Bookplate Cafe in the National Library of Australia, one of the most recommended cafes for breakfast in Canberra. Photo: National Library of Australia.
Canberra loves breakfast – whether smashed avo on toast, freshly ground coffee, poached eggs, or smoothies are your favourite way to start the day, it’s no secret that Canberra is bursting at the seams with quality cafes offering delicious breakfasts to help you rise and shine.
There are easily enough cafes around Canberra with delicious breakfast menus that you could visit somewhere new every morning – so how do you decide where to go? Between the quality of the coffee, catering to dietary needs, location and affordability, there’s a lot to consider.
That’s where we come in! In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a café for breakfast, and give you a helpful guide to some of Canberra’s favourite destinations.
What makes a great café for breakfast?
With so many different cafes around Canberra to choose from, it’s important to know how to separate the good from the great. Try keep the following in mind next time you head out for brekky:
- Amazing coffee. Coffee lovers understand the importance of quality coffee, made by expert baristas. Choose a café well known for its coffee (and teas).
- Great menu. Quality cafés design their breakfast menus around variety and taste. They cover classic dishes, heartier feeds, super healthy options and more creative meals that set the café apart from the rest. Choose a café that ticks all your boxes.
- Speedy service. If you want to eat and get going with your day, you’ll want a café with speedy service. This might not be so important if you’re wanting to lounge about for a leisurely brunch.
- Friendly staff. Starting your day with a smile is essential. Choose a breakfast café with friendly and efficient staff.
- Fair pricing. No-one wants breakfast to break the bank. Check pricing online for a café that suits your budget.
The best cafés for breakfast in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Rye Café
At Rye Café, it's all about quality and simplicity. Their fresh and delicious breakfast meals are all made with locally sourced produce, and easily cater to all dietary requirements - whether you're after something sweet or savoury, Rye's got something for you. With quality coffee and cold drinks, plus a bright and welcoming interior, it's no wonder Rye Café has quickly become a local favourite.
Lisa Spencer wrote on Google, “Most delicious breakfast ever! Eggs, bacon, mushrooms, perfect asparagus and sensational crumb on top. Coffee was beautiful and service was great.”
EQ Bakehouse and Café
EQ Bakehouse and Café is open early for breakfast seven days. The extensive menu has something for everyone with breads and pastries baked onsite. Breakfast includes toasted artisan bread, eggs benedict and the big “EQ breakfast”. Freshly pressed juice, shakes, smoothies, quality coffees and teas are available.
On Google, Susan Hoffman wrote, “Terrific cafe, plenty of seating and well shaded outside for sunny days … this time I had the ‘Zone breakfast’ with a lovely cup of coffee.”
Eighty/Twenty
Fresh, real and nutritional wholefood. That’s what Eighty/Twenty Food stands for. The menu features wholefood, balanced and nutrient-rich dishes, signature smoothies, treats and great coffee. Eighty/Twenty sources fresh from markets six days a week. Open for dine in, takeaway and delivery–breakfast, lunch, late lunch. Locations in Barton, Belconnen, Braddon, Greenway, Kingston and Coombs.
On Google, Grace Mitchell wrote, “Really enjoyed the experience. Lots of options on the menu ... quality of food was good and portions good as well.”
Farmers Daughter Café
Farmers Daughter Café is a down-to-earth, quirky café open early for breakfast. A wide range of savoury dishes and sweet treats are on offer, as is excellent coffee. Whether you're after toast with spreads or eggs any way with your choice of sides, Farmers Daughter has something for you.
Christopher Nelson wrote on Google, “The service was quick. The coffee was strong, hot, and delicious. The meals were fresh and creative.”
If you’re looking for more information on places to grab something to eat in the mornings in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best bakeries, best coffee shops and the best high teas Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with cafés for breakfast in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the breakfast cafés listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on the menu at a breakfast café?
Every café is different but the best for breakfast offer a wide variety of dishes. They don’t solely focus on traditional bacon and eggs, but branch out with healthy options too. They might, for example, have super breakfast bowls, smoothies and more.
Is it cheap to eat out for breakfast?
The cost depends on many factors. One factor is the café you select, with some more upmarket than others. It will cost less, for example, to eat breakfast at a “greasy spoon” than at a trendy café. Another factor is what you eat. Many cafés serving breakfast have simple toast with condiments through to more expensive and sophisticated dishes with multiple ingredients.
Do all breakfast cafés have great coffee?
Most cafés have trained baristas, but not all do. Most also source quality coffee beans. Check the reputation of the café first.
What time can I get breakfast at a café?
Most cafés that open for breakfast cater for early risers. While opening times vary, some cafés through their doors open super early, such as at 6am or even before.
Are all breakfast cafés open seven days a week?
Not all are breakfast cafés are open seven days. Some located in office buildings, for example, might dish up a dynamite breakfast but only Monday to Friday. Others may not open Sunday. Some are ready to serve seven days a week.
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