Breakfast is reputedly the most important meal of the day. Whether that’s to soak up the hangover blues or provide bursts of energy to complete the day’s tasks, we need our brekkie.
It’s a fact that the brain functions better when you have consumed a hearty breakfast. Not only that, but those who start the day with a meal have been proven to live longer and happier lives.
Your body is your temple and you need to look after it. This means the essential fuel of a nutrient enriched breakfast to relieve your stress levels and propel you towards your full potential.
Melbourne is renowned for its incredible food options. Luckily, breakfast is just as much of a foodie’s dream in the Victorian capital as other meals. In fact, the options outlined below will be sure to leave you feeling more than satisfied.
Read on to find the top 15 best breakfasts in Melbourne.
Editor’s Note: Since we first post this article, the Breakfast scene in Melbourne has continued to evolve. As a result, we now have far more than 15 suggestions for the Best Breakfasts in Melbourne. And we’ve got to say – it’s a great problem to have!
If you are a fan of beautiful architecture to accompany your breakfast then this restaurant offers just that. This stunning venue looks like an old church with it’s high ceilings and dining across multi-levels. In actual fact, it was once a power station.
You’ll find every style of Egg alongside Sourdough, Salmon, Granola and their justly famous Ricotta Hotcakes. For us, despite the temptation of other dishes, it’s impossible to top the Prawn Toast Benedict. A wondrous combination of airy Chinese Donut, filled with a divine Prawn Mousse, Poached Eggs, Yuzu Kosho and silky Hollandaise. Whilst appearing elegantly minimalist, it packs a huge flavour punch.
A quick heads up. The team at Higher Ground used to run a Dinner service as well from Thursday to Saturday, which is sadly no more.
This deli is an ideal spot to catch up with loved ones over a delicious breakfast. Here, the awe-inspiring menu boasts a range of wonderful, Italian bites. Our favourite is their Granola with Blackberry Compote and Greek Yoghurt, but the Eggs served in Arrabbiata Sauce with a feisty Nduja Butter is also a stand-out.
In addition, this spot has arguably the best coffee in the whole of Melbourne.
The Italian’s are well-known as experts in the art of making breakfast and this deli is evidence of this.
Finally, the kitchen also a Take Away Service and opens for Dinner from Thursday to Saturday. We can confirm that their Baked Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce, Ricotta, Parmesan & Hot Honey is superb.
Next on our list of the best breakfasts in Melbourne is Prior Thornbury.
If you feel like a fancy kind of breakfast, then this is the spot for you. This restaurant has a modern, chic and relaxed interior and is the ideal location for perfectly presented dishes including their addictive Sourdough Crumpets.
As we write, those magical Crumpets comes with a Salted Chocolate Custard, Baked White Chocolate, Raspberry Curd & Honeycomb. And if that doesn’t satisfy tour sweet tooth, we don’t know what will!
If you haven’t heard of the Dish & Spoon Cafe – good. Because the locals certainly know all about it and they are quite happy to keep it to themselves.
Tucked away on leafy Highfield Road in suburban Camberwell, this cafe is a genuine hidden jewel. The delicious food keeps coming all day long with the menu morphing seamlessly from a more Breakfast vibe to Lunchy-overtones. And whatever you choose, it’ll arrive with a little something to elevate from the humdrum.
Our pick? It’s hard to ignore the many attractions of the Breakfast Mezza. This bountiful delight includes Blackcurrant Poached Pear, Turkish Delight Infused Strawberries, Orange Braised Rhubarb on Cereal Infused Custard, Housemade Coconut Raspberry Yoghurt, & LSA. And then there’s Sourdough Bruschetta, Avo Smash & Poached Egg. Want more? You can supplement with Bacon for a few dollars more.
Honestly, if that doesn’t read like one of the best breakfasts in Melbourne, I don’t know what does.
Location: 50 Albert Rd, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Ph: (03) 9088 0721
Next up we have a much-loved destination for one of the best breakfasts in Melbourne. And some pretty fine lunches too.
