SYDNEY
Three Williams Café
You can instantly tell that the folk behind Three Williams hail from the fine dining world; the menu, although simple, pulls off confident flavour combos with restraint. Tim Bryan (Chiswick, Aria) has amassed a cult following for the now signature Three Williams ‘narnies’: they’re part naan bread, part sambo, brimming with flavoursome fillings such as glazed beef brisket or grilled prawns and avocado. If you, like us, have a weakness for bacon and egg rolls, opt for The Merchant: a loved-up version with pickled slaw, ranch dressing and Japanese chilli seasoning. Wash it all down with a banana and date smoothie. And maybe one of their fluffy house-baked madeleines with apple curd. 613a Elizabeth St Redfern
AUCKLAND
L’ Oeuf
Brainchild of brothers Jasper (chef) and Ludo Maignot (barista), Oeuf (as it has affectionately been dubbed) is a welcome addition to Mt Albert, and is French for ‘egg’ (in case you were wondering). Venture off the beaten track for the ‘Cambodian’: sweet black banana rice served on a bed of salted coconut cream and topped with lychees and golden kiwi. For a savoury option, try the vego-tasting breakfast of “two walnut crumbed perfectly soft-boiled eggs in a filo pastry nest with beetroot ketchup, feta and a rocket salad.” 4a Owairaka ave Mt Albert, Auckland
MELBOURNE
Three Bags Full
This warm and inviting Abbotsford café was first opened by Nathan Toleman before he moved onto Top Paddock and Two Birds One Stone. They’re serious about their coffee here, offering up paper filter and Clover. In the way of food, try their green eggs and ham: scrambled eggs with herbs, crushed peas, grilled leg ham and salted ricotta on toast, or for a real cold weather indulgence (we are, after all, eating for insulation this season) go for the twice baked French toast with crème pâtissière, stewed rhubarb and pistachio. Mercy. Corner of Nicholson St and Mollison St, Abbotsford.
WELLINGTON
Floridatas
Set in the heart of Cuba Street, Floridatas bakes their bread and treats in house, which is no mean feat when you’re as busy as they are. Nothing screams winter louder than porridge, and their take on the staple, with brown sugar, cream, and the optional extra of Pedro Ximenez soaked raisins (yum!) doesn’t disappoint. If you prefer to start your day with eggs, they have an entire section of the menu dedicated to them, served with all kinds of interesting sides including Aoraki hot smoked salmon, “Harmony” pork sausages or ham off the bone. For a little sweet (or savoury) end note, order a house-baked sweet scone for $4.50, or the cheese and rocket variety. It would be rude not to. Loretta 181 Cuba St Wellington.
BRISBANE
Plenty
If you’re a sucker for baked eggs, West End’s Plenty is a must-visit. Theirs’ features a generous scattering of local mushrooms, spinach and piquant blue cheese. For a fresh and filling brekky bowl, try their breakfast “salad”: it’s bulked up with avocado, haloumi and a fried egg. Or if it’s a sweet tooth you’re hoping to satisfy, you’ll be happy to know they also offer up sponge-cake-like hotcakes with white and yellow peaches in citrus syrup with mascarpone. Tick, tick, tick. Once a graphics factory, it’s large and lofty at Plenty, with a dedicated coffee corner upstairs. 284 Montague Road, West End.