We have been eating (and drinking) our way around the region to find the best spots to either breakfast if you are an early bird or brunch if the comfort of bed kept you sleeping in. Packed with local deliciousness, the best coffee and drinks and atmosphere to while away a morning - these top 7 breakfast and brunch spots showcase what the Bundaberg region is all about, amazing locally-driven produce based food, wonderful hospitality and good times.
Water Street Kitchen (WSK) - Water St, Bundaberg
Gnocchi, croquettes, pickled peaches, truffled mushrooms - peaked your interest yet? Water Street Kitchen is a hidden cafe-by-day, fine-dining-by-night nestled amongst the backstreets of Walkervale in the burbs’. There is nothing suburban about their menu though. Their selection of Single O coffee, focus on the best service and amazing creation of some truly unique but delectable breakfast and brunch dishes have made this a quick go to for many locals and visitors alike.
Our pick - The Breakfast Gnocchi a delectable assortment of handmade potato gnocchi, smoked bacon, peas, local rocket and a poached egg to complete. You even have the option (and we recommend) to add The Seafood Smokery smoked mackerel ham.
The details: Open Wednesday, Thursday 11am to 2pm, 5:30pm to late for dinner, Friday, Saturday 8:30am to 2pm, 5:30pm to late for dinner
Bookings recommended via their website here.
The Windmill Cafe - 12 See St, Bargara
Serving an all-day breakfast menu from 7am with lots of plant-based options to pack a well-balanced palette of deliciousness as well as something that feeds and nourishes your soul (and gut) then look no further than The Windmill Cafe Bargara. Even if your dining partner in dining crime wants to shovel down Southern Deep Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict (YES, this is a thing) you could opt for their extremely amazing array of plant-based and dietician led dishes such as the Acai bowl (complete with seasonal fruits), Nasi veggie bowl (asian-style inspired veggies and rice with egg) or the smashed pumpkin complete with local pumpkin, worcestershire sauce, mushrooms and macadamia crumb. Yum! This bustling hub that has fast become the centre of the Bargara breakfast and brunch crowd also have an impressive range of fresh juices, specialty smoothies (like Hulk - Coconut milk, banana, spinach, spirulina, Dates, mint, Chia seeds), tea and coffee.
Our pick - When in season (April through to September) the Dragonfruit bowl which is a dragonfruit smoothie blend, served with seasonal fruit, antioxidant rich dragon fruit, toasted Granola with natural Greek yoghurt & Drizzled with honey. The colour and taste of this dish is truly amazing.
The details: Open Monday to Sunday 7am to 1pm, all day breakfast and lunch from 11am
The Pocket Storehouse - Cnr Quay and Scotland St, Bundaberg East
Saturday mornings at the storehouse have become a regular fixture on many locals weekend itinerary, and if the smell of freshly baked sourdough doesn't drag you in, the coffee sure will. Authentic organic handmade sourdough, freshly roasted coffee and a range of artisan products like almond croissants, brioche jam donuts, salted chocolate raspberry and pecan brownies, pickles mustard and cheese scrolls. The Pocket Storehouse is a specialty sourdough bakehouse run by Rick and his wife Susan that has loaves of amazing sourdough combos like sundried tomato and fetta, olive, fruit, spelt, roasted pumpkin and pepita. They also have a small, but amazing menu of specialty food to order like The Ruben which is bursting at the seams with delicious pickled beef, sauerkraut and sauce on the freshest sourdough made in house. If that doesn’t tempt your taste buds then the bacon, sweet chilli chutney and mozzarella cheese toastie might or the huge housemade sausage roll. HOTI (Healthy on the inside) Kombucha is in the same location, so you can pick up a range of locally made kombucha using seasonal, local ingredients like ginger, lemon, passionfruit, blood orange, dragonfruit and strawberry.
Our pick - The Ruben and a coffee on site, a loaf of the sun dried tomato, herb and cheese sourdough and some brioche jam, lemon curd or chocolate donuts to take home for later.
