brisbane — The pet-friendly Little Black Pug packs a punch. (Image: Toby’s Estate)

Best for: Fur parents

Named after the owners’ two pugs Bowie and Mate, Little Black Pug offers an international-inspired menu that packs a punch, dialling into beloved cuisines while embracing fresh local produce. Think the ‘Chimi Chimi Bang Bang’ scramble (either eggs or tofu) with coconut salsa, and the ‘Vegetaballz’ with beetroot and potato kofta and cauliflower. It’s also extremely pet-friendly with several creations targeted to four-legged friends exclusively. Let your bud choose from the warm ‘Puggy-cino’ or a meatball made from grain-free beef.

Cuisine: International

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: 6/1297 Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt

6. Alphabet Cafe

Best for: Slow mornings

Head to Alphabet Cafe for a special sweet something, plus breakfast classics often crafted from scratch. While a solid all-day food menu highlights seasonal produce, including the standout Vegan-friendly Farm Plate with vegetables, pickles and homemade dressings, the team also knock up a delicious new cake each week with past hits including a caramel latte cake slathered in icing, a spiced chocolate torte and mouth-watering cheesecakes.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 243 Boundary St, West End

7. Lait Noir

Best for: Groups

Embrace your inner Emily Cooper from Netflix’s Emily in Paris at Lait Noir , a Parisian-style cafe in the CBD. But while the cafe certainly transports you to the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you’ll find plenty of locally embraced breakfast and lunch dishes to tempt your taste buds. Think: toasted wraps, avocado on sourdough and English muffins. Of course, traditional French pastries can, and should, also be devoured.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with French flair

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Tres chic

Location: G2, 144 Edward St, Brisbane

8. Single O Newstead

breakfast and coffee at Single O Newstead, Brisbane — The menu at Single O Newstead is to-dine-for. (Image: Patrick McKenzie)

Best for: Coffee lovers

The iconic Surry Hills cafe that launched Sydney’s coffee scene, Single O , pulls thick crowds in the heart of Newstead, too. Known for its signature beans, self-serve batch brew taps, and cult-adored oat iced latte, the spot lures serious caffeine addicts daily. The menu is similarly to-die-for, with creative flexes like a Matcha Brulee (brioche with matcha cream) stealing hearts and the ‘Avo Show,’ made with achiote cashew cheese, pickled fennel and smashed avocado, always impressing.

Cuisine: International

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Hipster

Location: 16 Austin St, Newstead

9. Lisboa Caffé

chicken and herb tart at Lisboa Caffé, Brisbane — Chicken and herb tarts at Lisboa Caffé.

Best for: Sweet tooths

Famed for nailing a local version of the globally beloved pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts), Lisboa Caffé is all about that sweet life. No visit is complete without sampling the star attraction, but the cafe also dishes up savoury breakfast items like bacon and egg rolls, toasted croissants and toasted sandwiches.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: European

Location: 58 Hope St, South Brisbane

10. The Green

an alfresco dining area under lush greenery at The Green, Brisbane — The Green is a lush Middle Eastern-inspired cafe.

Best for: Special occasion get-togethers

The Green is a lush Middle Eastern-inspired cafe filled with leafy plants in Fortitude Valley’s James Street. Not only will it offer sensational Instagram fodder, but this cafe in Brisbane will spellbind through its menu of celebrated and completely authentic dishes. My favourites include the baklava French toast, Turkish eggs with labne, and the Village Breakfast of falafel, egg, flat bread, humus and pickles.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Lavish

Location: Shop 1/27 James St, Fortitude Valley

11. St Coco Cafe

a dog standing outside St Coco Cafe — St Coco Cafe offers a relaxed hangout space for pet lovers.

