Top Brunch Spots in Canberra
Do you love eating out for breakfast, but hate waking up early? Luckily for you Canberra is home to some of Australia's hippest food scenes for you and your crew to grab some delicious, sweet or savoury brunch options. So, whether you're a brunch-loving local or a curious traveller, this list of the Canberra’s top 13 brunch spots is sure to satisfy your empty stomach.
1. Local Press Café
Images via Local Press Cafe
This buzzing cafe is located on the scenic Kingston Foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin, just a 12-minute drive from Pavilion on Northbourne. Local Press Café is dedicated to serving up wholesome meals that support a balanced and healthy diet. Using only the freshest local produce and ethically-sourced ingredients are the pinnacle of what this family-owned café stands for. Try one of their cold press juices which make the perfect accompaniment to all their indulgent healthy brunch dishes.
Must-try dish:
Salmon Scramble - a delicious ensemble of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, pickled fennel and onion, horseradish and herb yoghurt, radish, caperberries all delicately served on fresh grain sourdough.
Located on the water, Cnr Eastlake Parade & Giles Street, Kingston ACT 2604
Open Monday - Friday between 8am - 3pm, Saturday - Sunday from 8am-4pm
2. Doubleshot
Images via Doubleshot Deakin | Out in Canberra
Unwind and indulge in expertly-made coffee, fresh smoothies, and an innovative menu. Doubleshot offers more than just specialty drinks, with an all-day menu that caters to absolutely everyone - serving up a variety of vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free options that are sure to delight. As a local favourite, this cafe attracts quite the crowd in the mornings so arrive early to secure a spot under their large yellow umbrellas. You can also head inside this welcoming venue and grab a table for a hip, yet comfortable, dining experience. To top it off this buzzing brunch hubspot is just an 11-minute drive from Pavilion on Northbourne.
Must-try dish:
Shakshouka - features Middle Eastern baked eggs, white beans, and labneh served with toasted Turkish bread. Locals recommend adding the Rodriguez chorizo for a spicy kick.
Located at Shop7 Hopetoun Circuit, Deakin ACT 2600
Open from 6am - 2:305pm Monday - Sunday
3. Highroad
Images via Highroad
Located in the inner northern suburbs of Dickson and only a 13-minute walk from Pavilion on Northbourne, Highroad is a place specifically designed to reflect the beauty of Canberra’s landscape. The focus of the restaurant is the specialty coffee produced by Ona Coffee. All dishes pair well with the cups prepared by the award-winning baristas behind the counter. Focusing on the local community, the contemporary food menu of locally-sourced ingredients all combine to create a relaxed and modern setting, ideal for your next brunch outing.
Must-try dish:
French Toast - featuring a cinnamon flavoured french toast, topped with brown butter custard, apple compote, mascarpone and mini cinnamon scroll - the perfect blend of dessert and breakfast dishes.
Located at Cnr Cape & Woolley Street, Dickson ACT 2601
Open Monday - Sunday from 8am - 3pm, Public Holidays from 8am - 2pm
4. Fox and Bow
Images Fox and Bow Cafe
Just a 15-minute drive from Pavilion on Northbourne is the much-loved, Fox and Bow. This family-owned cafe prides themselves on their simple and unpretentious atmosphere, serving up wholesome food that is just as warm and inviting as their humble interior. Their all-day brunch menu introduces a modern take on the Spanish cuisine, with all dishes simply bursting with decadent flavour combinations that are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Must-try dish:
Que Pasa Amigo Fried Chicken Burger - Simple, but perfect. Redlea organic free range chicken breast, streaky bacon, cheese, jalapenos, slaw and chipotle mayo come together to make a wonderful chicken burger.
Located at 4B Farrer Place, Farrer ACT 2607
Open Monday - Friday between 7am - 2:30pm, Saturday - Sunday from 7:30am - 2pm
5. Space Kitchen
Images via Space Kitchen
Just an 18-minute drive away from Pavilion on Northbourne, this cafe is known for its aesthetically pleasing array of menu options that make for truly instagrammable moments. If your a brunch-enthusiast always on the hunt for cafes that push the creative boundaries, then Space Kitchen’s fun, playful and experimental menu is definitely worth a try. Their vibrant, one-of-a-kind dishes extend to their funky interior fit-out, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy their award-winning breakfast menu. Pair your meal with their delicious coffee, juices and epic shakes!
Must-try dish:
Space Green Eggs & Ham - includes pulled pork & potato crispy panko crumbed croquette, local free range poached eggs, smoked hollandais sauce & sautéed baby spinach
Located at 3g/12 Furzer Street, Phillip ACT 2606
Open Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4pm, Saturday 8am - 3pm, Public Holidays 8am - 2pm
6. Eighty/Twenty (80/20)
Images via Eighty/Twenty
Located a mere 4-minute drive from Pavilion on Northbourne, 80/20 is a popular hub-spot for Braddon locals, especially those with a health-conscious. Their clean and unprocessed food and beverage options keep you feeling lively and rejuvenated. With homemade desserts, nutritious smoothies, and hearty meals, 80/20 brings you delicious, guilt-free fun.
