The healthy Sydney brunch bucket list

Sydney has some damn good cafes. I realised this when I sat down to write a list of my favourite Sydney eateries and had a hard time keeping it at a reasonable length. I have been a resident of this city for nearly four years now and love what Sydney has to offer, because breakfast and brunch is never boring. Whether you’re paleo, vegan, dairy free, gluten free or are looking for a few healthy wholefood offerings, you’ll find something to suit your preference on this list. And because life is all about balance, I have added my go-to spot for when you feel like indulging… think burgers and donuts. Add these to your breakfast and brunch hit list! 

Harry’s Bondi

Strawberry bircher muesli with natural yogurt & saffron pear, Apple cider cured trout, soft egg, avocado, fennel, zucchini and grapefruit; Grass fed beef burgers, pickled zucchini, kasoundi and garlic aioli… is this place for real? Harry’s Bondi has one of the most impressive menus I have ever seen. Add the inviting interior with pops of blue, locally sourced produce, a commitment to using fresh and organic ingredients where possible and plenty of plant based menu items and we have a huge winner! Bonus, you can book a table online to save waiting for a spot.

Ruby Lane

Ruby Lane is a café plus mini health food store in one – the owners are all about sustainable, ethically sourced produce and using organic local produce where possible. Ruby Lane is another Northern beaches gem in the seaside suburb of Manly. Be prepared to wait for a table on the weekends, Ruby Lane is always busy, which to me is a sure sign of a well-loved establishment. Fermented vegetables, bone marrow, rice crumpets and bone broth are all on the menu. I’m usually all about the food, and Ruby Lane does this exceptionally well, but their drinks selection has me hooked. A golden latte of anti-inflammatory and healing turmeric with ginger, honey, coconut oil and pepper; Matcha lattes of organic Japanese green tea jammed with and a dash of agave and “The Ruby Rifle”double espresso blended with grass fed organic butter and MCT coconut oil. Now that’s a drinks menu.

Girdlers

Buckwheat crepes, kombucha on tap, chia puddings, acai bowls, dandelion chai, and coco whip – indulgent but good-for-you food! After moving from the Western suburbs of Sydney to the Northern Beaches late last year and stumbling across this gem just a 10 minute walk from my house, Girdlers has become my second home. The café itself is charming, with a beautiful interior, and a lovely view of the beach. Prices are reasonable, the coffee fantastic and the food consistently delicious. My pick is the goodness bowl and pacific island smoothie.

The Grounds of Alexandria

One of the biggest and most beautiful café spaces in all of Sydney, The Grounds is situated in Sydney’s inner west and is a magical urban sanctuary. With indoor and outdoor spaces (pet friendly too!), there are animals for the kids to gush over (Kevin Bacon the pig is a crowd favourite), outdoor BBQs, artisan coffee roasters and market stalls on weekends. You could easily spend a few hours at The Grounds, walking around and taking in the sights. Market day is on the weekend and gets busy, so go early! With a newly launched menu, I’m eyeing up the Toasted Belgium Waffles with blackberry & apple compote and cinnamon mascarpone for my next visit.

About Life

About Life is my one stop shop for fresh produce, organic meat, pantry essentials, supplements and everything in between. Who needs a generic supermarket when you have this place? A self-serve food bar boasts hot and cold meals for foodies on the go, there’s a café where each dish is locally, ethically and sustainably sourced, and you’ll find the biggest selection of nut milk and tea you ever did see! There’s also Naturopaths on site to help you pick out vitamins and fresh organic produce that’s labeled with the farm it came from. Is there anything About Life doesn’t offer? Nope! And with new locations opening all around Sydney, there’s never been an easier way to shop healthy.

Acai Brothers

You know Acai bowls are popular in Sydney when there are whole stores dedicated to the Amazonian berry. Acai Brothers serve up acai bowls, smoothies, juices, coffee and raw treats. If you’re after something to fill the gap and you’re on the go, this is the perfect place to pass by. Hot tip: get the raw lemon bowl – acai, lemon essential oil, buckini, coconut nectar, coconut water and banana. Thank me later.

Moodi’s

Moodi Dennaoui of Moodi’s is a man of many talents, and can now tick “café owner” off his ever-growing list. All of the menu items at his new Bankstown café are designed with the science of food combinations in mind (Moodi’s speciality!). Located in Sydney’s West, Moodi’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I suggest you check out the honest tacos, cacao pancakes or the spicy Mexican eggs.

Nourished Wholefood Cafe

Some of the best cafes in Sydney are located over on the Northern beaches, and Nourished is one of them. With a kick ass kids menu – organic eggs with vegemite soldiers, yes please, plus big kid options to suit every dietary requirement, Nourished is your go-to if you visit beautiful Avalon. Nourished serves organic or biodynamic ingredients where readily accessible or reliable. My picks are the paleo bowl, zucchini and fresh corn fritters or the coconut crepes.

Milky Lane

Touted as the “ultimate cheat day” restaurant, Milky Lane, which opened in May this year, stands out in Bondi amongst the health food obsessed locals. Milky Lane serves up an offering of burgers, conuts and milkshakes that you must Instagram before you drink. Milky Lane purchased a purpose built oven from Slovakia for their conuts (their take on the classic Eastern European dessert, Trdelnik) and they are so popular you will have to join others in the line to grab one. If you’re going to treat yourself, Milky Lane is the place to do it. My pick is the coconut with ice cream, dulche du leche sauce, liquid Nutella, chocolate brownie and pretzels. I hear their burgers are epic!

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