Wrap Two Hands Around 20 Of The Gold Coast’s Best Sandwiches
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
After a year-long stint in Melbourne, I came back to the Gold Coast with a newfound reverence for the humble sandwich. I’d always been a fan—often whipping up a couple of toasties for my sister and me to help us recover after a big night out—but Melbourne’s sandwich scene really schooled me on what’s possible between two slices of bread.
So, when I returned to this sweet, sunny neck of the woods, I was determined to find worthy, filling-stuffed, butter-lathered creations to fill the sandwich-shaped hole in my (stomach) heart. And wasn’t I pleasantly surprised?
The Gold Coast has built a whole sandwich scene of its own—fresh, toasted, focaccia, ciabatta, cheese-loaded (a must). There are countless ways to sandwich, so read on to discover the spots doing it best, in North to South order.
The Gold Coast's Best Sandwiches At A Glance
Northern Gold Coast Sandwiches
B.Social Cafe Santa Barbara
Shop 1/7/9 Pinnaroo St, Hope Island QLD 4212
Image Credit: Santa Barbara Coffee | Instagram
My northern friends were certainly blessed when this sweet spot opened up in late 2021, slinging up perfectly poured coffee and tasty toasties for the masses. B.Social Cafe Santa Barbara’s legendary, cheese-loaded truffle mushroom toastie is a crowd favourite, and they offer it sans gluten for my gluten-free friends.
You’ll have trouble choosing between all of their delectable flavours, such as herb chicken, ham and five-cheese, and pulled pork. If massive, loaded sourdough toasties are up your alley, then you need to get your tush in a seat here ASAP.
Doughed
99-103 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island QLD 4212
If you’re up the northern end of the Gold Coast then you surely count Doughed among your blessings, and if you’re not then trust me when I say it’s worth the journey. Apart from making delectable doughnuts and a mean strawberry matcha, they also make some of the best sandwiches in town.
The Reuben is next-level, as is the mortadella medley. In fact, you’ll leave with happy taste buds and a side of decision fatigue because everything they do is so darn tasty, it’s almost impossible to choose.
Butter Bodega
Unit 15/300 Marine Parade, Labrador QLD 4215
At Butter Bodega, the sandwiches are so good you’ll want to order two—one for now and one for later. Fresh, flavour-packed, and unapologetically indulgent, Butter Bodega has quickly become a must-visit on the Gold Coast sandwich trail.
There are plenty of mouthwatering options, but my go-tos are the smoked mortadella (smoked mortadella, provolone cheese, Dijon mustard, and mayo) and the black truffle salami (black truffle squid ink salami, cultured butter, Swiss cheese, and honey). Both are seriously next-level and absolutely worth a drive up the coastline.
Janus Deli
Shop 14/458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar QLD 4214 &
12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: Janus Deli | Instagram
The team at Janus Deli are covering all the bases in the sandwich game, even ones you didn’t know existed. They’ve got fresh sandwiches and toasties alike that are finger-licking good, as well as a creation we’ve never come across before—a doughnut sanga.
That’s right, on top of an elite mushroom toastie and a fresh tuna sandwich, among others, you can also wrap your hands around maple bacon, a fried egg and cheddar cheese in a toasted vanilla doughnut topped with hazelnut crumbs. Run, don’t walk.
Joe’s Deli
Pacific Fair, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218
Joe’s Deli purports to serve a ‘proper’ sandwich, and if by proper they mean properly freaking scrumptious, then I couldn’t agree more. Just looking at their menu has my belly rumbling.
They’ve got a generous selection of both fresh and toasted sandwiches (my go-to is the Cuban, with pulled pork, fennel and garlic salami, Swiss cheese, pickled cucumber, red onion, yellow mustard aioli and chimichurri), as well as an extensive hot dog menu and some mouth-watering sides—mac and cheese croquettes with truffle oil… need I say more?
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Southern Gold Coast Sandwiches
Rafiki
172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Rafiki | Instagram
Nestled on Hedges Avenue in Mermaid Beach, Rafiki serves up some of the best toasties we’ve had the pleasure of devouring on the Gold Coast. To quote, "your taste buds are about to embark on an adventure that's so epic, it'll make your pet goldfish jealous". I would tend to agree.
Their Rafiki Rueben is packed to the max with all the good stuff (and topped with a gherkin) and their chicken pesto toastie is oh-so-cheesy but personally, I can’t go past their OG ham, cheese and tomato toastie. It’s a classic for a reason.
