Rise and Shine, It's Brunch Time: Inventive Dishes for Your Next Gathering

Janice Kuz • February 3, 2026

Why Creative Brunch Menus Hit Different

A vibrant breakfast spread featuring pancakes with ice cream and edible flowers, eggs benedict, and fresh fruit smoothies from a creative brunch menu.

Let's be real: most brunch menus are a snooze-fest. Same old scrambled eggs, same old toast. But brunch shouldn't be boring. It's the weekend (or your version of it), and you deserve food that actually makes you excited to get out of bed. A truly creative brunch menu serves an experience, striking that perfect balance between comforting classics and bold, unexpected flavours.

What makes a menu stand out?

  • Classic dishes with a twist: We take beloved staples and give them a fresh spin, like Eggs Benedict with pesto hollandaise.
  • Bold flavour pairings: Our menu isn't afraid to mix sweet and savoury, like maple syrup with crispy bacon.
  • Inclusive options: We offer delicious vegetarian (V) and gluten-free optional (GFO) dishes that don't compromise on taste.
  • Rotating specials: We keep things exciting with monthly limited-time creations.
  • Drinks that wow: Our beverage menu includes everything from specialty coffee and creative cold foams to beer after 10am.

I'm Janice Kuz , and after 20+ years in hospitality, I opened The Nines with one mission: to create a creative brunch menu that makes people say, "damn, that's good." We're talking flavour-packed dishes, generous portions, and a vibe that's anything but boring. At The Nines, we don't just follow trends, we set them, and every dish is designed to make your morning one to remember.

Handy Creative brunch menu terms:

The Anatomy of a Creative Brunch Menu

So, what goes into crafting a creative brunch menu that keeps people talking? At The Nines, it's a mix of tradition, innovation, and a whole lotta love for good food. We get what makes brunch special and then dial it up to eleven. From reimagining classics to playing with unexpected flavours and making sure everyone feels welcome, here's the lowdown on what makes a brunch menu truly shine.

Start with the Classics, Then Add a Twist

You can't have brunch without the classics, but "classic" doesn't mean "boring." We take beloved staples and give them a fresh spin, and no dish gets more royal treatment than the mighty Eggs Benedict. At The Nines, we perfected our "Benny Trilogy," three distinct versions of the icon designed to hit every craving.

Each Benny comes with perfectly poached eggs, fresh spinach, creamy avocado, and a golden hash brown on toasted sourdough. The only question is, which one's your vibe?

  • For the purists, the Eggs Benedict Bacon is the classic done right: crispy, golden bacon layered under a generous pour of our silky hollandaise. It’s a full-send of flavour that never disappoints.
  • For a touch of indulgence, our Eggs Benedict Smoked Salmon is where it's at. Delicate smoked salmon and velvety hollandaise make this a rich, damn good classic.
  • For our veggie mates, the Eggs Benedict Mushroom (V) is a total reimagining. We use roasted garlic thyme mushrooms for an earthy depth and pair them with a special pesto hollandaise. It’s a vibrant, herbaceous twist that even meat-lovers can’t resist.

This trilogy shows how a classic can be reinvented while keeping its soul. We don't do boring, ya know?

Get Playful with Sweet, Savoury, and Unexpected Flavours

A creative brunch menu knows life is about balance, especially the dance between sweet and savoury. It’s not about choosing a side; it’s about having the best of both worlds, sometimes on the same plate! At The Nines, we love getting playful with flavours to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting.

Golden pancakes served with a scoop of melting ice cream and floral garnishes, illustrating a sweet and creative brunch menu option.

Our Pancakes (V) are pure weekend joy. We take a fluffy, golden stack and load it with crispy maple bacon bits for that next-level sweet and salty combo. Then we add grilled banana, candied walnuts, vanilla ice cream, and a full send of maple syrup. It's an epic feed that fills your belly and your camera roll.

If you're after a fruity, zesty kick, our Waffle (V) is calling your name. This house-made masterpiece starts with tender blueberry poached pears and zesty lemon curd for a bright contrast. We add a vibrant blueberry compote, delicate meringue snow, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Is it art or breakfast? We say, why not both?

