Turkish eggs with chilli oil and yoghurt at Stepping Stone Cafe. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Ah brunch: Canberra’s favourite pastime. While there was a time brunch meant Smashed Avo or a B&E Roll, the early bird chefs of cafes all over town have been stepping up their game to include multicultural delights from Okonomiyaki to Turkish Eggs. And thanks to local roasters all over town, the standard of coffee in Canberra is so good that a bad one is about as likely as a One Nation voter in the lentil belt. Here are some of our favourites in Canberra’s northern suburbs.
Cafe Stepping Stone, Dickson and Strathnairn
These two social enterprise cafes are serving up some of the best brunches in Canberra. The vegetarian menus are creative and delicious, and you’re mad if you go past a slice of their epic Carrot Cake. The Savoury Summer Pancakes, Turkish Cilbir Eggs and old-faithful Masala Toastie are all favourites of mine – I always enjoy ordering off the specials menu to try something new. It’s coffee for a cause and the owners were even nominated as ACT Local Heroes in the Australian of the Year Awards for their work.
Nicky’s, Dickson
Nicky Kim is a stalwart of Canberra’s brunch scene having launched brunch menus at favourites including The Cupping Room and Assembly with business partner Max Owens. A chance to take ownership of their excellent work, Nicky’s has become a local favourite. The eggs are soft and creamy and the house-cured salmon is truly delightful. They’ll even do a half serve of Eggs Benedict which is, frankly, genius and Scotty’s Chicken Burger is outrageously good.
Giddy up and get yourself a Cowboy Burrito at Catbird. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Catbird, Parkes
New on the scene, Catbird is bringing laid-back Sunny So-Cal Cafe Culture to less laid-back and not-always-so-sunny Canberra. American born chef-owner Taylor Wright is a master of the breakfast burrito: we recommend the Cowboy Burrito with chorizo and hot sauce. I’m yet to venture to the classic menu items, sandwiches and salads but I’ve heard good things. Catbird also makes a great smoothie, house-made lemonade and healthful recovery tea.
Highroad, Dickson
A Dickson classic with a recent zhuzh thanks to new ownership, light and airy Highroad is a favourite location for weekend catch-ups, or working ‘from home’ with a laptop and plenty of ONA coffee on weekdays. Eton Mess French Toast, Okonomiyaki or go old school with a classic Croque Monsieur. Highroad’s opening up in the evenings now and it’s worth a visit for an after-work drink or full sit-down dinner. The same owners have also recently opened On Lonsdale which specialises in Korean-style sandos: check it out if you’re in Braddon.
The sweet potato hotcakes at The Irvine. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
The Irvine, Florey
Belconnen’s very own sibling to Watson’s The Knox (shout out), The Irvine has fast become a local favourite in the west. With menu items including the Brisket Wrap, Rosti Stack, Classic Benny and Florey Sambo, there’s plenty of choices for everyone with a staggering number of dishes on the menu. Bread and pastries are baked in-house at The Knox, and it’s even open for dinner providing a community hub in Florey.
Little Oink, Cook
This cute-as-a-button cafe has been delighting Cook residents for 10-plus years with its pig-themed decor and top-notch brunches. The cafe still feels fresh and the menu is as good as ever. Dishes such as the Too Hot to Scramble (chilli scrambled eggs), Shroom with a View (mushrooms on toast) and the Oinko Burger (self explanatory) will fill you up along with a choice of house-made smoothies and coffee from local roasters Two Before Ten.
Where is your favourite brunch spot on Canberra’s northside? Let us know in the comments!
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Riotact.
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