The details: Open Saturday only 7am to 12 noon (or sold out in some instances)
Keep an eye on their Facebook for a post on what is in store for their Saturday morning line up
Oodies Cafe - 7 Kolan St, Bundaberg North
If the arrangement of amazing vintage doors, windows and super cool matt black subway tiles, with warm festoon lighting doesn't get you in, their food, hospitality and warm family feels will. Sister duo Jenny and Suzy have made Oodies a special place in the hearts of many locals and as a visitor, you will see why. Look no further than the Savoury mince (or beans if you are vegan/vegetarian). These dishes, though humble in their description and style are nothing short of amazing, the secret ingredient really must be love. Make it into a jaffle if you really want to mix it up and ask for Jenny’s chilli jam to go with. For the gluten free, vegans and vegos among us, Oodies are very flexible about tweaking their menu to suit your needs and have heaps of amazing and delicious plant based options and dairy free smoothies and fruit frappes to choose from.
Our pick -
The details: Open Monday to Sunday 6:30am to 2pm
Indulge Cafe, 80 Bourbong St, Bundaberg Central
A carefully, handcrafted menu of locally made, locally driven and sourced produce is what you will find in this beating heart of Bundaberg’s food bowl - so much so you will probably find the name of the farmer or producer on the menu. Pratt’s honey, Rick’s chop shop smoked chicken, Tu’s tiger prawns, Figtree farm open range happy hens eggs, Belle Eden peaches - the list of suppliers and producers is endless. It was a hard toss up for the top pick for breakfast weighing up between the crunchy broken lentil croquettes, the potato and dill cakes with smoked mackerel and avocado cream and the peach french toast with macadamia crumb but what wins is the seafood omelette - an amazing arrangement of fusing asian and aussie breakfast tastes together with the largest, most succulent prawns and delicious sauce.
Our pick - Tu’s local black tiger prawn omelette with soft tofu, Bundaberg XO Sauce, Nauc mam Cham, Kewpie mayo, pickled ginger, bean shoots, coriander, gomashio, bundy lime and toast.
The details: Open for breakfast/brunch 8:30am to 11am Monday to Friday (lunch menu kicks in until 2pm) 7am to 12 noon Saturday (and lunch till later)
Alowishus Delicious - 4/176 Bourbong St, Bundaberg Central
Whether you're on the hunt for a cheeky lunchtime gelato or searching for the best milkshake around town, Alowishus Delicious is the place to be. Serving a scrumptious menu across both breakfast and lunchtime sittings as well as offering a range of local inspired gelato flavours from their gelato cart, you'll find this local cafe buzzing with deliciousness. Choose to grab your coffee or milkshake from the grab-n-go cafe station located along Bourbong St or make your way down Earls Court Arcade where you'll find a plethora of tables among this quaint mood-lit alleyway. With plenty of places to choose from, pull-up a seat and browse their abundant menu with choices varying from caramel and banana pancakes topped with roasted Australian macadamias and house-made vanilla bean gelato for breakfast to their grilled sweet chilli chicken burger, filled with caramalised onion, tasty cheese, aioli, sweet chilli sauce, tomato and lettuce served on a soft bun for lunch and range of salads, wraps, sandwiches, and a 'Little Bites' menu. With so much to choose from your sure to find something to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. You'll be made to feel at home by their friendly and approachable staff enabling you to sit back with ease while you sip on your morning coffee and wait for your dish to be served. Something that is extra special about Alowishus is that they're extremely mindful of waste, donating all their food scraps to local animal safe-haven, Splitters Farm.
Our pick - Try the Alowishus Fritters and taste the fresh sweet potato, corn and zucchini flavours topped with hummus, spinach, poached egg and dukkah! They also have a Keto Benny on the menu served up as fata and pesto scrambled eggs, crispy bacon & avocado on a bed of spinach. Our tummy is grumbling just from thinking about it.
The details: Open for breakfast and lunch 7days a week. Opening hours between Monday - Thursday are 6am to 6pm, Friday 6am to 10pm, Saturday 7am to 10pm and Sunday 7am to 5pm.
Street Bean Coffee Bar - 5/176 Bourbong St, Bundaberg Central
Did someone say coffee and cake? This quirky yellow and blue coffee bar is one stop you won't want to pass by. If your not drawn in by the subtle aromas of freshly ground coffee beans then you'll be tempted by their display of mouth-watering cakes and wholesome smoothie bowls that are perfect for a quick bite to eat while on the go or well deserved break between your boutique shop-stops. Owner and passionate local Judy Plath is all about quality, fresh and supporting local. Using locally sourced milk and produce wherever possible, you sure can taste the difference in every cup.
Our pick - Try Street Bean Coffee Bar's nourishing Chai Late or if you're a lover of coconut and caramel, try the salted caramel late, it is bound to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.
The details: Open Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 3:30pm, Saturday 7:30am to 12pm and closed Sundays.