The best breakfast spots in Perth
It’s the most important meal of the day, so let’s start as we mean to go on: deliciously. Here are a mere 36 of our favourite breakfast spots in Perth.
Artem
After spending a few years as a pop-up coffee spot, 2019 saw Artem’s move into a permanent brick-and-mortar location in Mount Pleasant. When a cafe is smoking their own meats, fermenting their own chilli sauce, and having their coffee beans roasted to their own recipe… you know they’re not kidding about quality. Stop in any time for their aforementioned A-grade coffee, or their small-yet-inspired brunch menu (think duck omelette, crab roll, chicken rendang salad, or vegan-friendly smoked celeriac toast), but those in the know will make sure to be there on the weekend for their signature Reuben toastie. 2021 also saw the café’s expansion into Highgate, with a handy coffee window in the new Woolworths development.
2/39 Reynolds Road, Mount Pleasant
80 Bulwer Street, Highgate
Bread Espresso Bar
Tucked away on Barker Avenue in Como, Bread Espresso is not short on friendly faces, relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. Nick the owner will become your best mate in no time, but most importantly their coffee has a kick and their menu is filled with some great plates that won’t break the bank (basically nothing is over $20). An unassuming hidden gem south of the river.
3 Barker Ave, Como
Cafe Leadman
Bigger isn’t always better – and it’s as true at Cafe Leadman as anywhere else. This itty-bitty, timber-clad cafe is anything but cute. Rather, its dark interior and curated menu speak to a more refined palate. That’s not to say you won’t find any crowd pleasers on the menu: gourmet mi goreng, Cuban toasties and the ubiquitous smashed avo all make an appearance, as well as a rotating roster of tempting Saturday specials.
159 Claisebrook Road, Perth
The Cool Room
Slightly further afield towards East Freo lies the The Cool Room. At the crossroads of two suburban streets, next to vintage store Old Values, it’s hard not to feel pretty charmed by the mish-mash of retro Formica tables, plants and brightly coloured umbrellas. It’s as unpretentious as they come, yet out of their tiny kitchen they manage to serve up unpretentious breakfasts that can rival Perth’s best.
Shop 2/114 Holland Street, Fremantle
Dank Pizza
Pizza and breakfast might not be the most natural pairing, but we’re open minded. Add in an Asian influence and we’re positively intrigued… Popping up on Saturday mornings outside of Twin Peaks’ Morley roastery, Dank Pizza has been converting Perth to the benefits of early morning, weekend pizza and coffee pairing. These perfect-for-one, pop-up pizzas hold their own against Perth’s best brick-and-mortar outfits, with flavours ranging from a sort-of-traditional pepperoni, tomato and egg, all the way to the after school nostalgia of cheese, vegemite and sesame, or the fiery Angry Aunty, topped with sausage, spring onion, coriander and chilli oil. We’ll happily sit on a milk crate if this is what we’re eating.
Twin Peaks Coffee Roasters, U11/28 Rudloc Road, Morley
Dine By Arrival Hall
While the Dine by Arrival Hall menu isn’t extensive, it sure packs a punch. Always changing, you’ll see dishes like prawn rolls, smoked salmon smørrebrød, or a Black Angus tenderloin sandwich on offer, as well as toasties, baked treats and bowls. Normally, the fact that it’s inside a furniture store would be a detriment, except that Arrival Hall’s space is so stylish, so serene… we’re happy for an excuse to loiter.
162 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge
Duck Duck Bruce
You might have to wait to get a table at beloved Freo cafe Duck Duck Bruce, but trust us, it’ll be worth it. Started by a trio of mates, the warm spirit of friendship is imbued throughout Duck Duck Bruce. This is a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously… even if the food is seriously good. Taking inspiration Indian cuisine (they’re also the crew behind Lions and Tigers), their breakfasts are packed with flavour. This is the way to start the day.
