25 Of The Best New Openings On The Gold Coast In 2025
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
Isabel Croker
Editorial Manager (AU + NZ) | Urban List
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Summer has well and truly almost here, and suddenly those early alarms don’t feel quite so painful—salt-tinted mornings, sunshine-soaked afternoons and balmy nights are calling us out of hibernation and straight into the good life. The sea breeze is warmer, the days stretch longer, and the Gold Coast’s openings are turning up the heat right alongside the weather.
Waterfront restaurants, bustling taquerias, vegan bakeries and elegant cafes—the options are generous and outrageously delicious. Grab your best mates and your appetite, because here are 25 of the best new openings of 2025 so far on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country, in chronological order.
Costa Taco Burleigh Heads
1718 Gold Coast Highway Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Costa Taco | Clayten Fowler Photography
Burleigh Heads just scored a hot new arrival, with cult-favourite Costa Taco opening its doors on Friday 31 October. After farewelling their Palm Beach venue due to redevelopment, the team has landed in the heart of Burleigh with one of their biggest spaces yet—marking a fresh chapter for the much-loved taqueria brand.
Founded by brothers Matt and Nick Stanley, Costa Taco has grown from a humble Currumbin market stall to a local icon with venues across the Gold Coast and Byron. The new Burleigh spot keeps things true to its roots—expect authentic Mexican flavours, street-style tacos with house-made consomé, ceviche tostadas, chilaquiles, street corn and killer margaritas made with their own Costa Agave spirit from Oaxaca.
River House
2 Barney St Southport, QLD 4215
Image Credit: River House | Clayten Fowler Photography
Southport has welcomed a sleek new riverside dining destination, with River House now open on the banks of the Nerang River. Led by acclaimed chef Grant Madgwick (of Artichoke fame), the restaurant blends modern Australian flavours with subtle Asian and European influences, spotlighting local produce in every dish.
Expect salmon carpaccio with soy ponzu, Japanese scallop ceviche, tempura lobster rolls and luxe mains like BBQ Moreton Bay bugs with duck-fat potatoes and Cape Grim eye fillet with shiraz grenache jus. Not sure where to start? Opt for the ‘Trust The Chef’ experience or go big with the towering seafood platter made for slow lunches.
Meltemi Mediterrania
17 Albert Street, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Meltemi Mediterrania | Dan Peled Photography
If a European summer is calling your name, but your annual leave balance says otherwise, Broadbeach’s newest arrival is the next best thing. Meltemi Mediterrania has officially opened its doors, bringing a breezy coastal-Mediterranean dining experience from the team behind beloved Greek favourite Xenia Grill. Led by husband-and-wife duo Dino and Kate Georgakopoulos, the restaurant leans into the region’s lesser-known flavours—think Spain, Morocco, Sardinia, Lebanon, Turkey and, naturally, Greece.
In the kitchen, hatted chef Tapos Singha is steering a vibrant share-style menu with a serious highlight: a traditional Cypriot rotisserie grill running the show. Expect raw dishes, breads and dips, mezze and punchy plates like Sardinian coral trout crudo, grilled king prawns and fried cuttlefish, alongside hero mains like Moroccan goat tagine and whole flounder. The rotisserie is the main event—think Turkish wagyu kofte, garlic-butter lobster and spiced Lebanese chicken kissed by open flame.
Hello Kitty And Friends Cafe
Level 1, Pacific Fair, 32 Hooker Blvd Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218
Image Credit: Hello Kitty Cafe | Aaron White Photography
Queensland’s first Hello Kitty and Friends Café has officially opened at Pacific Fair, bringing a big dose of kawaii to the Gold Coast. Fresh off the success of its Melbourne flagship, the immersive café invites fans into a pastel-perfect world of Sanrio charm, complete with themed dining spaces, photo-worthy interiors and exclusive merch.
Expect Japanese-inspired bites like cute bento boxes, poke bowls, strawberry sandos and themed patisserie treats, plus high tea for the true superfans. There’s also a takeaway coffee and pastry corner if you're grabbing something sweet on the go. Don’t miss Cinnamoroll World—an immersive room decked out head-to-toe in character details—before browsing limited-edition merchandise and monthly drops you won’t find anywhere else.
Velvet Cafe & Lounge
6/3 Ozone Parade, Miami QLD 4220
Image Credit: Velvet Cafe & Lounge | Instagram
Velvet Cafe & Lounge brings a slow-down-and-stay-awhile energy to the backstreets of Miami, pairing chic design with warm hospitality and an effortlessly refined vibe. Created by hospitality duo Stefany Rincon and John Potter, the space blends burgundy velvet seating, soft timber accents and thoughtful touches—right down to velvet-textured menus.
