The Best Cafes in Brighton For Beachside Bites
Craving a strong coffee or sweet stack by the sea? These Brighton cafes serve up everything from smashed avo to healthy smoothies, all year round.
Brighton might be the go-to beach spot when the sun is shining, but this breezy seaside suburb also knows how to serve the good vibes come brunch and lunch all year round. Whether you’re chasing a reliable smashed avo, a syrupy sweet stack of pancakes, or a perfectly brewed flat white to go, Brighton and its neighbouring ‘burbs have your next brekky date covered.
Cosy up in the cooler months or take it alfresco when the weather’s on your side, with local coffee shops delivering coastal vibes, suntrap courtyards, a sense of community and comfort food whenever you need it. So, start your day the right way, with coffee, your brunch buddy, and a seat at one of the best cafes in Brighton.
Roast Retreat
A little corner shop on busy Brighton Road, Roast Retreat is a calm and cosy space for a morning coffee, a tasty bagel and a chat. With a strong focus on community, the staff welcome every customer with a smile, and the passion for building a space that people want to come back to, time and time again, is seen in the smaller details. From supporting local with Fleurieu Peninsula milk and no extra charge for alternative milks, to comfortable seating and a range of soul-nourishing bites—think loaded banana bread, eggs benny croissants and warm bowls of porridge—you’ll certainly feel the need to linger longer.
Shop 2/491 Brighton Road, Brighton
Alimentary
In prime position on bustling Jetty Road, it is common practice to see Alimentary heaving on weekends, as customers pile in for a post-swim feed or a coffee to go before a beach walk. Living up to its namesake concerning nourishment, sustenance and maintenance, the menu is packed with healthy dishes to fuel the day ahead. The Plant Power brekky comes with falafel, potato hash, and a heap of veggies, while the big benny is different from your usual, served with housemade crumpets and kale. For a quick fix, check out the smoothie menu!
47 Jetty Road, Brighton
The Seller Door
Further up the road and even closer to Brighton Jetty, The Seller Door serves an all-day brunch, specialty coffee using their locally roasted ‘Brighton Blend’ from Elementary Coffee, smoothie bowls and organic juice. You’ll need a moment to take in the menu, with sweet and savoury dishes, light bites and healthy smoothies on offer. Luckily, the suntrap courtyard is the perfect spot to mull things over. Our pick? The summer pancake stack topped with yoghurt, berries and granola, and a cold-pressed juice to wash it down. Perfection!
73 Jetty Road, Brighton
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Lenny’s Bagel Deli & Coffee
Love a bagel? Love coffee or partial to a strawberry matcha? Lenny’s Bagel Deli & Coffee is for you. Light-filled, airy, and aesthetically pleasing to boot (your IG story is about to get a workout), this bagel haven keeps things simple and fresh. Choose your bagel, your spread or loaded filling, add your coffee order, and your fuss-free brunch is sorted. From a bagel loaded with chicken salad or a Reuben with smoked pastrami, sauerkraut and swiss cheese to a classic schmear of cream cheese on an everything bagel, these bad boys are heartier than they seem. And don’t even get us started on the sweet selection—Nutella bagel, anyone?
1/339 Brighton Road, North Brighton
Miss 5048 Cafe
Hidden away in Hove, Miss 5048 Cafe has been slinging coffee for locals for almost a decade. A favourite for those in the know, this cafe keeps a loyal community with its quality coffee from an SA-based roaster, a welcoming space, warm service with a smile and, of course, delicious food. The menu is all about speedy and nutritious food, with everything able to be enjoyed inside or on the go. Croissants, sourdough with spreads, avo toast and fresh salads are perfect for a quick bite, while housemade granola, crepes and pumpkin and spinach frittatas encourage you to slow down and savour the moment.
Shop 1 349/347 Brighton Road, Hove
Banks and Brown
Up the road and heading towards Marion Shopping Centre, Banks and Brown is a great place for a coffee stop. The team are up early serving lattes, matcha, hot chocolates and chai from the takeaway window, a communal table is inside if you’ve got a few emails to attend to, and the garden out back is made for catching up with friends. They’ve got Fleurieu Peninsula milk on tap to do their bit for sustainability, items for sale from local businesses and a range of pastries to add something sweet to your day!
104A Sturt Road, Warradale
The Garden Cafe
Head south to Seacliffe and say hello to the laid-back gem at The Garden. Open every day of the week and serving with a smile, this cosy cafe feels peaceful and homey, making it one of our favourite spots to warm up on a frosty winter morning. The all-day brunch menu will satisfy any craving, from simple toast with spreads or a healthy granola bowl to bagels, salads and a seriously delish smashed pumpkin with avo, poached eggs and honey. Did we mention it’s dog-friendly? What’s not to love?!
44 Wheatland Street, Seacliffe
If you loved our roundup of the best cafes in Brighton, there is more where that came from! Keep it coastal with the best things to do in Henley Beach, or head further south to sip your way through McLaren Vale’s best wineries.