Where To Find The Best Burleigh Cafes In 2025
Burleigh cafes encapsulate the Gold Coast lifestyle in all its glory. They're airy, mostly beachside, designed to enjoy over long grazing sessions. You know the kind that begin as a quick bite and end with a bottomless brunch. And you're left wondering, 'how did I get here?' But you're not one bit mad.
Whether you're hankering for a Burleigh breakfast with all the trimmings or a coffee shop that's got a good drop in a stunning seaside locale. The perfect smashed avo, ultimate brew and vibey garden await you inside one of the many Burleigh Heads cafes.
When it comes to rounding up the very best Burleigh cafes, I'm a believer that the food, brews and vibe are what matters. Of course great service and a convenient or tucked away locale play a role too. And who doesn't love a top tier hashbrown?
From Insta-worthy interiors and sun-drenched courtyards to mouth-watering menus featuring local produce and gourmet twists on classic dishes, read on 13 of Burleigh’s best cafes on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country according to Urban List.
Burleigh Cafes At A Glance
Open from 5am
Fuel Bakehouse
1/23 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 5am - 4.30pm Daily
This takeaway-only slice of pastry heaven in the heart of Burleigh has magnet-like pulling power to their loaded cabinet of sugar-dusted delights. From stuffed donuts and vanilla bean cruffins to danishes and dangerously addictive croissant creations (choose the white chocolate and raspberry).
Fuel Bakehouse is the kind of hole-in-the-wall oasis that'll happily fuel your wander around the block or even up to nearby iconic Burleigh hill. You can build your own bagel, get amongst their loaded salad rolls and sip a cuppa tea or coffee fresh from the pour. Make this place your first stop on your next Burleigh Heads jaunt.
Memento
2/16 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 5am - 1.30pm Daily
For arguably the best Acai bowl on the Gold Coast, head directly to Memento. It's one of those Burleigh cafes that's somehow tucked away yet perfectly positioned. Since it's back from the main drag but directly across from the beach, this place pulls a crowd and delights in the Burleigh lifestyle.
It's a popular post-run hangout, a bustling morning catchup locale and the perfect place for a sun-soaked selection of bites to eat in or take on a picnic nearby. Their mushroom ragu is my pick, with its pumpkin mash and Egyptian dukkha plus rocket pesto. Can't beat it. Well, actually maybe the only thing that can is their early bird $14.90 bacon and egg English muffin and coffee available 6.30am-8am daily. Rise and shine right here, no regrets.
Llamas to the Sky
5 Kortum Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 5am - 1.30pm Sun - Mon, 6am - 2pm Sat
It's the industrial-chic warehouse with a sprawling lawn and picnic benches for communal sipping. With a focus on community, I love that this place invites gathering and gives a real feeling of togetherness. Their Two Amigos cold brew is my top pick on a visit here, everytime. And the Italian meatball bagel with beetroot cashew cheese and sweet dill pickles brings something distinctly new to the Burleigh cafe scene. Come and bask in the Burleigh sunshine, it's one of the more unsuspecting locations, but I really do love this joint.
Pretty Handsome
18 Christine Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 5am - 1.30pm Sun - Mon, 6am - 2pm Sat
A cornerstore coffee shop in Burleigh Heads with a sassy personality and grab-and-go eats perfect for a quick drop-by. Pretty Handsome is the type of cafe you'll lust for long after your quick cuppa and bite affair is over. I'm into their triple tortilla brekkie tacos with eggs, chorizo and chipotle aioli and cheese topped with salsa.
Their new addition of protein smoothies may just be your favourite post-gym sesh reason to stop by. Opt for the strawberry nutella with oat milk and coconut. It'll leave an impression, I'll say that much.
Quest Burleigh Cafe
20 James Street, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220
Open 5am - 3.30pm Mon - Fri and 5am - 4.30pm Sat - Sun
Image Credit: Quest Burleigh | Instagram
Expect friendly faces, artisan coffee, house baked cakes, and freshly prepared breakfast snacks from the team of Quest Coffee Roasters, with a side of social consciousness to boot. This Burleigh Heads coffee shop really does pour sensational drops.
The Quest team’s mission is to make the best quality coffee underpinned by principles of social and environmental responsibility, all the way from green bean to flat white. I love a sweet, flaky almond croissant as much as the next person but if you’re up for an indulgent savoury treat, the loaded BBQ brisket toastie is the way to go.
