40 Of The Best Breakfast Cafes On The Gold Coast In 2025
If there’s one thing Gold Coasters are equally proud of as our glittering coastline, it’s our love for a beautifully crafted breakfast. So consider my top 40 picks for the best Gold Coast breakfast cafes your reason to rise at dawn alongside the fresh loaves being summoned across our sweet city.
Narrowing down the spots that serve some of the best breakfasts on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country hasn’t been an easy task, yet here they are—a swag of cafes I believe you should have been to if you live on the Gold Coast and if you're just visiting, consider this your ultimate breakfast hit-list.
The Gold Coast's Best Cafes At A Glance
Northern Gold Coast Cafes
Rise Bakery
Shop 4, 1 Masthead Way, Hope Island QLD 4212
Open 7 days, 7am - 4pm
A godsend for our Northern Gold Coast friends, Rise Bakery is certainly more bakery than café, but who said you can’t have dessert for breakfast? This beautifully designed French bakery in Sanctuary Cove is all about the pastries—which they do damn well.
If you're more of a savoury breakfast person, you're covered with their range of loaded baguettes and tartines. Enjoy your breakfast at one of the chic outdoor tables—order either a coffee or Champagne to pair. Only applause.
INSIDER INTEL
- The vanilla slice is unparalleled, as are the croissants, which are baked fresh daily
- There's breakfast Champagne. This is not a drill
Bear Boy Espresso
502 Hope Island Rd, Helensvale QLD 4212
Open 7 days, 6am-2pm
Image Credit: Bear Boy Espresso | Instagram
Given the vast populous of the Northern Gold Coast, cool cafes are surprisingly few and far between. Which is why you should know about Helensvale's Bear Boy Espresso. I'm lusting over their on-trend colour palette with terracotta splashed throughout and an upbeat vibe. Plus, you cannot beat so many adorable bear references on the menu, including my personal favourite, the Big Bear Benny, served on a chunky potatop hash waffle, with two poached eggs, house hollandaise and sauteed greens.
The ever-bustling energy is perfectly complemented by a seasonal menu currently featuring delights like blueberry white chocolate pancakes with biscuit crumb and blueberry compote, lemon mascarpone and lemon syrup, or the McClucky fried chicken tenders served with Sriracha hollandaise and fresh rocked atop a toasted croissant, and, of course, Single O coffee. If you’re keen to mix up your breakfast routine, Bear Boy Espresso is one of the best cafes on the top end of town and worth the trip north.
INSIDER INTEL
- Their pistachio Mont Blanc made with Bear Boy's house blend iced filter coffee and pistachio cream foam frequents my dreams often
- It's a welcoming atmosphere whith one sought after powerpoint, perfect for laptop working (just keep the orders flowing through your stay)
Terrarium
4/148 Maudsland Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210
Open Tuesday to Saturday 630am-130pm, Sunday 630am - 12pm
Terrarium epitomises the phrase 'hidden gem'—this Oxenford cafe is nestled in the Maudsland bush and is as sweet as they come. Expect simple, yet hearty breakfast dishes and house-baked sweets, like Terrarium's famous lemon cheesecake.
INSIDER INTEL
- You can bring your pooch
Daark Espresso
41 Musgrave Ave, Labrador QLD 4215
Open 7 days, coffee 530am - 230pm, food 530am - 2pm
Guaranteed to draw a crowd for its caffeinated brews, beautifully plated breakfasts and always smiling staff, it’s little wonder Daark Espresso is the busiest cafe on the block in Chirn Park.
A pioneer for smooth coffee on the northern end, once you’ve tried one of the many blends on offer at Daark Espresso, I anticipate you’ll be adding this to your very own list of the best cafes on the Gold Coast in 2025. While the menu changes seasonally, I can't go past the cherry tomato and avocado bruschetta with whipped feta, poached eggs and fresh basil.
