Cafes

Queensland’s first-ever Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe has landed at Pacific Fair, bringing a full-on dose of kawaii magic to the Gold Coast. 

Luna’s Deli is the closest any deli has been to a ray of sunshine before, and it’s luring folks from all over the Gold Coast down south in pursuit of perfect pastries and pillowy foccacia. 

Mudjira Village Eatery is more than just a cafe—it’s a local institution.

It’s no secret that bagels are making a major comeback and we’re here for it

The Gold Coast’s dining scene is heating up once again with the arrival of LiTO—the brand-new all-day Italian restaurant landing on the ground floor of Mondrian Gold Coast.

Sun Devil isn’t your average coffee bar—it’s a full-blown Americana fever dream tucked inside the grungy-cool vintage store Strange Days in Coolangatta.

Just when we thought Broadbeach fine dining icon, kōst Bar & Grill couldn't get much better, they launch a chic new pop-up cafe for all our morning caffeine needs. 

Tarte Tea Garden is a dreamy garden escape tucked beside Tarte Beach House in Currumbin.

'94 cafe is a gathering place for the flavour-obsessed, the wellness-curious, and anyone who believes the best mornings begin with a perfect sip.

Piada Co fuses traditional Italian eats with modern street food energy and they’re now taking their game-changing concept to Byron Bay.

Bobby Bang’s is where cafe classics meet Asian-inspired flair.

The Gemelli empire is about to get even sweeter with the highly anticipated opening of Gelato Gemelli.

Marina Social offers a more casual breakfast and lunch take on the Social Eating House experience, nestled in the heart of Marina Mirage.

If there’s one thing Gold Coasters love, it’s Italian cuisine. What about authentic Italian street food? Now we’re talking. Chuck in a prime location in the heart of Burleigh Heads and you’ve got all the ingredients for the Gold Coast’s next big thing.

As if Tarte Bakery wasn’t already a household name on the Gold Coast, they’ve dropped a sweet, sweet bombshell on us with the opening of Tarte Market.

If a European bakery, cafe and pasta bar had a lovechild, FARINA & Co. might be it. 

Any Gold Coaster serious about their breakfast game will know Refinery Coffee in Currumbin, which has garnered a loyal following for many delicious reasons. And luckily for us, the talented Refinery crew have opened a lush new sister cafe in Carrara. 

When a talented pastry chef and their business savvy partner team up to create a chic patisserie cafe, you know you’re going to be in for quite the treat and that is definitely the case with Dipcro Pastry. 

It’s no secret that we’ve fallen head over heels for Doughed, and for three very valid (and delicious) reasons…cookies, doughnuts and sandwiches—need we say more? 

If you needed another sign that Mermaid Beach, or Nobby Beach to us locals, is the rising star of the Southern Gold Coast’s burgeoning culinary scene, the opening of Sunkist Eatery could be it. 

Sitting pretty in the burgeoning foodie hub that is Nobby Beach lies Buoy, standing out like a beacon to hungry passerbys. This new breakfast hotspot is primely located in Nobby’s highly-anticipated new dining precinct, The Oxley and if you don’t spot the whitewashed cafe first, you’ll certainly smell the freshly roasted coffee.

The unrivalled pie connoisseurs of the Gold Coast, Fuel Bakehouse have been sprinkling their pastry-loaded magic around the Gold Coast for years, garnering a cult-like following at their Cabarita store and flagship Currumbin location.

'Kefi', derived from the Greek word that embodies the sense of joy, is exactly how we would describe Coolangatta’s bright newcomer. The Mediterranean-inspired cafe is founded on the principle of serving soul-nourishing food made with love, and once you dig into a plate of their Turkish eggs, you’ll understand the ‘made with love’ ethos. 

The Gold Coast’s first-ever surf park is set to be unveiled in Parkwood Village, which will be transformed into a world-class integrated golf and surf village, predicted to open in 2026. 

There’s no doubt Mermaid Beach (or Nobby Beach to locals) is becoming one of the Gold Coast’s burgeoning foodie hubs and the opening of The Oxley certainly cements this.

Tweed Heads’ sweet new coffee, smoothie and sandwich shop, Delightful, is slinging up a delicious range of loaded sandwiches, fresh salads, little lunch boxes, baked goods, smoothies and coffees for all your snacking desires.