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Hidden Perk
15 Ikkina Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 5.30am - 1.30pm Daily
Quick, friendly service, strong coffees and top tucker on a tight budget. That's what you'll find at Hidden Perk. This quaint local cafe side-steps Burleigh's glitz and presents in an unassuming spot. But that's perhaps my favourite part, because there's ample seating, despite being incredibly close to Tallebudgera Creek.
Since this cafe's snuggled into suburbia, parking's relatively straightforward (and free). Wander across the Gold Coast Highway to reach Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre then beyond for a dip in the creek and a wander up Burleigh Hill for panoramic ocean views and a rainforest trek.
Open from 6am
Commune
1844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 6am - 3pm Daily
Burleigh’s cherished cafe, Commune, is the place to sip on sunshine, piping hot cuppas of Blackboard coffee and chow down on epic eats. Chill in the poster-lined cafe or grab an al fresco seat against the vine-covered building to watch the world go by. I'm a big fan of bringing poochy pals here to soak up some rays, too.
On the menu, my personal fave has got to be the unique beef stack, served on a potato rosti with two poached eggs and hollandaise. But then again, the chorizo burrito with jalapeños and scrambled egg is an unbeatable brekky dream. Or if it's a morning cleanse to wash away your sins, there's no wrong choice from the smoothie menu.
Palm Springs
1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 6am - 2.30pm Daily
Image Credit: Palm Springs | Brooke DarlingIf you're drawn to white-washed walls and chic aesthetics, the Cali-inspired Burliegh cafe Palm Springs is calling your name. Helmed by three innovative locals, this cafe stands out as one of the Gold Coast’s trendiest breakfast spots in my opinion.
The menu offers a refreshing Southern Californian twist on breakfast and lunch staples, complemented by superb coffee and a variety of cold-pressed juices. My top pick? The Cali breakfast burrito. I cannot get enough of that cheesy scrambled egg combo with crispy bacon and fresh pico de galo all topped off with a hashy-b.
On every visit here, the line's snaking down the staircase, but I assure you, it's worth snagging a spot in the queue. They're a Burleigh cafe opened daily, and one of the few with a dedicated cocktail menu best sipped alfresco in the sun. But then again, the dirty chais here are some of the best on the Coast, too.
Social Brew
34-36 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 6am - 2.30pm Daily
Image Credit: Social Brew | Instagram
Situated on the vibrant James Street, Social Brew serves up exceptional coffee and top-notch meals every day of the week to its devoted patrons. Myself included. The inviting decor, featuring hanging greenery and twinkling lights is hard to resist. And every visit I'm amazed at the array of eats on offer, where everyone's accounted for. Vegan, vego, those with a hunger that can usually not be tamed - this is the place for everyone. Breakfast and lunch, their menu is guaranteed to have you coming back.
The Activated Detox bowl is my pick after a big night out. I just can't get enough of that mixed berry and peanut butter combo, the coconut milk, the banana, creamy yoghurt plus their house-made granola. It's delight in a bowl. But then again, who can resist the Bang Bang chicken burger with juicy Thai-style fried chicken, house made 'slaw and aioli? It's guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. Find it on the lunch menu.
Paddock Bakery
20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 6am - 3pm Daily
Image Credit: Paddock Bakery | Brooke Darling Photography
No list of Burleigh cafes would be complete without Paddock Bakery. Arguably home to the Gold Coast’s first cruffins, a pastry cabinet full of generous sweet treats and a to-die-for changing menu makes this one of Burleigh Heads cafes that pull a decent crowd.
They're walk in only and open everyday except Christmas 6am-3pm. I'm pretty sure they've offered their iconic dippy eggs since they first opened and it might sound wild, but it's become a must-try. If you get a chance, try the biscoff shake from the milk bar, there are pretzels inside. Paddock and its charming garden setting are a Gold Coast must-do.
Magnolia Lane
1863 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 6am - 12noon Mon - Fri, 6.30am - 12 noon Sat and 7am - 12noon Sun
Image Credit: Magnolia Lane | Instagram
You've definitely found an under-the-radar favourite in the magical Magnolia Lane. Brought to life by a group of young like-minded Burleigh Heads locals with a passion for the hospitality industry, the space is designed to be bright, busy and full of energy—check, check and check.
