Bitey Delighty

Not only did this breakfast burger hit the spot—it knocked the spot clean into oblivion.

It was a misty, cold morning when my wife and I planned a romantic brunch, and one destination immediately came to mind: the Adelaide Hills. My wife has one non-negotiable criterion when it comes to brunch—the view has to be incredible, and with that, the choice was easy. Verté Kitchen in Mylor.

A gorgeous café, nestled right in the heart of town, surrounded by trees blushing into their autumn colours. We initially searched for a seat inside, but the bustling, cosy interior nudged us outdoors—and thankfully so. The alfresco setting was nothing short of magical.

I needed something warm and hearty to kickstart what promised to be the laziest of Sundays, and there it was, a familiar friend: the bacon and egg brioche roll. Local Balhannah bacon, draped over a perfectly fried egg, blanketed in melted Swiss cheese, with fresh rocket and a smoky house-made relish, all hugged by a sesame brioche bun that looked almost too good to eat.

Paired with a cappuccino served in a mug, the experience deepened. Smooth, velvety, like a warm embrace from a long-lost friend.

I clasped the brioche and felt its softness immediately, as if it might collapse in on itself like a dying star. The bacon was crisp and rich with flavour, the Swiss cheese bringing a savoury depth that stole the spotlight from the very first bite. And then came the relish, smoky, sweet, tangy, a lingering note that danced on the palate long after each bite. It was the kind of flavour you carry with you; I didn’t want to eat anything else that day for fear of losing it.

I paused, looking up as golden leaves drifted lazily to the ground, winter whispering its approach. The setting was breathtaking, matched only by the beauty of my wife beside me.

The only downside? It was gone far too quickly. Devoured in moments. At $18, you might wonder if it should be more substantial—but what you come to realise is that in the Adelaide Hills, you’re also paying for the experience. And this one? A perfect 10 out of 10.

With our bellies warm, like sitting by a fireplace with a good book—we wandered into the adjoining shop, filled with handcrafted treasures and charming trinkets that begged to be taken home.

Verté Kitchen is a place that feels timeless, no matter the season, and one I can already tell I’ll return to, again and again.