In the last ten years, Australian cafes have been popping up across New York City. Brunchers all over have taken to the aesthetically-pleasing cafes, with the friendly, gorgeous baristas, the flat-whites and the deeply-flavorful meals.

Australians have some specialties that are almost always guaranteed to be on the menu, no matter which cafe you find yourself in. Mashed avocado, folded eggs, banana bread, brekkie rolls, acai bowls, vegemite toast, green bowls, hotcakes and porridge are very typical staples.

One thing I really appreciate about the Aussies is their attention to detail. They plate their dishes well, down to the freshly ground pepper. This is why they, unarguably, do avocado toast better than any other–– mashed avocado, olive oil, pepitas, goat cheese or feta, tomatoes, radishes, salt and pepper.

Aussies also serve very wholesome meals. Most dishes are much simpler than you might think, the ingredients being easily identified. They use very fresh and sustainable ingredients. Often times you can ask and they’ll tell you exactly where they source their food from.

Australians truly appreciate beauty for beauty-sake, and that is why I appreciate their culture.

So, if you’re trying to plan your next brunch with the gals or lads, here are my go-to Australian cafes:

Citizens of Chelsea

By far my favorite place for brunch––ever. The cafe is extremely airy and has a nice flow. There are community tables, a bar that sits in front of the two glass walls, tall tables and some small tables. The dishware is beautiful and the plating of their food is always done so thoughtfully. I have tried many things on the menu, but my favorite will always be their Smashing Avocado, plated with radiant beet hummus.

Sonnyboy

A little cafe, perfect for an intimate brunch. There are never too many people here, so the table service is incredible. Their Sonnyboy Big Breakfast is very filling and a replica of the regular full Australian brekkie––and you can never go wrong with halloumi cheese, mushrooms, eggs, sourdough, and everything else that comes with it.

Two Hands

Two Hands has a very chill aesthetic. The Tribeca location is perfect if you want to walk around the neighborhood after your meal, and the Nolita location is a nice and cozy place for an intimate meal with your gal pals. Out of all the cafes, Two Hands feels more like Australia to me than any other cafe in the city. The baristas are always very friendly and enjoy making great suggestions. Zoes Market Bowl is my all-time favorite––the roasted tomatoes and sweet potatoes are savory and the beet relish so sweet that it balances well with all the other elements.

Hole-in-the-Wall

Literally a cafe off the beaten path, this place has a minimalistic design full of sunlight and beautiful plants. The fung shui of the room is very balanced and the air flows nicely throughout the space. The acai bowls and flat whites are exact replicas of the ones I had by the beach in Queensland, AU.

Banter

The wooden walls and outdoor porch mixed with the soft lighting and minimalistic art make for a modern cabin feel. I always end up getting my coffee refilled multiple times as I enjoy the Golden Folded Eggs bowl- an incredible arrangement of soft, buttery eggs, fresh vegetables, guacamole and prosciutto.

Charley St

The cutest cafe in Nolita, Charley St is an incredible place for locally sourced and sustainable food. The toasts and smoothie bowls are very fun and colorful––the Varsity Blue Bowl especially vivacious. It is a really great place to meet a friend if you’re looking for a vegan or a vegetarian meal and luscious, natural lighting.

The Art of Aussie Cafe Culture in NYC