19 Of The Best New Openings On The Gold Coast In 2026
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List Gold Coast
Winter has well and truly landed on our sunny shores and, in true Gold Coast style, it is absolutely delightful. The air smells fresh and delicious, the days are glorious and the sunsets are the fairy floss coloured wonders we all know and love.
Perhaps even better still? We’ve been spoiled with so many hot new openings to sustain us through the chilly season. From a proper British pub to a cold foam-slinging vintage store, a chic Japanese restaurant from the team behind Etsu, and so much more.
Grab your mates and your appetite, because here are 19 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
Brooki Bakehouse
88 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD
Image credit: Brooki Bakehouse | Supplied
Brooki Bakehouse has landed its first full Gold Coast flagship in Broadbeach, just steps from the sand, after years of customers begging the Brisbane-born cookie brand to make the move. Cookies are baked fresh onsite throughout the day, with the full best-selling lineup on offer—red velvet, nutella, biscoff, new york and the classic chocolate chip, all built on that same golden, buttery dough.
Doors are open late too, running 10am to 10pm daily, so a sweet fix is never far off whether you're wrapping up a beach day or need something post-dinner. It's a step up from the brand's existing Pacific Fair kiosk, and with flagships in Sydney and Melbourne already in the works, Broadbeach has landed itself a proper piece of the Brooki empire.
Hicksville
11 Hicks St, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Hicksville | Supplied
Hicksville is Southport's new multi-part venue built for anyone who takes their barbecue seriously, with four distinct experiences housed under one roof. Mornings belong to Hicksy's Cafe, pouring specialty coffee alongside grab-and-go bites like a reuben sandwich and smoked brisket roll, before Hicksville Smokehouse takes over for lunch with meats smoked in-house for up to 16 hours—think texas-style beef brisket, bourbon pork ribs and southern fried chicken.
Still to come are Hicksy's Bar, a Melbourne-inspired space for craft beers, whiskies and charcuterie boards, and Hicksy's Gelato, serving handcrafted flavours made fresh on site. It's an ambitious offering for the northern Gold Coast, with the cafe and smokehouse already open and the rest set to follow.
Choubidou Cafe
2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Choubidou Cafe | Harmony Lee
Choubidou Cafe is the little slice of France that's landed in Burleigh Heads, serving up decadent French-inspired eats in a suitably charming setting. Expect the likes of crepes, both sweet and savoury, sitting alongside an extensive list of brunch options, from an eggs benedict to french toast and a fluffy golden omelette.
On the drinks front, there's coffee, cold foams and an unmissable parisian-style hot chocolate, finished with a generous dollop of whipped cream—it's even better than it sounds. It's a welcome bit of Parisian charm for Burleigh.
Pause Button Cafe
Shop 13 31/37 Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209
Image Credit: Pause Button | Harmony Lee
Pause Button Cafe is the colourful new addition to Coomera, wrapped in a purple-and-yellow fit-out that puts a pep in your step before you've even ordered. It's from the husband-and-wife team behind Humble Cafe, so the menu is just as good as you'd expect—the potato rosti is one to dream about, and the purple harvest bowl is nourishing without skimping on flavour.
Drinks get just as much attention, led by the pina co-brew (coffee meets pineapple, and it works) and a sweet po-taro cold foam worth adding to everything. It's a welcome bit of brightness for the northern Gold Coast, and worthy of jumping in your car for.
Gritty Garms
2550 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Vintage store, cafe and community hub all under one roof, Gritty Garms is proof the Gold Coast's preloved scene just keeps getting better. Walk in and you'll hit a pocket-sized cafe first, pulling cold foams and matchas alongside mini cinni scrolls—perfect for sustained shopping stamina.
From there, rotating artworks from talented local creatives lead you through to the good stuff—rows of stacked racks loaded with preloved streetwear and accessories, each one worth a proper dig. It's this crossover of local hangout and coffee culture meets clothes-hunting that makes Gritty Garms one of the best vintage stops in town.
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
Fig'n'Fox
10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: Fig 'n' Fox | Supplied
Fig 'n' Fox is Surfers Paradise's new proper British pub, built across two levels for everything from a quick after-work pint to a full night out. Expect timber finishes, booth seating and a large central bar, plus a games area with pool tables and electronic darts for those who like their beer with a side of competition.
The menu leans into English classics done well—bangers and mash, beef and guinness pie, fish and chips, Yorkshire puddings and a Sunday roast worth clearing your calendar for—alongside a few local favourites like a proper chicken parmi. Downstairs, Timmy's Tea Room is the underground dive bar keeping things going late with live music, pool, karaoke nights and drinks until close.
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
Valentina
8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: Valentina | Supplied
Valentina has claimed one of the best addresses on the Esplanade, swapping out the old Hyde Paradiso fit-out for terracotta walls, taverna-style seating and a wall of glass that keeps the Pacific firmly in view. The kitchen deals in produce-led plates built for slow, shared eating—pacific oysters with a vermouth mignonette, byron bay tuna crudo brightened with mandarin and chilli, and a king prawn orzo that leans into the Mooloolaba catch of the day—alongside a filet-o-fish so good it makes the drive-through version feel like a rough draft.
The drinks list matches the mood with a spread of spritzes sitting next to sharper signatures like an olive sour finished with a slick of olive oil and a passionfruit and jalapeno margarita with real bite. Add bottomless weekend long lunches and a running music program, and you've got one of the Gold Coast's best new openings.
SHŌTŌ
5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: SHŌTŌ | Supplied
SHŌTŌ is the newest project from the mind behind Etsu Izakaya, and it's a moody, polished take on a Japanese snack bar that's making chatter up and down the Gold Coast. The menu is built around yakitori and hand rolls, from teriyaki chicken skewers through to bay lobster and a5 wagyu, alongside temaki like the smoked wagyu cigar and spicy yellowfin tuna with crispy rice.
Familiar Etsu touches get a refresh too, including the slow-cooked wagyu sando and a5 wagyu tartare over grilled bone marrow, with a miso crème caramel to finish. A six-drink cocktail list inspired by different Japanese cities rounds things out, alongside an extensive sake, whisky and umeshu selection, all served across a 56-seat space designed for settling in for the long haul.
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.
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Main image credit: Bar Ricci | Supplied
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