Coolangatta, the southern gem of the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country, is teeming with vibrant cafes that offer much more than just a caffeine fix. Whether you're in the mood for a specialty brew to kickstart your morning, a leisurely post-surf brunch or simply a spot to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes, Cooly has a cafe for every occasion.
Coolangatta's cafe scene is as diverse as its stunning shoreline—from trendy coffee spots with direct beachfront views to cosy locales serving up indulgent breakfasts, here's 14 of Cooly's best cafes, according to Urban List.
Love Street Store
1 Churchill St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Love Street Store | Instagram
A beloved local spot, Love Street Store is a creative dream, inspired by the Australian coastline and sharing the love for coffee, food, good times and fundamentally, the ocean.
From the farms to the plate to your belly; the Love Street Store is known for its homestyle feel and great coffee from Kai Coffee. Menu highlights include their mega toasties and the deliciously filling smoothie bowls. It’s the perfect spot to grab a quick takeaway or enjoy a slow morning in Coolangatta.
Little Mali
237 Boundary St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Little Mali | Instagram
Little in name, big in nature (and servings). Meet Little Mali. In the heart of Rainbow Bay, this super-casual cafe serves up top-notch Bun Coffee and some of the best acai bowls we've had the pleasure of devouring.
They serve a variety of classic lunch and breakfast winners, all of which can be packaged up for takeaway and taken to devour on the nearby beachfront. Little Mali has garnered a cult-like following on the Southern Gold Coast; one visit and you'll understand why.
Kefi Cafe
Cnr Griffith & McDonald St, Coolangatta, 4225 QLD
'Kefi', derived from the Greek word that embodies the sense of joy, is exactly how we would describe this bright Coolangatta cafe. The Mediterranean-inspired cafe is founded on the principle of serving soul-nourishing, seed oil-free food made with love, and once you dig into a plate of their Turkish eggs, you’ll understand the ‘made with love’ ethos. Wash everything down with a cup of sustainably-sourced Five Senses Coffee and you’ll certainly agree this is one of Coolangatta’s best cafes.
Ground Coolangatta
Shop 7/110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Ground Coolangatta | Instagram
Ground Coolangatta is a local favourite, renowned for its strong, expertly brewed coffee using Anchorage Coffee beans, and a range of nourishing eats. The cafe boasts a cozy, laid-back vibe perfect for a morning catch-up or solo caffeine sesh. Try their salmon bagel or vanilla custard pancakes with macadamia for a hearty start to your day, and check out their Instagram for possibly some of the greatest and most drool-worthy food photography on the Gold Coast.
Vanilla Lily
110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Relaxed, modern and sophisticated is the name of the game at Vanilla Lily, a southern gem offering up a calming, botanical-inspired atmosphere. Vanilla Lily sources their coffee from the famous Byron Bay Coffee Company, and their smashed avocado on sourdough and vegan envy bowl are must-haves. Perfect for health-conscious eaters or those in need of a relaxed brunch spot. Friday to Sunday you can enjoy evening cocktails overlooking stunning Greenmount, too.
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Black Dingo Cafe
1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta NSW 2485
Image Credit: Black Dingo Cafe | Instagram
Located with sprawling views directly underneath the Point Danger Lighthouse, Black Dingo Cafe is the perfect blend of coffee and coastal life. Popular for its consistently great coffee made with Seven Miles Coffee Roasters, their menu is full of crowd pleasers like their signature slow-cooked lamb shoulder baguette, and colourful acai bowls. The laid-back surf-town vibes make it a great spot to chill after a morning swim.
MADE Barber and Barista
101 Musgrave St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
When you can get a fresh fade while getting a freshly brewed coffee, you know you're in for a good time. MADE Kirra is the second MADE location, after garnering a loyal following at the original Tugun location.
While more coffee shop than cafe per say, here you'll find loaded toasties, avocado on toast, some of the Gold Coast's best match and great Moonshine coffee to boot. We recommend getting your feed takeaway and wandering over to the beach 200 metres away for the best start to your day.
PointBreak Cafe & Co
Unit 9/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Located just steps from the beach, PointBreak Cafe is famous for its chilled atmosphere and quality brew made with Mocopan Coffee. Their shakshuka eggs and breakfast burrito are favourites among the brunch crowd, or you can always choose from the cabinet of golden, flaky pastries. It’s the ideal spot for grabbing a post-surf feed.
Awaken Cafe
Shop 1/275 Boundary St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Awaken Cafe | Instagram
Occupying the former Cafe DBar space, the sprawling Awaken Cafe sits on the ground floor with indoor and outdoor seating to soak up the panoramic sea views. The laidback venue embodies Coolangatta's lifestyle and strong connection to the beach, with a light, airy palette, coastal furnishings and an impressive floor-to-ceiling bread display.
Awaken Cafe aims to offer a health-conscious breakfast experience, specialising in a plethora of freshly baked pastries, croissants, breads and more. The relaxed cafe utilises locally-grown produce and offers fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, focaccias, burgers and, of course, Merlo coffee.
Koffee at Tiffany’s
Shop 1/40 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
If you're after a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, Koffee at Tiffany’s is your go-to. They brew with Veneziano Coffee and serve up delightful comfort food like their famous nasi goreng and the simple but delicious bacon and egg roll. It's the perfect spot to start your day or unwind after a stroll along the Coolangatta beachfront.
Griffith Street Larder
85 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
The long-standing Griffith Street Larder is a casual eatery serving quality food alongside delicious coffee by Good Coffee Good People. Blending an urban cafe vibe with a casual beachside feel, the Larder, as it’s known, is famous for its loaded brownie cookies that come in outstanding flavours like lemon curd cookie smash and oozy salted caramel, with plenty of gluten-free options available too. It’s an unmissable spot for those looking for quality coffee and a stylish brunch.
Good Garden Cafe
100 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
The plant-filled, airy atmosphere at Good Garden Cafe is matched by their dedication to sustainability and organic ingredients. Serving Moonshine Coffee, they also offer a menu full of fresh, healthy options like packed salad sandwiches and their famous acai bowls loaded with delicious seasonal fruit, perfect for the health-conscious Cooly crowd. Doggos are allowed in the outside seated area, too.
Cafe Kirra
1/48 Musgrave St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Just across from Kirra Beach, Cafe Kirra offers more than just incredible ocean views. They serve Byron Bay Coffee and a well-rounded menu of brunch classics, with their corn, zucchini and feta fritters, and Huevos Rancheros being particularly popular. Whether you're grabbing a post-beach coffee or settling in for brunch, this is a must-visit.
4 Pines
The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
This laid-back venue doubles as a cafe and microbrewery—two of the best things in life in our opinion. Their coffee, sourced from Single O, is smooth and strong. The food menu shines with items like the fried chicken eggs benedict and their ever-popular brioche French toast. With both coffee and craft beer on offer, 4 Pines has everything you need for any time of day.
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Main image credit: Black Dingo Cafe | Instagram
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