Before I jetted off on a month-long trip to Japan, someone asked me, “Don’t you think you’ll get tired of eating the same cuisine every day?” I was genuinely taken aback. Japanese food made up a substantial part of my reason for going.
Japanese food from morning to night, with endless matcha at every turn? That sounded like my idea of paradise. And let me tell you—it truly was.
Back on the Gold Coast’s sun-drenched shores, I was relieved to find I didn’t have to leave that culinary magic behind. From slurp-worthy ramen joints to Kyoto-level matcha and even a Japanese-inspired brewery, we’re seriously spoiled when it comes to Japanese cuisine.
And now, the Gold Coast’s Japanese cafe scene is having a moment, with more locals embracing the all-day appeal of this incredible food culture—think katsu sandos, cloud-like pancakes and some of the best matcha lattes around. I’ve done the hard work (ie: eaten my way around town) to bring you 10 of the Gold Coast’s best Japanese cafés to hit up next. Itadakimasu.
The Gold Coast's Best Japanese Cafes At A Glance
- The Best Japanese Cafes For Breakfast
- The Best Japanese Cafes For Lunch
- The Best Japanese Cafes For Treats
The Best Japanese Cafes For Breakfast
Genki Cafe & Sushi
382 Tamborine Oxenford Rd, Upper Coomera QLD 4209
More than just a cafe, Genki Cafe & Sushi is a full-blown community hub tucked away in Upper Coomera, complete with art classes and locally made gifts. And the charming exterior isn’t all that’s on offer—this place is serious about flavour.
Their Japanese-Aussie fusion menu features everything from crispy karaage burgers and pork katsu sandos to classic big breakfasts and pastries. The drinks list is just as exciting, with hojicha, classic matcha and even an iced pistachio matcha on offer—an absolute must try.
Sens Fusion
Shop13/129 Queen St, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Sens Fusion | Instagram
As the name might suggest, Sens Fusion is a minimalist Japanese fusion cafe, and it’s been quietly taking over Southport’s brunch scene. Their menu walks a perfect line between classic comfort and unexpected creativity, serving up next-level Japanese souffle pancakes, top-tier matcha lattes and wildcards like miso yuzu carbonara and mentaiko pasta.
Expect Japanese flavours reimagined in breakfast form, alongside muffins, cakes, and some of the best coffee in town. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it’s damn delicious.
Goya Café
Shop 9/2669 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Goya | Instagram
Minimalist design, hip-hop beats and some of the Gold Coast’s most exciting Japanese brunch plates—that’s Goya Café in a nutshell. Inspired by Osaka and Tokyo’s street food, their omurice variations (like king prawn bisque) and chunky shokupan sandos are a must.
Think wagyu, katsu pork, or fruit-filled creations so pretty you’ll hesitate to bite. It’s casual, cool, and just the right kind of quirky. The Broadbeach café scene has never looked (or tasted) so good.
Kudo Bros Espresso Bar & Kitchen
14/6 Energy Cct, Robina QLD 4226
Kudo Bros is a serene slice of Tokyo in suburban Robina, dishing up traditional Japanese breakfasts with a modern Gold Coast twist. Their signature zen plate—with salmon, dashimaki egg, rice and miso—is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Other standouts include their extensive onigiri menu and a perfectly crunchy veggie tempura rice bowl. As for their drinks game? It’s just as strong, with expertly brewed coffee and Japanese teas to match. Kudo Bros is comfort food with culture, and locals can’t get enough.
Café Bar Doki Doki
7 Fifth Ave, Palm Beach QLD 4221
If soufflé pancakes are your love language, Café Bar Doki Doki in Palm Beach is your soulmate. These cloud-like beauties come both sweet and savoury, alongside a menu packed with tasty numbers like karaage chicken noodles, black sesame lattes and an entire matcha wonderland—lattes, pancakes, crepes, and beyond.
They’ve nailed the balance between Japanese cafe culture and Aussie breakfast classics, right down to the bacon and egg rolls. Vegan and gluten-free options are a bonus. Prepare to fall hard and fast for this epic Japanese cafe.
You Might Also Like:
The Best Japanese Cafes For Lunch
ITSUKI
12 52/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: ITSUKI | Pandanus Lane
ITSUKI in Coolangatta is a haven for traditional Japanese fare, served up in an intimate, relaxed café setting. Known for their epic karaage chicken and beautifully balanced lunch sets, the attention to detail here is exceptional—even the rice is a standout.
Sip on a matcha float, tuck into some handmade daifuku mochi, and let the flavour transport you straight to Japan. It’s only open on select days, so plan ahead—but trust us, it’s worth it. Authentic, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Ichiyon Cafe
7a/48 Ourimbah Rd, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Tucked just over the border in Tweed Heads, Ichiyon Café is one of the Gold Coast’s best-kept (but quickly spreading) secrets. Expect flavour-packed karaage rice bowls, curry-laced plates, generously filled onigiris and some of the best matcha lattes going around.
It’s friendly, welcoming, and has that special kind of soul you can’t fake. A must-visit if you’re in the area, and well worth the detour if you’re not. You’ll be a regular in no time.
The Best Japanese Cafes For Treats
Bake House Gozen
Shop7B/458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar QLD 4214
Image Credit: Bake House Gozen | Instagram
Bake House Gozen is what happens when Japanese finesse meets French pastry perfection, and trust us, it’s a combo that works. This low-key bakery-cafe hybrid serves up croissant sandwiches and salmon-loaded bakes, best paired with a matcha or coffee for the full experience.
The real star, though, is their vibrant selection of matcha-infused treats that’ll transport you straight to Kyoto. It's minimalist, authentic, and absolutely addictive. One visit and you’ll be hooked.
Chanoyu
6a/56 Nerang St, Nerang QLD 4211
Image Credit: Chanoyu | Instagram
Chanoyu is the kind of low-key local spot that people whisper about, hoping it doesn’t get too popular. Nestled in Nerang, this Japanese café serves up both classics and clever twists—think black sesame French toast, karaage burgers and matcha drinks galore.
Their drink menu is a playground of flavours, from hojicha and sesame lattes to biscoff iced lattes. With warm service and beautifully presented dishes, Chanoyu feels like a love letter to Japanese comfort food. It’s worth the drive, every time.
Forest Cake Cafe
77B Scarborough St, Southport QLD 4215
Step into Forest Cake Cafe and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a quiet countryside cafe in Japan. This cosy spot is renowned for its next-level desserts, especially the matcha mont blanc, which is as beautiful as it is tasty.
The menu also boasts pastas and sandos with Japanese flair, plus rich matcha and hojicha lattes to sip alongside. The chef once worked in a Michelin-starred kitchen, so you know it’s going to be good—a hidden gem for dessert lovers and foodies alike.
Looking for more? Check out:
Main image credit: ITSUKI | Pandanus Lane
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.