18 Collie Street, Fremantle
Eggspot
On a rough morning, an egg sandwich will always hit the spot – but we could weep with joy to behold an Eggspot sandwich. Eggspot has been dishing up their signature fluffy egg sandwiches from Freo Markets for years, creating hangover-blasting combinations like pulled pork, crispy fried chicken, hash brown stack and even a big breakfast sandwich – and now northsiders can get in on the action at their Angove Street location.
40/10 Angove Street, North Perth
Y9, Fremantle Markets, South Terrace & Henderson Street, Fremantle
Flora & Fauna
It’s hard to believe that everything from Flora & Fauna comes from its itty bitty, teeny-tiny kitchen. Vegan offerings run the gamut from banana bread (a huge wedge, served with a gigantic plate of fruit), to tropical waffles topped with mango and raw salted caramel, to savoury treats like Mexican mac n cheese, or a towering corn fritter stack. And not that gram-worthiness is the ultimate barometer of food, but we absolutely dare you to resist photographing these technicolour, blooming plates.
4/70 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge
Forklore
The little sibling of beloved Bayswater brunch favourite tbsp. (RIP), Forklore is bringing the same deliciousness to City West. An Japanese-leaning menu includes comforting dishes like tonkotsu porridge, mentaiko udon topped with a slow-cooked egg, and one of the best chicken katsu sandos we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying.
City West Centre, 102 Railway Street, West Perth
Good Things
Mosman Park cafe Good Things really manages to live up to its name. The menu truly is full of, well, good things. This light-filled, minimalist cafe is home to some of our favourite smashed avo, as well as plenty of other tantalising options – like their good vibes bowl, chilli scrambled eggs or fried chicken and waffles, to name just a few. Rest assured, local Double Double beans make for an excellent coffee, too.
128 Wellington Street, Mosman Park
16 Bannister Street, Fremantle
Gusto Food
Famous for their MASSIVE portion sizes and 12/10 friendly service, Gusto are no slouches when it comes to coffee either. It’s pretty small, so you’ll have to plan your arrival around busy times if you want to nab a seat, but it’s well worth it when you do.
86 Angelo St, South Perth
Hush Specialty Coffee
Hush has been a stalwart for Freo caffeine fiends for years, and it’s no wonder why. An unending flow of Five Senses coffee keep the morning coffee crowd happy, while those who are after a more leisurely experience can enjoy the crowd-pleasing yet considered menu. Jaffa French toast, WA mushrooms with truffle oil and sourdough, 48 hour beef brisket benny… We’re feeling pretty peckish, how about you?
68 High Street, Fremantle
Hylin
Old favourite Hylin has gotta be your next Sunday morning destination. Pull up a chair under the trees out the front and take in their lush menu – whether you’re after a quick bagel or their impressive smashed avo. And I know we’re talking brekkie, but if you’re there later in the day, the bar out the back (appropriately called…Back Bar) is a leafy oasis with great bar eats, and a nifty $10 burger deal on Thursdays.
178 Railway Parade, West Leederville
Laika
Helmed by owners previously from Hylin and Mano e Mano, Laika pairs their next level brunch game with equally next level coffee that’s roasted in-house. Coffee buffs can dissect the ins and outs of micro lots and post harvest processes, while the more food motivated among us (guilty) can enjoy a perfect thick cut eggs benny, or the wild mushroom trio with ricotta, or the roast tomato and burrata toast…
11 Lathlain Place, Lathlain
The Little Banksia
Tucked away down a suburban street in Kensington, the Little Banksia is a delightful hidden gem. This cosy cafe is plating up some truly impressive fare, whether it’s some of our favourite pancakes in Perth, or a truly breathtaking fried chicken burger. It feels like the sun’s always shining at the Little Banksia – due in no small part to their always smiling, attentive staff.
78 Banksia Terrace, Kensington
The Little Bay
The Little Bay really is pretty-as-a-picture. Whether you’re an aspiring insta influencer or simply want a good view with your brunch, this ultra-aesthetic café lives up to its good looks. While you can still get your classics like big breakfast and eggs benny, the menu ups the ante with breakfast gnocchi and Turkish eggs… which would go really well with a Bloody Mary, just saying.