Best for: Groups

St Coco Cafe is another photo-worthy cafe in Brisbane to add to the list. The aesthetic is rustic, full of cacti and succulents, and it’s pet-friendly too. Food-wise, there’s a big menu to satisfy any craving, with dishes spanning a bratwurst benedict, acai bowls and blackberry pancakes.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Chilled-out

Location: 3 Cupania S, Daisy Hill

12. Bear Boy Espresso

a cup of coffee with latte art at Bear Boy Espresso, Brisbane — Get your morning brew fix at Bear Boy Espresso.

Best for: Vibrant mornings

I was delighted to see the Glitter Strip’s homegrown Bear Boy Espresso open alongside a set of trendy boutiques in quiet Windsor. Built right at the end of a 100-year-old classically restored character building, there’s nothing old-fashioned about this spot as activewear-clad (there’s a Pilates studio within the retail stretch) queue for their morning brew. Additionally, the food offers hearty indulgence with standouts including the Japanese-inspired ‘Don’t Poke the Bear’ Karaage chicken bowl with sushi rice, chicken and waffles, and tacos with either chorizo or haloumi.

Cuisine: International

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Buzzy

Location: Shop 8, 180 Albion Rd, Windsor

13. Morning After

dining at Morning After, Brisbane cafe — Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Morning After.

Best for: Sun-lit indoor dining

This bright and airy Brisbane cafe is the perfect antidote to sore heads and tired eyes. As the name Morning After suggests, you’ll find new life care of fresh, locally sourced ingredients whipped into hearty showstoppers. The all-day menu includes ricotta hotcakes with salted caramel Chantilly cream, a chilli prawn omelette, Polish potato pancakes with sauerkraut, and a Kapow wagyu mince mix with rice and green beans.

Cuisine: International

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Trendy

Location: Corner Vulture St and Cambridge St, West End

14. Industry Beans Newstead

a waiter serving a diner at Industry Beans Newstead — The airy cafe is perfect for a laid-back brunch. (Image: Industry Beans Newstead)

Best for: Elevated mornings (and great coffee)

Housed inside an airy warehouse, Industry Beans Newstead is a breath of fresh air. Dine on their seasonal all-day brunch menu which features the likes of a fig and goat’s cheese omelette, sweetcorn fritters and chilli barramundi folded eggs. They also offer a children’s menu and an extensive coffee list that invites you to choose your preferred coffee beans.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Location: 18 Proe St, Newstead

15. Andonis Cafe & Bar

breakfast with coffee at Andonis Cafe & Bar, Brisbane — Andonis Cafe & Bar serves up generous breakfast plates.

Best for: Groups

Andonis Cafe & Bar can be found in various locations across Brisbane but I love the Yeerongpilly location for its always-friendly staff. A mammoth menu is often the drawcard – and I don’t just mean the number of dishes. The ‘Andonis OG Big Brekkie’ comes with a warning regarding its oversized proportions, and there are chicken tenders loaded with eggs benedict to also tempt. Make sure you’re hungry.

Cuisine: Comfort food

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Energised

Location: 4/281 Station Rd, Yeerongpilly

16. Lune Croissanterie

croissants at Lune Croissanterie — Lune makes some of the finest croissants in the world.

Best for: Grab-and-go indulgence

A household name for pastry fiends in Melbourne and Sydney, Lune Croissanterie has two shops in Brisbane – one in the CBD and one in South Brisbane. In addition to serving up creations The New York Times declared among “the finest in the world," this cafe offers specialty coffee and other sweets including Kouign Amann and cruffins, with monthly specials utilising seasonal ingredients.

Cuisine: Pastries

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Trendy

Location: CBD – Entrance on Burnett Ln, Shop 10/79 Adelaide St, Brisbane City, South Brisbane – Shop 1/13-17 Manning St, South Brisbane

17. Citron Bayside

the exterior of Citron Bayside, Brisbane cafe — Citron Bayside is an idyllic summer destination.

