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Beauty gurus, raise your contouring brushes, this cruelty-free, non-toxic beauty bar in Nobby Beach is seriously worth a look-see. Y’know how some planet-friendly makeup can look kinda like the innards of an old avocado stuffed into a sad brown bag and slapped with a hand-written label? Well, this is totally not that place. 

If you’re yet to pull in and try the goods at Stones Throw, you’re missing out on one of the best cafes in Burleigh. With an ethnic twist infiltrating the menu, come for the Beef Rendang Mince or Saag Aloo Hash or, for the late brunching crowd, the Bibimbap is a stand out. Need something on the go? Stones Throw's homemade gourmet pies are nek-level. Helping you slide on into the weekend, this licensed local fave even keep the doors open for happy hour from 4pm to 6pm, Fridays and Saturdays. 

Hordes of hip coffee drinkers and lycra-wearing riders filling every available seat on a Saturday morning, is a testament to the popularity of this West Burleigh hangout. Worth the trek away from the main drag if you’re keen to devour some of the best breakfasts in Burleigh, we love Parlour Coffee’s easy-breezy patio and picnic tables in the front garden. Paired perfectly with Marvell St coffee and seasonal, Insta-worthy dishes from buckwheat waffles with house made salted caramel, Chantilly cream and toasted coconut to the coconut chia pudding with passion fruit, mango and stone fruit salsa. Summer in a bowl, right there. 

Recently undergoing a mega makeover, No Name Lane has created a smart Melbourne-esque style cafe in Broadbeach, which morphs into a vibing cocktail bar as the sun dips.  

Going to the local nursery may just become your next weekend ritual. Why, we hear you say? Because who doesn’t love a lush indoor plant? In fact, they’re actually really good for your health because, science. Indoor plants have been proven to help purify the air in your home, calm the mind and even increase productivity. 

Oozing beach club-style with plenty of rattan, jungle-esque potted and hanging greenery and peachy swinging chairs, Little Mermaid sits along Mermaid Beach's main drag. Morphing from morning 'til afternoon plus nights on weekends, get comfy in a peacock chair while armed with a simple breakfast, coffee and newspaper, or rally the gang for share cocktails as the sun sets and the music tempo steps up a few notches. You’ll even score free coffee for a whole week if your street is featured as part of their ‘Street Of The Week’ shout out.  

If you’ve ever scoffed a Nutella bot at Miami’s Paddock Bakery, inhaled a Barbie croissant at Mermaid Beach’s Bam Bam Bakehouse, or smashed an acai bowl from Neptune Kiosk at Talle Creek, then you’ll be familiar with the pure goodness that GC foodies Ursula and Ben Watts create in their eateries. 

Bombay Cricketers Club is the newest feather in the cap from the same culinary team that brought us Spice Den (which they’ve since sold) and Osteria in Casuarina (destination cafe slash restaurant slash all-out wedding venue), to Kingscliff’s dreamy Taverna and, more recently, waterfront Tweed River wedding venue, Ancora.

You guys went wild when we broke news of the Gold Coast’s first dedicated espresso martini bar, and rightly so. So, if you haven’t acted on your caffeine-fuelled urges yet, now is the time. Sure you can sneak a cheeky martini to boost you through your shopping mission, but we think an after-dark visit to Crafted Coffee Co. at The Kitchens is the best introduction. Frock up, settle in and prepare to work your way through the menu, starting with a Dark and Stormy espresso martini (with Kraken Rum and Kaluha), followed by the XOX (with Café Patron and vanilla vodka). Oh, and perhaps forget about sleeping tonight.

Southport's Blendlove has mastered the art of turning wholesome ingredients into mouth-watering, all-natural desserts. This is soul food at its finest. Take away a gorgeous gift pack of delicate raw delights, for a present, or yourself, or hang out with the divine staff over coffee, a spot of nourishing lunch, or a healthy spin on breakfast to start the day right. Hands down one of the best cafes on the Gold Coast's northern end, you're in good hands at Blendlove. 