The Holliday. Coffee
2251 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Along with making some of the Gold Coast’s best matcha, Nobby Beach's The Holliday. Coffee is serving up the ultimate comfort food fix. This hole-in-the-wall gem might be small, but their jaffle selection is mighty—and the ever-pumping crowds are testament to this.
If you’re after a serving of pure nostalgia, dive into their classic three-cheese jaffle, a cheesy masterpiece that'll take you right back to your childhood, or I love their pesto, salami and cheese jaffle. They use quality ingredients and pack it with flavour, making it the perfect beachside pick-me-up.
Junior’s Deli
2/51 Railway St, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
Image Credit: Junior's Deli | Instagram
Junior’s Deli has been making waves on the Gold Coast since it opened in 2022 and if you’ve been before, you’ll understand why. Their famous Philly cheese and steak sandwich with sliced grass-fed rib fillet, roasted bell pepper, diced brown onion, American cheddar, provolone and ranch on a soft baguette is enough to have us frequenting Mudgeeraba on a regular basis.
They also make top-tier coffee and can cater to different dietary requirements on request, so my vegan and gluten-free friends need not miss out.
Side Piece Coffee
2 Capital Ct, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Coffee, toasties, and cheesy dreams. I simply can’t go past Side Piece Coffee if we're around Varsity Lakes. This cafe cranks out top-notch brews alongside epic toasties.
While their menu changes semi-regularly, I'm a huge fan of their bacon and egg toastie—a combo of bacon, egg, cheese, pickles and brown sauce all piled high on toasted sourdough. Or if you prefer something simpler, their classic ham and cheese toastie is uncomplicated but damn good. It's the perfect pick-me-up for your coffee break. You can also build your own sando from scratch.
MC’s Sandwich House
83 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Burleigh Heads’ favourite, MC’s Sandwich House lives by the philosophy of its ‘good sandwiches’ and we’re all for it. Their succinct and simplistic menu is all about the sandwiches and they’ve certainly mastered the art.
Choose from their flavour-packed menu, including the kimchi Rueben, three cheese and kimchi, chickpea salad (yes, on a sandwich), and their famous rare roast beef. Their sangas are paired with good brews from Coffee Supreme. Once you’ve chowed down on one of their stuffed sandwiches, you’ll be coming back again….and again.
Tarte Bakery & Cafe
1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Tarte Bakery | Gold Coast Foodie
While Tarte may have made a name for themselves by specialising in incredible baked goods and their cult-favourite miso scramble, it would be remiss of us not to mention their sandwich game.
The poached chicken sandwich with miso mayo, pickled cucumber, watercress and crispy chicken skin is something of a Gold Coast icon. And for good reason. If toasties are more your thing, Tarte’s five-cheese, truffle, triple-smoked ham, and mustard toastie on sourdough (with butter spread to the edges of course) speaks for itself.
Burleigh Baker
13/50 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 &
46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point QLD 4216
The legends at Burleigh Baker are all about championing organic, chemical-free, gut-friendly bread and shaping their menu around showcasing this goodness. And showcase it they do, in the form of their sourdough toasties.
Their grilled cheese toastie never misses, but if you want to spice things up, the chicken caesar toastie with koji-poached chicken, bacon, parmigiano reggiano and caesar is also a winner. Pair your sandwich with a cup of their delicious coffee and a freshly baked olive bread to take home, and you're winning on all fronts.
Scott’s Luncheonette & Bar
Shop 1/1114 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Scott’s Luncheonette & Bar has the toastie game in the bag. Or as they call them, sangas. I dig it. Think: a mushroom sanga with grilled mushrooms, melted Swiss cheese, rocket, tahini and mayo on toasted ciabatta, or the Philly cheese steak sanga melt with marinated wagyu strips, Provolone, American red cheddar, caramelised online, green capsicum and rocket.
They’ve also got classics like the leg ham or the tuna steak melt, as well as their take on the Reuben. Not to mention, you can have your sandwich alongside a glass of wine from their impressive menu. Scott’s Luncheonette & Bar really takes it up a notch.
HOME Currumbin
4a/42 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Image Credit: HOME | Instagram
Of course, I had to try every toastie at HOME—purely for research purposes—and I can confidently say they’re some of the best on the Gold Coast. Made fresh each day, packed to the brim with fillings, sauced to perfection, and unapologetically finger-licking good, these toasties hit all the right notes.
The Reuben—stacked with pastrami, Swiss cheese, beetroot sauerkraut, and a zingy thousand island sauce on toasted sourdough—is a personal favourite. But the Mr Mortazza focaccia (mortadella, stracciatella, tomato butter, pistachio pesto, rocket, and aioli) deserves an honourable mention. Whichever sandwich you choose, chances are you’ll be back for another—these are seriously addictive.
