Where is Brisbane's Best French Toast?

by Geraldine Massey (subscribe)

I'm not really sure when my love affair with French toast began. It wasn't something I had during my childhood. In fact, I don't think I'd ever eaten it until my newly-arrived-in-Australia American sister-in-law introduced me to its sweet and savoury delights many years ago (thanks Holly). Since then it's been my go-to for a special breakfast, which, as anyone who reads my articles will know, is my favourite meal for eating out.


So, over the years I've become a connoisseur of French toast. I love its infinite variety in the hands of culinary creatives: brioche or bagel; maple syrup or chocolate; berries or mascarpone or both; with bacon or without — the possibilities are almost infinite. But it's really important to get the basics correct. What's not to love about a thick slice of bread (it's got to be thick) wearing a crisp, light eggy jacket (it's got to be crisp)?

Brisbane's breakfast scene includes a number of standout French toast options. I've collected some of the better ones in the list below, but, as always, we want to hear about your favourites. If you know where to get first-rate French toast please let us in on your secret and leave a comment for our readers.

Medley Cafe

62 Wharf Street, Kangaroo Point

I have declared Medley's French toast my personal Brisbane favourite, and that's a big call amongst such august company. You can read my full review here, but suffice it to say that the glorious combination of citrus-tart, smoky and sweet flavours, and crunchy and soft textures was a winner. It's all served up with a side of stunning river views and besides, with Medley's French toast you can have semi freddo for breakfast. I'm in. Breakfast at Medley is served from 7am to 11.30am. Their orange sugar French toast with caramelised Australian macadamias, lavender honey, candied orange and speculoos semifreddo costs $14.

The Gunshop Cafe

53 Mollison Street, West End

West End's The Gunshop Cafe offers breakfast Monday to Sunday from 7am to 2.30pm. This is one I haven't yet tried but I have it on good authority that their brioche French toast with vanilla mascarpone, raspberry sorbet, berry coulis, pistachio crumbs & blueberries is scrumptious. It will set you back $19.

Ananas Espresso

4 Central Avenue, Sherwood

This is another one of my favourite breakfast cafes — see my full review here. At Ananas you can have your French toast two ways: with mascarpone and berry coulis or with bacon & maple syrup (both $15). Simple but effective. Ananas is open Monday to Saturday from 6am to 2pm and on Sunday from 6am to 1pm.

Hallowed Grounds Espresso

Shop 2, 1417 Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt

When is French toast not French toast? When it's a bagel, of course. Hallowed Grounds' delectable version of French toast is cinnamon & raisin French toast-style bagel topped with whipped vanilla bean cream cheese, fresh mixed berries and maple syrup. All for only $16. Their all-day breakfast is available from 6am to 2.30pm from Monday to Friday and 7am to 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. French toast for a late lunch or afternoon tea? That works for me.

Other honourable mentions include Paddington's Anouk Cafe's apple turnover French toast with streaky bacon, pedro ximenez reduction, mascarpone and cream for $16.50 and Cafe Conti's thick cut of French toast with vanilla whipped mascarpone, bacon, strawberry and maple syrup for $15.

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