As satisfying as stuffing your face with hot cross buns and chocolate eggs can be, we know you’ll be eager to put your precious four days off to good use.
For the 2023 Easter long weekend on the Gold Coast, we’re pointing you in the direction of some of our favourite cafes, restaurants and bars, where you can chow down on your favourite breakfasts, brunches, dinners and everything in between. Hop to it.
Cafes
Bam Bam Bakehouse | Mermaid Beach
These guys know your coffee and pastry addiction doesn’t take a day off, so they won’t either. Bam Bam Bakehouse will be open all Easter weekend long from 6am to 2:30pm. Hint: you must finish with their Easter special, custard-stuffed hot cross buns.
Daark Espresso | Chirn Park
An institution among professional brunchers, Daark is always buzzing with coffee lovers chilling on the wrap-around deck, and the Easter long weekend will be no exception. Daark Espresso is open every day over the weekend, from 6am to 3pm (food ends at 2:30pm) and is sure to be pumping.
Local | Burleigh
Ever-pumping Local Burleigh will be open over the entire Easter Long Weekend, satisfying our cravings for good brews and chews from 6:30am until late every day.
Cardamom Pod | Southport
The passionate vegetarians and vegans at Cardamom Pod Brickworks will be open right across the Easter long weekend from 8am to 2:30pm so you can get your fix of their sublime coffee creations and Insta-worthy acai bowls.
Tarte Bakery | Burleigh Heads
Luring crowds from all corners of the Coast, Tarte’s baked offerings are the ultimate mouth and eye candy, especially when you see their drool-worthy hot cross buns coming fresh out of the oven every day. Tarte will be open from Good Friday through to Easter Monday, from 6:30am to 3pm every day.
The Standard Market Co | Southport
This ever-bustling foodie market in Southport will be slinging up baked goods, fresh produce, sushi, coffee and deli delights all Easter weekend long. The Standard Market Co will be open Good Friday froom 8am to 4pm, Easter Saturday from 7am to 6pm, Easter Sunday from 8am to 4pm and Easter Monday from 8am to 5pm.
BSKT | Mermaid Beach
If you’re holding on tight to that hard-earned beach body, you’ll be well catered for at Gold Coast’s favourite healthy eating cafe, BSKT. They're open every day during the Easter long weekend, from 6am to 2pm on the public holidays and 6am to 3pm on regular days. Be sure to pay them a visit and cleanse yourself from your chocolate overload.
The Winey Cow | Main Beach
Main Beach's slick new beachfront cafe, The Winey Cow has already started turning heads in the Gold Coast brunching scene and for good reason. The award-winning cafe which originated in Melbourne will be open all Easter long weekend, from 6am to 2:30pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and 6am to 3pm on the weekend.
Bear Boy Espresso | Helensvale
Bear Boy Espresso is a godsend for our Northern Gold Coast friends and they’ll be even more grateful for this institution this weekend, because Bear Boy will swing open its doors on Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday from 7am to 2pm all three days.
Social Brew Burleigh | Burleigh Heads
The sheer weekend crowds are testament to the fact Social Brew whips up some of the best breakfasts in Burleigh, and this Easter long weekend will be no exception. Social Brew open all Easter long weekend, from 6am to 2:3opm but we recommend booking as it's expected to be very busy.
Blackboard Coffee | Varsity Lakes
If you find yourself in and around Varsity Lakes this weekend, Blackboard Coffee is the place you need to go for smooth coffee, naughty doughnut treats and their infamous eggs benedict on hash. Blackboard Coffee is open all weekend long, from Good Friday through to Easter Monday, from 5:3oam to 3pm.
Paddock Bakery | Miami
These guys never rest, like seriously. But that’s great for us because we can always count on them for caffeine-fixes, epic breakfast vibes and some of the most sought-after Easter treats in town. Paddock Bakery is open all Easter weekend from 6am to 3pm, and will be slinging up their legendary Easter Dippys, Easter cruffins and wickedly good wood-fired sourdough hot cross buns. Hop to it.
Elk Espresso | Broadbeach
Block off the morning then set your GPS for Broadbeach and a table at Elk Espresso to sample their stellar new autumn menu. Think: limited-edition hot cross bun french toast with chocolate mousse and raspberry jelly. Drool. This busy team will be taking a well-deserved break on Good Friday, and will be back from Saturday through to Monday from 5:45am to 3pm.
Custard Canteen | Palm Beach
If there’s one place that does pastries well, it’s Custard Canteen. Which is why you’ll find us there this Easter long weekend, mouthfuls deep in one of hot cross brioche buns. You can dive into their sweet deliciousness every day over the Easter long weekend, from 6am to 2:30pm.
Yo-Chi | Broadbeach
Cult-favourite frozen yoghurt joint, Yo-Chi will be open every day over the Easter Long Weekend from 10am to 11pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, and 10am to 10pm on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
Baked At Ancora | Tweed Heads
The friendly Baked at Ancora team understands you’ll probably need a well-deserved caffeine break over the long weekend and they will be open for all your coffee and baked goods needs from Easter Saturday to Easter Monday, from 7am to 1:30pm.