Indulge your sweet tooth and visit Molendinar’s adorable Bake House Gozen, where you can chow down on an astonishingly wide selection of unique baked goods we’ve never seen before, from matcha-infused croissants to viennoiserie and much, much more. 

Tucked away in the lakeside suburb of Varsity Lakes, Side Piece Coffee is one of the Gold Coast’s sweetest new cafes and is ready to deliver you top-notch coffee, subs and loaded toasties, or sandos as they like to call them.

Nestled on the Gold Coast’s iconic Broadwater, Cafe Catalina is the full package with its fresh menu, laidback vibes and vibrant outdoor bar. Taking full advantage of location, Cafe Catalina has unrivalled coastal views to set the scene any time of the day. 

It’s no secret that bagels are making a major comeback and we’re here for it. A good bagel has the power to make an ordinary day great and O Bagel is leading the charge in bringing top-tier bagels to the Gold Coast.

Joining the Gold Coast’s collection of impressive cafes with top-tier coffee comes Banksy Bar & Kitchen. Throw in a slick, industrial fit-out in the mix and you’ve got yourself a winner. And by winner, we mean a cafe you’ll want to come back to again, and again. 

The Gold Coast’s burgeoning coffee scene has just gained a bold newcomer, Profile Coffee Co-Lab. The collaborative coffee space is a bustling espresso bar with the largest selection of specialty coffee on the Gold Coast, showcasing local Gold Coast roasters as well as iconic Australian roasters. We’re listening.

Yo-Chi is Australia's fastest-growing frozen yogurt brand and after one visit to this bustling fro-yo joint, you'll see why. Swing by on a Saturday and expect to be greeted with lines out the door, as many swap nights in the club for fro-yo with friends. 

With breathtaking black-and-white modern architecture in one hand, and a cup of locally roasted premium coffee in the other, Burleigh Heads’ Social Espresso can really make you sit back and relax. This bite-sized cafe boasts an impressive exterior design, and we assure you the coffee is just as good, if not better. 

Tarte Bakery has just dropped a sweet, sweet bombshell on us—the iconic Burleigh bakery and cafe will be opening a second venue in Currumbin. Let’s walk you through Tarte Beach House. Think—a coastal Hamptons-esque bakery with touches of owner Chloe’s signature Parisian flair, a direct creekfront view of the Currumbin Creek vista and all of the signature Tarte goodies, like New York-style bagels and cruellers, we have come to know and love. 

If the sound of fresh homemade sandwiches, rich in quality and loaded with flavour has got you licking your lips, then Piknik is Burleigh’s pocket-sized plant-based sandwich store you want to pay a visit to. Located a hop, skip and a jump from James Street in Burleigh Heads, owner Maddi has been scrambling together sandwiches made with love for everybody—and there's much more than just sandwiches to try. Born from Maddi’s love for picnics under fresh air, sunshine and clear blue skies, Piknik appreciates Burleigh’s laidback lifestyle and caters (deliciously) to it. 

Gold Coast is no stranger to minimalistic (yet beautiful) cafes, but Nan’s Coffee brings something you don’t see every day to the table. Nan’s Coffee is one of the prettiest dog-friendly cafes on the Gold Coast, letting you bring along a furry friend to enjoy your morning with. Located near Spot Apartments, happy dog-loving partners Hannah and Jamiti have created a cafe that has everything you could need.

There is certainly no lack of abundance of incredible cafes on the Gold Coast, but every now and then, a new spot opens up which really catches our eye. The Winey Cow is just that. If the name didn’t already pique your interest, let us enlighten you. 

Chocolate-covered penis and sprinkle-topped vulva waffles are on the menu at this saucy dessert shop in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Rude, anatomy-focused, or downright fun—whatever you want to say about it, Cheeky Waffles are sure as hell doing desserts differently.

Located in North Stores on Tamborine Mountain, Picnic Real Food Bar is the creation of Brenda Fawdon, who you might recognise as the founder of the now closed Mondo Organics, an icon of Brisbane’s food scene for years. She’s since transferred her passion for local produce and food that caters to all dietary requirements to the Scenic Rim, and Picnic Real Food Bar is her love letter to all things local, sustainable and delicious—and worth the trip up the mountain alone. 

The Gold Coast’s only specialty charcoal rotisserie chicken shop offers a deliciously elevated take on the humble rotisserie chook—and that’s not all. Bird Royale, the purveyor of crispy, succulent charcoal chicken is perched at Brickworks Ferry Road and the vibrant day-and-night venue slings up an array of wholesome salads, gluten-free fried chicken, made-to-order sandwiches and burgers and of course, its signature charcoal chicken.