The menu leans indulgent yet balanced, from a standout Spanish tortilla with chorizo and caramelised onion to French toast fondue with brioche, dark chocolate and pistachio dip. Lunch delivers Mediterranean classics and pillowy focaccias, including our favourite A La Vodka version with crumbed chicken and stracciatella. With excellent filter coffee, playful matcha and juices, and even coffee-driven cocktails, Velvet is set to become Miami’s new favourite all-day hangout.
Uni's Bakehouse
4/35 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: Uni's Bakehouse | Instagram
A new plant-based and mostly gluten-free venue has landed in Surfers Paradise and it’s rewriting what vegan fare can look—and taste—like. Uni’s Bakehouse, the latest venture from the team behind beloved vegan cafe Blendlove, is elevating vegan and gluten-free sweet treats with a cabinet of gooey cookies, croissant-cookie hybrids, rich brownies and cloud-soft focaccia that stand firmly in ‘treat yourself’ territory.
Inside, the pastel-washed space blends soft buttery yellows with sky-blue accents and crisp marble finishes, striking that sweet spot between playful and refined. With Bun Coffee pours, clever flavour twists and even vegan doggy treats, Uni’s Bakehouse steps confidently into the scene as a destination where plant-based and gluten-free baking isn’t a compromise—in fact, it’s the drawcard.
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Fire Baby
10 Welch St, Southport QLD 4215
Spring just got a whole lot tastier with the arrival of Fire Baby in Southport. This two-storey industrial-chic spot has literally just swung its doors open, serving up wood-fired pizza, antipasti and smoky charcoal dishes, all washed down with killer cocktails.
The pizzas are the kind with perfect air-pocketed dough and ooey-gooey cheese that you’ll be dreaming about long after your last bite. With exposed red brick, warm lighting and a homey yet stylish vibe, Fire Baby is made for lingering meals and good times with friends.
BOTH Espresso and Wine
12/128 Lae Dr, Runaway Bay QLD 4216
BOTH Espresso and Wine is the best of both worlds—coffee by morning, cocktails by afternoon. This Runaway Bay spot effortlessly marries relaxed cafe vibes with the sleek elegance of a wine bar, making it the kind of place where breakfast easily rolls into an Aperol spritz or two.
Think shareable plates like warm pita and tzatziki, cheese boards, juicy olives, and more substantial bites that pair perfectly with an iced cold beverage in hand. The breakfast options are equally as delicious and enticing, as is the coffee, making this new gem a favourite for locals and travellers alike. With easy, chic interiors and a menu designed for lingering, BOTH is the spot to settle in, sip slowly, and savour every bite.
Street Taco Bar & Taqueria
Shop 5/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point QLD 4216
We love tacos. Food you eat with your hands, a rainbow of filling options, and each one an absolute flavour bomb—what’s not to love? Street Taco Bar & Taqueria has landed in Paradise Point, and it’s everything you want from a taco spot: shareable plates, cheesy jalapeño poppers, hand-shaken margaritas, and yes, tacos that’ll make you consider skipping breakfast for lunch and dinner.
With options for vegetarians and gluten-free eaters alike, this is the kind of place where everyone leaves full to the brim and smiling—where good food, good drinks and good times effortlessly collide.
Dayo Cafe
118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Brunch just got a serious upgrade in Tweed Heads with the arrival of Dayo Cafe, a waterfront spot where Asian-fusion meets modern Australian. Inspired by flavours from the Philippines, South East Asia, Japan and Europe, the menu is as playful as it is delicious, from spicy Longganisa scrambled eggs to k-pop chicken waffles and a certain breaky muffin you won’t be able to stop thinking about.
Drinks are just as tempting, with rich iced mochas, fresh smoothies, matcha and even a few spritz options for a little fizzy indulgence. With its sunny, waterside setting and colourful, flavour-packed dishes, Dayo is the kind of brunch spot you’ll want to visit on repeat.
Luna’s Deli
Shop 7/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Luna's Deli | Clayten Fowler Photography
The ray of sunshine that is Luna’s Deli has swung open its doors in Coolangatta, servicing the Gold Coast with some of the best flaky, French-butter-laden pastries, stuffed focaccias and creamy artisanal gelato around. Grab a leek cacio e pepe toastie, a vanilla bean affogato and a spot in the sun, and you’ll feel like you’re living the dream.
The toasties are some of the best in town, as is the coffee, and the people are warm enough to brighten even the gloomiest of days. Everyone’s talking about this place, and for very valid (and scrumptious) reasons.
Brooki Bakehouse Gold Coast
Ground Floor, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218
The Gold Coast outpost of arguably Australia’s most famous cookie bakery, Brooki Bakehouse, has landed at Pacific Fair, serving up NYC-style cookies, cupcakes and seriously Instagrammable desserts. This is the internet-famous bakery’s first store outside Brisbane, so we Gold Coasters are feeling pretty darn lucky.
