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Every exceptional cafe in Brisbane to tick off

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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

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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

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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

 

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Exploding supernovas & gold fever: discover the past at this outback Qld town

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

    While the name Clermont may feel new to even the most intrepid traveller, its gilded history stretches back centuries. You’ll find it just off the highway, humming quietly under the hazy veil of Queensland’s outback sun. It’s here, hemmed in by mountains and perched atop soil heavy with the earth’s treasures, that one of Australia’s most accessible outback adventures awaits.

    Thanks to deposits of gold, copper and gemstones – souvenirs left by exploding supernovas and the heave of tectonic plates – Clermont became a centre point of Queensland’s Gold Rush. And now? Australia’s fossicking capital is yours to discover.

    Getting there

    car driving along Capricorn Way in queensland
    Take a drive through Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

    You’ll find Clermont in Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. To get here, it’s an easy three-hour drive over sealed roads from Mackay. Or, if you’re heading from the Sapphire Fields of Emerald, the drive will carve out just over an hour from your day.

    Whether you’re road-tripping through outback Queensland or just tracing your way through all that Australia has to offer, Clermont is remote but easily accessible.

    Best accommodation in Clermont

    Theresa CreekDam in clermont
    Camp by Theresa Creek Dam. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

    All accommodation comes with a generous helping of country hospitality here. The choice is yours between modern hotels, parking up the camper or pitching a tent.

    Theresa Creek Dam lies just outside town. Begin each day with crisp country air and bright outback sunrises. Spend the night under the sparkling country stars and your days out on the dam fishing or kayaking. Even if you aren’t camping, be sure to save space in your itinerary for an afternoon on the red dirt shore.

    To stay closer to town, opt for a central hotel to base yourself between exploring and fossicking, like Smart Stayzzz Inn and Clermont Country Motor Inn.

    Things to do in Clermont

    three people on a tour with Golden Prospecting
    Join a tour with Golden Prospecting.

    One does not visit Clermont without trying their hand at fossicking. There are strict rules when it comes to fossicking, so stick to areas dedicated for general permission and make sure you obtain your license beforehand. Try your luck at McMasters, Four Mile, Town Desert, McDonald Flat and Flat Diggings. To increase your odds, sign on for a tour with the expert team at Golden Prospecting. They’ll give you access to exclusive plots and expert advice along the way.

    Once you’ve tried your luck on the gold fields, head to the Clermont Township and Historical Museum. Each exhibit works like an archaeologist’s brush to dust away the layers of Clermont’s history. Like the steam engine that painstakingly relocated the entire town inch by inch to higher ground after it was decimated by flooding in 1916. See the tools that helped build the Blair Athol mine, historic fire engines, shearing sheds and all sorts of relics that make up Clermont’s story.

    The historic Copperfield Chimney offers a change of pace. Legend has it that fossickers found a solid wall of copper here, over three metres high, kick-starting Queensland’s first-ever copper mine.

    Bush Heli Services flying over clermont queensland
    See Clermont from above with Bush Heli Services. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

    For hiking, nearby Dysart is the best place to access Peak Range National Park. Here, mountainous horizons stretch across the outback as if plucked from another world. Set off for a scenic drive along the Peak Downs Highway for access to countless geological wonders. Like the slanting rockface of Wolfang Peak. Summit it, and you’ll find yourself looking out across a scene surely conjured up by Banjo Paterson. Dry scrub dancing in the warm breeze, grazing cattle, eucalypts and the gentle creak of windmills. Don’t miss visiting Gemini Peaks, either, for one of the park’s best vistas, and a blanket of wild flowers after rain.

    Then, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour with Bush Heli-Services. Shift your perspective and cruise above all the sights from your trip. Spots like Lords Table Mountain and Campbell’s Peak are best viewed from the skies.

    Before you head home, be sure to explore the neighbouring townships. Spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of Nebo Hotel’s wrap-around verandahs. The hotel’s 1900s dance hall has since been replaced with one of the area’s biggest rodeo arenas, so consider timing your trip to line up with a boot scootin’ rodeo. Or, stop by a ghost town. Mount Britton was once a thriving town during the 1880s Gold Rush. It’s been totally abandoned and now lies untouched, a perfect relic of the Gold Rush.

    Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont

    meal at Commercial Hotel
    Stop into the Commercial Hotel Clermont.

    Days spent fossicking, bushwalking and cramming on history call for excellent coffee and hearty country meals. Luckily, Clermont delivers in spades.

    Lotta Lattes Cafe is beloved by locals for a reason. Start your days here for the best caffeine fix in town and an impeccable brunch menu.

    For a real country meal, an icy cold beer and that famed country hospitality, head straight to the town’s iconic hotel: the Commercial Hotel (known endearingly to locals as ‘The Commie’). It’s been a staple in Clermont since 1877. The hotel even survived the flood of 1916 when it was sawn in two and moved to higher ground.

    Naturally, time spent in the outback must include calling into the local bakery. For delicious pies and a tantalising array of sweet treats, make Bluemac Bakehouse your go-to while in town.

    Discover more of The Mackay Isaac region, and start planning your trip at mackayisaac.com.