Rise and shine, sleepyhead. You’ve woken to a glorious Clare Valley morning and those wide country horizons are beckoning. But a big day of exploring calls for an even bigger coffee. Just add a hearty breakfast and you’ll have fuel for your adventure... Let’s run through a few engine-starters!
If you’re swinging through Watervale, don’t miss snagging a ridiculously good free-range egg and bacon roll at the Watervale General Store. Far beyond what its name suggests, this place is a little-known gem, with a menu full of local flavours. Pop a homemade muffin in your glovebox on the way out. You’re welcome.
In Clare, you must visit the newly opened Antidote Kitchen, headed up by a couple of local hospitality guns. Open for breakfast from 7 am, the breakfast menu competes with some of the best in the city.
Breakfast overlooking the vines? Slate Restaurant at Pikes Wines has you sorted every Sunday morning from 9 am for breakfast, with all your expected favourites and some surprise and delight moments. Maybe you'll pair it with a mimosa or a bloody mary... No judgement here!
Across the road from the Sevenhill Hotel, The Little Red Grape punches well above its weight for morning munchies, with classics like eggs benny and big breakfasts sitting alongside fresh baked artisan breads, cakes and pastries and some of the best coffee in town. Chances are you’ll be waddling your way back out, so consider a light lunch!
Other local favourites include The Pantry at Velvet and Willow, where you’ll find artisan lattes, filled pastries, tarts, muffins and more, and Daily Grind Coffee on Main, whose inspired bagel creations will more than fill the void. Just down the road, you’ll also find Café 1871, where gourmet toasted sandwiches, croissants and baked treats are washed down with fresh-ground coffee, making it an easy take-away for those on-the-go, or, build-your-own with all your favourite big breakfast items, perfect if you’re feeling picky.
Maybe you want a classic big breakfast at the pub, that can be arranged. The Clare Hotel, or the Middle Pub to the locals, serves excellent breakfasts on weekends. Big breakfast? Eggs benedict? Omelette? Or waffles? They have a huge selection sure to satisfy your cravings.
If you find yourself in Burra, you must visit St Just Café. Melbourne quality coffee is paired with gourmet breakfast items (or something simple, whatever mood you’re in), surrounded by quaint and quirky gifts and homewares.
Now that you know where to grab your morning fuel, how should you spend your day? Check out these recommendations: