Scout’s Top 21 Brunch Spots
From cherished cafés to waterfront watering holes, these Shire eateries have truly earned their place
Next Door Cronulla
Brunch. It’s the magical limbo meal sitting somewhere between breakfast and lunch that renders it perfectly OK to order Bircher muesli and a burger in the same breath. And for Shire-dwellers, a quick Google sees the options coming thick and fast. To save you from drowning in scrambled eggs and smoothies (which, arguably, sounds great), we have tried and tested local favourites and curated a list of the best brunch spots in the Sutherland Shire. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.
Next Door
Sitting right on the shores of North Cronulla beach, many flock to Next Door for the view, but stay for the food. Ambiguous in the best possible way, this eatery blurs the line between breakfast café, restaurant and bar. The brunch offering spans from Puffed Quinoa & Cinnamon Granola and Chilli Fried Eggs to Chopped Bahn Mi Pork Roll, Prawn Spaghettini and cocktails. You could truly spend all day here – and we certainly wouldn’t blame you if you did.
4/6 Kingsway, Cronulla
Our Father Café
Since its conception, Our Father has developed a name for itself amongst locals for all the right reasons. Blame it on the cute branding, sociable staff, or the offering of Inner West’s cult-status Brooklyn Boy Bagels; this sundrenched spot is likely to become your fast favourite. And did we mention you can order ahead online?
182 Burraneer Bay Road, Burraneer Bay
O’Nikki
O’Nikki was born out of a desire to provide locals with a place to gather, and that is exactly what it facilitates. A Mediterranean inspired menu accommodates even the fussiest of brunch consumers, yielding everything from coconut porridge to Turkish Eggs; all assembled using regionally and locally sourced fresh ingredients.
1/176 Parraweena Road, Miranda
Jack Gray
What Jack Gray offers in aesthetic, it matches in deliciousness. With a menu that takes you from breakfast to lunch (and then onto dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings if you’re so inclined) Jack Gray’s seasonal selections are next to none. Try the Sautéed Field Mushrooms - garlic, sage and thyme mushrooms, lemon, parsley, sourdough, organic poached egg and vintage cheddar - for something a little different.
110 Grays Point Road, Grays Point
Brick Pit Espresso
Sandwiches dripping with melted cheese, Acai Bowls with housemade chunky peanut butter, Pesto Eggs & Prosciutto and fresh-as Honey Butter Brioche; there are many reasons Brick Pit keeps locals coming back. You can find the gang brewing White Horse coffee Monday through Friday from 6:00am to 3:00pm, and on Saturday from 7:00am to 2:00pm.
42a Flora Street, Kirrawee
KIN
Set on the leafy streets of the beautiful Burraneer, KIN, is from the talented team behind Next Door and Sealevel. Describing 'one's family and relatives, kindred connections, tribe', this neighbourhood gem has quickly stolen the hearts of locals. Whether you’re after a caffeine hit or mimosa with your brunch, these guys do it all.
2/145-149 Woolooware Road, Burraneer
Blackwood
A chic Euro-inspired interior meets a next-level menu at Blackwood Cronulla. Sister to a Bondi venue of the same name, you can expect to chow down on inventive twists on classic items, such as their Miso Avo (avo on toast with miso and cashew butter, chilli and coriander), Truffled Chilli Scrambled Eggs, or a Schnitzel Sandwich if you’re in the mood for a more lunch-leaning meal.
5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla
West End Espresso
Although the offering may be more petite than other Shire counterparts, this local haunt does a lot with a simple menu and top-notch coffee and is absolutely worth a visit. Pick up some beans and maybe a loaf of fresh sourdough for later whilst you’re there!
Shop 2/3 Jannali Avenue, Jannali
Oli’s Cafe
This one’s for the mums and dads out there. An enclosed courtyard equipped with a play area for the little ones to roam, Oli’s is perfectly set up to let you enjoy your morning with one eye on your kids and the other on your Banoffee Pancakes and Mango Smoothie.
97-103 Miranda Road, Miranda
7th Heaven
It’s name gained from the feeling you get when kicking back with a pick from their divine menu, 7th Heaven is brimming with drool-inducing choices. Whether it’s the Truffled Mushroom Bruschetta or the Taro Pancakes that tickle your fancy, you won’t be disappointed. There’s even a kids’ menu for those with smaller stomachs.
