Best 5 Healthy Brunch Spots in Sydney

Brunch. My favourite meal to ever exist. There’s something special about having a sleep-in and slow relaxing morning before leisurely stepping out to enjoy a meal from typically an all-day menu.

I feel as though the idea of brunch is only just picking up in the US. And with my all over the place/weekend work schedule, the little chance I have to persuade my friends to join me for the breakfast/lunch fusion is more-or-less a non-existent event.

So when I recently went back to Australia (A.K.A. the founding fathers of brunch) for a visit, you can be sure I took advantage of vacation and brunched most days.

Blackwood Pantry forever has my heart! Happy little Vegemite ready to dig in and enter a food coma!

I have to be honest, I didn’t make it to all these five places this time round, but trust this avid bruncher, I talk from experience when I say these spots are a must visit if you want some of the best healthy brunch experiences in Sydney.

1. BLACKWOOD PANTRY

5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla
It may be hidden in a back alleyway of Cronulla, but just say the name to any local and they will be able to send you in the right direction. The Shire, you either hate it or love it - there’s no middle ground. However, Blackwood Pantry has even managed to bring outsiders of ‘God’s Country’ into the area with their passports in hand - (inside joke for Sydney-siders!).

I tried the Sarah’s Day Nourish Bowl and my friend had their signature Turkish Eggs with halloumi this time round…Oh, and we had sweet potato fries of course!

From their signature Turkish poached eggs to their MUST HAVE sweet potato fries, I guarantee you cannot go wrong with anything on their menu. I tried the Sarah’s Day Nourish Bowl this time round and it did not disappoint. Complete with grilled chicken skewers, mizuna & snow pea sprouts w/ tahini & honey mustard dressing, sautéed quinoa, cinnamon roasted sweet potato, beetroot hummus, avocado and paleo seed granola, I went straight home to nap and was full the entire day.

The friendly staff and chilled beachside vibe is also what makes this place so special. There’s indoor/outdoor seating and most importantly, it’s dog friendly - so your pooch can join you for your brunch date before you take a food coma stroll along the esplanade.

Blackwood Pantry only opened in 2016 and since then has been a hit for all brunch enthusiasts. And opening in the era of social media, I must note, the venue and stellar food presentation is quite Instagrammable! #BlackwoodPantry.

I know I should never make such an affirmative statement, but Blackwood Pantry is my all-time official forever favorite brunch spot.

2. THREE BLUE DUCKS

I tried Blue Ducks in Byron Bay the other day and LOVED IT! The whole farm vibe was just everything. No need to say the meal was exceptional too.

141-143 Macpherson St, Bronte
Three Blue Ducks is run by a bunch of mates who serve the most delicious and unique farm to table meals. Starting with simple healthy ingredients grown in their garden out the back, you can rest assured that what you’re eating is healthy, organic and fresh.

I didn’t make it to the original Bronte location this time, but I did stop by their Byron Bay spot at The Farm. The meal was exceptional. I was so hungry and excited to eat that I can’t actually tell you what I ordered! I do remember though it was on the specials board and included oyster mushrooms and smashed avo on toast with poached eggs!

Can’t get enough? The Bronte location even reopens later in the day for happy hour and dinner. Besides Bronte and Byron Bay, you can also find Three Blue Ducks in Rosebery, Brisbane and Melbourne.

3. NEXT DOOR

2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla
I know I made it sound like when I’m in Cronulla I will solely only visit Blackwood Pantry. That is not the case because Next Door also has a lot to offer.

I have to admit, the first time I went to Next Door was because the wait for Blackwood Pantry was way too long. And I’m so glad that happened because I got to pay a visit to the also always busy, Next Door.

Next Door hits the spot and is positioned just off the main strip with a gorgeous view of the beach. I’m sure you can tell by now I’m savoury all the way when it comes to breakfast - besides a beloved acai bowl here and there. The Eggs Benny at Next Door is amazing and above standard with their special herbs and addition of broccolini. You also get a choice of cured salmon or bacon to go along with it. I also highly recommend their Kale Bowl.

This is an old photo from a visit to The Grounds with my mum a few years ago. Besides the amazing food, the overall atmosphere and vibe just puts you in a good mood.

4. THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA

Building 7A, 2 Huntley St, Alexandria
You can make quite the day when visiting The Grounds. From the bread store to the flower market, it’s such a fun place to be on a sunny spring, summer, autumn and even winter day.

The choices are endless when it comes to where to eat. Choose from The Potting Shed, The Garden or the OG, The Grounds, for a healthy and scrumptious meal.

For me personally, I’m a basic girl when it comes to food. A smashed avo on toast always hits the spot - but The Grounds’ version sure does kick it up a notch. Toasted turmeric sourdough with avocado, kale, zucchini and tomato tabbouleh, feta, roasted almonds, labneh, goat’s curd and dukkah. I’m salivating just typing this! Add an egg, bacon or even smoked salmon to the mix and you’re left with quite the meal. Oh, and while you’re at the Grounds, don’t forget to pay a visit to Kevin Bacon the pig!

5. PORCH & PARLOUR

17-18/110 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi
Another Bondi must-visit. Porch & Parlour is based on the philosophy of combining food and coffee with art, music and people.

The Green Breakie Bowl will fill you up while nourishing you in the best way possible. I also have a soft spot for the mushroom gnocchi. Maybe more a lunch option and not as healthy, but a must try. I’ve never drunk coffee so I can’t comment on that, but I will say definitely order a winter smoothie. The maqui berry, blueberry, banana and coconut milk is just a heavenly concoction.

And there’s my top five healthy brunch recommendations in Sydney. I didn’t realise until compiling this list that my top places were more or less at the beach. I am at my happiest when at the beach and love combining brunch dates with walks, so that makes sense. At the end of the day, it all comes down to good food, good people and good vibes, something which each of these five places provides.