Best Breakfast and Brunch in Cairns 🍳

Start your day in paradise with a breakfast worth waking up for! Cairns is home to a thriving café culture where tropical produce, artisan coffee, and creative menus come together. Whether you’re craving fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit bowls, or a good old-fashioned bacon and eggs, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to fuel your adventures.

From city laneways to breezy beachfronts, here are Cairns’ top spots for breakfast and brunch.

☕ Top Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Cairns

The Chambers – Classic & Classy

Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s building, The Chambers is a brunch favourite. With avocado toast, fluffy pancakes, and one of the best coffee menus in town, it’s a must-visit for foodies.

Caffiend – Tropical & Trendy

Caffiend is a local gem known for its creative brunch menu and specialty coffee. Think miso mushrooms, kimchi waffles, and vibrant açai bowls, all served in a lush, artistic space.

Woodward Street Bakery – Artisan Bakes

Woodward Bakery is a pastry lover’s dream. Their buttery croissants, sourdoughs, and seasonal tarts are all baked in-house. Grab a table outside and enjoy a relaxed breakfast among locals.

Rusty’s Markets – Fresh & Local

For a unique experience, head to Rusty’s Markets (Fri–Sun) and explore the stalls. Snack on tropical fruit, handmade crepes, or grab a coffee and browse artisan stalls at your own pace.

NOA – Stylish & Seasonal

Located in Edge Hill, NOA serves seasonal brunch favourites with a twist — from açai bowls to smashed avo, fruit toast, and perfectly poached eggs.

Pete & Paulz Breaky Bar – Old School & Hearty

Love a proper brekkie? Pete & Paulz dish out no-fuss, tasty breakfasts like eggs benedict, French toast and build-your-own big breakfasts. Great value and a local favourite.

Guyala Café – Indigenous Flavours

Set across from the Esplanade, Guyala Café blends native bush ingredients with modern breakfast dishes. Their truffle mushrooms and tropical avo toast are standouts.

Bang & Grind – Espresso Excellence

This hidden gem is a hit for coffee connoisseurs. Bang and Grind also serve delicious brekkie burgers, brekkie wraps, and French toast with flair.

Chezest – French-Inspired Magic

Step into this Parisian-style café for buttery croissants, sweet and savoury crepes, and café au lait. Chezest is a charming breakfast spot in the heart of the city.

Pantry 15 – Gluten-Free Goodness

Health-conscious? Pantry 15 offers a fully gluten-free menu with loads of vego and vegan options. Their “Spring Clean” breakfast is both tasty and nourishing.

Mi Piace Espresso Bar – Vegan-Friendly Vibes

Mi Piace is a welcoming little spot with outstanding coffee and great plant-based breakfast options. Friendly service, great music, and a relaxed feel.

Helga’s Pancake House – Sweet & Stacked

Fluffy, stacked, and dripping with syrup — Helga’s Pancake House is the go-to for a breakfast treat that hits the sweet spot. Family friendly and always fun.

Mama Coco – Brunch Burger Bliss

Mama Coco is known for its hearty breakfast burger, packed with bacon, egg, avo, cheese, and tomato relish. It’s comfort food done right, with friendly service to match.

Cafe Strada – Mediterranean Twist

Try Cafe Strada’s buckwheat crêpes, breakfast mezze, or Turkish eggs for something a little different. A peaceful, breezy setting rounds out the experience.

Wild Thyme Restaurant – Fusion & Fresh

Wild Thyme is an elegant café blends Mediterranean and Australian brunch favourites using seasonal ingredients. Their eggs, avocado, and smoked salmon dishes are always a hit.

Candy Café – Cool & Casual

Candy Cafe offers a vibrant atmosphere and a fun brunch menu. Their breakfast stack and smoothie bowls are especially popular with younger travellers.

Wharf One Café – Waterfront Wonder

Enjoy brekkie with a view! Wharf One sits on the marina and serves classic breakfasts, tropical fruit smoothies, and fantastic coffee in a family-friendly setting.

☕ Lillipad Café – Colourful, Creative & Now on Spence Street

📍 New Location: 29/31 Spence Street, Cairns CBD

A long-time local favourite, Lillipad Café has found a fresh new home just off Grafton Street in the heart of Cairns. Known for its generous portions, artistic flair, and strong veggie-friendly menu, Lillipad continues to be a go-to spot for locals and travellers alike.

Whether you’re after a hearty vegan breakfast, a stack of tropical pancakes, or a perfectly brewed coffee, this café delivers it all with warm service and a relaxed, creative vibe. Expect eclectic décor, Indigenous art, and a menu full of global flavours — with plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, and meat-lover options too.

🕗 Open 7 Days | 💚 Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly
✨ Try the “Big Burrito Brekkie” or a signature smoothie bowl
📸 Popular with backpackers, locals, and early risers heading to the reef

Perrotta’s at the Gallery – All Day Breakfast and Brunch

A local gem for all-day breakfast and brunch. From classic eggs benny to tropical fruit toast and house-made granola, Perrotta’s pairs a thoughtful menu with attentive, friendly service. Sit under the trees, sip your coffee, and soak in the artsy Cairns atmosphere.

Blu Marlin Bistro – City Views & Comfort Food

This stylish Esplanade Blu Marlin Bistro serves poached eggs, smashed avo, and tropical fruit plates in a breezy modern space.

✅ Why You’ll Love Breakfast in Cairns

☕ Excellent coffee everywhere you go
🥑 Creative, healthy and indulgent menu options
🌿 Fresh, locally grown tropical ingredients
🌅 Stunning Esplanade or café garden settings
🍽️ Vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free friendly
📸 Instagram-worthy dishes and interiors

👇 Explore More Food & Drink Options

👉 Cairns Restaurant Guide »
👉 Iconic Pubs & Steakhouses »
👉 International Cuisine in Cairns »
👉 Seafood Restaurants in Cairns »