Want to treat yourself to a delicious brunch? Whether you’re looking for a casual catch up with friends or a fuss-free brunch with the family, we round up our favourite brunch spots on the North Shore.
Buttermilk pancakes, homemade rosti with crispy bacon and fresh avocado bruschetta… breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day! After a busy week, everyone wants to relax when the weekend comes, and what better way to give yourself a break than have someone else cook a delicious brunch and then clean up once you’re done?
Take advantage of the weekend and step out and try one of these brunch spots on Sydney’s North Shore.
- The Penny Royal, Mosman
- The Moody Chef, St Leonards
- The Incinerator Cafe, Willoughby
- The Alchemist, Cammeray
- Flower Child Cafe, Chatswood
- The Sawmill, West Pymble
- Pottery Green Bakery, Turramurra
- The Butcher’s Block, Wahroonga
- Blu Eatery, Hornsby
- Waterside Bistro, Bobbin Head
Best brunch spots on the Lower North Shore
1. The Penny Royal, Mosman
Penny Royal is small, so make sure you choose a good time (they open at 6am!) or a weekday, if you’re bringing the whole family. But although it’s a tight squeeze, the top-notch coffee makes this place a surefire favorite, not to mention the pear and ginger jam and ricotta on sourdough.
- Where: Shop 2/563 Military Rd Mosman
- Website: The Penny Royal
2. The Moody Chef, St Leonards
This bright, airy space at St Leonards sits 120 so there’s plenty of room for the family at this brunch spot on the North Shore. The Saturday menu is a winner, with roasted mushroom & avocado chimichurri bruschetta or a roasted pumpkin, or a miso roasted pumpkin, cashew & spinach ricotta bruschetta, you’re spoilt for choice! Meanwhile the kids will love tucking into the banana pikelets and cinnamon with lemon curd. Yuk!
- Where: 1/30 Atchison St, St Leonards
- Website: The Moody Chef
3. The Incinerator Cafe, Willoughby
You’ll find this gorgeous cafe downstairs at the Willoughby Incinerator, a 1930s building with a vaulted ceiling in the heart of Bicentennial Reserve. Inside, there’s art for sale, so enjoy the exhibits while you eat or opt for takeaway and eat your meal in the surrounding parklands.
Our picks from the menu are mainly the classics such as the seasonal fruit salad with roasted granola and sweetened yoghurt or the ricotta hotcakes, but the Incinerator bacon and egg roll is delicious. The kid’s menu is a good one, including bacon sandwiches and kids banana pikelets.
If you’re dining with the kids, head to Hallstrom Park next door for a pre or post brunch play!
- Where: 2 Small St, Willoughby
- Website: The Incinerator
4. The Alchemist Espresso, Cammeray
Established by a former Pharmacist (as the name suggests), this place is focused on serving the best coffee and food. And it delivers! There’s a kid’s corner to keep the kids entertained, beautiful floral decorations and a seasonal menu that is always changing. Their Acai Bowl is served with house-made granola, seasonal fruits, coconut flake and the presentation is stunning. If you’re a bit more famished, check out the Mad Brekky Burger that comers with the lot!
- Where: 8 Carter Street, Cammeray
- Website: The Alchemist Espresso
5. Flower Child Cafe, Chatswood
This pretty cafe is set inside a shopping centre but you’d never know from its gorgeous green interior. Even the simple fruit salad has an elegant twist, served with freeze-dried raspberries and compressed pineapple. The granola comes with a mango pana cotta and blueberry compote, only emphasising the fact that it’s the extra details and tiny twists that really make these dishes sing.
Try the…French brioche served with chocolate and hazelnut crumb, seasonal berries, banana, salted toffee and hazelnut gelato
covered in Canadian premium maple syrup
- Where: Shop 391, Anderson St Westfield Chatswood
- Website: Flower Child
Best brunch spots on the Upper North Shore
6. The Sawmill, West Pymble
It’s famous for its incredible, perfectly spiced pizzas, but The Sawmill at West Pymble delivers up a to-die-for breakfast too! There’s a match for everybody’s tastes, from Shakshouka baked eggs in tomato sauce, to an Avocado Smash or Big Breakfast with bacon, avocado, halloumi, mushrooms, chorizo, and eggs. They also have some delicious pancakes with salted caramel gelato for the sweet tooth!
- Where: 7 Duneba Avenue West Pymble
- Website: The Sawmill
7. Pottery Green Bakers, Turramurra
Pottery Green Bakers is a second generation local family business based in the North Shore of Sydney. They are dedicated to artisan baking and providing lovingly crafted products freshly prepared, daily. You can eat in or takeaway with this delicious menu. From the Avocado, Egg & Relish Roll to the Chia Pudding Cup or the delicious Breakfast Stack.
- Where: 97B Eastern Road Turramurra
- Website: Pottery Green Bakers
8. Butcher’s Block, Wahroonga
If you’re heading here on the weekend, be prepared for it to be busy! But, it’s delicious and well worth it. It’s one of the best brunch spots on the North Shore. They have a unique menu, where you can try out some new things. Choose from the Green Bowl with broccolini, snow peas, avocado, kale and a soft-boiled egg, or the delicious Crab Omelette with chilli caramel. For the sweeter tastes you can try the Ricotta Hotcakes which won’t disappoint.
- Where: 15 Redleaf Ave, Wahroonga
- Website: The Butcher’s Block
9. Blu Eatery, Hornsby
If it’s choice you’re after then you’ll get it with the extensive menu at Blu Eatery, which is a fabulous brunch spot on the North Shore. Their brunch menu has everything and more, from the Breakfast Burger to Tacos with chorizo, scrambled egg, avocado, hash browns, chilli scramble croissant, the vegan bowl… the list goes on. They have so much choice and it’s all worth tasting!
- Where: Shop B22 Florence St, Hornsby
- Website: Blu Eatery
10. Waterside Bistro, Bobbin Head
If ‘brunch by a waterside marina’ is on your hitlist, then head down to Bobbin Head for an amazing brunch with a dazzling view! Indulge in menu options like the signature house pancakes, vegetarian brekkie, eggs benedict or treat yourself to the Waterside Bistro Grande with two farm eggs (cooked any style) with charred bacon, spicy sausage, sautéed mushrooms, oven roasted tomatoes, hash brown & delicious homemade tomato relish .Yum!
- Where: Waterside Bistro, 1002 Bobbin Head Rd, Bobbin Head
- Website: Waterside Bistro
