14 Of Coolangatta’s Best Cafes For Brunching In 2025
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.
There's prime sunrise and whale-watching spots at Snapper Rocks, sprawling parklands that join up with Kirra's coastal boardwalk and stunning beaches like sheltered Greenmount and Rainbow Bay. Dreamy and seaside, but still snagging a carpark with ease most of the time, Coolangatta is my favourite Gold Coast southern Belle.
It's important to note that Coolangatta operates in both NSW and QLD time zones depending on its cafe's location, so it's a good move to check opening hours before road-tripping south.
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 myself and the team at Urban List.
Coolangatta Cafes At A Glance
Cafes Open From 5am
Little Mali
237 Boundary St, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 5am
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 I'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 to tuck into on the nearby beachfront. Little Mali has garnered a cult-like following on the Southern Gold Coast; one visit and you'll understand why.
INSIDER INTEL
- Coffees are St. Ali and damn delish
Love Street Store
1 Churchill St, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 5.30am
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 Sunshine Coast Roasters, 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Exhibitions, film screenings and live music are all home here. Check socials for the happenings
MADE Barber and Barista
101 Musgrave St, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 5.30am
When you can get a fresh fade and 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 matcha and Moonshine coffee to boot. I recommend getting your feed takeaway and wandering over to the beach 200 metres away for the best start to your day.
INSIDER INTEL
- The coconut nitro with vanilla cold foam is life-changing
Black Dingo Cafe
1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta NSW 2485 | Open from 5.30am
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 packed with fresh fruit and topped with a soft serve swirl.
INSIDER INTEL
- The laid-back surf-town vibes make it a great spot to chill after a morning swim
- Its namesake pays homage to Australia's wild heart and Black Dingo Beach (Moy Ngagambi)
- This cafe is hidden under the Marine Rescue tower, on the balcony
Awaken Cafe
Shop 1/275 Boundary St, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 5.30am
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 offers a health-conscious breakfast experience, specialising in a plethora of freshly baked pastries, croissants and breads. The relaxed cafe uses locally-grown produce and offers fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, focaccias, burgers and liquid gold from Merlo.
INSIDER INTEL
- By the same team as Pipis
- The foccacia pizza is the real deal
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Cafes Open From 6am
Kefi Cafe
Cnr Griffith & McDonald St, Coolangatta, 4225 QLD | Open from 6am
'Kefi', derived from the Greek word that embodies the sense of joy, is exactly how I would describe this bright Coolangatta cafe. The Mediterranean-inspired eatery 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 experience the ‘made with love’ ethos first-hand. 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Their bottomless brunch runs daily from 10am, for 90 minutes and $60 with a meal of choice
- My pick's the hash Benedict, with halloumi, poached effs, potato hash and harissa hollandaise
Ground Coolangatta
Shop 7/110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 6am
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 cosy, 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Don't skip the smoothie menu, the raw Snickers is basically dessert for breakfast and I'm about it
Vanilla Lily
110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 6.30am
Relaxed, modern and sophisticated is the name of the game at Vanilla Lily, a southern gem offering up a calming, botanical-laced atmosphere. Vanilla Lily sources their coffee from the renowned Byron Bay Coffee Company, and their smashed avocado on sourdough and vegan envy bowl are must-haves, in my books. 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- It's giving boutique cafe and daytime cocktail bar
- The vegan envy bowl with seasonal greens, fresh apple, roasted beetroot hummus and lemon is my go-to
PointBreak Cafe & Co
Unit 9/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 6.30am
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Gulp down juices alongside your morning brew
- Pastries are baked fresh daily
Cafe Kirra
1/48 Musgrave St, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 6.30am
Directly across from Kirra Beach, Cafe Kirra offers more than million dollar 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 of particular acclaim. Whether you're grabbing a post-beach coffee or settling in for brunch, this is a must-visit.
INSIDER INTEL
- Fresh cinnamon scrolls are a must
- Take home a giant lemon curd muffin, baked fresh daily
Cafes Open From 7am Onwards
4 Pines
The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 7am
This laid-back venue doubles as a cafe and microbrewery—two of the best things in life in my 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- The brekky burger with chilli jam, fried egg and bacon is a post-surf dream
Griffith Street Larder
85 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 7am
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 quick bite
INSIDER INTEL
- Coffees come jumbo sized
Good Garden Cafe
100 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225 |Open from 7am weekdays and 8am Saturday
The plant-filled, airy atmosphere at Good Garden Cafe matches their dedication to sustainability and organic ingredients to a tee. 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Doggos are allowed in the outside seated area, too.
Itsuki
12 52/58 Marine Pde, Coolangatta QLD 4225 | Open from 10am
This Japanese-inspired cafe is considered local royalty in Coolangatta. If not for their daily specials (gozen) rolled out on Instagram, then definitely for their fresh fruit mochi. Itsuki expertly plates up lunch sets and bento boxes, even karaage bowls and cheesy guy-don. Cream-topped coffees and matcha make this a must-visit apres surf.
INSIDER INTEL
- This is my pick for Coolangatta's best selection of teas
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Main image credit: Black Dingo Cafe | Instagram
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