Where to find The Parade's best brunches

Dedicated foodies have long known that The Parade is one of Adelaide’s premier eat streets, and that’s never more evident than at brunch. As much a lifestyle choice as a meal, it’s the best reason to get out of bed after a long week. And no matter what kind of brunch you’re after, The Parade has you covered – here are five of the best.

For Health Junkies: Argo on the Parade

This welcoming cafe looks after every dietary requirement imaginable, so you can expect plenty of vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and keto options on the extensive menu. Cold pressed juices on tap and lean, green options like the giant veggie stack with smashed avocado, tomato, spinach, mushrooms, sweet potato and crispy chickpeas let you get a headstart on your two and five, or you can go for hearty favourites like bacon and egg breakfast dumplings in beef bone broth. And don’t be surprised if you fall head over heels for the gorgeous heart-shaped smoothie bowls hidden beneath a rainbow of seasonal fruits and edible flowers.

For Sweet Tooths: La Madeleine

Some days the only thing you want is dessert for breakfast, and when that happens this elegant French cafe has you covered. There are freshly pulled coffees and fluffy, multi-layered croissants, of course, but it’s the cabinet of cakes that’ll have you saying “ooh la la”; flaky danishes packed with custard and seasonal fruit, croissants filled with indulgent flavours like pistachio and raspberry, glossy eclairs and heavenly gateaux, all made from scratch using traditional methods. Sadly it’s closed on Sundays to give the owners a break but with takeaway an option, you can always plan ahead for an indulgent breakfast in bed.

For Boozy Brunch: The Colonist

With art-festooned walls and pressed tin ceilings, this historic pub knows a thing or two about putting on a good show, a theme that continues in a weekend-only breakfast menu that pulls out all the stops. If you’re still recovering from the night before, get yourself moving with hearty dishes including “almost nachos” with toasted slivers of piadina and “The Cure”, a plate laden with crispy hash browns, smashed avo, bacon, onion jam, a fried egg and tomato and capsicum salsa. Or if you’re ready to start the party all over again, grab one of the outdoor seats and choose between a round of espresso martinis infused with barista coffee or bloody charlies with fiery spiced gin for an added kick.

For Families: Pavé Cafe

Follow the aroma of freshly roasted beans wafting from the La Marzocco espresso machine to this relaxed courtyard cafe, where separate breakfast and brunch menus cover all the bases. Classics like free range eggs your way and housemade muesli packed with crunchy maple hazelnuts, chia seeds, cacao and fresh fruit are supplemented with a blackboard menu including weekly fritter specials. And there’s even a dedicated Littlies section catering to kid-sized appetites with scrumptious options like a grilled cheese muffin and “naughty waffles” covered in bacon, maple syrup and ice cream.

For Everyone: 30 Acres

If you can’t make a decision before you’ve had your morning coffee, The Parade’s newest brunch hotspot will take care of everything. Nestle into one of the comfortable booths and feast on glammed up seasonal brunch options like warming eggplant shakshuka or grab a decadent pastry from the onsite bakery (both packed with fresh produce from the owners’ bountiful farm). If you’re after something stronger the bar serves bellinis and breakfast cocktails, while there’s plenty of room in the light-filled industrial interior for families to spread out as well; there’s literally something for everyone here.