This historic dining space is half-contained within one of the last terraced houses on Albert Road. This old-school setting gives a quaint twist to the breakfast dining experience.
And the food is similarly interesting. Their Chilli Prawn Scrambled Egg will tantalise your palate with its Fragrant Sambal, Cashew Cream & Beech Mushrooms. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to eat breakfast in Singapore, order the Seasonal Kaya Toast Hotcake. Piled with Coconut Caramel, Raspberries, Lychee & Pandan Cream, they are the stuff that foodie dreams are made of!
Undoubtedly the combination of the unique location and delicious food make this one of the best breakfast spots in Melbourne.
Incidentally, this is part of the Darling Group and a sister cafe to Higher Ground – name dropped above.
On a sunny morning, what could be nicer than breakfast outside Moby on the corner of High St and Seymour St?
This restaurant has a wonderful familial atmosphere and is the perfect spot for breakfast and brunch. Excitingly, there are three levels of dining and you can even enjoy your breakfast in the sun by dining on the rooftop.
Their menu boasts mouthwatering options including a spicy, Mexican-inspired Huevos Benedict and Buttermilk Hotcakes with an insanely good Canadian Maple Syrup & Pistachio Crumb. Not surprisingly, this is venue is popular for family reunions and to spend time with close friends and loved ones.
And if you don’t fancy a sit down meal (more fool you!) you can always grab a Breakfast Roll or a tempting Falafel Wrap from the kiosk window at the front.
What’s more, the team offer a ‘Brunch Boxes’ which can be ordered online, along with their popular ‘Moby At Home’ catering service.
Treat yourself to the lush Lobster and Prawn Benedict or the equally decadent Pavlova French Toast. Then pop by the cake cabinet take home an Australian Vegemite Pastry. You will not be disappointed.
If baked goods are your weakness, Rustica Sourdough offers some of the best breakfasts in Melbourne.
And it’s worth noting that they have now spread their net further with 4 additional locations across Melbourne.
How much do we love popping into Top Paddock for breakfast? A lot.
This Richmond institution has so much going for it. There’s the prime Church Street position, the expansive corner block – complete with beautiful, mature trees – and the stellar staff.
And then there’s the menu.
You see Top Paddock is the kind of place that calls a dish Avocado Toast, and then presents you with this vision…
Yes. There’s a healthy portion of firm, ripe Avo, but there’s also Pea & Edamame on a Whipped Feta with Preserved Lemon Dressing, Poached Egg & Dukkah. All on very good Sourdough. Suffice to say that there is an attention to detail at this brekky spot that really sets the bar for many other establishments.
And you know what? The baristas here pour some of the finest Coffee in town too.
Although you’ll probably have to queue at this popular breakfast spot on a Saturday morning, don’t fret. It is well worth the wait and its popularity is testament to the high quality of the food that is available.
Here, the breakfast options are also authentically unique. We recommend the Corn and Zucchini Fritters which arrive with a Quinoa, Kale & Pickled Beetroot Salad, Poached Egg and more. Another sure-fire winner is the Coconut & Mango Overnight Oats which include Roasted Pineapple and a refreshing Passionfruit & Lime Syrup. It’s like a tropical breeze in a bowl.
It really is plain sailing at this restaurant and you’ll be riding the wave of food-sensation until your next visit.
Are you heading to Sydney and wanting some brekkie recommendations? Here are our favourite Breakfast Spots in the NSW capital.
Ivy Lane Camberwell is a light, bright, summery new eatery in the old Zouz Cafe spot on Toorak Road.
The menu features a great selection of breakfast/brunch options which the kitchen are happy to rustle up all day long. For the savoury-minded, we recommend the Thick Cut Bacon. The smoky slab of cured meat is perfect with its accompanying Gruyere Cheese Potato Cake, Beetroot Relish, Chipotle Mayo, Poached Eggs and Rocket. If you need a sugar hit, then the Caramelised French Toast is a stand-out. It comes with Poached Pear, Cheesecake Cream & Almond Frangipani and is as pretty as a picture.