Serving up some of the best tapas in Coolangatta for yonks, locals are all over this treasure chest. Take the escalator upstairs at The Strand, where you’ll find ocean vistas framed by Norfolk Pines and casual yet attentive service to help you slide into that holiday groove. Our tip? Start with an espresso martini before moving onto share plates like popcorn chicken with spicy mayo, prawn-stuffed zucchini flowers with a jalapeno dipping sauce and steamed bao bun stuffed with karaage chicken. Hungry yet? Bin 72 is one of the originals in town and still one of the best restaurants in Coolangatta. 

Salt Meats Cheese in Surfers Paradise is a hot contender among the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast. This vibrant, casual bistro serves up classic, tasty Italian cuisine with some special twists thrown in for good measure—spaghetti served from a wheel of cheese, anyone? Start your meal off with a loaded platter of imported cheese and cured meats then move onto their range of delicious pastas. On a budget? Salt Meats Cheese’s weekly $10 lunch special gets you a personal woodfired pizza with a glass of vino or beer for just five bucks more or, go for $25 all-you-can-eat pizza on Mondays. We call bargain. Oh, and did we mention they offer regular pizza and pasta-making masterclasses? 

Stumped on what to do for your next catchup with pals, or have an upcoming special occasion that needs celebrating? Then look no further than Brush & Barrel, the super cute paint and sip concept that guarantees a good time, every time! 

Chevron Island’s Tribeca NYC is named after the hip neighbourhood in downtown Manhattan with a world-renowned dining scene and inner-city loft living. It was the first true American dining establishment to open on the Gold Coast, and we can attest, is still one of the best. Tribeca NYC’s extensive menu strongly lends itself to share-style dining, which we totally urge you do, to ensure you can try as many dishes as possible in one sitting. Think: flame-grilled New York steak, Rueben sandwiches, gourmet mac and cheese, ridic burgers or their legendary BBQ rib night on Wednesdays, where 20 buckaroos gets you a full rack of pork ribs, fries and house slaw—but book early!

Blackboard has spread their magic coffee-roasting fairy dust up and down the Coast, with Blackboard beans starring on many a cafe menu. Coffee fiend or not, everyone who visits the always-humming Blackboard Varsity cafe instantly falls in love. 

We're calling it, Mr P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop is the coolest thing to happen to the northern Gold Coast in 2017. Just like the old ambulance station and Co-Spaces next door, Mr P.P.'s has been a labour of love to revive a long forgotten historical building in the CBD, honouring its heritage (aka the old postmaster, Mr P.P.) while injecting a swag of energy that's bringing people together over sunset cocktails and delicious eats. 

Burleigh's Iku yakitori and whisky bar is next level on so many fronts. 

It seems every time we turn around, there is another new hangout to explore in Broadbeach’s evolving dining and entertainment precinct, The Star Gold Coast. 

There’s a lot to love about The Island, Gold Coast's newest boutique hotel offering. From the stylish reception area with its eclectic mix of classic couches and leather armchairs, lamps and blonde timber detailing, to the functional hotel rooms and suites with their vogue colour scheme, matte black bathroom fixtures and city and ocean views. 

Baby brother to Broadbeach’s much-loved Gemelli Italian, you may be tempted to dine at Gemellini for the eye candy alone. Or not, we don’t mind. A refined addition to Nobby’s hipster scene and one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast, Gemellini is dishing up authentic woodfired pizzas and homemade pastas with recipes inherited from nonna. What ever you do, don’t leave without trying The Carne pizza with pomodoro base, salsicce (a house-made fennel pork sausage), ham and salami. Delish! Hit their Instagram for deets of current events and specials from Sunday risotto lunches to Friday late-night pizza parties. You're going to love this joint. 

