The Ten Best Granolas and Toasted Mueslis in Brisbane

Before we plunge a spoon into the deliciously diverse range of oaty goodness being served up in cafes across Brisbane, let us first indulge in some breakfast history.

You may be wondering why both toasted muesli and granola are in the title of this feature. Although these days the terms are used interchangeably, historically speaking there is a marked difference in their definitions. Granola, also known as the "hippie health food" by some, was originally known as 'granula' and in 18th century America became a registered trademark for foods consisting of whole grains that were baked until crisp. Today, the mighty 'granola' is in fact only trademarked in Australia and New Zealand by Sanitarium (who tried to sue Irrewarra for using the word granola to describe their cereal product).

Muesli on the other hand was developed by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner in the 19th century and is made up of raw rolled oats (the key difference) with fruits, nuts and seeds. Toasted muesli is really just raw muesli that has been baked (either with or without a sweetener like maple, honey or coconut oil). Granola, on the other hand is traditionally more clustered and brittle due to the use of honey in the toasting process.

So, there you have it. Now to the more important matter of who dishes it up best. The key requirements? It must be housemade (no pre-packaged muesli here thank you), have a solid fruit-to-nut-to-grain ratio, have significant crunch factor and show an innovative twist on the standard recipe. Spoons up.

Gerard's Bistro

Gerard’s Bistro is well-celebrated for its food innovation with unique pairings and wild flavour combinations — always using the freshest produce. But who knew they could continue such splendour in a simple granola? Their own spiced granola with caramelized yoghurt and roasted fruit is easily the best going 'round; we're talking epic crunch from macadamias, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios and cashews as well as huge chunks of dried apricot, fig and raisin. The cinnamon oats are toasted to perfection in-house, balanced with acidity from poached peaches and tangy slightly smoky yoghurt on top. Breakfast bliss.

14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley

The Golden Pig Food and Wine School

With Katrina Ryan (previously head chef at Rockpool and boasting over 27 years experience) at the helm of The Golden Pig Food and Wine School, you know your breakfast is going to be up there with the best. The Pig’s housemade toasted muesli (which you can also purchase to take home) is crunchy and golden with rolled oats, sesame seeds, pepitas, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans and walnuts. Lavishly adorned with a fanned poached pear underneath a huge dollop of thick creamy Greek yoghurt, while stewed rhubarb strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness; this is truly a mouth-watering muesli masterpiece.

38 Ross St, Bowen Hills

The Corner Store Cafe

One for paleo enthusiasts, Corner Store's 11-seed granola is a brilliant take on the dish. Using quinoa flakes and delivering on the promise of exactly 11 types of seeds and nuts (linseed, flaxseed, black and white seeds, chia seeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, sesame seeds, almonds and macadamias), a bowl of Corner Store granola is filling, delicious and nutritious. Your brekkie also comes with a green juice shot for that extra health kick.

113 Sylvan Rd, Toowong

Kettle & Tin

Let's be honest, this one's practically a dessert in breakfast form. Kettle & Tin's devilishly delicious granola is an artfully-presented mix of oats and almonds, baked together in honey and served in crunchy, brittle-bound clusters. This Paddington cafe's version epitomises the true definition of granola — with no seeds or dried fruit in sight. This super 'grammable dish is served as is with a decadent creamy labnah, topped with perfectly poached pears and dusted with icing sugar.

215 Given Terrace, Paddington

DEPO

Toasting is the key with this little number. West End's DEPO makes their deliciously golden granola with oats, uncooked crunchy quinoa flakes, pistachios, macadamias and coconut, which is then toasted in maple syrup and coconut oil until crisp. Mixed through with sultanas and dried blueberries, this loud crunch-inducing granola is finished with super juicy pomegranate seeds and a light but creamy coconut yoghurt.

16 Horan St, West End

Shouk Cafe

This Middle Eastern-inspired cafe is causing a big stir in Brisbane breakfast scene with their picture perfect dish presentation. Toasted rolled oats and sultanas are mixed with baked coconut shards, almonds and apricots amongst a beautiful sweet vanilla flavour. The mixture is crisp but still slightly chewy, made superb with a sweet sprinkling of the pistachio halva on top. Served with brightly hued fresh fruit, Shouk’s granola is food art for breakfast.

14 Collingwood St, Paddington

Dello Mano

Chocolate lovers will love this one. Dello Mano's chocolate granola is a little bit naughty and a whole lot delicious with cinnamon oats, seeds, crunchy toasted almonds and dates lightly coated in a mixture of 72% dark Belgium chocolate, brown sugar and maple syrup. Though it sounds intense, the chocolate is subtle and the dish is not overwhelmingly sweet. Plus, it leaves a chocolate milkshake in the bottom of your bowl to slurp up at the end.

29 Doggett St, Teneriffe

Chow House

The Chow House muesli is completely gluten free, made up of puffed quinoa and crunchy buckwheat groats with sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, dried cranberries and raisins. Served in an adorable little jar, Chow House's creation adopts the self-assembly trend with an array of fresh seasonal fruits (think tropical with dragonfruit, kiwi and berries) and creamy housemade coconut yoghurt. This artfully-served muesli is perfect for those seeking a truly healthy breakfast.

39 James St, Fortitude Valley

Moray Cafe

Gorgeously nutty with big chunks of pecan, walnut, almond and macadamia, Moray Cafe’s toasted muesli is baked until tantalisingly golden and slightly caramelised. With an incredible hint of smokiness from slightly charred oats and nuts, Moray's muesli takes on a whole new dimension — relying on balanced sweetness from the fresh berry coulis and sweetened Greek yoghurt (which harmonises perfectly). Fresh mint on top and a sprinkling of icing sugar not only adds to the flavour but also the visual appeal.

158 Moray St, New Farm

Kitchen Sanitarium

It wouldn't be right not to include these guys. Although Sanitarium has actually trademarked the name granola in Australia, Kitchen Sanitarium's offering is the 'Kitchen Muesli' — a mighty mix of both muesli and granola. Untoasted, unsweetened oats are mixed with a chia granola (chia seeds, sesame, pepitas and almonds toasted lightly in honey), which means it’s not intensely sweet. Wrapping things up nicely, this fusion of our two breakfast friends comes with thick natural yoghurt on the side and fresh whole strawberries on top.

145 Eagle Street, Brisbane

Photography by Mimi Hyll