When it comes to stunning beachside brunch spots on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country, Burleigh Heads is where it’s at. Whether you're a die-hard brunch fan hunting for the perfect avocado smash, a coffee connoisseur in search of the ultimate brew, or just someone looking to soak up the beachy vibes, Burleigh's cafe scene has something for everyone.
From Insta-worthy interiors and sun-drenched courtyards to mouth-watering menus featuring local produce and gourmet twists on classic dishes, read on 12 of Burleigh’s best cafes according to Urban List.
Commune
1844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
An icon for a reason, Burleigh’s cherished cafe, Commune, is now proudly part of the legendary Blackboard family. Chill in the funky, eclectic surroundings or grab an al fresco seat against the vine-covered building as you watch the world go by.
Dive into the unique beef stack, served on a potato rosti with two poached eggs and hollandaise, or attack the chorizo burrito with jalapenos and scrambled egg, just for something a little different.
Palm Springs
1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Palm Springs | Brooke Darling
If you're drawn to white-washed walls and chic aesthetics, the Cali-inspired Palm Springs in Burleigh Heads is calling your name. Helmed by three innovative locals, this cafe stands out as one of the Gold Coast’s trendiest breakfast spots and is ideal for your Instagram feed.
The menu offers a refreshing Southern Californian twist on breakfast and lunch staples, complemented by superb coffee and a variety of cold-pressed juices. Our top pick? The Cali breakfast burrito is a seriously robust brekky, boasting egg bacon and cheese, heaped with avo, pico de gallo and served with a smashed hash brown and a tangy tomatillo salsa.
Social Brew
34-36 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
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. The inviting decor, featuring hanging greenery and twinkling lights, will draw you in, while the large and diverse breakfast and lunch menu will keep you coming back.
The Activated Detox bowl will help you get back on track after a big night out but if you’re after something on the more indulgent side, the Bang Bang chicken burger with juicy Thai-style fried chicken, housemade slaw and aioli will satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Tarte Bakery & Cafe
1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
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 dishes like 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.
Drawing crowds from all over the Gold Coast and beyond, 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 you’ve got one of Burleigh’s best cafes, hands down.
Common Ground
2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
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.
Shaded al fresco dining offers up a peaceful setting in which enjoy the inspired menu and locally roasted speciality Common Coffee, which has its own cult-like following. Fresh danishes, cakes and croissants overflow from the cabinet, or you can choose from the larger brunch offerings like the decadent breakfast burger or our personal favourite—the loaded Turkish eggs.
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Next Door Espresso Burleigh
24 Junction Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
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 Coast, adorned with cascading white flowers and elegant, minimalist decor.
Sip organic Moonshine coffee, sourced from the Byron Hinterlands, alongside a small yet delectable all-day menu. We love the sweet and heat in the chicken burger, loaded with honey sriracha fried chicken, old English cheese, bacon, lettuce and herbed mayo on soft Japanese milk loaf.
Paddock Bakery
20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Paddock Bakery | Brooke Darling Photography
No list of Burleigh cafes would be complete without Paddock Bakery. Their dishes regularly grab the Instagram pages of Gold Coast foodies, with the dippy eggs probably the hands-down favourite.
Home to arguably the Gold Coast’s first cruffins, a pastry cabinet full of generous sweet treats and a to-die-for changing menu which currently boasts a fried mushroom and burrata combination that has to be tasted to be believed, Paddock and its charming garden setting are a Gold Coast must-do.
Magnolia Lane
1863 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Magnolia Lane | Instagram
Locals have 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.
Canteen Coffee
23 Park Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Canteen holds a special place in our hearts—and the hearts of all Burleigh locals. Step inside you'll feel transported to a chic European bistro: wrap-around windows, leather banquettes, exposed-globe pendant lights, and a cosy two-person open-plan kitchen in the back serving up some of Burleigh's finest breakfasts.
We could easily indulge in their Middle Eastern-inspired dishes every day, especially the spiced shakshuka with poached eggs, labneh, and za’atar pita. Finish off your meal with a chewy house-baked choc almond biscuit, and you’re ticking all of the boxes.
Quest Burleigh Cafe
20 James Street, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220
Image Credit: Quest Burleigh | Instagram
Expect friendly faces, artisan coffee, house baked cakes, and freshly prepared breakfast snacks from the Burleigh team of Quest Coffee Roasters, with a side of social consciousness to boot.
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. We 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.
Parlour Coffee
1A/34 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Parlour Coffee is set a bit back from the main hustle and bustle of central Burleigh, perched next to Tallebudgera Creek, but is well worth the visit. Their Marvell St coffee has its own cult-like following, as does its ever-changing seasonal menu featuring a rainbow of whole foods, tasty combinations and chef’s specials.
We love the buckwheat waffles with house made salted caramel, chantilly cream and toasted coconut and the house-made granola bowl with our cup of joe. Parlour is pup-friendly, so furry friends don’t need to miss out.
Doko Demo V
2/2 Sunlight Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
One for our vegan friends, 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.
Sit outside under the breezy pergola or enjoy the tiki-inspired décor inside as you dine with friends on such an array of cruelty-free delights as combination Laksa, smoked ‘duck’ with sweet potato mash and port jus, and foot-long hotdogs with the works.
Looking for more? Check out:
- The Gold Coast's Best Restaurants
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Main image credit: Commune | Instagram
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