Explore Adelaide’s Brunch Scene

Is this the only Australian capital that serves Grange with brunch?

The Flying Fig Deli

Australians often take credit for introducing New Yorkers to brunch (and good coffee). The Big Apple returns the favour at this NYC-inspired deli, which turns out breakfast bagels, buckwheat blinis, corned beef hash and, of course, the iconic Reuben.

161 Jeffcott Street, North Adelaide (08) 7226 1788

Magill Estate Kitchen

Where to Find the Best Brunch in Adelaide 2017

It might seem strange to see people quaffing Grange over brunch but it’s possible at Magill Estate Kitchen – one of the few places to serve it by the glass. But, then, everything from the housemade baked beans to the maple-cured bacon is rather special at this sister of the top-rated Magill Estate Restaurant (except for the prices, which are no greater than most suburban cafés). Start with a seasonal fruit plate with whipped coconut cream before moving on to classic smashed avocado with poached egg, fetta, roast tomato and dukkah. If you don’t wish to eat again that day, leap into the towering brunch roll with crisp buttermilk fried chicken, rösti, egg, bacon and onion relish. Extraordinary value in a stunning location.
78 Penfold Road, Magill; (08) 8301 5943

The Loose Caboose

It must be difficult for morning commuters to drag themselves away from The Loose Caboose, located in one of Australia’s oldest operating railway stations and just one stop from the CBD. But work may have to wait if you get the opportunity to feast on the fried truffled mushrooms and toasted sourdough with poached eggs and whipped fetta or the Benedict-style eggs with shredded pork and a pumpkin-and-ginger scone from the all-day brunch menu. If you lose the plot completely and stay for lunch, try the fresh figs with crisp pancetta on toasted sourdough, served with a candied-walnut and rocket salad and goat’s fetta. They’re serious about their coffee, too, which is roasted in-house.
21 First Street, Hindmarsh; (08) 8340 0809

Chianti

With one of Adelaide’s best corner locations and wide, table-lined verandas, the Chianti trattoria is a natural haven for early diners as breakfast merges into lunch. Under the watchful eyes of owners Maria and Frank Favaro, all bread, muffins and bagels are made in-house, eggs are local and free-range and the produce organic where possible. There’s signature Italian style in the zucchini and smoked mozzarella omelette with zucchini flowers and lemon butter, while poached eggs with house-smoked ocean trout and crumpet is a popular choice. Team them with a Breakfast Martini or Bloody Mary to really wake up.
160 Hutt Street, Adelaide; (08) 8232 7955

Nano

Tucked off Rundle Street in Ebenezer Place, Nano is big, bright and very Italian with a warm, inviting vibe perfect for a long weekend brunch. Top of the menu is the Mediterranean omelette (provolone, spinach, mushroom, red onion and tomato) and incarozza (“holey bread” sautéed with egg, crisp pancetta and mozzarella), or a “build-your own” breakfast plate with a range of side dishes, great coffee and orange juice pressed as you wait. Brunch runs until 3pm and all the locals know it – you might even see Nick Xenophon talking on two phones at once.
23 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide; (08) 8227 0468

The Flinders Street Project

With a great inner-city location that catches the morning light, The Flinders Street Project not only delights local office workers but makes for a popular weekend spot with its large shared table inside and individual seating street-side. The brunch menu is as modern as the vibe with dishes such as chilli scrambled eggs on ciabatta with bean sprouts and crisp shallots or mushroom ragu with poached eggs, chilli kale, labneh and dukkah. Start with cold-pressed juice with vodka and end with great coffee or a salted caramel and chocolate crumble milkshake for the ideal start to the weekend.
276 Flinders Street, Adelaide; (08) 7230 1817

Long Lost Friend

Despite its isolated location, Long Lost Friend is often packed, but it’s worth the wait for its very good coffee and all-day menu. Options include standards such as smashed avocado with feta and rocket or buttermilk pancakes with roasted rhubarb but then things escalate to seriously great brunch dishes such as eggs benedict with caramelised pork shoulder that’s been slow-cooked overnight.
532 Magill Rd, Magill; (08) 8331 0847

Patch Kitchen & Garden

Chefs forage in this Adelaide Hills garden (along with the odd chicken or two) for fresh ingredients while children run around the playground – behold, the ideal family brunch spot. Patch’s all-day breakfast menu starts with toasted house-made crumpets or mixed-nuts-and-pumpkin toasted granola before moving on to more substantial dishes such as crisp pork belly with poached eggs on wilted spinach. The smaller members of your brunch team are treated just as well with a substantial kids’ menu – sweet corn and carrot fritters with house-made ketchup is a favourite.
143 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling; (08) 8339 8087