However, if you’re already had your cereal and want something more lunch-focussed, there are additional tempting dishes from 11.30am. Amongst our favourites is the Chicken Schnitzel Sub ($22) with Spinach, Tomato, Flor De Latte, Basil Mayo & Fries.
All this and excellent coffee too? No wonder Ivy Lane Camberwell makes our rundown of the top breakfasts in Melbourne.
Location: 113 Victoria Ave, Albert Park, VIC 3206 Ph: (03) 9699 8543
Lenny 3206 is amongst the best spots for a weekend brunch and its light and bright interior will be sure to enhance those summery, morning highs.
You’ll find classic options like Smashed Avocado and Eggs Benedict. But there is also a great Acai Chia bowl with a very moreish Peanut Butter Granola and yummy Chilli Scrambled Eggs, to satisfy a more experimental palate.
Pop it on your best breakfast in Melbourne list for when you are next in Albert Park.
This large restaurant serves up hearty breakfasts for the masses every morning. Thankfully, the menu has something for everyone with options like a deeply meaty Brisket Benedict and the fluffy Pancake Stack with fresh fruit.
Drinks-wise, the Coffee is from DC Speciality Coffee Roasters and the Matcha by Konomi. The team also mix an excellent Cocktail – should you be inclined.
The reviews are outstanding and once the penny drops, you’ll definitely be returning to this breakfast spot.
Location: Sandy Village, 7 Bay Rd, Sandringham, VIC 3191 Ph: (03) 9533 4657
This breakfast spot is ideal for an all-day brunch. They serve hearty options like Homemade Beans & Chorizo and Spiced Halloumi with Avo, Poached Eggs and a very pretty Beetroot Relish. Our pick is the Brekky Board. Featuring Smashed Avocado, Goat’s Cheese & Poached Egg on Sourdough and a bowl of Muesli topped with Fresh Fruit, it ticks all the boxes.
The beach is only a short walk away and offers the perfect, scenic end to a luxurious brunch. So order your second Coffee to go and hit the waterfront for a stroll.
Nestled in a strip of small businesses and suburban homes just across from Burwood Station, Golden Child Cafe is a well-kept local secret.
With superb Coffee and delightful staff, the food that comes out of the truly tiny kitchen is bordering on miraculous.
From the Rosti Benedict (see above) to the flower-strewn Dulce de Leche French Toast with Seasonal Fruits – everything tastes as good as it looks.
Another bonus is that the crew at Golden Child run a, always intriguing Specials selection. In the past, this has included an innovative dish of Brussel Sprouts, Chorizo, Poached Eggs and more. It may sound divisive, but try is before you damn it!
Personally, we love the quirkiness of this addition to the best breakfasts in Melbourne.
Operator25 is located in the listed telephone exchange building. It’s wonderful heritage is coupled with delicious breakfasts that incorporates Asian influences into traditional staples. For example, there’s their Thai Pork Omelette. Served on White Toast, this Open Omelette comes scattered with Roast Pork Belly, Thai Basil Kra Pao Sauce, Pickled Onions & Chilli Oil. Or perhaps you’d prefer the Spicy Mala Baked Eggs? These are flavoured with warm Szechuan Spices and are accompanied by Eggs, Bacon, Mushroom, Mozzarella and a crispy Fried Chinese Bun.
If you’re leaning more to a sweet start to the day, then the Chia Pudding is always great. Currently, it’s aromatic with Osmanthus Tea and is decorated with Mango Coulis, Fresh Fruits and a zingy Lemon Sorbet. It’s a delicious combination.
This restaurant is one of the most famous breakfast spots in the whole of Melbourne. The menu includes classic options cooked to complete and utter perfection, including eggs Benedict and a variety of scrambled egg concoctions.
However, their stand out dishes included the gin cured salmon and buckwheat blinis along with the coquet madams with pork rillettes and a luxurious apple sauce. This is truly a fine-dining, breakfast experience.
Come here once and you’ll come again for one of the best breakfasts in Melbourne.
