While smashed avocado has well and truly had its day in the sun, at Arketa Cafe in Mermaid Waters it’s all about the hash avo, which is topped with the venue’s own house-made fetta, rocket and a poached egg. The crowd-pleasing dish is just one of the culinary delights that locals have been flocking to try at the new daytime eatery. Translated to mean ‘pretty’ in Greek, Arketa is the handiwork of Iszaya Bryant alongside partner Keeley Wildman. Their vision was to create a friendly, family-oriented space where you can bring your kids and your dogs and enjoy excellent coffee and even better food. The deck area is bathed in sunlight for you to bask in your morning brew and there’s a bar with stools for those who are waiting to grab and go. Those with little humans in tow, there’s a small nook with a soft mat and toys to keep them occupied, and if you bring your furry mate, be sure to have their picture taken for the wall and order them a little treat from the special doggy menu.

When it comes to the people menu, Justin, the venue’s head chef, trained in Dubai and has taken the reins to curate an extensive menu that ranges from light to delightfully decadent with the likes of truffle-infused scrambled eggs. The breakfast bruschetta (toasted Turkish topped with sauteed mushrooms, Spanish onion, tomatoes, bacon, avo and a poached egg drizzled with herb oil has been a popular option so far, while those with a sweet tooth should definitely stick a fork into the buttermilk pancakes topped with berry compote and vanilla bean ice-cream, drenched in maple syrup. Those who prefer midday morsels can wrap their mitts around a wagyu burger or BLAT, which is served with house fries, alongside salads and a selection of acai bowls. To keep things exciting, Justin has plans to change the menu every three months, ensuring there will always be something new and delicious to try. One thing Iszaya and Keeley are passionate about is supporting local, family-owned businesses, which is why you will often find Keeley running plates and Iszaya assisting the kitchen team on weekends. Brisbane’s Wolff Coffee Roasters flows through the machines, keeping locals well caffeinated and happy.

Arketa Cafe is now open! Head to our Stumble Guide for opening times.