The Gold Coast is definitely in no shortage of trendy coffee shops but when you hear that a retro coffee caravan turned speciality coffee lounge has opened up a second location, you check it out ASAP. 

It’s no secret that bagels are making a major comeback and we’re here for it. A good bagel has the power to make an ordinary day great and O Bagel in Broadbeach is certainly doing that for their hordes of bagel-loving followers.

Step inside Hazel Espresso and you’ll quickly forget you’re in the heart of Southport. The gorgeous, caramel-hued cafe is like a hug from an old friend—welcoming, warm and exactly what you were missing.

Wander past Tarte Bakery & Cafe in Burleigh Heads and you'll immediately feel the collision of Parisian and New York style in the forward-facing tables that hug a grand, charcoal grey custom-built façade—typical of establishments found in NYC’s fashionable SoHo and West Village districts. Brass accents are scattered throughout, from vintage train luggage racks stacked with bread to the trim on the custom La Marzocco coffee machine. Other design elements worth lingering to appreciate include mid-century pendant lights shipped over from Amsterdam and the 100-year-old movie theatre counter repurposed as the cafe’s main display counter. The overall result is refined, elegant yet oh so welcoming.  

In case you missed the memo, the salad game is changing and the Gold Coast is leading the charge. In our glorious beachside paradise, nothing hits the spot quite like a refreshing summer salad and we might have just found your new favourite salad joint. 

Magnolia Lane is a newly opened cafe that commands the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Fire Avenue in Burleigh Heads and has been turning heads with its wholesome message. A bold feature wall reminds us to be grateful every day and, boy, we are grateful for Magnolia Lane. Bringing good vibes, wholesome meals and top-notch coffee to Burleigh, this laidback eatery is ticking all our boxes. 

Good news, Gold Coast: we are getting our very own souffle pancake cafe and we’re flipping out. The sky-high souffle pancakes first gained a cult following in Japan before spreading their cloud-like magic across the globe, and now, to the Gold Coast.

It seems like every time we blink, something delicious pops up at Sanctuary Cove and this month’s newbie is a gorgeous new gelato place called Rosé Gelateria.

Just when we thought we’d seen and tasted it all, the crew at D Point Ten decided to bake a croissant in a waffle pan and load it up with toppings and now we’re here: meet the Croffle. Part croissant, part waffle, this new delicacy can be found at Croffee, a small cafe where you can get your croffle fix along with coffee (hence the Croffee—duh). Whether it’s drizzled with chocolate or stacked with ham and cheese (yep, we’re not making this up), you’ll have to pick one of these babies up for yourself to see whether it lives up to the hype.

Cardamom Pod is the OG of vegetarian eating in the heart of Broadbeach, where you can enjoy a weekend breakfast array of Insta-worthy waffles, pancakes, mermaid and acai bowls. They've also always had options for lunch and dinner, like vegetarian salads and hot savoury meals like shepherd’s pie, lasagne, curries, dahl and moussaka, but recently they've upped their dining game and we're loving it.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the northern suburbs lies a sweet newcomer bringing stellar coffee to our grateful northern Gold Coast friends. Nestled in Highland Park, Hudson & Rosie’s Table is a bright, breezy breath of fresh air and is mixing things up with their top-notch brews and luscious menu. 

Don’t be fooled by the “wine bar” denomination—Destino has a few little tricks up its sleeve. By day it masquerades as a homewares store and espresso bar, and at night it turns into a vibing wine and tapas bar, without being gimmicky—it can be hard to flawlessly transition between three different specialties so seamlessly, but Destino does it well.

A cute pastel green paradise with hanging greenery just landed in Surfers and we're already in love.

If there’s one thing Gold Coasters are obsessed with, it’s gelato. And if there’s one thing we need, it’s an authentic Italian gelateria, serving up beachside scoops of deliciousness.

If you’re on the hunt for a new breakfast spot by the seaside and beautiful dishes, we’ve got some news for you: Barefoot Barista’s new super sweet Currumbin locale just opened and we predict it’s going to be a massive hit.

Funnybone is the latest venture of local Gold Coast barista and coffee aficionado Damian Swan.