INSIDER INTEL
- They serve massive puppachinos for your deserving pooch too
- 10am cocktail clinks are welcomed on the dark side
Cardamom Pod
3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport QLD 4215
Open 7 days, 8am - 3pm
Cardamom Pod in Brickworks Ferry Road is the OG of vegetarian eating on the Gold Coast, where you can enjoy a breakfast and lunch array of Insta-worthy waffles, pancakes, burgers, açai bowls and much more. In my opinion, their inventive menu can do no wrong. From the blinged eggs benny served atop a croissant to the loaded gourmet toastie with zucchini, pesto and so much more, served on sprouted wheat sourdough with a side of roasted chat potatoes.
And don’t forget to leave room for dessert—choose from their range of vegan treats or hefty sweets including banoffee pie, chai cheesecake, tiramisu, vegan ice cream and brownie bars. Or combine the two as I often do.
INSIDER INTEL
- For a work of art on your plate, order the açai bowl with mango mousse, fresh seasonal berries, and a literal mermaid tail
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Hazel Espresso
9 Davenport St, Southport QLD 4215
Open weekdays 7am - 3pm, 7am - 2pm weekends
Image Credit: Hazel Espresso | Instagram
Step inside Hazel Espresso and you’ll quickly forget you’re in the heart of Southport. The gorgeous, caramel-hued cafe is like a hug from an old friend—welcoming, warm and exactly what you were missing.
Hazel Espresso is shaking up the Gold Coast breakfast scene with a tantalising fusion of Vietnamese, Japanese and Australian flavours. The menu is authentically unauthentic, serving up classics like traditional Vietnamese iced coffee and colourful Banh Mi’s, and then mixing it up with dishes like the chill crab scramble served on a toasted croissant and the Japanese-inspired Tamago salad 'sando'.
INSIDER INTEL
- A top contender for Gold Coast's best matcha
Made With Love Bakery
19 Alicia St, Southport QLD 4215
Open 7am - 4pm, Wednesday - Sunday
I'll say it to any one who lends me an ear, Made With Love Bakery is the best breakfast spot on the Gold Coast for vegans. These guys made their way onto the scene around the same time plant-based icon Flour of Life sadly closed its doors. And honestly, we all flocked here thinking there were some serious shoes to follow, which there absolutely were.
This bakery's flaky croissants, deccadent desserts and flavour-bomb pies will make you question everything you know about plant-based eating. Everything's kind of mindblowing in how much it tastes like the real deal. And the vegan cheese here is a complete slay. Just don't order the cheese pie (all of those are mine).
Coffee's always lit, some of the best Chai on the Gold Coast and the custard donuts are epic. I've had this team cater events and they were complete professionals. Who know I could love them even more.
INSIDER INTEL
- It's pooch-friendly outdoors
- Across the road from a field and playground
Hot Shott
3/17 Tedder Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Open 7 days 530am - 4pm
The ever-friendly team at Hot Shott Main Beach let you order anything on the menu, at any time of day. Looking for something light? Opt for granny’s bircher or chia pudding.
Need a heartier breakfast? The trio of breakfast sliders will not disappoint, with three adorable brioche sliders in the flavours of bacon, egg and tomato relish, hash cake BLT and beef patty, onion jam and cheddar cheese. Deliciousness tripled.
INSIDER INTEL
- Jen and the team are considered local royalty in the Main Beach community
- Ultimate people watching locale on the main drag of Tedder Ave
The Winey Cow
5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Open 7 days, 530am - 2pm
The Winey Cow's expansive menu showcases all your classic breakfast and all-day favourites elevated with innovative twists, like a chilli scramble croissant, Norwegian eggs with panko-crumbed eggs and my go-to, the sauteed mixed mushrooms, with porcini and white truffle cream, fried enoki, walnut crumble and a delightfully poached egg. Blissful.
In case you missed it, for $55 you can also indulge in a main meal and an hour of endless mimosas. The cherry on top is the almost-sounds-good-enough-to-eat doggy menu filled with pup-friendly snacks like Peking duck wing and lamb shank bone.