Now you can break up your shopping spree with a gooey red velvet cookie (IYKYK) or two at the hot-pink ground-floor kiosk—though let’s be honest, we know you’d hit Pacific Fair for the treats alone, and the shopping’s just a bonus. And the best part? The kiosk is only the beginning. Brooke Bellamy (the genius behind Brooki Bakehouse) has her sights set on a permanent Pacific Fair store.
LiTO
3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: LiTO | Supplied
LiTO is the new all-day eatery serving delicious Italian fare on the ground floor of Mondrian Gold Coast. Equal parts coffee bar, coastal eatery and neighbourhood hangout, LiTO blends the sun-drenched rhythm of Italian summers with laidback Burleigh charm, serving from sunrise to starlight with flavour and a healthy sprinkle of flair.
Expect Sicilian poached eggs, wood-fired meatballs, hand-rolled pasta, and more than a couple of spritz options. From post-surf espressos to long lunches and after-dark negronis, LiTO is a love letter to the Mediterranean way of life, reimagined for our iconic stretch of coastline.
Haven
Level 3/3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Haven | Justin Nicholas
Perched on the beach side of Mondrian Gold Coast with panoramic views of Burleigh’s iconic shoreline, Haven takes poolside dining up a notch. The menu is headed up Executive Chef Aaron Teece and champions seasonal ingredients and coastal flavours, from the freshest local seafood to share-style dishes, all paired with a curated cocktail list that feels like summer in a glass.
With its sun-soaked terrace and an ambience that balances luxury with effortless laidback style, Haven is made for sunset sessions and long dinners alike. Haven is a lofty new standard for Burleigh’s dining scene, and not just because it’s on the third floor.
O Bagel Oasis Broadbeach
75 Surf Pde, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: O Bagel | Instagram
A good bagel has the power to make an ordinary day great and O Bagel is certainly doing that for its hordes of bagel-loving followers. The cult-favourite bagel brand has opened its fourth store at The Oasis Shopping Centre in Broadbeach, and we couldn't be more hyped.
O Bagel specialises in hand-rolled artisan bagels which are baked daily, and if you haven’t tried a freshly baked, hand-rolled bagel before, it’s the ultimate bready, chewy goodness. This speciality bagel house boasts an extensive menu of sandwich bagels—fat bagels stuffed with loaded gourmet fillings—or simple bagels for when you’re just after the classics.
BabyMama by Mamasan
2/2243 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image credit: BabyMama | Two Birds Social
When the team behind one of the Gold Coast’s most beloved dining institutions launches a new venue, you sit up and take notice. BabyMama, the suave little sister to Mamasan, has arrived in Mermaid Beach, serving bold East Asian flavours in a moody, intimate setting.
The menu showcases everything you love about Mamasan’s iconic flavour profile, with a curated mix of cult favourites and inventive new creations for the ultimate taste bud experience. Its future in Mermaid may be unconfirmed, but for now, BabyMama feels like a seamless fit in a precinct fast cementing itself as one of the Gold Coast’s most exciting dining destinations.
The Hearth Cafe & Providore
53 Hardys Rd, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
Looking for a cafe that’s all about seasonal, soulful eats and drinks, made with love and passion? Well, look no further than The Hearth Cafe & Providore. This gorgeous foodie venture in the heart of Mudgeeraba is still relatively new to the party, but it’s already drawn a loyal crowd.
From the specials to the sweet treats and the seriously good coffee and matcha, once you head there, you’ll understand why it’s becoming more popular by the day. Plus, the place itself looks so gorgeous and befitting of the suburb it sits in—safe to say I’m a big fan.
Nice Nice
1/14 Bay St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Image Credit: Nice Nice | Instagram
This quaint new spot on Bay Street is producing some seriously drool-worthy brunch, made in-house with a big ol’ dollop of passion. Think breaky and lunch classics, with a sprinkle of Asian influence, like the kimchi cheese and egg roll or the miso mushrooms on sourdough with miso garlic butter.
Helmed by local hospo powerhouses Mitchell Evans and Jemima Stanwix, it’s no wonder Nice Nice is already garnering attention from up and down the Coast. Consider this your sign to clear your Sunday morning and make your way down south.
Tarte Tea Garden
2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Tarte Tea Garden | Nosh by Jade Quinlivan
The team behind Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House have once again sprinkled their signature magic across the Gold Coast, unveiling their latest creation—Tarte Tea Garden, a dreamy garden escape tucked beside Tarte Beach House in Currumbin.
Set beneath shady umbrellas and framed by climbing greenery, the garden is a tranquil retreat designed for slow mornings and long, indulgent catch-ups. Whether you’re marking a milestone or just chasing a touch of mid-morning magic, Tarte Tea Garden is your newest destination for a whimsical escape, the Tarte way.
Papa Rolly’s
124 Pappas Way, Carrara QLD 4211
Image Credit: Papa Rolly's | Clayten Fowler Photography
The Carney brothers have bottled that magic nonna’s kitchen feeling with their new Carrara trattoria, Papa Rolly’s, where tables spill out on the pavement and the scent of wood-fired dough welcomes you like family. This isn’t just another Italian joint; it’s an homage to their great-grandfather Papa Rolando, with every hand-rolled pasta and blistered pizza carrying generations of tradition.
The Rigatoni Roy’s (a cult favourite from their other venues) shares the menu with garlicky tiger prawns swimming in feta and crusty bread, best followed by a scoop of Gelato Gemelli’s pistachio piccolino from the onsite bar. Come for the Bella Donna pizza topped with creamy burrata, stay for the Italian applecake whiskey cocktail and that irresistible our-place-or-yours energy. Mangia, indeed.
Piada Co. Byron Bay
1 Porter St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Image Credit: Piada Co. | Two Birds Social
Byron’s lunchtime crowds just hit the jackpot—Piada Co.’s cult-favourite piadinas have arrived, bringing that perfect crunch of Romagna-style flatbread stuffed with next-level fillings (think nduja-spiked stracciatella or burrata so fresh it should come with a sunset view).
But here’s the Piada Co. Byron Bay twist: when the sun dips, this spot flips the script into a bustling pasta-and-pizza den, where truffle-kissed pies and vodka-baked gnocchi steal the show. Pro move? Start with supplì (those golden arancini orbs), end with a Biscoff tiramisu, and let the Aperol spritz flow like Byron’s tide. Bellissimo by daylight, molto vibes by night.
Ramen Kyo
6/2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Kyoto-style ramen has landed on our doorstep in the form of Ramen Kyo, and with house-made noodles and broth options to suit every palate, we’re sure the Gold Coast is about to fall in love with this sumptuous soupy dish all over again. Here, the focus is on traditional Japanese flavours with a modern twist—think slow-cooked chicken and seafood broth dishes, sitting alongside unique options such as tuna sashimi mazesoba (ramen sans broth).
Of course, we can’t forget their noodle-free options; perfectly crunchy karaage chicken, golden-fried gyoza, and pickled vegetables; if you’ve been to Japan, you’ll get the hype. With a layout to suit every diner—groups, couples or those riding solo—you’ll be hard pressed to find a reason not to go.
Jiraiya
Australia Fair, Nerang St, Southport QLD 4215
Southport just scored serious noodle cred with Jiraiya, where Kagawa-trained chef Yuki Saito crafts udon so springy you'll want to slap it. This choose-your-own-adventure eatery lets you build the ultimate bowl—start with silky housemade noodles in a decadent dashi broth, then pile on tempura eggplant, wobbly onsen eggs, or crab stick crowns.
You can have your udon hot or cold, and the menu is substantial, with options like deep-fried tofu, marinated beef, and even curry. And if you’re missing the Japanese convenience stores, you can’t go past the handmade, seasonal onigiri. Consider this your edible passport to Japan—happy slurping.
Mona Lisa’s Lair
23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220
Image Credit: Mona Lisa's Lair | Emily Halloran
If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through Paris’ Latin Quarter, indulging in molten cheese and sipping Champagne in a candle-lit nook, then Miami Marketta’s latest addition might just make your Francophile dreams a reality.
Mona Lisa’s Lair is Miami Marketta’s new intimate restaurant and Champagne bar, serving up a French-inspired menu in a space that oozes moody Parisian charm. Think flickering candlelight, French tunes in the background and an extensive Champagne list, all hidden behind a stained glass window entryway.
Familiar Spirits Distillery
9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Familiar Spirits | Supplied
Burleigh Heads’ newest hidden gem, Familiar Spirits Distillery, is redefining intimate drinking experiences with a cellar door that feels more like a warm welcome home. Tucked away in Burleigh’s industrial estate, this small-batch distillery is the passion project of husband-and-wife duo Lana and Justin Bell, who have crafted a space where great drinks, genuine connections, and old-school hospitality take center stage.
Cocooned in deep green hues and styled with details reminiscent of a refined tiki lounge, Familiar Spirits is as much an escape as it is a drinking and dining destination. The cellar door welcomes guests every Thursday from 10am to 5pm for bottle purchases of their favourite Familiar Spirits products, and from 12pm to 8pm every Friday and Saturday for the full bar experience.