Is there a better way to kick start the day than with a scrumptious breakfast at one of Newcastle’s many bustling cafes? We don't think so.

With so many spots to try, it can be overwhelming to try and narrow down your choices. We've taken the liberty of narrowing it down for you with our guide to the best breakfasts in Newcastle.

Autumn Rooms  

Get your breakfast fix in Newcastle at Autumn Rooms on Darby Street, or at its hole-in-the-wall joint in Stockton. While the menu changes regularly, you're guaranteed a good brekkie at Autumn Rooms. At the moment, the vanilla slice crumpets ($25) served with vanilla anglaise, whipped vanilla mascarpone, fresh raspberries, crisp puff pastry, and vanilla icing are a must.
Where: 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill | 42 Mitchell St, Stockton

Bolton Street Pantry

Bolton Street Pantry boasts a modern industrial interior with exposed concrete walls, minimal furniture, and moody lighting – it's not overcomplicated, just like the food menu. The chilli scrambled eggs ($22) with bacon, miso mayo, and fried shallots on sourdough is at the top of our dish picks.
Where: 45 Bolton St, Newcastle

Equium Social

This Mayfield cafe boasts a wholesome, ethically-sourced, and seasonally-influenced menu with dishes to suit every person who walks through its doors. Our must-try is the ricotta hotcakes ($22) – fluffy hotcakes cooked with house-made ricotta and served with cream, maple, strawberries, and candied nuts.
Where: 1/5 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East

Estabar

Estabar is an ideal year-round cafe spot, perched across from Newcastle Beach. Sit outside, soak up the sunshine and people watch while you sample its seasonal menu. Our favourite? The salmon bruschetta ($24.90), featuring NZ manuka-smoked salmon, albna, dill, capers, red onion, and lemon atop toasted sourdough.
Where: 61 Shortland Esp, Newcastle

Mockingbird

The team at Mockingbird is all about bringing a fresh and fun approach to food, so you can expect the usual Aussie classics on the menu, but it’s the quirky surprises that have our attention. What’s our pick? The prawn toast ($25), complete with prawn mousse, sesame, bisque, poached eggs, bean shoots, red onion, and herbs.
Where: 131 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Momo Wholefood 

Momo Wholefood has become a Newcastle institution known for its dishes lovingly created entirely from plant-based ingredients. This bright, airy, plant-filled space serves up delicious coffee and cold drinks, plant-based desserts, and a seasonal all-day menu. Don't miss the Indian breakfast ($21), complete with bhujia tofu scramble, masala spiced potatoes, green chilli sauce, and flatbread.
Where: 227 Hunter St, Newcastle

Neighbours on Market St

Renowned for its breakfast cocktails, it’s no surprise to see Neighbours on Market St make our list. But what’s our pick of the menu? The corn fritters ($24) of course, with jalapeño aioli, avocado, charred pineapple, and watercress salad. Add bacon to up the crispiness!
Where: 2 Market St, Newcastle

Talulah

Make yourself at home at cosy cafe favourite Talulah. Settle in and treat yourself to a hot cup of coffee or a pot of tea before devouring the eggs Benedict – poached eggs, pulled beef brisket braised in sasafrass caramel, hollandaise, pickled plum, and charred sourdough ($30). It might be pricier than your typical brekky, but boy is it worth it.
Where: 52 Glebe Rd, The Junction

The Village Newcastle

This Greek-inspired cafe on Beaumont Street has a number of signature dishes, so it was hard to pick just one favourite! The Greek breakkie ($22) is an obvious choice, aligning with The Village's roots. It's served with lemon fried eggs, grilled haloumi, mushrooms, spinach, cumin tomato, olive tapenade, and sourdough.
Where: 2/44 Beaumont St, Hamilton

The Wickham Boatshed

The avocado smash ($22) at The Wickham Boatshed is a breakfast to behold. The cafe's take on the beloved Aussie breakfast smashes avocado on toasted sourdough with poached eggs, beetroot and feta hummus, baby rocket leaves, and pickled onion, all sprinkled with za'atar and caramelised balsamic. It's a flavoursome combination – perfect for devouring as you watch the happenings of the marina.
Where: 91 Hannell St, Wickham

Three Monkeys Cafe 

Three Monkeys Cafe has become an iconic brunch spot on Darby Street since its inception over 20 years ago. Yes, you read that right – 20 years! With so much experience, the team know their way around a good breakfast menu. We recommend the green monkey ($21.50) with chorizo, mushrooms, tomato, chilli, garlic, spinach, a drizzle of truffle oil, and a poached egg, served on Turkish bread.
Where: 131 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Zaaki Espresso  

Mayfield’s best-kept secret? This fresh and friendly espresso bar in Mayfield West. The traditional and authentic flavours that come out of the kitchen at Zaaki Espresso are a great start to the day. The shakshuka ($18) at Zaaki Espresso is a must-try, featuring Lebanese baked tomatoes, two baked eggs, garlic, and mild chilli, served with Turkish bread.
Where: 402a Maitland Rd, Mayfield