Top 5 Breakfasts in Melbourne's 'burbs

Melbournians are crazy about their breakfast at any time of day. While many visitors know that there are world-class cafes in the city centre, a drive (or train ride) into the suburbs can start your day off with deliciousness as well.

1.Duchess of Spotswood

87 Hudsons Road, Spotswood

Catering for mums and dads in the inner west, Duchess of Spotswood has been on the scene since 2009, serving up fine British fare. Open seven days, their morning menu (offered until 11:30am) sits alongside their lunch menu (think the ‘Breakfast of Champignons’ – field mushroom, hash, Stilton cheese, poached eggs, mushroom ketchup on Zeally Bay toast – or ‘Duchess of Pork’ – crispy pig’s jowl, fried eggs, truffle and Madeira sauce on Zeally Bay toast), so there’s plenty to choose from. They’ve also got a few favourite kids options, and with a good-sized courtyard, it’s hard to look past the Duchess of Spotswood for a spring or summer breakfast west of the city.

2. Lights in the Attic

38 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East

The folks behind Lights in the Attic aren’t aiming to break the breakfast mould; rather, their goal is to make your morning better with delicious meals and good coffee with a delectable Asian influence slipped into a number of their menu items. Try their signature ‘Birds Nest’, which combines a smorgasbord of textures from crunchy potato rosti, delicate scotch eggs with beans and chorizo (they run out every day, they’re that good) or settle in with decadent French toast and fresh berries.

3. The Crooked Fork

1/81 Watton Street, Werribee

Heading west for breakfast? You can’t go past The Crooked Fork, in the heart of Werribee’s up-and-coming dining precinct. As well as the staples, make sure you check out their rotating specials board that invariably features the challenging two-person ‘Meat Mountain’ – think bacon, chorizo, house-made sausages, pastrami, pulled beef, kibbeh and eggs – and other highlights like lime cheesecake French toast, Middle Eastern brekkie for two or sticky rice cake with pulled chicken and poached eggs. Friendly staff and great coffee add to the appeal.

4. Just Planet

37 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury

Sunbury locals are well aware of their hidden secret, so if you’re searching for a treat just 20 minutes past the airport, there’s one here waiting for you. Just Planet Organic Café, in bustling O’Shanassy Street, has been dishing up organic breakfasts and lunches for years. Walking through the beaded doorway you’ll instantly feel at home, with the friendly smiles of Norman and his team behind the counter waiting to serve you a coffee (which they brew in-store). After your done, purchase a fair trade gift from all over the world like delicious dark chocolate or hand-crafted jewellery.

5. Altair Restaurant

152 Yarra Street, Warrandyte

Take a seat by the Yarra River; not in Docklands, not along Southbank, not even in Richmond or Abbotsford. Head a little farther east to Warrandyte, and you’ll find that one of the finest dining experiences this side of town is at Altair. Known for its sumptuous dinners and – unsurprising given its proximity to the Yarra Valley – wine list, this classy and light-filled restaurant also serves up enticing and delightful breakfasts on the weekend. With gourmet options like pickled ox tongue with pear and kohlrabi remoulade and anchovy stuffed roast tomato, breakfast at Altair will get your Saturday or Sunday off to the perfect start.