Region Recommends: Our favourite southside brunches

Canberra’s north has long been the leader in the city’s best brunches, but things are starting to heat up in the south. From multicultural eats in Kambah and Greenway to bourgie brekkies in Griffith, whether you’re in the peacocking inner-south or depths of the valley, there’s a top-notch Canberra brunch near you! Here are some of our favourites in Canberra’s southern suburbs.

Good Neighbour, Kingston

This newcomer to the Canberra Brunch scene is helmed by the expertise of Fish Zafar – the former owner of institution Gus’ Cafe – so it’s hardly a surprise that Good Neighbour has quickly become a favourite of Kingston locals, lake walkers and visitors.

The breakfast menu offers plenty of choice between filling showstoppers and lighter options. The cabinet also has a good selection of grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. Save space for something sweet: the house-made New York-style cookies are so worth it.

With a large dining space hidden down the back, there’s plenty of room to catch up with mates, or you can perch on a bench out front with a takeaway if you need to get your steps up and continue around the East basin.

Cafe Beetroot, Greenway

In an unassuming location diagonally opposite the Bunnings, Cafe Beetroot is a hidden gem for those in the know. Owners Wonjin Kong and Bella Yu run the space together and there are a few nods to their Korean heritage on the otherwise classic brunch and lunch menus.

The kimchi scrambled eggs are a signature dish, with the chilli-tang of kimchi complementing the creamy eggs and flavourful toppings. Hot sausage rolls are available at the counter for the tradies to grab and go, and there’s an array of tempting sweets to accompany that second cup of joe.

The coffee is top-notch, the service is friendly, and the food is great: who cares about the location!?

Common Grounds, Gowrie

Common Grounds is an old favourite. It’s always good and consistently tasty. It’s a place you can go anytime for a classic brunch.

The wood-decorated interior is reminiscent of the iconic Nishi building’s staircase and makes the space feel cosy and warm.

If you’re feeling healthy, grab one of their cold-pressed juices and then blow it all on a plate of French toast. They make one helluva toastie, and there’s also a kids menu to keep the little ones satisfied (and yes, there are milkshakes, too).

It’s the perfect place to catch up with mates who have moved to the suburbs down south (you know, who you are).

Cafe Blanco, Kambah

Chef and owner Jose brings his Colombian and Venezuelan heritage to Kambah with Latino-inspired breakfast dishes in a cosy, friendly atmosphere.

Terracotta-coloured furnishings adorn the sunny cafe, and wall hangings and ornaments complement the South American theme. A favourite with locals, it’s regularly full of Kambah parents dropping in for a coffee after the school run or taking a break from walking the pooch.

The menu changes regularly, but if there’s a tostada dish, order it! Jose is very skilled at weaving the flavours of his childhood into the brunch menu and it’s hard to go wrong. There’s often a delicious burnt basque cheesecake or flan in the cake cabinet, too.

Recess, Griffith

This too-cool-for-school space at Griffith shops is fitted out with state-of-the-art, bespoke Tasmanian speakers for its vinyl collection. It also serves its own blends of roasted beans.

The breakfast menu features tasty items like the flavour bomb breakfast burrito or the pillowy soft buttermilk pancakes.

Lunch items are split between plates or hand-held items. The fried chicken sandwich is *chef’s kiss*, and the pasta comes with a serving of house-baked baguette on the side. Settle into a cosy booth inside to enjoy the ambience and retro tunes.

Where is your favourite brunch spot on Canberra’s southside? Let us know in the comments!