These dishes represent our commitment to a menu that caters to every sweet streak. If you're a fan of the sweeter things, you'll find plenty to love. Check out our faves here: Sweet Brunch Favourites at The Nines Maroochydore. Come get your nom nom on!

Don't Forget the Drinks (and the Vibes)

What's an epic brunch without the perfect sip? A creative brunch menu extends to the entire beverage experience. Drinks are a huge part of the social ritual, and at The Nines, that means specialty coffee, playful cold foams, fresh juices, and even a cheeky beer after 10am.

At The Nines, we've got your drink game covered. We pour the local Vintage Black blend by Tim Adams, and our baristas craft specialty coffee that's both delicious and Instagram-worthy.

But we don't stop at coffee. Our menu features a whole spectrum of sips, from vibrant cold foams like Ube Taro to fresh juices pumped full of goodness. Our thick shakes and smoothies are always a hit, too.

And for the real ones who know how to brunch? We've got beer after 10 am. We're all about that relaxed Sunshine Coast vibe, so enjoying a brew with your Benny is highly encouraged. It's all part of the social experience, making catch-ups with mates even better. Our drinks menu is designed for lingering longer and enjoying good company. The Nines is where you'll find Epic Feeds, Brunch Vibes, Alcohol After 10am? Absolutely!

Keep it Fresh: The Secret to a Truly Creative Brunch Menu

The secret to a truly creative brunch menu is to keep evolving. At The Nines, our "We Don't Do Boring" philosophy comes to life through our rotating monthly specials.

It all starts with our incredible kitchen team and baristas. We listen to what our customers are craving and watch online trends, then our team puts their own fun, creative twist on new concepts. It's a way for them to express their passion and experiment with flavours that might even become menu staples.

Our specials are about creating an exclusive experience. We've had some absolute bangers, like our decadent Dubai Chocolate Pancakes and innovative drinks like the Ube Taro Cold Foam. These limited-time offers create a sense of excitement, making each visit a unique adventure. You have to get 'em while you can, because once they're gone, they're gone. This ensures our menu is always dynamic, and you'll never have a boring brunch with us.

A Creative Brunch Menu Should Welcome Everyone

A truly creative brunch menu is also about inclusivity. Everyone deserves a damn good brunch, which is why we've packed our menu with delicious vegetarian (V) and gluten-free optional (GFO) dishes that never compromise on taste.

Our Avo Toast (V, GFO) is a local favourite for a reason. It’s a veggie-packed masterpiece with creamy avocado, roasted beetroot, house dukkah, and poached eggs on toasted sourdough (or GFO bread).

For a lighter but satisfying option, our Pumpkin Salad (V, GFO) is a main event. It features roasted pumpkin and beetroot, pearl couscous, fetta, cherry tomatoes, and avocado with a refreshing dill dressing.

And for a hearty feed, our Aussie Burg (GFO) is a game-changer. A juicy beef brisket patty is loaded with cheese, beetroot, a fried egg, and grilled pineapple on a toasted milk bun (or GFO bun), served with GFO shoestring fries.

We also have options for the little ones, because family fun and great food go hand-in-hand. Our commitment to inclusivity means everyone can find an epic feed on our menu. Dive deeper into our brekky goals here: Sunshine Coast Brekky Goals: 5 Dishes You Can't Miss at The Nines.

Your Next Brunch Adventure Awaits

So there you have it, the lowdown on what makes a creative brunch menu special and how we bring that magic to life at The Nines Emporium in Maroochydore. We're all about creating an experience that's anything but boring.

Brunch should be a celebration. Our commitment to a "dressed to the nines" presentation means every dish looks as good as it tastes. It's all part of the cozy, fun community vibe that keeps our locals coming back.

Whether you're after a hearty start, a light bite, or a cheeky beer with your mates after 10 am, our menu has something for everyone. We're here to make your Maroochydore brunch dreams a reality.

Ready to dive into an epic feed? Come on down to The Nines. We can't wait to welcome you! Check out our full menu and plan your visit!

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