Fitzroy invented the Melbourne brunch obsession. Before smashed avocado became a national punchline, Fitzroy cafes were quietly perfecting the art of weekend breakfast that costs as much as a weeknight dinner. The difference is, the good places still deliver.
Here’s where your money is actually well spent.
1. Rue & Co — 157 Gertrude Street
The space is beautiful — polished concrete, hanging plants, natural light — but the food backs up the aesthetic.
What to order: The ricotta hotcakes ($21) with seasonal fruit and maple — light, fluffy, not too sweet. The eggs Benedict with slow-cooked pulled pork ($23) on a brioche bun is a legitimate meal, not a brunch affectation.
The vibe: Stylish but not stiff. Weekends fill up by 9:30am — book ahead or arrive early.
Budget: Main dishes $18–$26. Two people with coffee: $55–$70.
2. Smith & Daughters — 172 Brunswick Street
Fully plant-based and doesn’t apologise for it. The food is genuinely excellent regardless of dietary preference.
What to order: The Big Breakfast ($24) — smoky beans, sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomato, hash brown, sourdough. It’s hearty. The migas ($22) — a Spanish-influenced dish with crispy tortillas, chilli, and avocado — is the standout for something different.
The vibe: Bold, colourful, unapologetically queer-friendly. Fitzroy institution with a loyal following. Expect a wait after 10am on weekends. No reservations for weekend brunch.
Budget: Mains $18–$26. Smoothies $12. Two people: $60–$75.
3. Bowery to Broadway — 233 Gertrude Street
American-inspired brunch that could go terribly wrong in Fitzroy. Instead, it goes very right.
What to order: The blueberry pancake stack ($19) with whipped butter and maple. The Reuben sandwich ($22) with house-made pastrami and sauerkraut. Their bottomless filter coffee ($5) keeps refilling until you say stop.
The vibe: Casual, noisy, fun. Outdoor seating on Gertrude Street gets morning sun. Neighbourhood joint, not destination restaurant.
Budget: Mains $16–$24. Two people: $50–$65.
4. The Terrace — 171 Smith Street
Sits on the Smith Street end bordering Collingwood. Large space with a genuinely impressive terrace that feels like an oasis.
What to order: Shakshuka ($21) — spiced tomato base with two poached eggs, labneh, and crusty bread. The breakfast burger ($22) with beef patty, egg, halloumi, and relish is absurdly good.
The vibe: Big groups, families, friends catching up. Social brunch, not solo brunch. The terrace gets packed on sunny days — arrive early for outdoor seating.
Budget: Mains $18–$25. Two people: $55–$70.
5. Fawks — 282 Smith Street
Further north on Smith Street and less well-known than the Brunswick Street heavyweights. Generous portions, prices that are Fitzroy-adjacent rather than fully Fitzroy.
What to order: French toast ($20) with poached fruit and mascarpone — generous serve, properly soaked through. Corn fritters ($19) with avocado salsa and poached eggs are reliable.
The vibe: Relaxed, neighbourhood feel. Less crowded than the big-name spots — you can actually get a table on Saturday morning without a booking.
Budget: Mains $17–$23. Two people: $45–$60.
6. Easy Street — 367 Brunswick Street
The casual, no-pretension option. Doing the classics well, at fair prices, in a space where you can show up looking however you want.
What to order: The Big Brekkie ($22) — bacon, eggs, sausage, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes. Everything you want at 11am on a Sunday. The acai bowl ($17) is solid if you’re pretending to be healthy.
The vibe: Classic neighbourhood cafe. Regulars, newspapers, dogs tied up out front. No queue culture, no drama.
Budget: Mains $16–$24. Two people: $50–$65.
Price Comparison
| Venue | Signature Dish | Price | Two-Person Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rue & Co | Ricotta Hotcakes | $21 | $55–$70 |
| Smith & Daughters | The Big Breakfast | $24 | $60–$75 |
| Bowery to Broadway | Blueberry Pancakes | $19 | $50–$65 |
| The Terrace | Shakshuka | $21 | $55–$70 |
| Fawks | French Toast | $20 | $45–$60 |
| Easy Street | Big Brekkie | $22 | $50–$65 |
More from Fitzroy: Best Coffee · Best Restaurants · Cheap Eats
Reviewed by the MELBZ team, March 2026. We pay for every meal and accept no sponsorship.
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