Order up Your Brunch Fave at 4 of the Finest Cafés in Southland

The Grille is attached to Bill Richardson Transport World but it is anything but a run-of-the-mill museum café. Brunch items like corned beef hash are comforting and flavoursome with crispy potato, wilted spinach, poached egg, sourdough and tomato salsa. The menu is constantly changing to feature seasonal flavours and local produce but no matter what you find on the list when you arrive, it will be well portioned and bursting with flavour. The decor is a treat in and of itself and features a 70’s inspired living room and 60’s inspired kitchen. After brunch explore Bill Richardson Transport World which also happens to be anything but a run-of-the-mill car museum.

This Invercargill café has been around for nearly a decade and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Everything right down to the jams, relishes and sauces are 100% homemade. The cabinet is always brimming with colourful sweet and savoury treats and the cheese scones have made a few headlines in their day. Brunch items like the ‘Small Fry’ come with potato rosti, smoked tomato batch jam, avocado, bacon and tomato. Avocado toast comes topped with the likes of beetroot and mint hummus, free range egg and dukkah. Head in for fresh, punchy bites and Hummingbird coffee.

The Auction House’s outdoor courtyard is as vast as the menu meaning this spot has something for every brunch enthusiast out there. Dine inside or out and enjoy brunch items like eggs benedict or a honey hot pot featuring greek yoghurt, boysenberries and seeds. An extensive drinks list offers plenty of tipples to bring any normal brunch visit into the boozy realm. This spot has a buzzy energy, fresh approach to social dining and options, options, options.

If you’re in the Catlins be careful not to miss Niagara Falls Café. This family owned café focuses on simple, natural fare and their noteworthy brunch is decadent and healthy in the right proportions. The summer salmon salad is supremely tasty, packed with nutrients and made with the freshest ingredients possible, while the home baked goods, including carrot cake, brownies and sticky date pudding, offer a sweet component and are top sellers. There’s plenty for kids here too in terms of tasty treats, lawn games and plenty of space to play.