Sure, it’s not technically the Gold Coast, but take a jaunt south across the border on any sunny weekend and you’ll agree, the Tweed Coast is a sleepy pocket of paradise that we’d happily adopt as our own. So you should be delighted to know that Currumbin’s hole-in-the-wall institution, The Salt Mill, has opened another pocket-sized cafe on the southern end of Kingscliff. Just like their Currumbin location, you’ll be ordering Allpress coffee, smoothies and acai bowls only a towel throw from the glistening white sand of Kingscliff Beach. 

Robina Town Centre’s brand sparkling new eatery—that’s already wildly popular in Brisbane—Suki is serving up two of this year’s hottest food trends: build-your-own poke bowls together with their sushi and burrito mashups. 

QT Gold Coast is sassy, youthful and one of a kind. Whether it’s the vintage panel van with longboards strapped to the roof that’s parked in the drive, the retro outfits worn by the friendly concierge staff, the complimentary iced tea and homemade lemonade station, or the sunny courtyard and pool that beckons through the foyer’s massive windows.

Founders of Palm Beach’s OG cafe Barefoot (Barista) and Burleigh’s Borough (Barista) have added another family member to the fold, launching Background (Barista) in Mermaid Beach. 

It’s no longer a woman’s world where only us gals are carving out hours for self indulgence—guys, now you understand the pleasure of being primped and groomed. Another top shop among the best barbers on the Gold Coast, you’ll love Shipwreck Barber’s man den atmosphere where you can sip on a smooth spiced rum while the cool gents get you looking your best with clean shaves and classic cuts.

Fanciful dishes from an ever-evolving menu, served in an intimate 28-seater dining room, are what you can expect from Mermaid Beach’s The North Room. Be spoilt with a refined European-style dining experience combining faultless, personalised service, buttery smooth ambiance and a menu that champions the finest of seasonal, locally-sourced produce.       

The Coast’s first ever beach club was always going to be an absolute game changer for locals and visitors alike but one step inside, we can confirm it lives up to the hype. Boasting sweeping views of Burleigh beach down to the Surfers Paradise coastline and with enough room for 600 people, beachside cocktails just got a whole lot better.

They say good things come in small packages, which stands true for Coolangatta hole-in-the-wall grooming den, The Barberoy. We love the vintage-inspired interior dressed with wallpaper, pressed metal, and a gorgeous old wood floor; combined with classic full-service extras such as hot and cold towels, massage, and Turkish ear fluff singeing. And with just enough space for two clients at a time, you’re assured of some bro love and attention from the expert owner-operator scissorhands. 

Consider yourself a foodie? If this fine dining restaurant is not yet on your radar, it absolutely should be. Located on the ground level of Broadbeach’s luxe Sofitel Hotel, overlooking the park and Norfolk pines, this intimate venue will blow any preconception of hotel restaurants clearly out of the water. First and foremost, and this is something worth bragging about, room81 is one of only two Gold Coast restaurants awarded a coveted two Chef Hats. Impressive, right? 

With just 28 seats and 45-square feet total floor space, Rabbath, a contemporary Lebanese bistro, is officially the Gold Coast’s most intimate restaurant. Everything has been custom made; from the wine display racks that hang overhead, to the compact kitchen and bar combo that occupies a third of the venue. There are old world Mediterranean mosaic tiles, cosy corners and soft lighting that’ll make you immediately feel at home. 

Secreted away in a back alley carpark in much-loved Burleigh Heads, Nightjar, a grungy dude’s den, has got all the industrial feels. Drawing inspo from the existing roller doors, exposed red clay brick, Besser blocks and naked concrete floors, they’ve used the rawness of the space to create a gritty garage dive bar. 

Occupying a vintage shopfront with a rich history and named after the owner’s father, Mervyn Roy’s cafe is family-owned and operated. Now, if the friendly team doesn’t win you over (and they will!), then the impressive assortment of edible goodness will. Glorious slices, toasties, classic hot brekkies, burgers or, their specialty, flaky homemade scones topped with jam and cream, are all within a towel throw of the beach down in the sleepy suburb of Bilinga.

