Wrap Your Mitts Around 19 Of The Gold Coast’s Best Hot Chocolates

We hardly get a proper winter here on the Gold Coast, but we like to think we do. We wake up, pull on our track pants, shake off the dust from our favourite coats and jackets only to shed all layers before it hits lunchtime. Some nights, we might even close our balcony doors. 

Yet, it still hits to warm up with some type of 'mallow topped, chocolate drenched milky beverage. The decadent winter drink of molten chocolate in a mug, also known as a hot chocolate, is the best treat on those rare days when Jack Frost comes to play.

But what makes a hot chocolate one of the best? For me it's got to have some type of exciting presentation. Ideally be topped with a beautiful fluff or sprinkle. And if the chocolate comes with it's own story, that's bonus points for me. 

I've done the hard work for you and sipped my way around to find the best hot chocolates on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country in 2026. You're welcome.

How we choose: Creativity, consistent service, cultural relevance, quality produce, sustainability where possible, and real-world buzz from our team and community.

Best Hot Chocolates At A Glance

• Speciality Hot Chocolates
• Induldgent Hot Chocolates
• Classic Hot Chocolates

Speciality Hot Chocolates

Paddock Bakery

20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Image Credit: Paddock Bakery | Instagram

You’ve seen it on Instagram, and soon you can dive into this bad boy IRL. Reinventing the classic hot chocolate with their usual Paddock Bakery flair, the famous Paddock Signature Hot Chocolate will return in time for the school holidays and you don't want to miss it.

This delish hot chocolate is made with nothing but melted Lindt milk and dark chocolate, then topped with a huge dollop of house torched marshmallow. Warning: she’s RICH and may just send your taste buds into a sugary heaven frenzy. Oh Paddock, how we love thee. 

INSIDER INTEL

• It's walk-in only, plan your hot choccie trip accordingly
• This heaven-sent delight is best enjoyed with a gigantic sea salt choc chip cookie in one hand while sunbaking in Paddock’s country-style courtyard. 

Tarte Bakery & Cafe

1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Image Credit: Tarte Bakery & Cafe | Instagram

Tarte Bakery & Cafe is possibly the Gold Coast’s most Instagrammable cafe—the collision of Parisian and New York style creates a stunning space, and good news for us, both Paris and New York whip up incredible hot chocolates. I’ll let you do the maths.

There’s more chocolate than there is milk in Tarte's Parisian Hot Chocolate. It's essentially a cup of high-quality French melted dark and white chocolate topped with flame-torched housemade marshmallow.

INSIDER INTEL

• While this hot chocolate may be pint-sized, it's very rich so it really is the perfect size

Lobby

60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Image credit: Lobby | Instagram

After two months of sourcing and testing, Currumbin’s sleek cafe Lobby has just added a limited-edition hot chocolate to the menu that’s a top contender for this season’s best. 

The European-style masterpiece is rich, thick and made with real dark chocolate melted down with cream and cocoa powder. Wrap both hands around this cuppa and enjoy each indulgent sip—finished with a toasted marshmallow that adds just the perfect touch of cosy to the otherwise elevated take. 

INSIDER INTEL

• The Belgian hot chocolate is only available for a limited time so pop in sooner rather than later

Tarte Tea Garden

2/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin QLD 4223

Image credit: Tarte | Instagram

The newest venue from the formidable Tarte empire, Tarte Tea Garden is a dreamy new garden escape tucked beside Tarte Beach House in Currumbin. Tarte Tea Garden is all about a refined high tea offering; Tarte’s cult-favourite pastries in adorable miniature form, warm scones with lashings of housemade jam and whipped cream, and savoury delights.

In typical Tarte fashion, they're not serving just any regular hot chocolate. Their traditional French hot chocolate (chocolat chaud à l'ancienne) is served in a very chic tea pot, made with only the finest European chocolate and served with fresh whipped cream.

It's designed for sharing, but if you're feeling bold, you certainly could devour this very sweet creation on your own. Check it out on their Instagram here. You can also order Tarte's Parisian hot chocolate with torched marshmallow at this sister location.

INSIDER INTEL

• The hot drinks menu also features a choc chip cookie with vanilla bean milk which is a hot contender for a hot choccie chaser

Gelato Gemelli

2/2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

As the sweet extension of Gemelli, Gelato Gemelli brings an authentic Italian touch to all its offerings—and their new hot chocolate is no exception.

The limited-time-only drink comes with a flame-torched marshmallow on top for the ultimate indulgence.

INSIDER INTEL

• You’ll find Gelato Gemelli at The Oxley 1823

Sunnyboy Espresso

168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

Sunnyboy Espresso is the little sister to iconic Elk Espresso team and it's bringing a breath of fresh air—and incredible hot chocolates—to Mermaid Beach.