INSIDER INTEL
- This joint originated in 2014 in the Mornington Peninsula, and quickly secured a name for itself as one of the most lauded brunch restaurants in Victoria, before expanding to Queensland
- There's an elite dog menu, featuring lamb shank bones, Peking Duck wings and 36-hour air-dried chicken pops
- Boozy brunches run daily from 10am
First Harvest Coffee
33 Hinkler Dr, Highland Park QLD 4211
Open 6.30am-1.30pm weekdays, 7.30am-1pm weekends
This is my absolute go-to industrial chic cafe to catch up with friends who live in the 'burbs. It works out to be an easy locale and parking's a literaly breeze (it's near Nerang's Bunnings, Guzman, Petbarn, Officeworks area).
Pull up a high stool, or lounge depending on your vibe and settle in for inventive beveraginos like the black sesame iced late, or sunshine and yuki cold brew which tops cold brew with orange zest and cinnamon. A masterpiece.
The menu's mostly jaffles and sings with simplicity which is a winning move. The truffle mushroom chicken is a crowd-fave in my circles.
INSIDER INTEL
- This is set inside a church so Sunday's would likely be poppin'
- There's an enclosed playground inside with a sweet woodern cubby house
Paradox Coffee Roasters
10 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Open 7 days, 7am - 2pm
Tasting as good as it looks, this slicked-back cafe in Surfers Paradise’s The 4217 complex is hard to miss. Cavernous with vaulted ceilings, moody lighting, red brick and industrial finishings, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the kind of cafe that excites those with an appreciation for warehouses and contemporary design.
As expected, the coffee is next-level. Freshly made eats on the menu are simple, seasonal and sourced locally from South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Big fan of the brekky tacos with potato rostie, cheesy scramble, chorizo, fresh coriander and chipotle mayo served on two tortillas.
INSIDER INTEL
- The passionate team roasts bespoke blends and single origin coffee onsite daily, then distributes it to cafes throughout all of eastern Australia
Elk Espresso
12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Open 7 days, 545am-3pm
Image Credit: Elk Espresso | Jade Quinlivan Photography
A long-standing crowd-favourite among the best breakfast cafes on the Gold Coast, starting your morning at the ever-bustling Elk Espresso in Broadbeach makes the day feel sunny side up.
One of the most imaginative seasonal menus in town, every dish is edible artwork on a plate. Right now I can’t go past the watermelon and kiwi panna cotta with Champagne gel and lime coconut yoghurt. If you're stuck on what to order, Elk's famous potato hash with double smoked bacon, avocado, rocket, poached eggs and hollandaise always hits.
INSIDER INTEL
- This cafe is walk-in only, so get in before the brekky rush or in the sweet brunch-zone
- It's where you'll find many an Instagrammable brew with creamy cloud foams
No Name Lane
17-19 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Open 7 days, 530am - 2pm
Image Credit: No Name Lane | Instagram
Tucked away in lush Oracle Boulevard, No Name Lane is a smartly styled Melbourne-esque cafe that dishes up an epic all day breakfast menu with a huge cult following, I'm one of the devout lovers.
Their avocado toast is a classic done right, cleverly loaded with creamy avocado, whipped Meredith goat’s cheese, pickled cucumber, herbs and a hint of lemon on top of fresh sourdough. It's a simple yet satisfying choice that pairs perfectly with their rich, aromatic coffee from local Black Sheep roasters.
INSIDER INTEL
- Come see what their friendly service rep' is all about
- Prepare to be amazed by fast service, even at peak times
Le Vintage Boutique Cafe
1 Kurilpa St, Worongary QLD 4213
Open weekdays 430am-2pm, Saturday 630am-130pm
You know how dogs are so easily distracted, and how they find anything and everything downright fascinating? Well, that’s how you’ll feel at the pet-friendly Le Vintage cafe in Worongary. And actually, you can even bring your pooch.
There’s so much to gaze at while in complete wonderment, from the kooky and colourful mismatched chairs to statement artwork and the glitzy and glorious chandeliers. A simple yet bargain menu and sprawling outdoor area perfect for breakfast in groups, big fans.
INSIDER INTEL
- A laid-back locale for groups
- It's been a chosen locale for reality TV shows
Central Gold Coast Cafes
Bam Bam Bakehouse
2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Open 7 days, 6am - 230pm
Image Credit: Bam Bam Bakehouse | Instagram
The talented team at Bam Bam makes magic out of everything they touch, whether it be flavoursome breakfast dishes or buttery home-baked goodies and dessert pots; paired with a sleek interior that’s up there among the Coast’s most beautiful cafes.