Whichever Neds Bake you visit, it is impossible to walk past without stepping inside. You’ll find its warm and cosy atmosphere combined with its beautifully nuanced and delicate menu will keep you coming back, repeatedly.
The smoked salmon frittata is delicately plated and the goat’s cheese soufflé will have you salivating for days on end. This restaurant is not to be overlooked. It does one of the best breakfasts in Melbourne, and some pretty stunning lunches too.
Though Mr Hendricks’ website describes their food as a marriage of French and Australian influences, last time we visited, we detected a strong hint of Asia.
So their Earl Grey hot cake comes with via Japan with whipped yuzu mascarpone. Rather than a dull old eggs benedict, they rustle up a version that includes teriyaki eel, edamame and miso hollandaise. And if you’re feeling more lunch-minded, they do a fantastic ebi katsu sando which is built around a prawn patty. Personally, we love their mushroom scramble with its feta and hint of chilli.
What’s more, they make a good coffee and a wonderful courtyard out the back which is a sun-trap on a summer’s day.
We’re adding this gem to our guide as their Wholemeal Waffle ($25.50) is our new-favourite sweet brekkie option. It could be the light, yet chewy Waffle, or maybe the Fresh Banana, Blueberry & Strawberry, though we suspect it’s actually the Salted Caramel Mascarpone. But whatever it is, we’re here for it.
Another great dish is the Baba Ganoush. Such a simple name for a wonderfully complex plate of food. With Grilled Halloumi, House Made Baba Ganoush, Roma Tomatoes, Greens and 2 Poached Eggs on a base of Rustica Sesame Soy Sourdough, it’s both flavoursome and substantial.
Throw in a great cup of Coffee – or even a Hojicha Latte – and that’s us set up for the day.
To say that we are excited to have come across this pretty as a picture little cafe, tucked away from the crowds of bustling restaurants of Carnegie.
This tranquil oasis boasts our favourite kind of breakfast. The All Day variety. Plus, it adds on a wee Lunch selection from 11am, hosts events and functions and will even shake you up a cocktail, if you so desire. And did I mention that Major Mitchell also has its own Coffee Roasters – Daly St Roasters? But for now, let’s take a look at those brekkies…
If you need something to raise your blood sugar, the Ricotta Hotcake ($24.50) should hit the spot. With a pool of Creme Anglaise, Seasonal Fruits, Pistachio White Chocolate Soil & Vanilla Ice Cream, it’s rather fabulous. Just as visually attractive, but working the savoury end of the flavour scale are the Beetroot & Cauliflower Fritters ($25.95). Accompanied by Burrata, Rocket, Lemon Yoghurt and a Honey, Ginger & Lime Dressing, with crunch from Toasted Seeds & Nuts, we feel it’s one of the best vegetarian breakfasts in Melbourne.
Although we’re focusing on Breakfast, a special mention has to go to the Soft Shell Crab Burger ($26.50). It’s really, really good.
Finally, the team also does a great bottomless brunch. Bring it on!
To conclude, Melbourne contains many wonderful breakfast restaurants serving a variety of drool-inspiring treats that will be sure to cure any hangover and ensure that you remain energised and prepared for the day ahead. Whether you are working on a weekday or lounging around and watching Netflix on a day off, you will feel twenty times better after visiting one of these elite breakfast spots.
If you are someone who likes a traditional breakfast, there is somewhere for you on the list above. However, if quirky and experimental is your thing, we have options to satisfy your palate.
Melbourne is one of the best cities globally for food and its breakfast venues are testament to the level of culinary expertise that is contained within the parameters of this city.
Whether it is breakfast or brunch that you are looking for, Melbourne has a spot that will be ideal for you and your loved ones.
Here you can enjoy breathtaking views and absorb the sun on roof terraces whilst nibbling avo on toast. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the older architecture of the city whilst sipping a morning coffee.
This city has a reputation for producing some of the world’s best food for a reason and you will realise this once you have sampled these energising and heartwarming dishes.
Enjoy working your way through our top breakfasts in Melbourne.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