The Sunnyboy team have taken your childhood favourite and given it a seriously indulgent glow up with a few hot choccies to work your way through. There's the spiced hot choc for an extra kick, the bueno hot choc if you like it sweet, and the classic hot choc if you love an OG. Raised pinkies, optional. 

INSIDER INTEL

• There are also puppachinos
• Park opposite the neighbouring surf club and wander over
• On sunny winter days opt for a seat outside for a front row seat to sunbasking

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• The Gold Coast's Best Cafes
• The Gold Coast's Best Ramen
• The Gold Coast's Best Dumplings

Induldgent Hot Chocolates

Choubidou

2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Image credit: Choubidou | Instagram

As Burleigh’s resident slice of France, newcomer Choubidou’s Parisian hot chocolate is a show-stopper. 

The thick and rich hot chocolate is served with a generous dollop of whipped cream on the side, so you can add the perfect balance of sweetness—just the way you like it. It even comes with fresh strawberries because there really is no better pairing.

INSIDER INTEL

• Choubidou roughly translates to ‘sweetheart’ or ‘darling’

Cardamom Pod

3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport QLD 4215

Ever heard of a Gingerbread Hot Chocolate? Neither had I but I am here for it. Cardamom Pod’s plant-based hot chocolate is a purple extravaganza of gingerbread, cacao and steamed milk, topped with chocolate drizzle, rose petals and gingerbread crumble. 

Best of all, it’s served in a cute-as-can-be handcrafted ceramic mug, which is perfect for wrapping your mitts around. Now that’s what I call a hug in a mug. 

INSIDER INTEL

• The coconut whip on top of this hot chocolate is unlike any other hot choc topping on the Gold Coast I've seen

Elk Espresso

12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218

Image Credit: Elk Espresso | Supplied

It's no surprise that Elk Espresso features on my roundup of the Gold Coast's best hot chocolates—not only is this Broadbeach gem renowned for their creative breakfasts but they're also well known for their seriously deluxe drinks. And their hot chocolate is no exception. 

To quote the Elk Espresso team: "Our deluxe hot chocolate is made with premium cocoa and finished with a snowfall of shaved chocolate—rich, grown-up, and unapologetically extra." I dig it, and you should too.

INSIDER INTEL

• This place is walk in only, but don't let the lineup deter you if you're looking to dine in. Many wait for their takeaway beverages out front
• There's an adorbs kids hot chocolate on the menu, too

San Churro

3184 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Perched underneath Circle on Cavill in the heart of Surfers Paradise, San Churro is an underrated gem when it comes to serving up top-tier hot chocolates. You can order a regular hot chocolate made on milk, dark or white chocolate, as well as a cookie butter hot chocolate for the adventurous. 

Once you've got past the 'regular' hot chocolates, if you're after that thick, Spanish-style hot chocolate, San Churro is the place for you. They specialise in that ultra-thick, extra-chocolatey goodness with flavours and toppings including classic, chilli and cinnamon, toasted marshmallow, vanilla gelato, whipped cream and more. They've even got a chilled Spanish hot chocolate topped with a scoop of vanilla gelato—talk about ticking all the boxes. 

INSIDER INFO

• The new white hazelnut bueno hot chocolate is one of the most creative creations on the Coast, and well worth the hype

Velvet Cafe & Lounge

3 Ozone Pde, Miami QLD 4220

Step inside the dark and moody Velvet Cafe & Lounge for an instant rush of wanting to touch everything. Blending textures and patterns, materials and colourways, it's risen to the top of Miami's cafe scene in a flash. 

Chocolate Mont Blancs and hot chocolates topped with finely grated choc bars are the perfect place to sink your pistachio croissant into. And the humble team who transparently share their hospitality journey make the place feel like home from the word go. 

INSIDER INTEL

• Creativity is in the DNA of velvet, for coffees to cocktails and even a trending series
• Don't skip the French toast fondue served with melted dark chocolate and strawberries

Bam Bam Bakehouse

2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

As if Bam Bam Bakehouse doesn’t have enough sweet and tasty treats to lure me in, they go and make some of the best hot choccies I've had the pleasure of slurping down.

They're keeping things simple with their classically rich hot chocolate, or you can indulge in their Nutella Oreo hot chocolate. Both are seriously elevated when devoured with one of their inventive goodies like their salted caramel eclair or Nutella cruffin. Check out all of their jaw-dropping sweet treats here. 

INSIDER INTEL

• The Nutella Oreo hot chocolate lives rent-free in my head all winter long
• Their new banana and walnut bread with vanilla crumble, thick espresso cream and caramel drizzle may change your life, and makes for the best hot chocolate side

Max Brenner

3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 &
Australia Fair, 42 Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215

There’s nothing better than a warm mug of hot liquid chocolate to warm your insides. Located in two central Gold Coast locations, Max Brenner prides itself on the culture of chocolate and their Hug Mug hot chocolate is as good as a cuddle from someone you love.

