Draw pistols at dawn at The Gunshop Cafe

Experience No.043 in Australian Traveller’s 100 Greatest Australian Gourmet Experiences Okay, so you don’t really need a pistol, but you will have to arrive early. The “no bookings” policy for weekend breakfast sees the queue at this iconic Brisbane cafe stretching down the street. This heritage building in West End was once, you guessed it, a gun shop and has plenty of character.

“Great breakfast and good coffee.” – Matt Moran

By day sunlight streams in through the windows; at night the mood is sophisticated and slightly bohemian. Exposed brick walls, funky artworks and cool tunes set the scene for a dining experience that is never dull.

The Gunshop recently picked up an award for Best Cafe in Australia but breakfast is what this place is renowned for. Step lightly with fruit salad and organic bush honey yoghurt, go gourmet with scrambled eggs and grated truffles, or let potato fetta hash cakes satisfy the morning munchies.

Servings are plentiful, as are the smiles from chirpy waitstaff who never miss a beat. Lunch draws a diverse crowd with everyone from suits to creatives from the nearby uni sitting at the simple wooden tables (provided they’ve booked one).

Dishes such as Adriatic figs wrapped in Parma prosciutto, goats curd and black cherry vinaigrette or Wagyu beef burger with fries and aioli bring conversation to a satisfying halt. Dinner is equally good but have breakfast here at least once. It’s worth the wait.

Where: 53 Mollison St, West End, Brisbane. (07) 3844 2241, www.thegunshopcafe.com

Did you know? At the crack of dawn each morning, Gunshop owner Jason Coolen rouses himself and heads down personally to the Rocklea Markets to buy fresh produce for the day. Talk about commitment to quality.