For the past few years, Salisbury has been known primarily for its concentration of killer craft-beer breweries. While the suburb remains a stalwart of ice-cold suds, Salisbury’s percolating cafe scene has grown into a point of pride for many locals, with long-running caffeine stations like Supernumerary, Hedge Espresso, Cups and Wells and Reload Espresso Bar keeping residents energised.

In early January, Salisbury’s cadre of brunch spots grew further with the arrival of Natura Cafe – a slick, family- and dog-friendly noshery that opened towards the front of a light-industrial park on McCarthy Road, just a short coffee bean toss from Ballistic Beer Co. The light-filled space boasts a minimalist design scheme, with rendered concrete and a curved, crazy pave-tiled coffee counter offset by tan leather banquettes, rattan furniture and potted greenery. Boasting room for 30 patrons inside and more across an al fresco dining area, the cafe has seats for plenty of bums. Which is good, as Natura has been pumping since its doors first opened.

The operators behind the cafe are putting years of hospitality experience to good use, creating a crowd-pleasing menu that stretches from all-day breakfast through to afternoon eats. Diners can sit down to classic brunch fare like eggs Benny, avocado toast, acai bowls, pancakes and breakfast burgers, but an early stand-out has been the Big Greek Breakfast – a hunger-busting feed featuring eggs, haloumi, bacon, mushrooms, pork skewers, spinach, hash browns and grilled tomato. On the drinks front, Natura’s caffeine supply comes from local roasting outfit Stel Coffee, while the cafe’s beverage menu also includes fresh juices, smoothies and milkshakes.

In the afternoon, Natura’s menu expands to include a range of lunch options. Flat-press paninis are the cafe’s signature, with an olive-oil blend bread from Brasserie Bread offering the perfect crunch. Fillings range from a banh mi-style number (with crispy pork, sliced carrot and cucumber, coriander, Maggi seasoning and mayo) to spicy tuna melts, fried-chicken paninis and a mezze-inspired option (prociutto, stracciatella, pistachio paste, olive oil and balsamic vinegar). Non-panini options include souvlaki plates (featuring your choice of locally sourced chicken or lamb) and a clutch of salads.

Be sure to have a peek inside the cabinet – not only will you find more grab-and-go morsels, but also what many customers are calling the best vanilla slice in Brisbane. Don’t believe us? The house-made slabs have been consistently selling out every day, so there must be some truth to the matter. You’ll just have to pop in and try for yourself.

Head to the Stumble Guide for Natura Cafe’s operating hours and social media links.