The all-day menu is packed with wholesome and generous dishes that are as Instagrammable as they are satisfying. Their dedication to coffee is evident, serving only the finest beans from Melbourne-based Inglewood Coffee Roasters. For a brunch that hits all the right notes, go for the Italian baked eggs in amatriciana sauce, served with goat’s cheese. I'm obsessed. And just in case you were wondering, yes this top Burleigh cafe's open daily except for New Years Day.
Canteen Coffee
23 Park Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 6am - 1.30pm Daily
I could easily indulge in their Middle Eastern-inspired dishes every day, especially the spiced shakshuka with poached eggs, labneh, and za’atar pita. My top recommendation's that you finish off your meal with a chewy house-baked choc almond biscuit. It's dessert, but make it breakfast, you know?
Parlour Coffee
1A/34 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 6am - 1.30pm Mon - Sat and 6am - 1pm Sun
Parlour Coffee is set a bit back from the main hustle and bustle of central Burleigh, perched next to Tallebudgera Creek. So consider it your new go-to destination Burleigh Heads cafe. Their Marvell St coffee hits, as does its ever-changing seasonal menu featuring a rainbow of whole foods, tasty combinations and chef’s specials.
I personally love the buckwheat waffles with house made salted caramel, chantilly cream and toasted coconut. Parlour is pup-friendly which I love. And they're open daily until 1.30pm which is perfect for a lunchtime coffee catchup.
Tarte Bakery & Cafe
1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 6.30am - 3pm Daily
Image Credit: Tarte Bakery | Brooke Darling Photography
Prepare for food envy at the Parisian-inspired Tarte Bakery & Cafe, where you and your brunch crew can dive into so much goodness. I'm a big fan of the miso scrambled eggs topped with finely grated parmesan and togarashi. Or the Bullseye Benny starring bacon, poached eggs, house hollandaise, and rocket on Tarte’s sublime house Everything bagel. It slams everytime.
I know exactly why this Burleigh cafe draws crowds from all over the Gold Coast and beyond. It's because Tarte’s menu and pastry cabinet is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Combine that with its prime corner location in the heart of Burleigh and it's no wonder why it's one of the area's best.
Common Ground
2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 6.30am - 1.30pm Daily
Common Ground is a sunny garden cafe nestled on Burleigh's appropriately named Hibiscus Haven, and it’s just as much of a fairytale as it sounds.
I always opt for the shaded al fresco dining area. It's the perfect peaceful setting to enjoy the inspired menu and locally roasted speciality Common Coffee, which has its own cult-like following. I'm yet to resist a selection from the fresh danishes, cakes and croissants that overflow from the cabinet. Though from the impressive range of larger brunching options, my personal favourite is the American waffles topped with maple bacon, vanilla anglaise and fresh strawberries. It's dessert for brekky and I'm about it.
Burleigh Cafes Open From 7am
Next Door Espresso Burleigh
24 Junction Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Open 7am - 1.30pm Mon - Fri, 7am - 1pm Sat
Image Credit: Next Door Espresso | Instagram
Next Door Espresso is a little slice of the Mediterranean nestled in Burleigh's industrial estate. This alfresco gem is one of the most beautiful cafes on the Gold Coast in my opinion. Why? Because its adorned with cascading white flowers and elegant, minimalist decor. Plus, the florals around the place give the most beautiful feel.
Sip organic Moonshine coffee, sourced from the Byron Hinterlands, alongside a small yet delectable all-day menu. I love the sweet and heat in the hot honey chicken burger. It's loaded with honey sriracha fried chicken, old English cheese, bacon, lettuce and herbed mayo on soft milk loaf.
Doko Demo V
2/2 Sunlight Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
Open 10am - 3pm Mon - Wed, 8.30am - 3pm Thurs - Sun and 5 - 9pm Thurs - Sat and 5 - 8.30pm Sun
Doko Demo means ‘anywhere’ and the V stands for vegan, So Doko Demo V means you can eat anything from anywhere, with a huge, totally plant-based and very multicultural menu. I'm all about it. And if you like your Burleigh cafes with a side of substantial eats, this is the place to check out.
My pick's to sit outside in the sundrenched garden under the breezy pergola. My favourite dishes so far have been the combination Laksa, smoked ‘duck’ with sweet potato mash and port jus, and foot-long hotdogs with the works. They're a serious sight.
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Main image credit: Commune | Instagram
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