10 Best Brunch and Breakfast Spots in Port Elizabeth

Although once just a roadhouse serving good, affordable burgers and soft serve ice creams, Something Good has been recently transformed into one the coolest and laid-back eating spots in Port Elizabeth. The restaurant buzzes with the chatter of patrons and the informal atmosphere is perfect for its beachfront location. It is a great spot to grab a no-nonsense brunch with the emphasis on quality and taste without all the fancy frills. Those that are bacon fans will be pleased to know that Something Good’s varied menu options even extend to bacon waffles served with ice cream.

Grass Roof Farm Stall and Restaurant is a relative new-comer to the Port Elizabeth eating scene, but over the past few years has firmly established itself as a favourite in the Bay. The unique eatery boasts a pitched grassed roof, designed by young and original architect Dal Venables, and is in itself an attraction when visiting the restaurant. The extensive menu is packed full of hearty and delicious country style meals featuring fresh and organic ingredients that enhance the flavour of the food. Casual and relaxed, Grass Roof invites patrons to linger longer over an unrushed meal and browse the farm stall that brims with freshly baked bread, tasty farm produce and more.

Roasted vegetable mini quiches, decadent flapjack stacks and crumbly apple pie are just a pinch of the options one will find at Bocadillos Bakery and Restaurant. Kick start the day with a freshly squeezed fruit juice as you ponder the great menu options and decide whether it will be Eggs Benedict or a smoked salmon breakfast bagel. The restaurant uses local, fresh ingredients and exudes a cosy yet casual atmosphere that is perfect for a leisurely brunch. Bocadillos has two outlets in Port Elizabeth and either are a great spot for a bite.

Gorgeous ocean views offer a feast for the eyes at this highly popular seaside eatery that effortlessly blends trendy and casual to create a relaxed yet vibey atmosphere. Surrounded by glass panels, the dining area is airy and light with great seaside views while outdoor seating on the balcony adds the salty smell of sea air to the tantalising aromas coming from your plate. Patrons can pair their brunch with a naughty Strawberry Daiquiri or go the caffeine route and sip on a cappuccino or latte. If you want to grab a table on the deck then best get their earlier as on balmy days these are always the first to go.

The Friendly Stranger Restaurant is located in a historic cottage and under the shade of an enormous tree in the pretty Baakens Valley. Here un-rushed meals are the order of the day and set the ideal pace for an extended weekend brunch. The food is all made from scratch so prepare to linger over a coffee while you wait. Entertainment is on hand though, and patrons can peruse the original works of art that are for sale and adorn the restaurant walls. The eclectic menu offers a wide variety of good brunch choices and fresh ingredients are sourced daily from local suppliers.

Located within the upmarket suburb of Mill Park, Rhubarb & Lime reflects its elegant surrounds but adds a dash of its own retro character that makes for a fabulous dining experience. The refurbished heritage home that houses Rhubarb & Lime Cafe is decorated in an Art Deco style and the good wit of the owners can be appreciated just by looking at the menu. Breakfasts named The Nutty Muso and The Rhubarb Quickie are tongue-in-cheek and give patrons a good idea of the ingredients. However it is The Maverick for which the restaurant it most renowned, and who can resist layers of fresh rocket and bacon, topped with a poached egg and generous slathers of hollandaise sauce.

One thing patrons can be sure of when visiting Urban Espress Coffee is that they are going to get an excellent cup of java and one wouldn’t expect less when the owning partners are a SA National Cuptasters Champion and Regional Barista Champ respectively. The cool and edgy restaurant is housed in a warm yet sleek looking building, and coffee beans for the perfect cup are imported from Ethiopia and Guatemala. Urban Espress also owns their own roastery and pairs outstanding coffee with freshly baked bread and wholesome, delicious meals that cover everything from breakfasts and sandwiches through to salads and burgers.

The location of this pretty and leafy Garden Cafe makes for a wonderful, leisurely brunch or breakfast where you can chase the stress of the week away among plants, books, pottery and of course scrumptious food. The informal seating arrangements allow for a completely relaxed and serene atmosphere with the emphasis on enjoying the beauty of nature and the comforts of tasty, freshly prepared food. Sink your teeth into a gooey cheese hamburger, quiche that is loaded with fresh ingredients or perhaps a light and tempting scone as you breathe in the aroma of flora around you.

While not quite in Port Elizabeth, Rambling Rose Coffee Shop is well worth the drive for a fabulous brunch and scenic village surrounds. Located in St Francis Bay and approximately one hour from Port Elizabeth, this lively little restaurant is popular among locals and visitors alike. The menu options cover everything from fried eggs and bacon through to gourmet sandwiches, crunchy salads, healthy wraps and succulent burgers and fries. The food is always freshly prepared and arrives on your table in great time, while the garden and playground area keep the kids busy for hours.

Appealing light meals, tempting sweet treats and excellent coffee are all covered by Brioche, who always welcome patrons with warm smiles and friendly service. The eatery has a cosy, inviting atmosphere that reminds one a bit of an old English farm house with gorgeous wooden doors and window frames and a beautifully restored floor. Good old favourites such as creamy and spicy chicken livers mopped up with homemade bread and tasty pizza compliment fresh salads and a good selection of breakfast options.