In recent years coffee culture has really come into its own on the Gold Coast and cafe haunts have impressively upped their game — bucking trends to entice savvy, sophisticated crowds.
Whether offering some scrumptious kick-start-to-the-day Aussie brekkies, a hefty pick-me-up lunch within serene surroundings, something sweet on the side, or a refreshing late afternoon boutique beer — we’ve rounded up the best cafes in Main Beach.
Beaches Off Tedder Cafe & Bar
Offering sizeable brekkies from a crack of dawn 5am opening and located a mere stone’s throw from the sea, Beaches Off Tedder is a breath of fresh air well worth surfing in for! Try a delectable Breakfast Bruschetta or the enticing West Australian Sardines on toasted corn bread to get the taste buds really going. The Tasmanian Clique Coffee is a damn fine brew, while the well-stocked boutique ales are an ideal arvo refreshment. Catering to every gastronomic urge and remaining open till late afternoon, its no surprise this is one of the best cafes in Main Beach.
Lark Cafe Grocer Resto-Lounge
Encapsulating all that its bold namesake has to offer, Lark Cafe is a delightfully ballsy interchangeable bistro. From the laidback ambiance of a spacious cafe, to a convenient little grocer stocked with replenishables like coconut milk, watermelon and peeled oranges. The premises really livens-up over the weekend however, enticing you to come-dine-with-them on audaciously named pizzas (Ykikamoocow, Chook Pen or Sheep Station!) washed down with mind-expanding boutique beers on tap like 28 Pale Ale or a Duke Premium, while inviting you to toe tap to some live acoustic tunes.
Le Jardin Cafe
Tucked away on the corner of Tedder Avenue upon a meandering grape vine veranda, Le Jardin is a chic atmospheric treat with a touch of French sophistication, thanks largely to its Parisian owner. Sit outside underneath the mammoth Poinciana tree, sip on a supremely brewed coffee, or feast on their renowned mouthwatering French crepes which comes with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream and strawberries on the side, while seeping in the unmistakable European vibe.
Diva Tea and Coffee House
The live piano player may have hung his cap but an idyllic refinement remains in this rustically decorated, un-diva-esque cafe located inside the Marina Mirage complex. Select from a deli offering a multitude of rich pastries and robust savouries, take a pew in the open-air atrium and absorb the soothing sounds of the roaming birdlife pecking from the adjacent water feature. There’s also a substantial lunch menu if you’d like to make a real meal out of it. Who knows, as you tuck in you may even spot a major personality emerging from the neighbouring Versace or Sheraton!
Thyme Cafe & Bar
Thyme prides themselves on intertwining wholesome, healthy ingredients, presented on the plate with eye-catching flair. There are some tantalising vegetarian options too, such as the diet-altering Veggie Breakfast, which combines asparagus, spinach, roma tomatoes, hash brown, eggs and field mushrooms on Turkish bread with a taste triggering homemade relish! This popular, reasonably priced cafe bar also entices with its decadent ricotta hot cakes and all-American bagels. An array of freshly made mixed juices with names like Green Machine and Banana Bender offer a creative blend for the senses, while some serious smoothies and milkshakes round off an extensive drinks menu. The outdoor veranda seating is apt for some sneaky Tedder Avenue people peeking too!
Oliver Pfeiffer’s film journalism vocation keeps him predominantly inside and out of trouble, but combined with healthy enthusiasm for food, drink, and travel, UK-born/Gold Coast-based Oliver is able to break free from any interior constraints and roam the nation for caffeine-induced inspiration. Don’t let his penchant for horror films scare you; he’s actually pretty harmless when it comes down to it. Find Oliver online.
Photo credit: Hayley Williamson for Metropolist