We’re head over heels crushing on Bon Sol, a stunning boutique property in Burleigh Heads that is the perfect base for a weekend of relaxation, morning cafe hangs and restaurant hopping alongside the chill locals.

The Salt Mill is somewhat of a hole-in-the-wall on the beachfront at Currumbin, but with vistas to the glistening water’s edge, you’ll want to be outside anyways. We love these guys for their steamy brews, nourishing juices and refreshing bowls of acai goodness. Return a few times, local style, and you’ll be greeted by name and coffee order by memory. This is our kinda place.

A packed dining room seven nights, plus lunch Thursday to Sunday, is a testament to the young Carney brothers who introduced some of the most authentic Italian fare to the Gold Coast. Gemelli, translating to ‘twin’ in the mother tongue, is the original trattoria in this hospitality empire and is somewhat of an institution among pizza and pasta lovers.

Part coffee shop, part surf store, part bar, it’s barely a stretch to say that Cafe 28 Cooly in Coolangatta has it all going on.

At The Pastry Emporium’s tiny Mermaid Waters patisserie, you’ll find an array of delicate cakes and desserts from pimped up brownies to flourless orange and almond cake, shortcrust lemon meringue tarte to milk and strawberry macaroon domes. Yep, you’ll wanna Instagram the heck out of everything. Dine in the cute cafe-style space or take your goodies away to devour free from judging passers by.

They say good things come in small packages, which rings true for the 50-plus items on the menu at The Star’s hawker-style eatery, Mei Wei Dumplings.

If you’re a local or just visiting our sunny home for a fleeting weekend, a long lazy lunch at Garden Kitchen & Bar, followed by an afternoon socialising on the terrace, is an absolute must-do activity on the Gold Coast. A vibrant addition to the culinary offerings at The Star Gold Coast, this venue is a total showstopper. 

In true speakeasy spirit, until you’re in the know, Lockwood, Burleigh's secret bar, is not easy to hunt down, and even when you do know where to look, you still must request entry via text message. Its that sense of discovery, mystique and exclusivity that’ll have your heart skipping beats.

Step past the open plan kitchen and crackling woodfire pizza oven and you’ll be transported to a little slice of the Amalfi Coast, right here in Broadbeach. We love Cucina Vivo’s classic dusty pink and seafoam blue colour palette, decorated with oversized pendant lights, plantation shutters and a chic white terrace overlooking The Star’s sparkling resort pool. 

Why just stay anywhere, when you can check into a plush executive suite, and shimmy between multiple restaurants and one of the best day-drinking spots on the Gold Coast (AKA Garden Kitchen & Bar) without having to walk out the front door? The Star Gold Coast is well stacked in both the foodie and drinks department, so come prepared for dumplings at Mei Wei, Italian-inspired cuisine at Cucino Vino or sushi at Kiyomi, The Star’s signature Japanese restaurant. 

The sheer weekend crowds are testament to the fact Social Brew whips up some of the best breakfasts in Burleigh. Graze on wholesome brekkies and healthy lunch offerings, drool-worthy slices and raw treats, smooth coffee and cold-pressed juices, all under the lush canopy of Social Brew's iconic indoor nursery.

Gold Coast’s Asian food scene is oh-so-hot right now and one of the local favourites has got to be Broadbeach’s funky Hideaway Kitchen & Bar. Hidden in plain sight on the Gold Coast Highway, don’t be dissuaded by the bland exterior. Inside is a vibrant mix of neon signage, graffiti, booths for groups and, out back, a buzzing alfresco garden with rows of umbrellas suspended overhead.