33 West Coast Drive, Watermans Bay
Little Bird Cafe
Gluten free friends if you haven’t discovered Little Bird Cafe then it’s time to hop on your bike and indulge yourself. Their vegan banana pancakes are divine, likewise the bird benedict and brekky bruschetta, and if you’re after something a little different the popcorn chicken tacos are fresh as heck! They also sling some mean juices and smoothies, and after all that goodness you’ll find it difficult to resist a slice of whatever decadent gluten free cakes they’ve got lined up in the cabinet on your way out.
100 Lake Street, Northbridge
Little French Nest
Get a petit taste of Paris at Little French Nest. The charming café opened at the start of 2022, and has earned legions of fans already with its decadent crêpes, croque monsieurs, home baked pastries and other French treats that will have you saying “ooh la la!” in no time.
15 Point Street, Fremantle
Little h
Little h have become iconic over the years for their brunch offerings – and it’s with good reason. As well as modern classics like avo toast and eggs benny, you can also get some enticing twists on nostalgic favourites, like their brekkie bubble and squeak.
34 Marri Road, Duncraig
Local & Aesthetic
Local & Aesthetic in Mount Lawley is a new mixed cafe and retail space that puts a big emphasis on local suppliers, local ingredients and basically local legends in general. It’s always a great vibe for coffee and some eats – they’ll make you a polony and sauce sanga that’ll even make ya mum blush along with heaps of other awesome “bush-food” style offerings.
769 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
Mellow Coffee
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of a pancake stack, any day of the week. Luckily, so is Mellow Coffee! Taking over the space that used to be Yellow Pancake (RIP), they’ve wasted no time in drawing crowds eager for their impressive list of indulgent brunch items including fluffy buttermilk pancakes, crunchy chicken waffles and a Greek bowl featuring a yoghurt stuffed tomato.
38a Grantham Street, Wembley
Modus Coffee
Since opening the doors to their Mount Lawley store at the tail end of 2016, Modus have really set the standard to what exciting things a teeny tiny coffee shop can do. From their steadfast commitment to quality coffee, their ethical roasting operation, their sustainable practices, to their refined food offerings, to their collaborations with other top local producers… it was only a matter of time before they had to take it to another level. Enter, their Vic Park outpost. All the things you love about Modus, in a bigger space, with even more delicious stuff on offer.
660 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
35/602–610 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
1/184 Harborne Street, Wembley
Mount Street Breakfast Bar
You arrive, panting, at the top of Jacob’s Ladder… you probably deserve a pretty good breakfast now, right? Luckily, Mount Street Breakfast Bar is just around the corner. A limited yet considered menu awaits – think crispy falafel with barley tabbouleh and poached eggs, or crushed avocado and roasted tomatoes with labneh and za’atar. You could almost forget that this is, technically, a hotel breakfast. We don’t know about you guys, but we’re ready for a staycation…
42 Mount Street, Perth
North Street Store
We know, we know… we can’t shut up about North Street Store – not that anyone really needs telling at this point. In spite of a few particularly vocal locals, these legends are still going strong, baking some of the best loaves in town. With the addition of sister store Little Loaf Bakery in South Freo and Big Loaf Factory Bakery these guys are now pumping out even more of the good stuff. Not just the famous cinnamon buns, but the conti rolls, the vanilla slices, the quiches, the sausage rolls… the bacon and egg roll (with house-made barbecue sauce, thanks) might be the perfect post-swim brekkie.
16 North Street, Cottesloe
Nogi Lane
So Nogi Lane may have only just opened in Dianella, but it’s already a smash (avo) hit with the locals thanks to an all-day brunch menu that’s bristling with all the classics, along with some very naughty extra offerings. The banana & toffee pancake with macadamia crumble and honey butterscotch sauce will just about ruin any sweet tooth out there!
