From north to south, here is a round-up of the breakfast spots where you are guaranteed to leave with a smile.
Big days require quality fuel, and it’s not for nothing breakfast has long been touted as the most important meal of the day.
From north to south, here is a round-up of the spots where you are guaranteed to leave with a smile, whether you prefer a buttery croissant, perfectly cooked eggs, or Indonesian-inspired fare. Of course, always accompanied by excellent coffee.
In no particular order, read on for breakfasts worth getting out of bed for.
Header image: Lagoon Yallingup
Serving every day of the week, breakfast at Lagoon Yallingup may include the staple breakfast items like eggs on toast, porridge, granola or pancakes… but it’s the more left-of-centre ideas that keep people returning each week (and in droves over the peak periods).
This year you may have seen dishes like crayfish benedict, chilli crab omelette, leek croquettes and French toast, which elevates the offering to be amongst the best in the region. Margaret River Coffee Co. take care of the caffeine requirements, or for a virtuous start to the day they stock local cold pressed juices by Livity.
6 Dawson Dr, Yallingup
Lamont’s secured a reputation for outstanding dining decades ago before Margaret River was on the foodie trail, and Lamonts Smiths Beach does quality beachside brunch with finesse.
A generous stack of pancakes came topped with berries and vanilla-flecked mascarpone, and the coffee was spot-on. We’re coming back to work our way through the rest of the menu – potato rosti with roasted mushrooms and poached egg, and Shakshuka baked eggs with tomato & fire-roasted capsicum sauce are calling! Bonus: they are open 7 days a week.
67 Smiths Beach Road, Yallingup
The Equinox Bar + Restaurant boasts sweeping Geographe Bay and Busselton Jetty views – you may even spot a dolphin cruising in the shallows. There’s an epic adventure playground just across the road, so wolf down a tasty big brekky at Equinox then stroll over and let the kids burn off some energy.
Foreshore Parade, Busselton
Breakfast at a brewery? Follow up your morning swim at the Busselton Foreshore with a delicious bun and coffee from the window at Shelter Brewing Co. Open 7 days a week from 7am, they also have a few sweet treats available for those who prefer to start the day on a (sugar) high. Snap up one of the picnic tables outside, or find a shady spot under the trees.
11 Foreshore Parade (opposite Busselton Jetty), Busselton
Goanna Bush Café’s Indo Breakfast should come with a health warning; “highly addictive, even the grommets will demand a return visit.” Spiced coconut rice with a fried egg, spinach, avocado and coriander pesto sounds like an unusual combination but it works perfectly.
Chef Duncan Timmons made a tree change from a Michelin-starred London restaurant to buy Goanna in 2008 and the word is out – the food here is awesome. Set in picturesque bushland near Dunsborough, it’s the perfect place to relax and linger.
278 Hayes Road Dunsborough
Drift Café is tucked just off the main street, but it’s a go-to spot for a delicious breakfast in Margaret River for locals and in-the-know out-of-towners. Owners Colin and Gaye have designed a space where they would want to hang out, and the cosy vibes definitely encourage lingering over a second coffee.
The menu has all of the classics but with an elevated twist, for example, their house-made native pepper berry tomato chutney.
Their supplier list also reads like a who’s who of the local farmers market; Burnside Organics avocadoes, Margaret River Woodfired Bread, and Bannister Downs milk.
1/72 Willmott Avenue Margaret River
At White Elephant Café you’ll line up with locals to order, because not only do they have show-stopping views of one of the best beaches around, the food is top-notch too.
Perched above the sand of Gnarabup Beach, bring your bathers and tuck into a brekkie burger for a traditional bacon and egg fix (sandwiched into a luscious milk bun) or grab the smashed pumpkin with avo, feta, dukkha and poached egg for a colourful, nutritious fix.
Stay warm and dry in their stylish glass-fronted room when the cooler weather rolls in. Views are equally fab when the weather is wild.
Gnarabup Beach
Margaret River Farmers Market is an exciting place to grab a feed for breakfast in Margaret River, plus ingredients to cook up something special.
With a selection of artisan bakeries and a range of sweet and savoury options, there’s always something to satisfy any craving you might be having. Stalls are ever-changing, so you’ll always discover something new with each visit.
272 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River
Yardbyrd is a little gem of a café with a wood fire inside the shop and a pretty courtyard filled with plants. Everything is made in-house except the bread from Margaret River Woodfired Bread, and the ingredients are sourced locally. Try the breakfast tortilla with plenty of scrambled eggs, nitrate-free bacon and relish – even the tortillas are made on-site.
Coffee made with Pound beans is some of the region’s best; owner Rob Mayberry used to run Little Willies and The Dancing Goat cafes in Perth.
10413 Bussell Highway, Witchcliffe
Location, location, location – and delicious breakfast to match. The Colourpatch Café & Bar in Augusta offers breathtaking views of the Blackwood River and the charming township, all thanks to its prime northerly aspect. With a spacious verandah, it’s an ideal spot for an outdoor breakfast… or lunch… or dinner.
While you’re there, don’t miss the fully restored 1960s Albany-built 10-metre yacht on display inside the restaurant – a beautiful nod to the past. Pair those views with a breakfast mimosa or dig into pancakes topped with banana, caramel, and vanilla ice cream. Bliss!
98 Albany Terrace, Augusta
Last but certainly not least, a visit to Margaret River is almost no visit to Margaret River without stopping in for breakfast at the icon that is Margaret River Bakery. At least once. Their red and pink sign is unmissable as you enter the township, and so is their well-filled counter with baguettes, focaccias, wraps, pies, toasties, buns, rolls, danishes, croissants and loaves of bread…
This European-style bakery and café has been waking up the main street with the smell of fresh croissants and coffee since the 1960’s, and once you step inside, you’ll see why.
89 Bussell Highway, Margaret River
Starting your day at a winery? Why not – you’re in wine country, after all! Kick things off with breakfast in Eagle Bay at the Wise Winery restaurant, perfectly perched next to their cellar door and winery.
The seasonal breakfast menu highlights fresh, regional produce, with dishes that change daily to make the most of what’s in season. Thanks to strong connections with local suppliers, the chefs craft meals that celebrate the very best the region has to offer – bon appétit with a side of breathtaking views.
237 Eagle Bay Rd, Naturaliste
