11 Of The Best New Openings On The Gold Coast In 2026
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List Gold Coast
Autumn is in the air—you can feel it in the crisp mornings, the slowly browning leaves and that sudden urge to bask in every patch of sunshine. Somehow, we’re already a quarter of the way through the year (scream), so it’s time to pause and appreciate the newcomers 2026 has delivered.
From European wine bars to wellness-centric cafes and some of the best cold foam-slinging hotspots, the options are generous and outrageously delicious. Grab your mates and your appetite, because here are 11 of the best new openings of 2026 so far on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country.
The Gold Coast's Best Openings Of 2026 At A Glance
Best Cafe & Bakery Openings
Loaf
1/1237 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Image Credit: Loaf | Instagram
Loaf is the new little hole-in-the-wall already drawing a massive, coffee-loving crowd from all over the coast. Perched along the Gold Coast Highway just a hop, skip and jump from the beach, this green-drenched cafe is slinging cold foams, killer coffee and tasty eats like avocado toast, gluten-free banana bread, crumpets, acai bowls and smoothies.
Whether you're grabbing and going en route to the waves or settling in with mates and your furry best friend (yes, it's very dog-friendly), this might just be your new go-to. Be warned—you may be battling the crowds, but it's absolutely worth it.
Day Off
2 Short St, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Day Off | Instagram
Northern Gold Coast locals have seriously scored with the opening of Day Off, Queensland’s first -86 degree beverage cafe. Here, coffee is served right on the precipice of freezing, delivering ultra-cold, creamy deliciousness.
On the food front, they’re dishing up ‘SLABs’—open toasties piled high with toppings like peach, ricotta and honey, steak and cheese, and a delicious avo-mushroom combo. Add indoor and outdoor seating plus friendly service, and you’ve got a new local favourite.
Yum Bakery
1a/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Yum Bakery | Instagram
If you looked up ‘cute baked goods’ in the dictionary, it would probably just point you straight to Yum Bakery. This artisan bakehouse is turning out some of the most adorable (and delicious) cakes, muffins and pastries that the Gold Coast has ever seen.
Think nostalgic heart-shaped cakes, teddy bear madeleines and ridiculously cute duck-topped muffins that almost look too good to eat. Luckily they taste just as good as they look—and you can pair them with coffee or a dreamy strawberry matcha.
Day Shift
110 Marine Parade, Kingscliff NSW 2487
Day Shift is the sweet new pint-sized spot serving up seriously good cold brew just south of the border. Run by the loveliest mother-son duo, this duel business is the beloved Pot & Pint bar by night, and now a cold brew cafe during the day.
Expect delicious cold foam concoctions, flavourful cold brew, and a vegan Vietnamese style coconut coffee that will have you hopping in your car and heading down south repeatedly.
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House of Hälsa
1/2453 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: House of Halsa | Supplied
House of Hälsa is a new wellness-focused cafe in Mermaid Beach, serving nourishing all-day eats, viral smoothies and global-inspired plates in a California-cool cafe. With the Gold Coast buzzing with active, health-conscious locals, House of Hälsa steps in to fill a much-needed dining gap.
The famous sunken purple lounge is creating almost as much chatter as the delicious, creative drink options that are drawing a near constant line. It’s the perfect spot to refuel, slow down, and connect—all with health and wellbeing front of mind.
Best Bar & Brewery Openings
Kaktus Bar
Olsen Ave &, Musgrave Ave, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Kaktus Bar | Instagram
Kaktus Bar is the vibrant new Mexican-inspired venue serving next-level margaritas, Mexican street eats and a buzzing atmosphere. Inspired by the warmth of Mexican hospitality and the vibes of a tequila-fuelled get-together, Kaktus it’s designed for everything from group catchups to date nights—finally giving northern locals a destination-worthy night out without heading south.
On the drinks menu? Build-your-own margaritas (yes, we’re also curious), mezcal and tequila flights for the adventurous and a handcrafted list of cocktails that celebrates all things agave. Food-wise, expect delicious share-style street eats, because let’s be honest, Mexican tastes best when it’s shared.
Best Restaurant & Eatery Openings
La Stradina
2/16 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: La Stradina | Blank Studios (Supplied)
If you love a little laneway wine bar moment then it's time that you made your way to La Stradina, the Gold Coast's latest European inspired offering. Think cocktails, delectable small plates like tuna and caviar on crispy rice cakes and beef cheek croquettes, an impressive wine list, and irresistible mains like housemade rigatoni with stracciatella and steak with truffle chips.
Throw in some candles, mood lighting and great music, and you're got the perfect spot for just about any occasion. Make sure you don't skip the dessert menu, either.
Bar Ricci
20 Tedder Ave, Main Beach QLD 4217
Image Credit: Bar Ricci | Supplied
Bar Ricci is the Northern Gold Coast's answer to Rick Shores or Lars, with a stunning fitout, impeccably presented swag of staff and deliberate service making for the ultimate trifecta. Then there's the food, oh the food. Buttery Moreton Bay Bugs with white wine atop a nest of tagliolini.
Through to whole fish with Nduja butter, prawns and greens. Dishes are perfectly balanced and beautifully presented, and Head Sommelier Romain Bastianel's curated wine list is equally as impressive. Definitely one of the Gold Coast's best new openings.
The Salty Chook
13 Ward St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: The Salty Chook | Instagram
If you're looking for a meal that feels like a beach holiday in every bite, look no further than The Salty Chook. This retro chic spot is stepping back in time with a modern twist on the classic chicken shop.
Think flavourful, fresh salads, perfectly golden chicken, generously seasoned chips, and ridiculously good burgers. Whether you're after a top-tier bachelors handbag or a delicious meal by the beach, this is the place to get it.
Mr Spiros Handmade Yiros
17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Mr Spiros Handmade Yiros | Instagram
At Mr Spiros Handmade Yiros, everything is authentically made in-house following old family recipes. From hand-cut, triple-cooked chips to traditional spit-roasted lamb and chicken, and pillowy pita bread—you can taste the care and passion in every delicious bite.
Watch as the juicy, tender meat cooks right in front of you, and enjoy warm, friendly service before devouring some of the Gold Coast's best Greek food. If you close your eyes while you it, it almost feels like a Mediterranean holiday.
Seoul Garden Korean BBQ and Hotpot
Shop 1609, 2/32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Seoul Garden | Supplied
Seoul Garden has officially opened its first local outpost at Pacific Fair—and it’s a sprawling haven for anyone who loves a long, leisurely feast. Tables come fitted with built-in grills so you can take matters into your own hands, pairing premium meats with house-made sauces, banchan and whatever else catches your eye from the extensive buffet.
Expect to load up on Korean favourites like Japchae, crispy fried chicken and Tteokbokki, plus five soup bases and a cook-to-order noodle bar if you’re chasing something steamy. There's also a fully stocked bar slings soju cocktails and Korean beers to round out the experience, making this one of the best new openings on the Gold Coast.
Looking for more Gold Coast restaurants? Check out:
Main image credit: Bar Ricci | Supplied
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