Southport regulars will claim Percy’s Corner serves up some of the best coffee on the Gold Coast, and who are we to argue? Housed inside a beautifully restored 1920s ambulance station (which is also home to the kickarse Co Spaces, if you’re a start-up or freelancer looking for a new workspace), Percy’s is named in honour of the station’s first superintendent, Percy Raby. Open Monday to Friday only, this compact barista bar serves up smooth Single O Roasters coffee, including filter and cold drip, paired perfectly with tasty toasted sandwiches and bagels. Stop by and say hi, next time you find yourself in the CBD.  

A weekly must-do on any Palm Beach or Currumbin dwellers’ weekend social calendar, the Palm Beach Farmers Markets is one of the best markets on the Gold Coast. Located close to the beach and with up to 80 stallholders offering their wares, one of our first stops is always Mio’s Buckwheat Crepes—you will never get to this stall without a winding queue due to the nutritional punch these colourful crepes of goodness offer.

Gather Store is the eclectic boutique that dreams are made of, and the friendly neighbour to Dust Temple in Currumbin. Stocking fine home wares, ceramics, organic skin care and enough exotic plants to fill an entire rainforest, you’ve gotta get to Gather. Macramé wall hangings, handcrafted furniture and intricate wood works will have budding decorators in serious décor heaven. Gather is the perfect place to open your wallet for one-of-a-kind gifts or treat yourself splurges.

When Italian fare is this good, it’s worth hunting down. Which is exactly what you’ll need to do if you wanna try Roy's By Gemelli. With two thriving restaurants already under their belt, brothers Alec, James and Paul aspired to create a social meeting place for the neighbourhood of Sorrento, where residents could wine and dine without needing to drive or book a babysitter. With a menu bursting with Gemelli classics and authentic recipes from the motherland, for the rest of us, a drive into the backwaters of Broadbeach is definitely worth it to sample one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast. Oh, and did we mention it’s BYO? 

One of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast, and a firm favourite of The Urban List crew, is Palm Beach’s Balboa Italian. Like a glistening beacon of beauty on the Gold Coast Highway, this treasured neighbourhood haunt is serving the locals fine Italian fare with a contemporary twist, all in the most magnificent of settings. With towering ceilings, a grand chandelier and the perfect amount of rustic charm, Balboa’s decor is all kinds of Insta-worthy. Come prepared to devour plate after plate of antipasti, woodfired pizza, handmade pasta and risotto. Almost a year on from opening and this beauty still books out on the reg. So, if you arrive early, plonk yourself down at the sexy bar and sink an espresso martini to get yourself started.

Elsewhere isn’t your typical Surfers Paradise club. In fact, while you’re there, you’ll probably feel like you’re ‘somewhere else’...see what they’ve done there?! This little hot-spot is a hub of alternative electronic tunes, a Saturday Night Fever-style dance floor and delightfully gorgeous hipsters. It’s not unusual to catch a live gig from a small-time DJ for $10 on the door one night, then end up seeing them ruling the EDM world a year later. Elsewhere is a thriving community who bond over their love of music, partying and the colour maroon. Without question one of the best clubs on the Gold Coast, check it out if you dig that vibe.

Betty’s Burgers have worked up quite the reputation Australia wide. Originating up the road in Noosa, with Surfers Paradise their second ever location, the burgers dished out here are pure, unadulterated deliciousness. And don’t even get us started on their concrete AKA custard ice-cream blended with your choice of mix-ins. As with any top notch burger joint, there’s always a favourite, and the pick of the bunch is the Betty’s Classic—a simply satisfying 10-buck burger loaded with an Angus beef pattie, lettuce, onion, tomato, cheese and Betty’s secret special sauce. It’s ridic!

Once inside The Scottish Prince, first to greet you is a wall of whisky. Well, almost. With some 150+ bottles of whisky behind the bar and more to come, it’s clear what your tipple of choice should be here. These lads are making it their life mission to see every patron enjoying whisky, or at least appreciating it. 

