The Australians Are Taking Over The NYC Restaurant Scene — And It's Delicious

The New York City food scene has been skewing more plant-based and (to borrow from Bon Appétit) healthy-ish than ever before, and we're loving it.

At some point during our quest to eat all the avocado toast in the tri-state area, we noticed a smaller trend of sunny, casual, and fresh food-forward restaurants and cafés that all happened to be Australian (and yes, all have avo toast on their menus).

Five Leaves owner Jud Mongell says he likes to focus on "fresh, high-quality cuisine paired with an impeccable coffee and cocktail program, but with the atmosphere of a very casual, fun neighborhood hangout." Sweatshop's co-founder, Luke Woodard adds that it's all about the "Melbourne-esque aesthetic and feel from a coffee point of view, coupled with some classic Aussie brekkie options, and a super-chilled vibe." I of course, think it all comes down to the avocado toast.

This cool little spot in Williamsburg takes its coffee seriously and has a menu that we just want to keep coming back to.

Food options include açai bowls with coconut yogurt, a great Avo Smash, and a selection of jaffles (a pressed grilled cheese) including a vegemite option, for the homesick Australians and the adventurous.

An mbg staff favorite, Two Hands has breakfast salads, açai bowls, and matcha lattes on lock. They do a great banana milkshake, too (which is a key component of a good breakfast menu for my husband).

Named after a street in Melbourne, Little Collins offers up lots of yummy things on toast and bread. We would happily eat their avocado toast, banana bread toast with ricotta and berries, and butternut squash sandwich on the regular.

Killer brunch, great burgers, and a space you just want to be in, Five Leaves is a perfect example of why New Yorkers are gravitating toward Australian-inspired restaurants.

This restaurant is an all-day operation that transitions easily from good coffee and breakfast to a glass of wine and dinner.

Its sister restaurant, Ruby’s, is one of the original Aussie spots in NYC, opening in 2003. Unfussy and satisfying dishes like avocado toast and the pesto rice bowl are a perfect match for the laid-back atmosphere.

Not to be confused with Momofuku Milk Bar, this is another great spot for coffee and a chilled-out breakfast. Are you noticing a pattern yet?

Owner Alexander Hall also owns Bluebird Coffee Shop in Manhattan.

Its name and inspiration come from a street in Melbourne where you’ll find lots of restaurants and cafés among amazing street art. With a menu that effortlessly combines avocado toast, a classic burger with “The Lot,” and a coconut curry laksa, you'll want to hang out at Flinders Lane all day long.

The combination of a Melbourne coffee culture experience and dishes like pumpkin pancakes and house-made granola make this collection of cafés a favorite for those looking for a healthy breakfast and a superior caffeine boost.