My must-orders? I love the jalapeno and queso fresco sweetcorn fritters and the nasi goreng, which is an unusual yet delicious breakfast option. Don't make the mistake of leaving without a take-home sweet treat. Hands down, one of the best breakfast spots on the Gold Coast in 2025.
INSIDER INTEL
- It opens out onto parklands, if takeaway pastries and a picnic on the lawn is your vibe
- Nutella Choux Bombs are basically a non-negotiable to-go addition
The Milkman’s Daughter
2/43 Alfred St, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Open 7 days 6am - 130pm
Image Credit: Milkman's Daughter | Instagram
Vegetarians, vegans and all breakfast fans alike are well catered for breakfast at the stunning The Milkman’s Daughter in Mermaid Beach.
White washed walls, cosy cushion-lined alcoves and smatterings of greenery set the mood for a healthy start to the day—featuring the likes of breakfast bruschetta and lemon ricotta pancakes that’ll warm your soul from the inside out.
INSIDER INTEL
- Intimate in size, nothing beats the window seat for people watching and chatting with a date for me
- Their ethos of 'eat consciously, live consciously', is reflected in their completely vegetarian menu
Sunnyboy Espresso
168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Open 7 days, 7am - 2/2.30pm
Sunnyboy Espresso is the seaside locale that encapsulates the quintessential Gold Coast lifestyle. It's bright, laid back and big on cheekiness.
Take the Spring menu's blueberry oats, for example. They basically wink at you with their blue-sky base, marching mandarin segments and tiny flowers. All the fine things in life, you know.
Seasonal menus shine with inventive dishes and interestesting additions, like the French Toast Brulee with hibiscus custard, vanilla mascarpone and honeycomb. Head in for a delightful feast.
INSIDER INTEL
- Boozy brunches run from 10am for an hour at $49 per person, no booking needed
- Snag a park by the playground across the road or make this your reward after a morning seaside walk
BSKT
4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Open 7 days, 5am - 230pm
There’s so much to love about this Mermaid Beach institution, which is all about bringing health-conscious food to the masses. Regardless if you’re gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, or otherwise, you’re sure to find something on the BSKT menu that tickles your taste buds.
Even better, BSKT caters for doggos with a special dog-friendly menu and has free wifi so you can kick into work mode while feasting on a top-notch breakfast.
INSIDER INTEL
- Finish off with a dip in the ocean just metres from this stunning breakfast spot and that's your day, sorted
- Cocowhip bowls loaded with seasonal fruit and granola bark are worth the hype
- Dogs are basically worshipped at this cafe
The Oxley
17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Open 7 days, coffee 5am - 3pm, food 6am - 1pm
Image Credit: The Oxley | Instagram
One of the newer additions to the Gold Coast breakfast scene, The Oxley is a boutique dining and lifestyle precinct which marries Gold Coaster’s love of premium dining with a stunning beachside location.
In terms of breakfast, you're covered at Buoy, a sleek cafe from the talented team behind Burleigh instituion, Seadog. However, you'd be missing out if you didn't visit for breakfast and try the cloud-soft ricotta berry pancakes.
INSIDER INTEL
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Serving premium coffee seven days a week, it's one of the few places on the Gold Coast that you can score a coffee after 2:30pm
Blackboard Varsity
240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Open 7 days, 530am - 3pm
Image Credit: Blackboard Varsity | Instagram
Blackboard has spread their magic coffee-roasting fairy dust up and down the Coast, with their notable coffe (Blackboard Coffee) starring on many local coffee menus. Caffeine connoisseur or not, everyone who visits Blackboard’s flagship Varsity Lakes cafe genuinely falls in love.
That’s probably thanks to the ever-changing seasonal menu with some standouts including the next-level eggs benedict, can't-go-past avocado on toast and the decadent line-up of doughnuts and sweet treats in the cabinet. I also love Blackboard is super doggo-friendly with plenty of outdoor seating for poochies. Big fan of getting a takeaway cuppa and going for a trek with the doggo around the lake just across the road.
