Gold Coast cafes are as abundant as the tanned bodies on our beaches. If there is one thing we’re equally proud as of as our glittering coastline, it’s our love for good coffee, beautifully crafted breakfasts and the humble weekend brunch.
Narrowing down the haunts that are serving some of the best breakfasts on the Gold Coast hasn’t been an easy task, yet here they are—a swag of cafes you should have been to if you live on the Gold Coast and if you're just visiting then this your ultimate breakfast hit-list. The Urban List team has got you covered from north to south with 35 of the best breakfasts on the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language region in 2024.
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North Gold Coast Cafes
Central Gold Coast Cafes
South Gold Coast Cafes
North Gold Coast Cafes
Rise Bakery
Shop 4, 1 Masthead Way, Hope Island QLD 4212
A godsend for our Northern Gold Coast friends, Rise Bakery is certainly more bakery than cafe, but who said you couldn't have dessert for breakfast? This beautifully designed French bakery in Sanctuary Cove is all about the pastries—and they do them damn well.
The vanilla slice is unparalleled, as are the croissants which are baked fresh daily. If you're more of a savoury breakfast, 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. We won't judge.
Bear Boy Espresso
502 Hope Island Rd, Helensvale QLD 4212
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. We’re lusting over their on-trend colour palette with terracotta splashed throughout and an upbeat vibe.
The ever-bustling energy is perfectly complemented by a seasonal menu currently featuring delights like chicken and waffles, wild mushroom gnocchi, savoury mince, loaded acai bowls 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.
Terrarium
4/148 Maudsland Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210
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. This homely cafe is a top spot to check out on the Northern Gold Coast.
Daark Espresso
41 Musgrave Ave, Labrador QLD 4215
Guaranteed to draw a crowd with 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, we anticipate you’ll be adding this to your list of the best cafes on the Gold Coast in 2024. While the menu changes seasonally, we can't go past the cherry tomato and avocado bruschetta with whipped feta, poached eggs and fresh basil. Oh, and they serve massive puppachinos for your deserving pooch too.
Cardamom Pod
3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport QLD 4215
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, acai bowls and much more. Their inventive, Indian-influenced menu includes unique twists on traditionally non-vegan meals like the healthy benny with avo on sweet potato discs with tempe, sautéed baby spinach, field mushroom, cashew hollandaise sauce and grilled tomato.
And don’t forget to leave room for dessert—choose from their range of vegan treats, banoffee pie, snickers, chai cheesecake, tiramisu, vegan ice cream and brownie bars. It's all delicious and good for you and the planet too.
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Hazel Espresso
9 Davenport St, Southport QLD 4215
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'.
Hot Shott
3/17 Tedder Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
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.
The Winey Cow
5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
One of the Gold Coast's newer cafes, The Winey Cow 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.
The 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 waffled French croissant with wild berry coulis. 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.
Paradox Coffee Roasters
10 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
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 a lusting desire for warehouses and contemporary design.
What else excites us about Paradox? Yep, it’s the coffee. The passionate team roasts at their onsite commercial roastery daily and spreads their caffeinated joy to cafes throughout all of eastern Australia. Their bespoke blends and single origin coffees are truly phenomenal and absolutely worth a visit.
Elk Espresso
12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
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 feels like a warm, welcoming hug.
One of the most imaginative menus in town that changes seasonally, every dish is edible artwork on a plate. Right now we can’t go past the cherry cheesecake french toast (yes, it's a thing) and blackberry panna cotta. If you're stuck on what to order, Elk's famous potato hash with double smoked bacon, avocado, rocket, poached eggs and hollandaise is a no-brainer.
No Name Lane
17-19 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
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, and for good reason.
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.
Le Vintage Boutique Cafe
1 Kurilpa St, Worongary QLD 4213
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.
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. Plus there’s Merlo coffee and a simple yet awesome menu at a bargain price.
Central Gold Coast Cafes
Bam Bam Bakehouse
2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
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.
Our must-orders? We 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 2024.
The Milkman’s Daughter
2/43 Alfred St, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Milkman's Daughter | Instagram
Vegetarians, vegans and all breakfast fans alike are well catered for at the stunning The Milkman’s Daughter in Mermaid Beach.
White washed walls, cosy alcoves lined with cushions 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. We dig their ethos of 'eat consciously, live consciously', which is reflected in their completely vegetarian menu.
BSKT
4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
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 tastebuds.
Even better, BSKT caters for doggos with a special dog-friendly menu and has free Wi-Fi so you can kick into work mode while feasting on a top-notch breakfast. Finish off with a dip in the ocean just metres from this stunning breakfast spot and that's your day, sorted.
The Oxley
17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: The Oxley | Instagram
One of the newest 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. Serving premium coffee from 5am to 5pm seven days a week, it's one of the few places on the Gold Coast that you can score a coffee after 3pm. However, you'd be missing out if you didn't visit for breakfast and try the cloud-soft ricotta berry pancakes.
