It’s my favourite way to eat: a rainbow of ingredients fanned out over a plate, ready for a choose-your-own-adventure morning meal. One bite it’s a boiled egg, bright pickle and sharp cheese, the next it’s buttered bread with jam. There’s nothing better.

Why? Because, as former Broadsheet editor Tomas Telegramma says, “bits and pieces are better than bacon and eggs”.

This picnicky way of eating is on many a Sydney menu. There are Middle Eastern versions at an inner-west favourite, salmon-stacked ones near the city and a few by the beach. Dig in.

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Ken’s Continental, Rushcutters Bay

This Bayswater Road beaut is from the Bones Ramen and Farmhouse team, and it needs to be on your hit list. The continental deli plate brings a selection of deli cuts (Whole Beast’s fennel salami and a jamon, maybe) along with local cheeses, house-made pickles, olives and an egg. The slab of baguette just fits on the plate.

Theeca, Darlinghurst

At the newly renovated all-day spot, crowds form for the singular crème fraîche-topped pancake and brekkie pasta. But we think the smoked salmon picnic plate is the real star. The blushing fish is joined by taramasalata, house pickles, a boiled egg and lots of fresh stuff (wavy slices of oxheart tomato, radicchio and potato salad). Add a whack of avo if you want more.

Kaska, Darlinghurst

“Kaska” translates roughly to “classic”, “ancient” or “traditional”, which is exactly the MO at this Darlo spot from the co-founder of Potts Point hotspot Pina. The ploughman’s here is a top seller, and for good reason: there’s a colourful apple and walnut slaw, house-made pickles, Maffra cheddar, a boiled egg and a slice of Fiore sourdough. The team can make it vegetarian, too.

Superfreak, Marrickville

At what one editor feels is Sydney’s coolest cafe, two from the Soulmate team are dishing up a menu designed by Aplenty’s Michaela Johansson. The Scandi-style breakfast plate brings a thin slice of rye toast, a whiff of whipped butter, pickles, jammy egg, Comté and radish. Simple. Delicious. All you could want.

Noon, Manly

This beachside corner joint is one of the city’s best new cafes of the year, and its house-cured trout plate is one of the reasons why. Joining the fish is a boiled egg, a slice of hempseed loaf and Turkish tzatziki, the stuff of minimalist breakfast dreams.

Norma’s Deli, Manly

The whole menu at this “big, fat Greek deli” on the northern beaches – from the Rollers team – is simply excellent. Opt for the Norma’s platter to get into a dippable serve of labneh, jammy eggs, a herby tomato and cucumber salad, mozzarella and a pile of olives – plus your choice of protein.

Shenkin, Erskineville

The TLV brekkie at this inner-west haunt is an old faithful for those who like to snack – it’s been on the menu for years. Eggs-your-way start it off, and they’re joined by a hearty spread circling a dish of zesty salad. There are warm, fluffy slices of pita, plus a fan of avocado, olives, goat’s cheese and smoked salmon. A spoonful of spicy whizzed-up coriander is an ace addition.

Frank’s Deli, Waverley

It’s a Polish ploughman’s at this little Bronte Road joint. Your choice of ham, hot smoked salmon, mushrooms or Polish sausage comes with a soft-boiled egg, scoop of salad, slice of cheddar and some pickles – plus a slice of bread and a golden round of Pepe Saya butter.