A genius concept combining a love of cafe racer bike tinkering and coffee drinking, hip cafe-slash-bike restoration-workshop Espresso Moto popped up in Palm Beach in 2014. Years later, the same vision prevails for its newest location in Mermaid Beach—amazing service, stellar coffee, house-made grub and relaxing vibes.

Honour has long established itself as a firm favourite in the Brunswick brunch scene, but they’re changing the game with their new after-hours natural wine and salumi bar—needless to say, it was love at first sight for us. European-style charcuterie plates and natural wines take centre stage with their simple, authentic and delicious flavours, bringing uncomplicated yet indulgent delicacies into our lives. 

If you’re a Burleigh or Tweed local, chances are you’ve seen—and fallen in love with—the bustling bohemian cafe that is Next Door Espresso. Well it’s time to reacquaint yourself with this heavenly coffee nook, because the Tweed location has undergone a major revamp and we’re digging it.

Tugun keeps impressing us with its mouthwatering eats and amazing coffee and Made Barber And Barista falls into the latter category.

Before you next hit the sand for a beach sesh or the James Street boutiques for a little retail therapy, set your hunger GPS for Crew. Perfectly located for people-watching over a smooth cuppa joe, Crew is the first Queensland cafe by Melbourne’s Inglewood Coffee who also run a bunch of breakfast spots in Victoria.

Given the vast populous of the northern end, cool cafes are surprisingly few and far between. Which is why you should know about Helensvale's Bear Boy Espresso. We’re lusting over their on-trend colour palate with terracotta splashed throughout and an upbeat vibe. Perfectly complemented by a seasonal menu currently featuring chicken waffles, cinnamon-spiced fried mango bao, fresh berry hot cakes, acai bowls, Single O coffee and vegan raw treats. If you’re keen to mix up your breakfast routine, Bear Boy Espresso is one of the best cafes on the top end of town and worth the trip north.

Breakfast dates and caffeinated liquid goods all delivered with relaxed yet attentive service in a beachy, sun-drenched setting, Refinery Coffee has your all-day weekend brunching nosh covered. This Currumbin industrial estate-based cafe recently received a beautiful white and bright revamp—including the addition of a full-service kitchen and alcohol license—so if you’ve visited before, you basically won’t recognise it.

You’ll smell Custard Canteen the moment you step out of your car, with baked buttery goodness now wafting on the salty sea breezes.

The Doughnut Affair dessert bar in Mermaid Beach is like no other doughnut you’ve experienced before.

Originating on the sunny shores of Manly in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, 4 Pines has branched out with its first branded bar outside of NSW, landing right here on the Gold Coast—Coolangatta to be precise.

This striking, sun-drenched venue—with its Tasmanian Oak and pressed metal bar, salvaged hardwood beams lining high ceilings and dreamy cluster of rattan pendant lights completing the magazine-worthy backdrop—has just filled a gaping hole in the hearts of the Coast’s social northern set. Located in Benowa, Double Barrel Kitchen & Bar has an enviable waterfront location and lounge-worthy deck chairs out front—a special setting that simply draws you in to linger. 

Stepping into Next Door’s alfresco cafe will set your heart aflutter with its crisp decor, understated styling and breezy Mediterranean vibes. From the solid teak tables imported from Jakarta to the inviting blue and white striped seating, designer rattan loungers, olive tree centerpiece, and freshly-planted white bougainvillea and jasmine vines that will soon creep their way around the outskirts, Next Door is laidback bohemian luxury.

if your brunching decisions are largely influenced by the opportunity for likeable Instagram fodder, you’ll want to know about this new all-pink cafe.

Raw + Rice is one of the best dedicated poke bars on the Gold Coast, serving deliciously fresh bowls of goodness just a stone's throw from both Coolangatta and Greenmount Beach. 

Located along Gold Coast Highway, Sisterhood Coffee is the brainchild of mates Christie Graae and Sam Dunne, who after years in the hospitality industry decided they wanted to create a café that welcomed everyone, from hipsters to your gran.

A massive crowd favourite and located in Helensvale, Flour Of Life Bakery operates every day with vegan baked and sweet treats from vanilla slices, doughnuts and cronuts, croissants, ‘sausage’ rolls and savoury pies (cue childhood memories!) and more, baked fresh daily.  

If you thought that waffle heaven was simply a distant mirage on your dessert horizon, think again. Offering OTT milkshakes and deliciously decorated hot choccies, put aside a good 10 minutes to peruse the waffle menu at Oh My, Waffle in Burleigh Heads.