Best for: Groups

Open all day, Citron Bayside is a sun-loving destination with coastal breezes flowing and dishes to delight. The Caprese avocado toast offers a fresh twist on the classic and I like to pair it with a refreshing iced matcha. Cheat day? Go for the fluffy buttermilk pancakes with mascarpone.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Mediterranean influences

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Holiday vibes

Location: 354 Main Rd, Wellington Point

18. Wild Canary

breakfast at Wild Canary, Brisbane cafe — Wild Canary is renowned for its unique and savoury offerings. (Image: Simone Gonzalez)

Best for: Families

The rhythm of the seasons is vitally important to the chefs at Wild Canary , a cafe in Brisbane renowned for embracing its beautiful natural surroundings. Additionally, it’s not unusual for children to be a second thought in the kitchen – but not here. A dedicated kids’ menu compiles six unique offerings, including crumbed chicken and chips, while adults will appreciate the lunch menu’s bubbles, beer and wine.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Serene (even with the little ones)

Location: 2371 Moggill Rd, Brookfield

19. Petrichor & Co

dining at Petrichor & Co, Brisbane — Petrichor & Co combines Colombian and Latin American flavours for a flavourful surprise.

Best for: Laidback dining

Meaning ‘the pleasant smell of earth after rain’ in ancient Greek, Petrichor & Co is inspired by Colombian and Latin American flavours. I love the 12-hour slow-cooked pork tacos with pineapple salsa, plus there’s dulce de leche mousse pancakes and a stellar baked sweet potato and zucchini cake that always dazzles.

Cuisine: Colombian and Latin American

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Bustling

Location: Shop 1/33 Racecourse Road, Hamilton

20. Lokal + Co

Best for: Morning tipples

A touch of Scandinavia in Brisbane? Yes, please. Lokal + Co ’s sleek timber and white-walled cafe wears its Nordic influences lightly – think potato served with house-cured salmon gravlax with coriander chutney and cucumber labneh. A morning cocktail? With various mimosas (lychee and cinnamon included) and other classic cocktails, it’s a lovely boozy brunch spot.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Nordic influences

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Lively

Location: 6 O’Connell St, West End

21. The Brooke

brunch and coffee at The Brooke, Fortitude Valley — Enjoy brekkie staples at The Brooke.

Best for: Business

Sitting in front of a heritage-listed former church in Fortitude Valley, The Brooke is a quiet cafe that provides a delightful escape from Fortitude Valley’s energetic atmosphere. I like this spot if I’m ever needing to catch up on work or meeting a client. The menu is quiet, too, with a handful each of small bites and larger brekkie items, in addition to sweets including homemade cookies that span the indulgent flavour scale.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Soothing

Location: 116 Brookes St, Fortitude Valley

22. Snag & Brown

the cafe exterior of Snag & Brown, Brisbane — Walk your dog to the pet-friendly Snag & Brown for a morning coffee.

Best for: Fur parents

A quaint little cafe in Brisbane around 15 minutes from the CBD, Snag & Brown offers an extensive all-day menu with all your favourite breakfast items, including a lavish sausage and potato benedict, and sweets. It’s also pet-friendly with its own dog park – a fenced area at the back of the outdoor seating, where dogs can go off-lead – and serves up dog-friendly snacks.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Local

Location: 97 Ekibin Rd, Brisbane

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

Every exceptional cafe in Brisbane to tick off

No longer second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne, every excellent cafe in Brisbane stands produce-proud while embracing bold creativity.

The shortlist

1. Mulga Bill’s

2. Cafe Disco

3. Idle Bakery

4. Freya

5. Little Black Pug

6. Alphabet Cafe

7. Lait Noir

8. Single O Newstead

9. Lisboa Caffé

10. The Green

11. St Coco Cafe

12. Bear Boy Espresso

13. Morning After

14. Industry Beans Newstead

15. Andonis Cafe & Bar

16. Lune Croissanterie

17. Citron Bayside

18. Wild Canary

19. Petrichor & Co

20. Lokal + Co

21. The Brooke

22. Snag & Brown

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What it’s really like to stay on the world’s largest sand island

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

Exploring K’gari

Unwind at sunset

Indulge and disconnect

Getting there