You can order it in classic chocolate flavours (your choice of milk, dark or white chocolate) and you can level it up with waffle balls and marshmallows or make it extra thick, like how the Italians do it. You can also create your own hot chocolate and mix and stir your choice of chocolate in steamed milk to create your perfectly balanced hot choc creation. It truly is heaven in a mouthful or giant gulp. Whichever you prefer.

INSIDER INTEL

• Their concentrated suckao hot chocolate shot comes in its own candlelit vessel to drink through a straw. Think of it as the hot chocolate version of an espresso

Loaf

1237 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beac QLD 4221

If a bustling beachside cafe brimming with cloud-topped drinks is your idea of a good time, Loaf is your new go-to. While lips are tight, their lineup of literal cake topped features pave way for a winter hot chocolate release that won't do ordinary. 

Fresh on the scene, this Palm Beach cafe takes a crowd-sourcing approach to hot chocolates. Where they consult the people for the final recipe. To top with chocolate flakes or to not top with chocolate flakes, that is the question. Spoiler alert: the flakes won. 

INSIDER INTEL

• It's a dog-friendly joint
• Loaf opens at 5am and heaves until close at midday
• Team your hot chocolate with a beachside stroll just steps away

Classic Hot Chocolates

Pretty Handsome 

18 Christine Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Sometimes you just can’t go past the OG, no-frills hot chocolate and when you’re in a hot choccy mood, Pretty Handsome is here to deliver.

Whipping up one of the best bad boys I’ve had the pleasure of wrapping my mitts around, they keep it straightforward and simple: loads of sweet chocolate, steamed milk and melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows (if you ask nicely). Snag a table at this much-loved cafe and sip on your chocolate goodness while falling in love with all the cute doggos that frequent this local.

INSIDER INTEL

• Keep an eye out for their new menu launching soon
• Their crunchy potato squares are my idea of a dream comfort food

BSKT Cafe

16 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

BSKT, also known as the Gold Coast's favourite healthy cafe, is not pulling any punches when it comes to slinging up top-notch hot chocolates. Having moved from their beachfront locale to The Oxley Precinct, though have stayed true to their roots with a neat menu. 

While they keep it simple, their classic hot chocolate is the perfect combination of rich, yet no overly sweet, and be sure to ask for marshmallows on top. 

INSIDER INTEL

• Keep an eye out for pop-up rack sales. The perfect place to wander with your hot one
• There's vegan nutella that's a seriously dreamy toast topper if one format of choc is simply not enough

Custard Canteen

1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221

Custard knows how to do chocolate well—the mountains of chocolate-covered, dipped and filled pastries we’ve consumed at this sweet cafe are proof. It comes as no surprise that the Custard Canteen’s hot chocolates would be just as addictive.

Their rich hot choccies are simple yet dreamy, creamy and have just the perfect amount of chocolate goodness without being overwhelming. I certainly wouldn't blame you if you pair your hot chocolate with a pastry of equal decadence. 

INSIDER INTEL

• Pastry dunking is basically a necessity here
• It's made with Byron Bay's Marvell Street Coffee Roaster's drinking chocolate
• Customise your bev with kids, weak, 1/2 full, sugar and 'mallows all options 
• If the line to order is long when you arrive, wait tableside, order takeaway online and get your hot choccie quicker

Rise Bakery

1 Masthead Way, Hope Island QLD 4212

The French sure know how to master the art of pastries, and the French culinary team at Rise Bakery have nailed the art of the perfect hot chocolate too.

Simple yet seriously delish, Rise Bakery's classic hot chocolates are our go-to on the Northern Gold Coast. Pair your hot choccie with one of Rise's delicate mille feuilles and you're onto a winner.

INSIDER INTEL

• Limited release specials always come with some type of aesthetic brilliance
• It's the ideal place for fresh French Pastry pairings with your hot chocolate

Burleigh Baker

13/50 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 &
46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point QLD 4216

Wander down Burleigh’s main strip and you’re overwhelmed with the abundance of bakeries and cafes pumping out sweet scents of goodness. Amidst all the deliciousness, there’s one place you need to stop: Burleigh Baker.

This much-loved Burleigh (and Paradise Point) gem is famous for its organic hot chocolates, which are classic, coming in hot and just what you’re craving.

INSIDER INTEL

• For the full Burleigh Baker experience, grab a loaf of their naturally leavened sourdough that has gained them a cult-like following

Looking for more? Check out: 

• The Gold Coast's Best Dog-Friendly Cafes
• The Gold Coast's Best Restaurants
• Burleigh Heads' Best Restaurants

Main image credit: Paddock Bakery | Instagram

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