The humble pie just got a serious makeover and we’re digging it.  

This is one hidden gem of a place we just had to share with you. And if you’re after decadence, you’ve come to the right place. The menu here lives up to its name, everything there a guilty indulgence but that’s ok because at this café it’s encouraged. 

Say hello to Australia’s first plastic and waste free kitchen, Mother Nirvana.

This hidden gem, located on Clear Island Waters, might have an unassuming façade but their menu will keep you coming back for more. Home to their famous Coco Fluff, a vegan, coconut-based soft-serve (that’s also DF and GF), the eatery’s bowls are a must eat. 

Once a furniture store, The Henchman has been completely renovated and now boasts a huge outdoor boozing and dining area, complete with astro turf, white picnic tables, hanging chairs and fairy lights. 

If you haven’t heard already, us lucky Gold Coasters are the new recipients of our a brand new Asian foodie precinct, and we’re pretty hyped about it. Serving up the very best of Asian street food, Chop Chop consists of 14 tenants, all specialising in their own style of Asian dining.

This locally loved fruit and flower shop is the best option for when you want to cruise down to Tugun Beach, acai bowl in hand and be grateful for where we get to live. It’s hard to leave this joint without a beautiful bouquet of flowers too. But their absolute star, has to be their acai bowls, which are so extra, they're more like containers of constant satisfaction with every mouthful. And because they are a fruit shop, they have the best and freshest toppings day in, day out. And each time you’ll get a surprise, it’s pretty much a whole fruit salad in there. 

Serving up Byron Bay’s Marvell Street beans and a menu full of spray free and locally sourced ingredients, Highline in Palm Beach is an absolute must-do. 

Morena Espresso is so much more than just a coffee shop–although they do brew an excellent cuppa. The space, which is bright and airy with white washed walls, concrete floors, exposed beams and loads of natural light, is a booming creative hub. 

The Broadbeach eatery is the second location in the Sens Coffee stable, with the OG opening in Southport a few years ago. The breakfast and lunch menu feature a mix of vegan and vegetarian options as well as some truly indulgent dishes with both modern Australian, French and Asian influences. 

The much-loved eatery, located just a block back from the Cooly beachfront, is known for its seriously good coffee (they brew Bun Coffee’s 100% organic, fair trade blend, hand roasted in Byron) and their delish brekky and lunch options. Oh and did we mention the prices are very wallet friendly. 

Finn Poké of Byron Bay has migrated north, opening it's doors in Burleigh. 

Northern Gold Coast has a hidden gem on their hands with this adorable eatery. The second offering from duo Zoe Scorgie and Glen Hordern (their OG Paper Cup opened in Labrador in 2015) is a breath of fresh air in the busy business precinct of Southport. With crisp white walls, lush greenery and wood it’s a calm and relaxing nook to grab a cup of their seriously good coffee and chow down on their healthy noms.

Move over ice cream sandwiches and Nutella crepes, the king of Hong Kong street desserts, bubble waffles, have landed on the Gold Coast—permanently. Born and raised in Hong Kong themselves, Brissy Bubble Waffle owners first introduced Queenslanders to their creations via various Brisvegas night markets, and have now opened their very own dessert cafe in Surfers Paradise—dubbed Bubbo Dessert. 

You know from the name this place is going to be straight-up adorable, and it totally is.

Here at The Urban List we’re absolute suckers for a gorgeous interior. So from the moment we stepped foot inside The Milkman’s Daughter we were positively squealing with delight.

An evolution on the typical shopping centre food court experience, The Kitchens is a jaw-dropping foodie precinct within Robina Town Centre. Shop ‘til you drop then be spoilt for choice with 20-plus foodie retailers, purveyors, artisans, interactive cooking workshops, open kitchens and pop-up market stalls, plus rotating musos and buskers. Take your pick from teppanyaki at Saiko, vegan eats from Elixiba, Asian street eats from Roti & Buns and Muso Ramen, plus oh so much more. Did we mention there’s even an espresso martini bar?! 

If you’re on the hunt for some of the best breakfasts on the Gold Coast we recommend hunting down Mermaid Waters local gem, Double Barrel Kitchen. Get cosy with a cuppa surrounded by rustic décor and friendly baristas while tucking into a seasonally changing menu including the likes of hot smoked trout and zucchini fritters with a side of homemade melting moments cookies.