From trustworthy coffee shops to beachside cafes, there’s no better way to start your day than with a visit to these best brunch spots on the Northern Beaches.
When you’re feeling like the weekend calls for a beachside brunch, look no further than Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Its stretch of pristine waters attract sun-kissed surfers and the occasional good dog, offering not only idealistic beach settings, but also a fair share of fantastic cafes.
Here you’ll find no better place for a morning coffee that hits the spot, a delectable pastry to crunch into and, of course, the best tasting smashed avo on toast.
So whether you love brunch or just bacon, you’ll find all of this and more with our list of the best brunch spots on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Photographed by Kevin Hello. Image via Shutterstock.
Albert & Moore Cafe
Aptly named after its location which is the corner of Albert Street and Moore Road, this health-minded, paleo-friendly cafe is where you’ll find the healthy and hungry on any given weekend in Freshwater. A little bit rustic and a whole lot of beachy, Albert & Moore offers a menu designed to cater for all patrons, with their ‘light and wholesome’ section complimenting the larger breakfast options. Check out the Green Goodness Bowl if you’re feeling dull and needing a pick-me-up. One of the Northern Beaches best cafes!
Photographed by Tom Park. Image via Destination NSW.
The Bower Restaurant
If you’re looking for the best brunch in the Northern Beaches, The Bower Restaurant should be at the top of your list – because they’re on the top of ours! Usually overlooked by breakfast, brunch and lunch goers because of their nearby neighbour, The Boathouse at Shelly Beach, The Bower is just as good. Their breakfast menu is fresh and seasonal, offering a range of light to heavier choices including vegetarian, naughty and nice options as well as a series of breakfast cocktails. A must try in 2024!
Photographed by Christiana Rivers. Image via Unsplash.
Girdlers
With cafes in Avalon, Dee Why, Manly and Warringah Mall, after one visit you’ll soon realise why Girdlers is famed as one of the best brunch spots on the Northern Beaches. Led by an extremely friendly and welcoming team, Girdlers is all about creating a health-conscious food destination where people from all walks of life can come in and share their passion for wholesome, natural, tasty foods. For your visit we recommend the Mango Macadamia smoothie bowl or the mouthwatering Prosciutto Crepe.
Photographed by Cromo Digital. Image via Shutterstock.
Nourished Cafe and Lounge
Seasoned brunch hunters may already know one of Avalon’s top cafes, Nourished Cafe and Lounge. One of the best coffee and brunch spots on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this corner cafe sits on the main drag in the beachside village offering visitors an extensive range of breakfast, lunch, snacks, sweets, smoothies and superfoods. Our top brunch pick is The Classic Pittwater, a foolproof combination of poached eggs, avocado and tomato and Persian feta. Pair it with the Matcha Madness smoothie for all-day happiness.
Photographed by Boomtown Pictures.
Image via Destination NSW.
Rollers Bakehouse
Located in the heart of Manly, Rollers Bakehouse is considered as somewhat of a newcomer to the food scene along Manly’s beaches. The craze of gourmet and beautifully decadent pastries has well and truly struck and Rollers has done well to solidify their place as one of the best cafes on the Northern Beaches. For your visit we recommend the Cinnamon Scroll, a Sausage Scroll and one of their specials which can be anything from a Rhubarb & Pear Clafouti Tart to a Chorizo Quiche.
Photographed by Brooke Lark. Image via Unsplash.
Ruby Lane
After a visit to Rollers, we recommend a cleansing and nutritional visit to Ruby Lane – the ethical eatery which aims to deliver the most nutrient-dense food possible. Cooking with only sustainable produce, Ruby Lane works closely with a range of organic and local suppliers using nothing refined, bleached or enhanced. Our personal favourite is the Ferrero Acai Bowl that’s topped with banana, strawberries, cacao granola, coconut, hazelnut cacao butter and finished with a drizzle of cacao sauce.
Photographed by Florencia Potter. Image via Unsplash.
Rukus Cafe
You know when a cafe self-proclaims itself as ‘disturbingly good’, they’ve got to have the evidence to prove it. Thankfully, we can confirm that Rukus Cafe in Newport does indeed fulfil the brief. This waterside brunch spot on Sydney’s Northern Beaches provides the perfect balance to each of your mealtimes whether that be a kickstart to an energised weekend or to help you tide over the efforts of a Friday night. Designed to feed regardless of your needs, Rukus Cafe is also famed for their seriously exciting catering options for your next soiree at home.
If you’d rather stay in the city, we’ve also got a list of the 10 Best Brunch Spots in Sydney. Or go boozy with this guide to the 10 Best Bottomless Brunches in Sydney.
This article was first published on October 13 2018. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on May 20 2024.