INSIDER INTEL
- This team supplies brews to 25 cafes across the Gold Coast
- There's a commitment to ethical growers, sustainable farmers and roasting with care
- Park in the gravel parking lot, otherwise most parking in the area is capped at 30 mins - 2 hours
- Follow your feast with a wander around the lake across the road
Side Piece
2 Capital Court, Varsity Lakes 4227 QLD
Open 7 days, 7am - 4pm weekdays, until 3pm weekends
Side Piece is one of the newer breakfast cafes on the Gold Coast, specialising in subs and loaded toasties, or sandos as they like to call them. Forget other sandos you've had, Side Piece is seriously next level.
‘The Sub’, a saucy meatball sub covered in mozzarella cheese, basil and salsa verde all on a toasted baguette is quite simply divine but if that doesn't tickle your fancy, they have you sorted with a plethora of options, including their ‘Build Your Own’ option where they say “Tell us what you want and we’ll slap it on a plate for you”. What more could you ask for?
INSIDER INTEL
- Special feature gigantic cookies roll out monthly
- There's a selection of artisan small goods made onsite available to run away into the sunset with
Palm Springs
1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 7 days, 6am - 230pm
Image Credit: Palm Springs | Brooke Darling Photography
If white-washed interiors and Cali-luxe touches appeal to the interior designer in you, pay a visit to Palm Springs in Burleigh Heads and thank me later.
Putting a Cali-cool twist on brekky and lunch favourites, the menu is pared-back and complemented by top-notch coffee and an extensive array of cold-pressed juices. I love the Cali breakfast burrito for a hefty feed.
Plus, the chilli scramble is also honestly a game-changer. Fluffy and topped with dollops of feta and garnished generously with greens and chilli, I’ve had friends order a second breakfast after seeing this slide out of the kitchen. Seriously.
INSIDER INTEL
- Run by three intrepid Burleigh locals, Palm Springs is one of the Gold Coast's coolest breakfast spots for pimpin’ your Insta
Social Brew
34-36 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 7 days, 6am - 230pm
Located on the ever-bustling James Street, Social Brew pumps out top-notch coffee and banging breakfasts seven days a week to their loyal locals.
The fit-out will draw you in—hanging greenery and twinkling lights tumble from above—and the extensive breakfast and lunch options always keep me coming back for more. There's a reason this place hits even on weekdays.
INSIDER INTEL
- The wellness platter with housemade granola, freuits and honey hoghurt is the perfect date share
Commune
1844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 7 days, 6am - 330pm
I’ll never tire of Burleigh’s beloved and original cafe, Commune, which was acquired by the legendary Blackboard Varsity team.
Whether we’re sinking into the retro lounge chairs, devouring the signature corn fritters with house made chilli jam, or trying to decipher the latest event posters from the vintage layers, there’s a lot to love about this funky breakfast spot.
INSIDER INTEL
- Order the acai bowl with extra peanut butter and thank me later
- Dogs are basically royalty at this joint
Tarte Bakery & Cafe
1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 7 days, 630am - 3pm
Image Credit: Tarte Bakery & Cafe | Brooke Darling Photography
Food envy is guaranteed across the table at the Parisian-inspired Tarte Bakery & Cafe, as you and your brunch pals tuck into plates of miso scrambled eggs sprinkled with fine grated parmesan and togarashi. Or the Bullseye Benny consisting of bacon, poached eggs, house hollandaise and rocket atop Tarte’s NYC Everything bagels.
Pair their eye candy treats with a prime location commanding the corner of the James Street-Burleigh precinct, and you've got one of the Gold Coast's best cafes.
INSIDER INTEL
- Custard shakes are a thing here. Make the vanilla bean and ice cream delight your brekkie treat of choice
- There's all-day brunch and lunch for every appetite
Memorable moments
We Chat With Chloe Watts, Owner Of Tarte
MOST MEMORABLE GOLD COAST RESTAURANT?