4/41 Eton Street, Sutherland and South Village, G11 580 Princes Highway, Kirrawee
Steam Brothers
A destination for coffee connoisseurs, it’s not just Steam Brothers’ food offering that is constantly expanding, but their specialty coffee selection, too. If you enjoy life on the spicier side, you’ll be well catered for here; Chorizo Scrambled with potatoes, chorizo, chilli flakes, spicy harissa and parmesan, Organic Potato Rosti with chilli fried eggs and the Brotherly Bacon and Egg Roll with American cheese, gherkins and sriracha all make a welcome appearance.
5-21 Carter Road, Menai
Cornerstone Cafe
Coming to you from the same great minds of Steam Brothers Menai, Cornerstone Cafe brings the same spunk and passion for coffee and brunch to the quiet suburb of Engadine. The menu is similar in style and appeal; our top hits would have to be the Chorizo Scrambled, Avocado Toast and Hotcakes with walnut crumble.
3/10 Waratah Road, Engadine
Rushi Cronulla
Dubbed by our brunch-loving team as the location of the ‘fluffiest scrambled eggs you’ll ever try’, Rushi (pronounced roo-shee) is a Japanese-inspired cafe nestled inside a bike store. It’s a busy and bustling local institution that serves dishes as fun as the concept behind it, the Yariman Roll being one of the most coveted.
Shop 2/25-35 Kingsway, Cronulla
Bianchini’s Elouera
Practically butting up against the shores of Elouera Beach, Bianchini’s has a no-fuss, simple approach to good food. If starting the day with a Chilli Bagel and fresh juice in hand while you look out over some of the best views in the Shire appeals (and how could it not?), this is your spot.
80 Mitchell Road, Elouera Beach
Bianchini’s Cronulla
Bianchini's third venue, tucked away on Surf Lane in Cronulla, boasts chic and stylish interiors that create the perfect setting for a dreamy brunch date. The space is thoughtfully arranged with ample seating options, accommodating everyone from pet owners to families with prams.
2/49 Gerrale Street, Cronulla (enter via Surf Lane)
HAM
Whether you’re a Shire veteran or a total novice, it’s highly likely you’ve heard of this cherished family-run cafe and deli. The menu features locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients with a Greek twist inspired by the owners’ - brothers Harry and Mario (aka HAM) - heritage and home cooking. While priding themselves on achieving the perfect brew, the pair have stuck by their humble roots despite the cafe’s astronomical success, cooking and working alongside their parents, Kitty and Peter.
3/17 Gerrale Street, Cronulla
Eliette
Although it may not benefit from sea breezes or water views, Eliette more than earns its spot in our round up thanks to a stellar menu, Instagrammable fit out and dog-friendly attitude. Their decadent House Smoked Atlantic Salmon is simply to die for or the Halloumi & Egg Roll never fails to impress. There are a number of vego-friendly options if that’s your thing too. A great spot for people watching while wrapping your lips around a freshly brewed White Horse coffee.
Shop 10 Eton Arcade, 23-27 Eton Street, Sutherland
The Nun’s Pool
Certainly one of the chicest venues in the Shire, The Nun’s Pool is set back just one street from Shelly Beach. When the staff aren’t busy hosting weddings or events, you’ll find them serving up some seriously good coffee and slinging tasty bites, including buttermilk Hotcakes, Chilli Fried Eggs and the famous Nun’s Breakfast.
103 Ewos Parade, Cronulla
Boatshed Woronora
Kitted out with contemporary-cool nautical style, the Boatshed at Woronora is something of a Shire cornerstone. Once you’ve tucked some seriously delicious Corn, Zucchini and Halloumi Fritters and slurped your way through a Superfood Smoothie, you can hire a canoe or kayak and go for a paddle. There’s even a four bedroom apartment up top if you want to stay the night with your nearest and dearest. Pure riverfront bliss.
131 Prince Edward Park Road, Woronora
The Laneway
Perfect for soaking up sunny days, The Laneway is a family-run favourite. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee and breakky or jumping straight to rosé and bottomless, be sure to sit yourself in the tranquil courtyard - and if the kids are in tow, you can follow it all up with a visit to the park just beyond the cafe.
487A Port Hacking Road, Caringbah South
The Birdcage
This is our choice when we find ourselves right in the hustle and bustle of Miranda Westfield! Surrounded by verdant vistas and - most impressively - a towering fig tree, this local meeting place offers everything you’d expect from a top-notch brunch menu - and some. For something out of the box, we highly recommend the Breakfast Nourish Bowl and Halloumi Stack.
Level 2 Shop 2207, 600 Kingsway, Miranda