Smashed Gero: The best of Geraldton’s breakfast and brunch scene

What a big five months, eh?

The health care industry has banded together for the fastest vaccine rollout of our time, a reality TV show star lost control of one of the world’s biggest military powers, and another Australian boxing figure decided not to punch on with our Mayor. There’s one through-line holding these world-defining events together. Breakfast. A big day should always start with breakfast.

I’ve spent the past five months tirelessly testing different types of cappuccinos, compotes, crepes and crusts. Writing on a topic I never knew could be so divisive, I received love letters, a handful of complaints and even a strongly worded Christmas Eve email crucifying my use of the phrase “cup of joe”. Twenty meals to answer the itching eternal question — where should you go for breakfast?

The short answer? Pretty much anywhere in Geraldton and the surrounds with an espresso machine plugged in — they all do a pretty good feed. As a Smashed Gero send-off, I’ve put together a handy guide to help you find your perfect breakfast match.

Best coffee

To start every morning with a double-shot cappuccino from this cafe would certainly not make for a Quiet Life. The cafe uses beans from Micrology, a small-batch coffee roaster based in Perth. Whether it’s their cold drip of espresso coffees, every cup is rich with unique flavours, setting them apart in Geraldton’s strong coffee scene.

Honourable mentions: Two Foreshore, Piper Lane, Beached Barrel, Poppies by the Park.

Best healthy spot

Nothing makes me more excited than hearing the team behind Flow Cafe are catering an event. I take myself out for their colourful, antioxidant-rich and inventive breakfasts as often as my budget will allow.

Honourable mentions: Go Health, Piper Lane.

Best day trip

The sleepy historic town of Northampton has a lot to offer anyone who likes to wander, including Wren’s Place Cafe. The little country store-front is doing big things with its baking.

Honourable mentions: Central Greenough Cafe, Seaspray Cafe, Poppies by the Park.

Best atmosphere

Located in the coolest part of the West End and embellished with astroturfing and flowers, Piper Lane is the chillest place in Geraldton to enjoy a lazy morning.

It’s a pretty impressive feat considering you can’t even see the ocean!

Honourable mentions: AJ’s Cafe, Two Foreshores, Poppies by the Park, Tarts & Co.

Best $35 and under for two

While most cafes on the lower price end specialise in one or two quick dishes, Two Foreshore serves up an impressive and fresh offering.

The budget-friendly spot punches well above its weight.

Honourable mentions: The House Cafe, Remi’s French Street Food, Beached Barrel, Jaffle Shack, Central Greenough Cafe.

Best culinary finesse

I am going to have to call this category a tie. On one hand, every dish at Seaspray Cafe is laced with actual love.

But, over at Salt Dish, diners are left surprised by every bite of the thoughtful offering.

Honourable mentions: Quiet Life Speciality Coffee, Flow Vitality, Piper Lane, Sirocco Bar & Cafe, Tarts & Co.

Best service

Service in Geraldton often gets a bad rap, but several venues in town are invested in proving the haters wrong. Nowhere seems more committed than Sirocco’s Bar & Cafe, where staff are so personable they feel like friends.

Honourable mentions: Poppies by the Park, Skeetas Restaurant, AJ’s Beach Cafe.

Best family friendly

If you have a big family — made up of kids, pups, dads or grandmas — and are looking for somewhere to run amok, grab a picnic rug and lay it out near AJ’s Beach Cafe. There’s something for everyone, from salads, to sprinkled waffle sticks and big bowls of water for dogs.

Honourable mentions: The House Cafe, Central Greenough Cafe, The Murchison Tavern.

Best sweet & naughty

Both Poppies by the Park’s offering and commitment to local produce is sweet as candy. The outfit serves Breadwright Microbakery pastries, delicious Spruce Juice and sells the quirkiest cute bits and bobs — the cafe’s vibe is sweet enough to infuriate Dongara’s dentists.

Honourable mentions: Beached Barrel, Wren’s Place, Remi’s French Street Food.

Best savoury & naughty

Pairing fancy indulgent ingredients with a crowd-pleasing concept, Jaffle Shack is easily one of the best naughty treat places in town. The sight of melted cheese turning to string as you pull a jaffle apart is a beauty to rival the foreshore.

Honourable mentions: Brunch Break Cafe, Murchison Tavern.

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