Has to be old faithful, Etsu. It's been around for a while now, but it's always consistent, never heavy and always hits the spot. Even at 4:30pm when we take our 2 year old!
FAVOURITE SPOT FOR A DRINK?
I've always loved a drink waterside, ergo Tarte Beach House was born, so I don't think you can beat Rick Shores for a well made cocktail on a sunny afternoon.
WHAT ABOUT A HIDDEN GEM?
Not so hidden anymore, but Franc Jr's always delivers on quality and execution.
Next Door Espresso Burleigh
24 Junction Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open Monday - Saturday 7am-130pm
Image Credit: Next Door Espresso | Instagram
For a taste of the Mediterranean on the Gold Coast, look no further than Next Door Espresso in Burleigh's industrial estate. The alfresco cafe is one of the Gold Coast's most beautiful cafes, with blooms of white flowers falling from above and elegant, understated styling.
Enjoy your favourite organic Moonshine coffee—sourced from the Byron Hinterlands—along with a simple yet delicious all-day menu Monday to Saturday.
INSIDER INTEL
- Once you peel yourself away from this dreamy coffee nook, pop into St Barts adjoining showroom and prepare to wander through the most heavenly homewares and furniture store ever to grace the Coast
Paddock Bakery
20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 7 days, 6am - 3pm
Image Credit: Paddock Bakery | Brooke Darling Photography
You can’t talk about breakfast cafes on the Coast without talking about Paddock Bakery—toad in the hole, dippy eggs served in an egg carton and Nutella-filled pastries of all kinds, to name a few. With its whimsical garden setting, this pretty-as-a-picture old Queenslander-turned-cafe has iconic breakfast dishes and wood-fired baked goods that I turn to time and time again.
Choose from sitting in the cottage, garden, rooftop, loft or barn (yes, it's massive) and then take your time choosing from the expansive all-day menu. If you felt you needed permission to leave with a box of take-home sweet treats, consider this your pass.
INSIDER INTEL
- Don't let the sambal deter you from the toad in a hole, it truly colours the flavour in the best way
Magnolia Lane
1863 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open weekdays 530am - 12pm, weekends 630am - 12pm
Picture this: your curiosity's piqued by an eye-catching feature wall, you venture into white-washed outdoor space and immediately feel like you’ve found your new local. That’s exactly what visiting Magnolia Lane is like.
This building's been a myriad of things over the years. Set just back from Burleigh's bustle, but also so close you can almost hear it, perch up above it all at a window seat and fully immerse yourself in this blonde-timber-lined locale.
The all-day menu is centred around wholesome food that nourishes your body, but it’s also damn delicious, large serving sizes and very Instagrammable. Magnolia Lane takes their coffee very seriously and serves only the finest beans from Melbourne based Inglewood Coffee Roasters.
INSIDER INTEL
- If Italian Deli Sandwiches are your love language, here's where to grab your next bite
Southern Gold Coast Cafes
Barefoot Barista
15 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Open Monday - Saturday 5am - 3pm, Sunday 6am - 3pm &
794 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223
Open 7 days, 6am - 3pm
There’s no denying I, along with the Urban List team, adore Barefoot Barista and the fact that they operate two ever-pumping venues is a sure sign of their Coast-wide popularity. Both of their cafes are sleek, pared-back and will transport you to a neighbourhood cafe in Melbourne.
Think—polished concrete floors, industrial accents, busy barista bars and kitchens slinging some of the absolute best breakfasts on the Gold Coast. It’s little wonder this is a standout favourite among the locals; if I could eat at Barefoot Barista every day of the week, I 100% would.
INSIDER INTEL
- This talented crew also run Bruce from their Currumbin locale serving up fresh bites, big beach vibes and a bunch of beers, you know, perfect for celebrations
Custard Canteen
1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Open 7 days, 6am - 230pm
Image Credit: Custard Canteen | Brooke Darling Photography
You’ll smell Custard Canteen the moment you step out of your car, with baked buttery goodness wafting on the salty sea breezes next to Tallebudgera Creek. The talented team of breakfast chefs are ready to arm you with treats 5:30am until 2:30pm 7 days a week.
