The Smug Brunch: Seven Standout Morning Meals for When You've Successfully Dodged a Hangover

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The older we get the more we are faced with the stark reality that with each passing year, our ability to handle an innocent drink declines… rapidly. Gone are the days of 3am tequila shots and dancing all night only to wake up fresh faced and carefree, ready to tackle the rest of your weekend. It can be said that even a few arvo beers at the pub or night of wine-fuelled deep conversation can pose a risk to a fresh head in the morning. And, if you've got a to-do list waiting the next day — or you simply want to avoid nausea, head aches and the dreaded Sunday Scaries  —sticking to sobriety can be the most obvious choice.

While going sans-booze is never a bad idea, it's not always ideal. Celebratory jugs of beer between mates, delicious drops, artful cocktails: dreamy. If you agree, we've got news for you. Tend-2 is your answer if you truly cannot risk feeling sad and sorry the next day. The product? Vitamin-laden capsules, for both pre- and post-drinking. Organic, natural and with the science to back the efficacy up, Tend-2 capsules are ARTG listed and your first purchase comes with a money-back guarantee. Pop two before you start drinking, making sure to party responsibly and hydrate regularly, then pop another two once you've had your last bev. Simple.

And once you've sorted your next-day self out, what better than a standout morning meal to celebrate your win? Brunch is a staple in any city-slicker's weekend routine, so join the rest of the fresh-faced crowd. Whether you're in the mood for an expertly crafted classic or are looking for something a bit more out-there (like breakfast ramen), here are the spots you need to visit when you're feeling smug.

BREAD & CIRCUS, ALEXANDRIA

You can always count on Bread & Circus to deliver immaculate vibes and great food. An atmosphere that manages to be both bustling and calming, its signature pops of pink and a regular crowd of loyal locals: the ideal spot for your smug self. What to order? Keep it simple yet satisfying with summer on toast, which heroes seasonal tomatoes with a backdrop of goat's chevre and fresh herbs. There's a breakfast salad and a breakfast curry, if you want something deliciously different. Or, if you are thinking sweet, the bowl of "foxy porridge" is for you. Caramelised banana, blueberry, pistachio, mint and maple — heaven. Wash down your wholesome meal with a selection from their extensive fine tea menu, a coffee (using Padre beans) or a cold-pressed juice.

Bread & Circus, 21 Fountain Street, Alexandria

ST KAI, MORTDALE

This Japanese-leaning cafe serves some seriously special eats, just the ticket if you're looking to mix up your usual brunch routine (or just know what's good for you). In the event of being smug and hangover free? You're primed with a stomach of steel to get experimental. Enjoy a fish and kimchi sausage roll served with housemade ketchup, or switch up your usual eggs on toast for a serve of silky smooth folded eggs with black-herring roe and lao gan ma (the holy grail of chilli oil) atop milk toast. Or, who said you couldn't have ramen for breakfast? Opt for the warming bowl pictured above for a morning umami bomb. At St Kai, there's drinks aplenty too: standout coffee, tea and matcha, plus plenty of room to explore. Ditch your regular latte for something a little more fun, like a bebop with coffee jelly, iced milk and strong espresso.

St Kai, 38 Balmoral Road, Mortdale

Jonathan Gregson

BILL'S, BONDI

It is only fair to give an honourable mention to the reliably lovely Bill's. With that beautiful, glowing, legging-clad Bondi crowd and an aura that screams 'I have my life together', this is not a place to try and bear with a hangover. However, if you're feeling fresh, soak in the beautiful ambiance and feast on the classics — you really can't go wrong. Try the now-iconic ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter (a fluffy heavenly dream); or opt for another signature dish, the sweet corn fritters that come perfectly balanced with a citrusy avocado salsa (hot tip: add bacon). And, if you're looking to really try your luck, wash it down with a spiced bloody mary — start your day right.

Bill's, 79 Hall Street, Bondi Beach

MISC., PARRAMATTA

Proving west is best, Parramatta's new Misc. is pairing an authentic neighbourhood feel with delicious eats that are great to feast on with company or solo. The extensive breakfast menu is curated to keep everyone happy. In the mood for classic-yet-elevated eggs? Hankering for a loaded mushroom toastie (complete with sage butter, gruyere, caramelised onion and pickles)? Hate deciding and looking to share lots of small plates? You're catered for here. There's cilbir (garlicky, yoghurt-y Turkish eggs), complete with a smoky-sweet Aleppo pepper oil and housemade focaccia (to soak up all that saucy goodness). Enjoy it all in this sleek 300-seat venue with plenty of room to settle in either inside or alfresco.

Misc, Little Coogee, Byrnes Avenue, Parramatta

NORMA'S DELI, MANLY

Manly's hottest new venue is serving all the Med goodness you could need for a hangover-free morning meal. You can find the terrazzo-floored beauty on The Corso, complete with vibrant thrum of diners, a stunning tiled logo and — why you're here — a Greek-inspired breakfast. Think pink with the taramasalata toast served with soft boiled eggs, zested lemon, bottarga and chives. Or lean green with the viridescent shakshuka complete with a lashing of citrusy yoghurt. If you really can't decide, opt for the Norma's Platter (for one or two people) which'll have you devour eggs, a selection of fresh housemade bread, buffalo mozzarella, Sicilian olives, cucumber and deli meats — the menu item perfect for when you want to sample all the fresh and quality produce your heart desires.

Norma's Deli, 74–78 The Corso, Manly

SOULMATE, NEWTOWN

For your classic Aussie-cafe vibe, you want to make a beeline for Soulmate. Its corner location (far from the bus-lined King Street and Enmore Road) and thrown-open doors make it the perfect spot to settle in on a sunny Sydney day (though prepare to wait if you weren't first out of bed). Sip on your Single O coffee with a Soulmate B&E (complete with sambal and cheese) or be brave with a black sausage sanga with herb aioli and plenty of kick. There's the tofu scramble for the meat-averse, or beans on toast (a super special plate of charred corn and borlotti beans on top of crunchy toast with pecorino and chilli oil). We're calling it: sans hangover, a classic cafe brekkie never tasted so good.

Soulmate, Unit 12/39 Phillip Street, Newtown

Jack Fenby

A.P BAKERY, SURRY HILLS

Head to the Paramount House Hotel rooftop and stealthily snag a seat at A.P House. The Cali-inspired venue is usually bustling, so it's best to save a visit for a hangover-free day so as not to overwhelm yourself. From 7.30am, Wednesday to Sunday, the team's serving some of the best pastries in the game. Among the lineup there's 'nduja-topped focaccia straight from the oven, buttery croissants with an infinity of layers, warrigal-greens pies and fruity tarts (all optimal for taking away after you've finished your choice from the regularly changing menu). Consider this your warning to come with a good appetite — we doubt you'll be able to decide on just one thing.

A.P Bakery, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills

If you're looking to dine smugly (sans hangover) and drink smarter, head to the website for more information.

Top image: Misc.; Anson Smart, Bill's Bondi