308 The Strand, Dianella
OUSHK
The heartbeat of Palmyra’s big warm and welcoming community vibes, OUSHK offers a mouthwatering mix of middle eastern vibes, with their Açai and Earth bowls almost becoming world famous at this point. If you don’t want to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere (though we recommend you do), their cabinet is full of delicious – and healthy – takeaway options every day.
61A Carrington Street, Palmyra
Peggy’s
There was no greater cause for excitement in the Perth is OK offices in 2021 than the opening of Peggy’s – just about every time we went for a sneaky sandwich we’d end up bumping into each other. This writer is a particular sucker for a sausage and egg muffin (hot tip: it’s only $12 for a muffin, hash brown and coffee, every day before 10!), but some of our colleagues may never recover from the disappearance of the Cubano. We said it was sure to be something special, and in the months since opening we’ve been able to happily stand by that prediction (hot hot tip: they also do some of the best hot chippies in town).
35 Market Street, Fremantle
Petition
Breakfast in the CBD can feel a little… fast and furious. But sometimes, you just need a more convivial, relaxed start to the day. Petition is the answer. Their menu is jam-packed with classic favourites, but always with the Petition approach. A two-egg omelette is topped with broad beans, peas, torched salmon, salsa verde and feta. A breaky roll is filled with a pastrami and Swiss cheese hash, fried egg, gherkin mayo and sauerkraut. If innovation tastes this good, count us in.
State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth
Piccolo’s Corner
Just around the corner from Hylin is another smashed avo fave. Former corner store come leafy neighbourhood coffee spot, Piccolo’s Corner has been serving their crowd-pleasing smashed avo for years. Smashed pea and avocado piled high on ciabatta toast, topped with a poached egg and chorizo crumbs. Dig into this in their cute courtyard, pat some dogs… is there a better way to spend a Sunday?
58 St Leonards Street, West Leederville
Satchmo Cafe
If you could see just how many Satchmo bagels we’ve tallied via delivery, you might feel a degree of concern. You know, when you’re laying in bed on Sunday morning, not quite ready to face the day… a gal’s gotta do what a gal’s gotta do. But a freshly made bagel, a mug of batch brew Twin Peaks coffee, a slice of babka and a side of live jazz? That’s enough to get anyone out of bed.
1/400 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth
Sixteen Ounces
When you need a reliable brunch option – Sixteen Ounces has got you more than covered. From the nutritious to the decadent, sweet or savoury, this greenery-filled cafe’s menu has something for everyone – whether you’re looking to soak up the previous night’s excess, or fuel up post workout. Paired with a cup of coffee this good? What a dream!
257 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Source Foods
If it’s a healthy meal you’re chasing that still packs plenty of flavour, head to Source Foods on the corner of Beaufort and Brisbane Street. A quiet little cafe filled with heaps of nourishing goodness, everything has a gluten free option and there’s almost as much in the way of vego and vegan options. The breakfast board with dippy eggs and soldiers is tough to beat though!
4/289 Beaufort Street, Perth
The Tribute
Fine dining meets brunch? We reckon that’s the best of both worlds. Add in a dash of Middle Eastern influences and a partnership with burger hotshots Juicy Buns, and you’re onto a winner. Even better than all these great elements though, is The Tribute‘s community-building and philanthropic approach they’ve fostered since day one.
19 Tribute Street West, Shelley
Typika
A beloved Claremont haunt for years, Typika just continues dishing up the goods, and their perfect artisan coffee beans certainly don’t hurt either. They rock a bunch of the classics but always throw in a little twist that just elevates the experience every time, and it’s always hard to go past baked eggs with grilled chorizo in a 5 hours slow-cooked tomato, capsicum & garlic sauce, served with goat feta, coriander and toast.
331 Stirling Highway, Claremont
Viaje
With another outpost in South Perth, Viaje expanded their offerings in 2021 to include another cafe in Mount Lawley. Great coffee, inventive eats, cute pink exterior? What’s not to love?
Shop 8/609 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
Header image: Nogi Lane