Custard Canteen's specialty is authentic, buttery Portugese tarts and the all-day brekky menu is made to eat with your hands, so you can order to takeaway and enjoy under your umbrella at the creek, or bask in the outdoor, picnic-style ambiance at the cafe.
You can also pre-order sweet treats and bake-at-home goodies. No one will know you didn't make it from scratch.
INSIDER INTEL
- QR Code bookings for extra chatting time with your crew
- Nearby Murlong Park hits for the perfect creekside spot to chow down without the crowds
- Or wander across the bridge to access a special protected beach on the southern side of Burleigh Headland
Tarte Beach House
Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin QLD 4223
Open weekdays 630am - 3pm, weekends 630am - 5pm
Image Credit: Tarte Beach House | Pandanus Lane
This two-storey coastal Hamptons-esque bakery and restaurant from the Tarte Bakery crew is as gorgeous as it is primely located. Its seamless marriage of Hamptons style and Parisian touches are complemented by a direct waterfront view of the Currumbin Creek vista. So, yes it’s heavenly.
Tarte’s standout breakfast menu is unlike anything else on the Gold Coast and encompasses a slew of modern takes on a French, New York and Australian dining medley. If there's only one thing you eat, the steak’n’frites sandwich with grilled wagyu, shoestring fries and housemade chimichurri on a semi-sourdough baguette is sublime.
INSIDER INTEL
- High teas at the Tea Garden out back hit different. Towering sweats, savoury indulgence and a sublime setting
- Everyday there's bottomless mimosas from 10am for 1 hour 15 mins, and it's only $39 per person
Refinery Coffee
37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Open weekdays 630am - 2pm, weekends 7am - 2pm
Image Credit: Refinery Coffee | Kaitlin Maree Photography
This Currumbin industrial estate-based cafe is set in a beachy, sundrenched setting. Relaxed yet attentive service is a refreshing addition to your next breakfast date or hunt for slurp-worthy caffeinated liquid goods.
Expect to find Asian-style twists on classic breakfast dishes—like the crispy savoury rice waffles with grilled kale, soy-marinated boiled egg, pickled yuzu daikon and vegan miso mayo. Special dishes and dishes pop up on the reg, like the recently added iced macha float for silky scoops that articulate happiness.
INSIDER INTEL
- Bottomless mimosa brunch runs for 1.5 hours for $62 including a main meal. It’s 5pm somewhere, right?
- They're under new management as of late 2025, head in to continue the love
- It's dog-friendly outside
Pasture & Co.
2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley QLD 4223
Open 7 days, 7am - 3pm
Image Credit: Pasture & Co. | Instagram
Nestled in the stunning Currumbin Valley, Pasture & Co is a family-friendly cafe which prides itself on using only local, organic and sustainbly-sourced ingredients. Kick back on the lawn under the shade of a sprawling tree and dive into delights like shakshuka, zucchini and potato rostie and cold soba noodle salad.
Prepare to be truly amazed by the incredible work of art which is the sky-high lemon meringue pie. It’s near impossible to look away (and yes, you can order a whole one).
INSIDER INTEL
- This is my go-to spot after a day of waterfall chasing at Currumbin Rockpools or Cougal Cascades
- Dogs are not allowed here as Pasture & Co. is part of a conservation area
- There's an onsite bathhouse, GROUND
Stable Coffee And Kitchen
570 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun QLD 4224
Open 7 days a week for coffee 6am-230pm and food 7am - 2pm
The beating heart of the Cornerstone Stones complex, Stable Coffee and Kitchen is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cafes in town, hands down. You’ll be crushing on Stable’s blush pink stone-top island table—the perfect Instagram backdrop for your breakfast plate—retractable floor-to-ceiling windows, courtyard seating, oak wood accents and artwork by local creative Claudio Kirac.
While you’re there, tuck into some of the most wholesome and artistically-presented breakfast and lunch dishes around, best followed by a spot of retail therapy at the adjoining boutiques. Vegans, vegetarians and gluten free friends will be well catered for here.
INSIDER INTEL
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The lawn's perfect for families
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Dogs are invited
Niche & Co.