Must-try dish:
Japanese Salad Bowl - includes miso coated eggplant and sweet potato, grilled broccolini, spinach, brown rice drizzled in homemade tahini, topped with a sprinkle of pickled ginger, nori and nigella seeds. For an extra breakfast treat, add the grilled salmon.
Located at 1/18 Lonsdale Street, Braddon ACT 2612
Open 7 days from 6am - 3pm
7. Trevs @ Dickson
Images via Trevs @ Dickson
Trevs @ Dickson is hidden gem nestled in the heart of Dickson, just a 13-minute walk from Pavilion on Northbourne. Their beautiful coffees, colorful dishes, and lovely outdoor seating attract crowds of locals and travellers alike. The bustling and cosy hubspot, creates an enticing atmosphere to enjoy a tasty meal from their creative brunch menu that sources only the freshest seasonal produce. Their extremely varied menu will have guests with both sweet and savoury cravings leaving satisfied.
Must-try dish:
Tropical Bircher Muesli - the perfect dish for anyone with a sweet tooth who still wants to enjoy a nutritious meal. With yoghurt, seasonal fruit, raspberry gelati, coconut, and kaffir lime, this flavour explosion will give you the energy to take on the rest of your day.
Located at 20 Challis Street, Dickson ACT 2602
Open for brunch Tuesday - Friday from 8am - 2:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 8:30am - 2pm, closed Monday
8. The Cupping Room
Images via The Cupping Room
The Cupping Room, located just 7-minutes down the road on University Avenue, is a charming cafe that attracts many dog-loving owners. You'll love this popular spot for their delicious ONA coffee, hot chocolate, and the many adorable dogs that add to The Cupping Room’s appealing aesthetic. If you're in the area, The Cupping Room is a great brunch spot for you and your friends.
Must-try dish:
French Toast - an original twist on an old classic, this french toast is not for the overly health-conscious. With an oreo crumb, berries, banana, milk icing, and mascarpone, this indulgent dish is hard to resist, especially when paired with a coffee.
Located 1/13 University Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601
Open weekdays from 7:30am - 3pm, weekends from 8am - 3pm
9. Teddy Picker's
Images via Teddy Picker’s | Australian Good Food Guide
Teddy Picker's is a well-known cafe amongst the local foodie scene in Campbell, roughly 7-minutes driving distance from Pavilion on Northbourne. This cafe reflects the bold and lively nature of the Arctic Monkey's song it's named after. The bright and modern space is home to a diverse variety of food, from exotic and fancy dining to classic and casual dishes, Teddy Picker’s fresh summer menu has it all. This young and inviting spot is ideal for anyone looking to explore the city and experience some of the local vibes.
Must-try dish:
Brekky Roll - Teddy Picker's use of red-eye mayo and pickled jalapenos makes their beloved brekky roll even more flavourful. Be sure to add some of their delicious hash browns as a side.
Located at 53/65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612
Open Monday - Friday 6:30am -2pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am - 2pm
10. Bookplate
Images via Bookplate | Weekend Notes
This stylish, up-market cafe is located in the National Library of Australia, just a 9-minute drive from Pavilion on Northbourne. Bookplate has a lot to offer in terms of quality coffee, freshly sourced produce and their spectacular views of Lake Burley Griffin. Their spacious outdoor seating area is the perfect setting to unwind and soak up the summer sun with an iced coffee and one of their delicious meals or decadent pastries.
Located at the National Library of Australia, 25 Parkes Place West, Parkes ACT 2600
Open on Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4pm, weekends and public holidays from 9am - 4pm
11. The Pedlar
Images via The Pedlar
Well-known as the local watering-hole in Campbell, The Pedlar is frequented by locals of all ages. This local hubspot is a favourite among many for their impeccable service and humble yet stylish fit-out. Their tasty brunch dishes offer a healthy balance of sweet and savoury options and classics that are served with a modern twist. The menu also boasts a variety of speciality drinks including freshly-squeezed juices, smoothies, milkshakes and home-brewed coffee and teas.
Must-try dish:
Black Forest Baked Pancakes - features fluffy sour cherry and chocolate baked pancakes with nutella drizzle, fresh strawberries and vanilla bean ice cream.
Located at 65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612
Open weekdays between 7am - 10pm, weekends from 8am - 10pm
12. Pollen Cafe
Images via Pollen Cafe | Riot Act
Pollen Cafe is situated in the buzzing coffee hotspot nestled amongst Australian National Botanic Gardens, providing the ideal backdrop to enjoy a relaxed brunch outing with friends. The crisp furnishings as well as the blue and white decor, all combine to make for an inviting and cosy atmosphere. Their carefully curated menu of brunch classics use only the finest of ingredients and cater to even the pickiest of palettes. Only a 7-minute drive from Pavilion on Northbourne, you simply can’t leave Canberra without stopping by Pollen Cafe to enjoy brunch in this beautiful tranquil setting.
Must-try dish:
Healthy Breakfast - a combination of poached eggs, chickpeas, paprika, tomato, feta, eggplant moule, za’atar, fried basil, dukkah all served on native flatbread.
Located at Clunies Ross Street, ACT 2601
Open 7 days a week from 9am - 4pm