Tarte Beach House
Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin QLD 4223
Craving a creekside lunch with stellar views? Tarte Beach House in Currumbin is your answer. Much like their sibling store, Tarte Bakery, this sprawling Hamptons-style venue serves up drool-worthy eats like their epic five-cheese toastie, loaded with melty goodness and spiked with truffle.
And of course, their signature chicken sandwich makes a bold appearance on the menu. Be sure to order it and thank us later.
Palomino's Deli
455 Golden Four Dr, Tugun QLD 4224
Image Credit: Palomino's | Instagram
Tugun’s Palomino’s Deli keeps things simple in the best way, slinging old-school deli rolls with serious flavour and zero fuss. Swing by before 10am for their cult-favourite egg roll loaded with fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheese and your pick of deli meats (think mortadella, prosciutto or sopressa).
From late morning, it’s a tough choice between the Italian—piled with pesto, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and Swiss—or the American, stacked high with salad, provolone and ranch. Add a serve of fries, grab an Allpress coffee, and settle into one of the dog-friendly footpath seats for peak neighbourhood-deli vibes.
Made Barber and Barista
2B/417 Golden Four Dr, Tugun QLD 4224
Corner of Musgrave and Miles Street, Coolangatta QLD 4225
When a barbershop and an espresso bar combine, you know it’s going to be different and damn good, and Made Barber and Barista certainly delivers in both categories. If a barbershop and a coffee joint weren’t already enough, the team has raised the bar by slinging up drool-worthy toasted sandwiches.
Chow down on these loaded bad boys, including flavours like tomato, cheese and pesto, as well as pulled pork, kraut, pickles and cheese and, of course, classics like ham, cheese and mustard. Simple, but so good, and I can confirm they butter right to the edges.
Luna’s Deli
Shop 7/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Luna's Deli | Clayten Fowler Photography
Golden brown, crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle, and oozing with cheese—every bite of a toastie from Luna’s Deli is pure comfort. From the rich croque monsieur to the creamy, zingy leek cacio e pepe, each mouthful is a true delight.
Their focaccias are just as irresistible, loaded with fresh, flavour-packed ingredients and wrapped in their house-made bread. The Summer in Capri is worth writing home about—filled with mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and rocket—it’s equal parts bright and wholesome. Plus, for our vegetarian friends, the team can tweak any toastie to make it meat-free.
Delightful
25 Stuart St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Image Credit: Delightful | Instagram
My southern Gold Coast friends are certainly spoiled with sandwich options, and Delightful in Tweed Heads is undoubtedly one of the best. This oh-so-colourful spot with the friendliest staff around serves up fresh, wholesome delights, perfect for a healthy lunch or a satisfying snack.
Their chopped Caesar sandwich is a dream, bursting with crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, and all the good stuff. Alternatively, if you feel like flexing your flavour-concocting expertise, you could create your own masterpiece with the build-your-own option. They’ve also got rotating housemade treats, perfect for pairing with a sando. The hype is definitely justified.
George's Deli
Shop 3/106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff NSW 2487
Image Credit: George's Deli | Instagram
George’s Deli is comfort food royalty, serving up juicy, overflowing sandwiches stacked with house-made meats and serious flavour. The smoked ham focaccia—with pesto, peppers, pickles, and herb mayo—is an instant classic, while the ain’t ruben with house-made pastrami and cheddar is pure sandwich perfection, though everything they offer is good.
This gorgeous little Kingscliff spot hums with friendly vibes (and weekend crowds), so plan ahead. It’s absolutely worth the hop, skip and border-crossing to get there.
Bread Winner Sandwiches
Unit 1/36 Marine Parade, Kingscliff NSW 2487
Image Credit: Bread Winner Sandwiches | Instagram
One of the newer kids on the Gold Coast sandwich scene, Bread Winner has already built a loyal following (and earned some loud accolades) for their delicious, bready creations. Their menu features a few beloved regulars alongside weekly specials—equal parts exciting and heartbreaking, because they’re often so good you’ll wish they’d stay forever.
On my most recent visit, I went for the chicken Caesar focaccia—a special so popular they had to bring it back—and it was nothing short of glorious. I paired it with a glass of rosé and a grin on my dial, and I’ve been planning my next visit ever since.
Looking for more? Check out:
- Free (Or Cheap) Things To Do On The Gold Coast
- The Best Gold Coast Restaurants
- The Best Burleigh Heads' Restaurants
Main image credit: MC's Sandwich House | Instagram
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