Sassafras of Paddington

Sassafras of Paddington has been part of Brisbane’s café scene since 1997, offering an all-day brunch-focused menu in a warm, community-minded setting. The café says its food is fresh and wholesome, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Its Boozy Brunch pairs a main meal from the all-day brunch menu with one hour of bottomless mimosas, making it suited to birthdays, friend catch-ups or a relaxed celebration. Coffee is another focus, with specialty beans roasted by Brisbane-based Bear Bones Specialty Coffee.

The venue’s hidden courtyard is a standout feature. It provides a quieter garden setting for breakfast, coffee or a longer meal, while well-behaved dogs are welcome to join their owners. Sassafras also caters to canine visitors with pupaccinos, custom-made biscuits, vegan chews and other dog treats. Inside and out, the café presents itself as an easygoing local for families, solo diners, people meeting friends and those who want to settle in with a laptop.

Specific items mentioned by Sassafras and its customer reviews include avo toast, chai lattes, Rubens, mushroom with polenta and oat granola. The venue also runs Cappi Hour from Wednesday to Friday before 8am, offering half-price coffee during that period. High Tea is currently paused while the café works through changes, so it is worth checking the latest details before planning around it.

Sustainability and local involvement are central to the café’s story. Sassafras says it uses fresh ingredients sourced from suppliers including Wavell Heights Honey, Palmwoods Mushrooms, Little Leaves Micro Greens and Grazing Girls Eggs, composts food waste onsite and uses plant-based packaging where possible. It also describes community initiatives including meal preparation during COVID-19 disruptions, support for schools and charities, and partnerships providing family-sized fruit and vegetable boxes. The café has received Restaurant & Catering Association recognition for breakfast restaurant, casual dining and café dining, adding some industry acknowledgement to its long-running Paddington presence.