Blackboard Varsity
240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Image Credit: Blackboard Varsity | Instagram
Blackboard has spread their magic coffee-roasting fairy dust up and down the Coast, with Blackboard Coffee starring on many local coffee menus. Coffee connoisseur or not, everyone who visits Blackboard’s flagship Varsity Lakes cafe always 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. We also love Blackboard is super doggo-friendly with plenty of outdoor seating for your pooch to slurp down their puppachino.
Side Piece
2 Capital Court, Varsity Lakes 4227 QLD
Side Piece is one of the Gold Coast's newer cafes, 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 simly divine but if that doesn't tickle your fancy, Side Piece has you sorted with not only with their many other sandos but also 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? Oh, and it's pet-friendly too.
Palm Springs
1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
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 us later. Run by three intrepid Burleigh locals, Palm Springs is one of the Gold Coast's coolest breakfast spots for pimpin’ your Insta.
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. We love the Cali breakfast burrito for when you're after a hefty feed.
Social Brew
34-36 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
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 will keep you coming back for more. There's a reason you'll be hard pressed to get a seat here any weekend day.
Commune
1844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
We’ll never tire of Burleigh’s beloved and original cafe, Commune, which has recently been 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. Pro tip: order the acai bowl with extra peanut butter and thank us later.
Tarte Bakery & Cafe
1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
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 and the Bullseye Benny consisting of bacon, poached eggs, house hollandaise and rocket atop Tarte’s NYC Everything bagels.
Luring crowds from all corners of the Gold Coast (and far beyond), Tarte’s offerings are the ultimate mouth and eye candy. Pair that 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.
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
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. Once you peel yourself away from your 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
Image Credit: Paddock Bakery | Brooke Darling Photography
You can’t talk about breakfast on the Coast without talking about Paddock Bakery—toad in the hole, dippy eggs and Nutella bots, 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 we 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 chooseing from the expansive all-day menu. Make sure you don't leave without a box of take-home sweet treats. Paddock Bakery is a Gold Coast cafe deserving of a spot on your breakfast bucket list.
Magnolia Lane
1863 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Picture this: your curiosity has been piqued by an eye-catching feature wall, you venture into whitewashed outdoor space and immediately feel like you’ve found your new local. That’s exactly what visiting Magnolia Lane is like.
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.
South | Palm Beach & Beyond
Barefoot Barista
15 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach QLD 4221 &
794 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223
There’s no denying we adore Barefoot Barista and the fact that they operate two ever-pumping venues is a sure sign of their 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 we could eat at Barefoot Barista every day of the week, we would.
Custard Canteen
1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
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.
Custard Canteen's specialty is authentic, buttery Portugese tarts and the all-day 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.
Tarte Beach House
4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin QLD 4223
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—a seamless marriage of Hamptons style and Parisian touches is complemented by a direct creekfront view of the Currumbin Creek vista. So, yes it’s heavenly.
Tarte’s standout menu is unlike anything else on the Gold Coast and encompasses a slew of modern takes on the French, New York and Australian dining medley Tarte has become renowned for. 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.
Refinery Coffee
37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Image Credit: Refinery Coffee | Kaitlin Maree Photography
At this Currumbin industrial estate-based cafe, breakfast dates and caffeinated liquid goods all delivered with relaxed yet attentive service in a beachy, sun-drenched setting. Expect to find Asian-style twists on classic breakfast dishes—like the spiced smashed avo with chargrilled soy butter and the tangy Thai-style salad with poached chicken.
Refinery Coffee is licensed from 10am, so no one will bat an eye if you tackle the bottomless brunch that's just $55 for a main meal and 1.5 hours of bottomless mimosas. It’s 5pm somewhere, right?
Pasture & Co.
2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley QLD 4223
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.
This is our go-to spot after a day of waterfall chasing at Currumbin Rockpools or Cougal Cascades, or simply for when you want to get back to nature. Dogs are not allowed here as Pasture & Co. is part of a conservation area.
Stable Coffee And Kitchen
570 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun QLD 4224
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.
Niche & Co.
449 Golden Four Dr, Tugun QLD 4224
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. The vegan-friendly menu is not only nourishing but also boasts very generous serving sizes—we're suckers for the massive roasted vegetable toastie.
Little Mali
237 Boundary St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
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 we'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 devour on the nearby beachfront. Little Mali has garnered a cult-like following on the Southern Gold Coast; one visit and you'll understand why.
Kefi Cafe
Cnr Griffith & McDonald St, Coolangatta, 4225 QLD
'Kefi', derived from the Greek word that embodies the sense of joy, is exactly how we 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’ ethos.
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.
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Main image credit: Palm Springs | Brooke Darling Photography
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