449 Golden Four Dr, Tugun QLD 4224
Open Monday to Thursday 630am - 2pm, Friday to Sunday 630am - 230pm
Image Credit: Niche & Co | Instagram
While there’s no denying you can get an acai bowl from every other cafe these days, there’s something to be said about Niche & Co.’s infectious passion for the Brazilian super berry.
For these guys, acai is not a fad; it’s a way of life. Acai bowls with salted caramel, espresso, peanut butter and more—they’ve thought of it all.
INSIDER INTEL
- The vegan-friendly menu is not only nourishing but also boasts very generous serving sizes—I'm a sucker for the massive roasted vegetable toastie
Little Mali Tuckshop
237 Boundary St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Open weekdays 530am - 2pm, weekends 530am - 3pm
Little in name, big in nature (and servings). Meet Little Mali. In the heart of Rainbow Bay, this super-casual cafe serves up top-notch coffee and some of the best acai bowls I've had the pleasure of devouring.
They serve a variety of classic lunch and breakfast winners, all of which can be packaged up for takeaway and taken to chow down on the nearby beachfront. Little Mali has garnered a cult-like following on the Southern Gold Coast; one visit and you'll understand why.
INSIDER INTEL
- It moonlights as a taqueria Thursday - Saturday nights
Kefi Cafe
Cnr Griffith & McDonald St, Coolangatta, QLD 4225
Open 7 days, 6am - 2pm
'Kefi', derived from the Greek word that embodies the sense of joy, is exactly how I would describe this bright Coolangatta cafe. The Mediterranean-inspired cafe is founded on the principle of serving soul-nourishing food made with love, and once you dig into a plate of their Turkish eggs, you’ll understand the ‘made with love’ part.
Breakfast stars include the Kefi hotcakes with lemon whipped ricotta, fresh berries, maple and pistachio blanc anglaise; Muhammara avo with sliced avocado, whipped ricotta, dukkah, house pesto, muhammara and kale; and Turkish eggs with cumin yoghurt, chilli butter, sumac onions, crispy chickpeas and flatbread.
INSIDER INTEL
- The matchamisu honestly deserves more clout
- The cheese that sits atop the Croque Madame sambo with leg ham and bechamel is flamed and topped with an egg for extra height and an interesting as all heck bite
Sun Devil Coffee Bar
30 Bay St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Open Friday - Wednesday, 7am - 1pm
It's the Americana fever dream tuched inside a grungy thrift store that's had tongues wagging since it first opened.
Sun Devil Coffee Bar was founded by smooth-talking Arizona-bred Alex Boyce (think strapping cowboy) in early 2025.
It's Western grit and cowboy-core meets Gold Coast cool and if it's a coffee experience you're after, this is your spot. Staff knoweledge is unmatched and beverages are so alluring that one visit will never be enough. Then again, neither will ten visits.
INSIDER INTEL
- Alex and his team have certainly nailed the daytime crowd, and word on the street is they’ve got plans to extend into evening service soon
- The Sundevil Special went viral for a perfectly good reason
The Bread Social
12 Bay St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Open 7 days, 6.30am - 3pm
Scattered across the Gold Coast (there's actually a Currumbin and Isle of Capri arm too), The Bread Social will absolutely ruin supermarket bread for you.
It offers one of the most impressive pastry cabinets on the enture Gold Coast, which will make you forget that you originally stopped by just for a coffee.
INSIDER INTEL
- Order the sweet and savoury seasonal danishes if you get a chance at time of writing it includes the rosemary, lime and pineapple masterpiece
Dayo Cafe
118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Open 7 days, 6.30am - 3pm
It's the riverfront Filipino fusion cafe that's garnered a loyal fan-base despite its recent late 2025 opening. But Dayo's Ube latte literally blew our minds.
From longganisa breaky muffins that look like the Mc version, to fried chicken and waffles that set the scene for a memorable hang with mates, Dayo can do no wrong.
INSIDER INTEL
- Try the matcha French toast for a gooey strawberry and dreams experience
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Main image credit: Palm Springs | Brooke Darling Photography
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