Brunching is a way of life in Sydney and NSW: a time to socialise, fuel up for the day, and taste some of the most creative and delicious menus. Whether you're a smoothie bowl in Bondi fan or prefer perfect eggs in Parramatta, here are some of the top ways to kickstart your day in NSW. 

Happyfield, Haberfield 
This North American-style diner makes breakfast a treat with 'proper' pancake stacks and indulgent brekkie burgers (the cheesy sausage and egg McLovin Muffin is perfect morning-after fix). Coffee using Five Senses's specialty beans round out the delicious wake-up experience. 
Must order: Short stack of pancakes with maple syrup and Pepe Saya butter 

Picco Leo, Sydney CBD 
The sidekick to Italian fine-diner Restaurant Leo, this casual café on Angel Place serves Roman pastries and next-level baked goods such as anchovy and sage scrolls and black-gold truffle croissants. 
Must order: Star anise and cinnamon scrolls 

Soulmate, Newtown 
With a playful menu and perfectly brewed Single O coffees, Soulmate brings brunch with a twist to Newtown's suburban streets. Hash browns are added to bacon and egg rolls and blood sausage sandwiches are a popular special. 
Must order: Soulmate BAE roll, with bacon, egg, sambal, nanna's cheese, herb mayo on a potato bun 

Rollers Bakehouse, Manly 
The croissants are next level at this beachside bakery, from truffle ham and cheese in charcoal pastry to twice-baked pineapple lime cheesecake. Flavours change daily so there is always something new to try. 
Must order: Southern-style brisket pie, a croissant-pie hybrid 

The Eight, Haymarket 
Some call this Sydney's best yum cha experience, and the proof is on board its roaming trolleys. A variety of Cantonese dim sum rolls past diners: perfectly folded dumplings, plump prawns wrapped in rice noodles and fluffy barbecue pork buns. 
Must order: Mango pancakes, topped with condensed milk and coconut jelly

Circa Espresso, Parramatta 
One of Western Sydney's most popular cafés, Circa take pride in their creative menu and specialty coffee. In fact, Circa roast their own raw beans in small batches in house. 
Must order: Butter brioche French toast, with passionfruit curd, strawberries, glazed meringue, and rose, coconut and macadamia crumble 

Kaffeine & Co, Yagoona 
This halal-friendly eatery in Western Sydney draws brunchers in from all over the city with their decadent breakfast options and Insta-worthy mocktails. Avocado toast is topped with tomatoes, golden beetroot, feta, pomegranate and zaatar, while fried Nutella balls are soaked in rose syrup. 
Must order: Ricotta pancakes, with berries, banana ice-cream and Belgian chocolate  

The Boatshed, La Perouse 
Famous for serving fresh seafood for lunch and dinner, this bayside eatery also offers a popular breakfast menu complete with sea breeze and sunshine. Crowd pleasers include ricotta hotcakes doused in maple syrup and gourmet eggs benedict, with your choice of bacon or smoked salmon. 
Must order: Seafood omelette with prawns, blue swimmer crab, feta and cherry tomatoes 

The Picnic, Burwood 
As its name suggests this café makes for the ultimate picnic brunch, located right in Burwood Park. Order a takeaway spread from the Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast menu and enjoy your feast underneath a shady tree. 
Must order: Lebs benedict, poached eggs with sujuk sausage, spiced hollandaise and brioche 

Bare Witness, Rhodes 
Breakfast comes with views of the Parramatta River at this bright and breezy café that serves a modern mix of nutritious bowls and comforting meals (think mac and cheese eggs benedict). Their picnic pack is perfect for summer: a basket full of charcuterie, cheese, pastries, fruit and wine. 
Must order: Green bowl, with halloumi, mushrooms, kale, avocado, quinoa and a poached egg 

The Press Shop, Bowral 
With sleek interiors and a sophisticated menu, this popular café in the Southern Highlands showcases local produce in style. The farm-to-table focus makes use of Taluca Park free-range eggs, Piccolo Farm organic vegetables, Pecora Dairy artisan cheeses and more. 
Must order: Panna cotta topped with house-made granola and seasonal fruit 

The River Deck Café, Albury 
Perched right on the river in picturesque Noreuil Park, The River Deck Café utilises ingredients from local suppliers in their vibrant and contemporary menu.  
Must order: Amaranth Porridge with poached quinces, caramelised banana and berries 

One Penny Black, Newcastle 
The breakfast menu here changes with the season; from smoked salmon salads in summer to roast pumpkin and feta on toast during colder months. Coffee here is taken very seriously, a range of specialty roasts is sourced for their espressos, filters and cold brews. 
Must order: Bircher with seasonal fruits 

Press, Dubbo 
Located in a 1930s heritage house, the menu at Press is anything but old fashioned. You'll find delicately plated banana bread topped with mascarpone and berries, alongside wholesome breakfast bowls that make use of fresh local produce. 
Must order: Deluxe bacon and egg roll, with blue cheese, avocado and caramelised onion 
 
Woods, Bangalow 
Tucked away in the Byron hinterland, this bohemian-style cosy wooden kiosk takes pride in serving its community nourishing meals with a focus on vegetarian ingredients.  
Must order: Halloumi tacos, with crisp potatoes, local halloumi, slaw, salsa, dukkah and habanero jam 

Toast, Pambula 
A local favourite on the Sapphire coast, this family-run café serves a produce-focused menu and artisan coffee roasted by Ona in Canberra, as well as local wines in the evening. 
Must order: Strawberry, coconut and avocado smoothie bowl, with maple nut granola, fresh berries and tonka bean yoghurt