Pawpaw sits under the shadow of Brisbane’s cricket stadium The Gabba, but the eatery couldn’t be further from the greasy takeaway favoured at games. The restaurant’s roots are in Thai cuisine, which it produces once the sun sets, but it is Pawpaw’s breakfast offerings that are truly strong. Look for a range of hearty options with a focus on the healthy, a mild touch of spice in almost every dish and an impressive array of breakfast classics. Corner Potts and Stanley Streets, Woolloongabba and 2/216 Riding Rd, Balmoral (evenings only); pawpawcafe.com.au

The Gunshop Cafe is a Brisbane breakfast institution. The eclectic district of West End is a popular stretch of cafes, bars, pubs and eateries, but The Gunshop Cafe still manages to stand out from the crowd, proving the quality of its cuisine. Open daily, the cafe focuses on utilising ingredients sourced directly from the local markets, as well as its own rooftop – where two beehives have been installed. 53 Mollison Street, West End and in Toowong, Chermside and Toowoomba; thegunshopcafe.net

As its architecture suggests, Corner Store Cafe wasn’t always a breakfast haven. The owners of the inner-west foodie spot transformed a derelict cottage into a suave new space in collaboration with local architects Richard & Spence. The result is an oasis in the suburbs – one that comes equipped with a very popular dining patio that overlooks the cafe’s accompanying organic herb and vegetable garden. The cafe excels at a hearty breakfast – think Greek-style scrambled eggs with feta or a pork belly hash. Coffee comes from a La Marzocco Linea machine and there’s cold-drip and filtered options, too. 113 Sylvan Road, Toowong; cornerstorecafe.com

Breakfast with a flavour of Colombia and Latin America? Yes please. At Petrichor, arepas, empanadas and carnitas are as common as toast, eggs and pancakes. The empanadas de mama come with spiced pulled beef, garlic, onion and potato; or go for huevos pericos with tomato and shallots or the classic huevos rancheros. With all that flavour, you’ll need a well-extracted coffee or a cold brew made with local Dramanti coffee beans. Corner of Racecourse Road & Allen Street, Hamilton; petrichorandco.com

A version of the famous Shakespeare quote, in this case the name Method to the Madness refers to a place to find some solace in the madness of daily life. It’s an apt description for this light-filled laneway space, tucked away from busy Moggill Road. The menu features Shakespeare-themed in-jokes and leans into the spice with options like the chilli scramble or harissa cauliflower. Breakfast burgers and bircher tempt a more traditional breakfast diner. 3/9 Marshall Lane, Kenmore; methodtothemadness.com.au

With a name like smoked paprika, expect a strong hint of Eastern Europe in many of the breakfast dishes here, from pickled red cabbage to paprika hollandaise, or the full Hungary wit beef stew on Turkish bread with eggs, haloumi, hollandaise and tomatoes. The spice theme continues with Turkish eggs and shakshuka, and more Eastern European treats at lunch. 2/5 Nash St, Paddington; smokedpaprika.com.au

Like breakfast in a Marrakesh cafe, The Green’s plant-filled, high-ceilinged space is a pink-themed oasis that wouldn’t be out of place in Morocco. The menu makes it more than an interior designer’s dream – every dish has an authentic flavour of North Africa and the Middle East. Try the delicate Lebanese milk pudding, the robust green shakshuka or ‘The Big Leb’ – a feast of lamb kofta patties, special sauce, zuni pickles and cheese, in a toasted pita bun (say that fast, and you’ll get the joke). Shop 1, 27 James Street, Fortitude Valley; thegreen.com.au

The Queensland headquarters of the Melbourne-born speciality coffee roaster, Industry Beans is housed in a chic white warehouse conversion by ​​Melbourne’s Design Office. And it’s been created to focus all your attention on the coffee. A coffee roastery, coffee greenhouse and coffee bar offer an insight into the serious process of getting your coffee from bean to cup. For those who like something to eat with their morning brew, there’s an extensive brunch menu and pastries. 18 Proe Street, Newstead (cafe and roastery) and 6/243 Edwards Street, Brisbane (coffee shop); industrybeans.com

With its pretty peach-coloured door, the Peach Cafe is hard to miss. Inside the classic cosy Queenslander, the Peach serves up excellent coffee, house-made cakes and a range of eggs any way you like on local sourdough. The all-day menu leans into classic Americana, such as burgers and chicken waffles, and there’s a healthy and appealing menu for the little ones. Pooches are welcome, too. 97 Haig Rd, Auchenflower; peachcafe.com.au

The picnic tables out the front of Plentiful are a prime position, but the window spots also offer great people-watching potential, provided you can take your eyes off the menu and your plate. Plentiful is not just a good name; it’s a philosophy, with breakfast/brunch dishes sized to make you cancel your lunch plans. From corn, zucchini and parmesan fritters to slow-cooked honey brisket on brioche, this is food to set you up for the day. There are lighter options, too – pastries, crumpets and a matcha soft-serve granola – or go with a friend and share. 2/7 Park Terrace, Graceville; plentiful.cafe