Cheese Me Baby | Mermaid Beach
Our favourite toastie spot on the GC (it's in the name) will be open from 6am to 3pm over the Easter long weekend, with the kitchen closing at 2pm.
Commune | Burleigh Heads
It’s a Burleigh institution that’s helped define coffee culture on the Coast, so we can’t go past a steaming cup of the good stuff from Commune over the Easter long weekend. They’ll be slinging up caffeinated goodness every public holiday except for Good Friday, from 6am to 3pm.
Bar & Restaurants
Etsu Izakaya | Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach institution Etsu Izakaya will be serving their sublime Japanese dishes alongside top-notch bevvies all Easter weekend long, and if you haven't visited this iconic spot yet, this is your sign. Etsu will be open from 4:30pm to late every night over the Easter long weekend.
Hail Mary | Burleigh Heads
The prettiest pink restaurant in Burleigh, Hail Mary has you covered with finger-licking tacos, burritos and perfectly-boozy margaritas this Easter long weekend. This top Mexican joint is open from 5pm until late on Good Friday, 4pm until late Easter Saturday and Sunday and will be closed on Easter Monday.
Tropic Vice | Nobby Beach
Tropic Vice, the freshly revamped Nobby Beach bar and restaurant is officially re-opening this Saturday 8 April and we can't wait. The vibrant rooftop bar will be open from 12pm until late on both Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday.
Enzos Cucina | Surfers Paradise
This Italian hotspot will be open for both lunch and dinner all Easter weekend long.
Backbone Bar & Kitchen
Ahhhh, Backbone how we love you. Chow down on bao buns, karaage and dumplings at this Tugun joint from 11am until late every day over the Easter long weekend.
Le Blanc's Wine Bar | Tugun
This new kid on the block in Tugun will swing open its doors from 4pm until late on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday. Order a charcuterie board and a bottle to share and you're sorted.
Hyde Paradiso | Surfers Paradise
Hyde Paradiso is the perfect spot for Sunday sessions and long lunches that lead into dinner with live DJs setting the mood. If you’re after European summer escape vibes this Gold Coast Easter long weekend but can’t afford the airfare, then this is the place for you. Hyde Paradiso is open on Good Friday from 7am to 10:30am and 12pm to late; Easter Saturday from 7am to 10:30am and 12pm to late; Easter Sunday from 7am to 10:30am and 12pm to 4pm and Easter Monday from 7am to 10:30am.
Marilyn's Bar | Broadbeach
Broadbeach's new 70's-inspired bar is pulling out all the stops this Easter with three jam-packed days of celebrations. On Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday they will be hosting their much-loved Brunch Club from 11am and doors will stay open until midnight. Special musical acts will also kick off from 7:3opm on Friday and Saturday. Marilyn's will be closed on Easter Monday.
La Playa | Surfers Paradise
La Playa is slinging up a fusion of modern Australian and Mediterranean cuisine all Easter long weekend. Swing by this beachside haven from 7am to late, any day over the Easter long weekend.
Elston | Surfers Paradise
Tucked under the Soul building in Surfers Paradise, Elston is a classic but a goodie. We think you should add it to your must-eat list this Easter long weekend. The all-day dining spot is open from 6:30am to 9pm every day.
Light Years Asian Diner | Burleigh Heads
Light Years is like the cool older sister we all wish we were. She's refined, she's bright and loads of fun. Dive into Light Years' famous bao buns paired with tantalisting cocktails this Easter long weekend and thank us later. They'll be open from 12pm until 10pm all Easter weekend long.
Labart | Burleigh Heads
It’s official; we are utterly in love with Restaurant Labart. If your Easter is all about family, special friends and gratitude for good food, you’ll be in good company when treating yourselves at Labart. Open from Good Friday all the way through to Easter Sunday, Head Chef Ethan Ferris creates his menus based on the fresh autumn produce delivered to his kitchen each morning—now that’s talent.
Burleigh Pavilion | Burleigh Heads
A sunny long weekend is as good an excuse as any for drinks by the beach, and the Gold Coast’s favourite heartthrob, Burleigh Pavilion, will be pumping them out all weekend long. Open Friday through Monday from midday to midnight, walk up and nab your oceanfront table at The Terrace beach bar, or get fancy and head to The Tropic where head chef Guillaume Zika is delivering a delectable line up of moreish Easter seafood specials.
Justin Lane | Burleigh Heads
Justin Lane, Burleigh’s OG party destination, will be hopping this Gold Coast Easter long weekend with a special lineup of DJs and merrymaking planned for Easter Saturday.
Garden Kitchen & Bar | Broadbeach
If there’s one destination that never sleeps, it’s The Star Gold Coast. Open all Easter long weekend with ample cuisines and eating locales to choose from; we’d beeline for Garden Kitchen & Bar which is open all Easter weekend long.
Looking to celebrate Easter in more delicious ways? Eat your way through some of the best hot cross buns on the Gold Coast.
Image Credit: Elk Espresso, Bear Boy, Marilyn's Bar, Hayley Williamson & Kaitlin Maree Photography for Urban List