Brown Sugar

One of my favorite cafes, which happens to be directly beside my friends house (convenience for the win!), is Brown Sugar. This tiny, endlessly buzzing eatery whips up tasty brunch items with a Mediterranean twist. The black and white checkered floors, black lacquer tables, and chalkboard walls set a casual vibe. My top choice is the black stone eggs: a fluffy english muffin topped with meaty bacon, broiled tomatoes, and a free-range poached egg. It comes with crispy golden hash brown balls, which knock traditional, bland breakfast potatoes out of the park.

Porch and Parlour

Around the corner, the bohemian Porch and Parlour specializes in healthy, local fare. The line’s always long and no one seems to care. Porch typifies the ‘Bondi hipster’ brekkie scene - gorgeous customers, beautifully presented food, and a chilled out ambiance. Try and grab a seat at the wooden tables outside for a sweeping view of Bondi's glistening waters from it’s north end.

A favorite of many is the green brekkie bowl, packed with an antioxidant rich mixture of kale, spinach, coriander, mint, and parsley, along with quinoa, two soft boiled eggs, a quartered avocado, and a slice of lemon.

I tend to opt for the muesli bowl - creamy yoghurt topped with crunchy organic muesli and seasonal fruits. The last time I ordered the bowl, it highlighted summer fruits like mango, passion fruit, and strawberries. Tropical paradise in your mouth.

Trio

“I got 99 problems but brunch ain’t one” boasts a sign inside this chic establishment… and there’s no question about it. Set in the midst of the bustling Campbell Parade, Trio has brunch perfected. Elegant touches, like the seamless white tablecloths, glass water jugs stuffed with fresh mint leaves, and polished silverware allow this restaurant to stand out amongst the plethora of eateries along Bondi’s main strip. The friendly and attentive service, which is not particularly common in Australia, keeps customers coming back. Prime position is out on the sidewalk, which fully let's you take in the panoramic views of Bondi Beach. If you can’t get a seat outside, the floor-length windows still allow the Aussie sunshine and sea breeze to waft in. Trio’s extensive menu makes it difficult to choose just one of the decadent offerings. If you’re in a savory mood, order the deconstructed burrito. Cheddar scrambled eggs, shredded chorizo chili, guacamole, and sour cream are plated with warm tortillas. Though the portion size does not seem too large at first glance, it turns out to be around four or five servings, making it possible to share... unless you're me and easily house the whole dish.

If you're feeling sweet, try the breakfast sundae. Layers of bananas, strawberries, and honey yogurt are sprinkled with toasted muesli and presented with class in a martini glass. Never forget to get the sweet potato fries, even if it's 8 am. The thick chunks of sweet potato, served with a dollop of garlic aioli, put wimpy, oily fries to shame.

Le Paris-Go Cafe

Though it’s popular among tourists and locals, Le Paris still maintains a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, one that’s perfect for a long morning meal. The wide, open windows invite you inside the homey cafe, which is decked with hardwood floors, comfy couches, and fresh flowers. It's where I first discovered the legendary flat white, velvety steamed milk hand-poured into a shot of espresso. In my opinion, it’s a tastier version of a latte.

The menu is basic, offering staple brunch items like eggs benedict and omelettes, but it’s unquestionably delicious and sizable. It’s also where I first tried halloumi… and jeeeez is it a game changer. As a self-proclaimed cheese connoisseur, I was shocked that I never heard of this obscure, grilled, semi-hard, rectangular cheese prior to Australia, and I have since incorporated it into many of my breakfast orders.

Panama House

If you're not feeling too hot after a long night out, head to Panama House on Bondi Road. It's my go-to brekkie spot when the hangover hits hard. It feels more like a bar than a breakfast joint, so you won't feel guilty keeping the party going. Start with the sip sip n swig. A shot of tequila, chased with verdita, a zesty juice of cilantro, mint, pineapple, and jalapeño, and followed with a Coronita, will have you feeling better in no time.

The menu, inspired by the owners' travels through Mexico and Central America, has plenty of piquant options to take care of my south-of-the-border cravings. Solid Mexican grub can be hard to come by in Australia, but the breakfast tacos and huevos rancheros are great ways to get my fix.

huevos rancheros with a poached egg, guacamole, black beans, chipotle hollandaise sauce, tomato salsa, and a side of bacon

Panama House serves a medley of home-made salsas, ranging from mild tomato, sweet pineapple, and fiery habanero, so you can customize your brekkie with refreshing or muy picante additions.

What are your favorite brekkie spots in Bondi?!

xx Kat