No expense has been spared to create this game-changing 1930s America-inspired bar and restaurant in Broadbeach. If you’re not made of money, you’ll definitely feel like it after a night spent lounging around looking glamorous in sinkable leather chesterfields and red velvet booths. At The Roosevelt Lounge, you'll find hints of Great Gatsby in the decorative carpet and copper pressed-metal ceiling detail; hard bound encyclopedias and vintage glassware fill opulent custom-made cabinetry, while glittering crystal chandeliers and candelabras throw the kind of soft glow that’ll make anyone look like a Hollywood movie star. Hung dramatically on silky Tasmania Oak wood paneling, are ornate frames with homages to Marilyn Munroe and Hedy Lamarr, alongside presidential bust statues of Franklin Roosevelt himself. Swoon.

Discretely situated at the southern end of Burleigh Beach, The Fish House is one of the Coast’s most celebrated restaurants. Step your next special celebration up a notch and treat yourself to a spectacularly long lunch (or dinner) devouring the freshest seafood and litres of Riesling, or whatever tipple takes your fancy. While window-side seats are a hot commodity, every table benefits from sweeping views over Burleigh and across to the glitter strip. So, settle in with a chef’s five-course menu of the day, ever changing, though often featuring the lemony fish soup, Moreton Bay Bug Tagliolini and signature Patagonian Toothfish. Brag-worthy Insta content? Check! If you’re looking for one of the absolute best restaurants in Burleigh, you’ve found it. 

Given our love affair with Asian food, we rank Jimmy Wah’s high among the best restaurants in Burleigh. A contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine, you won’t find any upturned milk crates for stools or conical palm leaf and bamboo hats here. Open for both lunch and dinner, seven days, undo your top button in preparation for plates and plates of flavour-packed soft shell crab steamed buns, pho, bahn mi and tempura barramundi. And the wine list? Exceptional. If you’re wondering who the cheerful face is smiling back at you from the wall mural, it’s the restaurant’s namesake, the cheeky character Jimmy Wah from the classic flick Good Morning, Vietnam; and he’s pleased because, you’ve made a good choice. 

If you don’t have hours and hundreds to blow on your next meal, head to The Lamb Shop for a quick trip to traditional Greece, where you’ll find souvlaki you’ll definitely souv-likey. Perfect for lunch or dinner, grab yourself a heavenly chunk of spit-roasted lamb wrapped in doughy goodness with all the traditional extras, including in some cases, fries. It’s like when you go to Maccas and put your fries on your cheeseburger, but they do it for you! Reasonably priced with dine in or takeout available, you must try the Lamb Shop, and quickly—the lamb is so good they often run out.

Quite possibly the Gold Coast’s ultimate breakfast spread for your next flatlay project, Elk Espresso makes us weak at the knees with every visit. From their signature seasonal panna cottas to the majestic elk etching on the perfectly paint-chipped wall, this is your sign to head to Elk where a reputation for one of the best breakfasts in Broadbeach is well established.

For a suburb whose existence revolves around the beach, there’s not too many coffee joints claiming prime real estate water views. Borough Barista, sister cafe to Palm Beach veteran Barefoot Barista, will deliver your caffeine fix with a smile and a side of salty sea breezes. Though whatever you do, don't leave without trying one of the best bacon and egg rolls on the Gold Coast. 

A family owned and operated furniture and accessories store, with a team of designers who have a passion for bespoke pieces reminiscent of a seaside setting, The Beach Furniture is a store that should be high on your must-visit list. Light, bright, and airy, these nautical and coastal-themed showrooms will prove there can be many shades of white. With locations in both Burleigh and Bundall, bring a piece of the beach into your abode and you will always feeling at ease.

The moment you walk through the door of this bustling, tucked away diner in the northern suburbs you are greeted by a host of warm smiles, the hum of relaxing tunes, and the splendid sight of some incredible homemade sweet treats. Seriously though, we challenge you to scroll their Instagram feed without drooling all over your phone.