Weekend brunch is one of the rare meal times that ticks all the boxes: it’s leisurely, good for all ages, and – because it’s not quite breakfast and not quite lunch – almost anything goes. Eggs Benedict? Sure! Yoghurt Parfait? Why not! A troughload of bacon? Perfect!

Today, the HerCanberra Team shares our favourite brunch spots and dishes! Tell us yours by leaving a comment!

The Elk & Pea

Blonde Ink: If you’re after something a little different for breaky, then head no further than Elk & Pea in Braddon. They don’t do your traditional eggs benedict or scrambled eggs on toast; their menu is a feast for the eyes and the senses. Instead of banana bread, you’ll find pear and raspberry bread with coconut cream, mexican shortbread and vanilla syrup. Is your mouth watering yet?

They also do a fair few vegetarian and gluten free options, like black beans & corn, fried tortilla, avocado, chorizo, salsa, and herb crema, making it a good option for people on just about any diet.

The essentials

Where: 21 Lonsdale St, Braddon
When: Monday 8am – 11am (Breakfast; Tuesday – Saturday: 8am – 10pm (Kitchen closed 3-6pm); Sunday: 8am – 2pm (all day breakfast menu)
Contact: 02 6162 0222 or hello@elkandpea.com.au
Web: www.elkandpea.com.au

Močan & Green Grout

Bronwen Stead: I look for a healthy, clean breakfast and can’t go past Močan & Green Grout. It’s an ethical café that serves fair trade coffee, sources its produce from local farmers (eggs from a free range farm near Temora, sustainable seafood from the NSW south coast, bacon from woodland-grazed pigs near Young, fresh water trout from Tumut), and grows its herbs in the planter at the front door.

Choose from delicious dishes like organic pastries from Sweet Bones Bakery; bread from A.Baker, spicy braised beans, Shankleesh; and grilled chorizo, fried eggs, corn, avocado. Just really good, wholesome food.

The essentials

Where: 1/19 Marcus Clarke St, New Acton South
When: Monday and Saturday 7am – 6pm; Tuesday to Friday 7am – 9pm; Sunday 8am – 4pm
Contact: 02 6162 2909 or cafe@mocanandgreengrout.com
Web: www.mocanandgreengrout.com

Beess & Co

Fiona Dolan: Whether you’re sitting under the leafy trees on a sunny day or snuggled up inside, Beess and Co has scored the trifecta on ambience, service and of course great food.

Try the fab spanish omelette – or for a sweet tooth, the amazing ricotta hotcakes.

The essentials

Where: Shop 5/29 Bentham St, Yarralumla
When: Monday to Friday 7am – 5pm; Saturday 7am – 4pm; Sunday 8am – 4pm
Contact: 02 6285 0116

Maple + Clove

Amanda Whitley: I love Maple + Clove in the Realm Precinct – all their meals are cooked on the premises daily, using fresh, local, seasonal and wholefood ingredients.

Mr HerCanberra can’t go past the Clove Whole Breakfast (poached eggs, spelt toast, lean beef sausage, preservative-free bacon, grilled tomato, spinach and mushrooms) and I love the Fresh Start – a plate of vine ripened tomatoes, avocado, smoked salmon, lemon ricotta, spelt toast .

Where: Realm Park, Burbury Close, Barton
When: Open 7 days for coffee, breakfast, lunch and take-home meals. All-day breakfast Saturday and Sunday
Contact: 02 6162 0777
Web: www.mapleandclove.com

Ellacure

Michelle Brotohusodo: If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a relaxing weekend brunch, Ellacure is always an excellent choice.

One of my favourite places to catch up with my friends, we go for the delicious food (try the grilled asparagus, poached eggs, crispy pancetta & shaved parmesan), the friendly and helpful service and the lovely open setting.

The essentials

Where: Corner of Battye and Braybrooke Street, Bruce
When: Lunch and Dinner Tuesday to Sunday, Brunch on Weekends
Contact: 02 6251 0990 or at info@ellacure.com.au
Web: www.ellacure.com.au

And then there’s…

4th seed in Queanbeyan – still so good and now expanded indoors! Try the French toast with maple syrup, berries and yoghurt. Catherine Russell

Cafe Injoy at Gold Creek. It’s more of a family friendly place but they do a mean omelette! Lesley Johnston.