Your hit list of the Gold Coast’s newest cafés.
Your hit list of the Gold Coast’s newest cafés.
The Gold Coast café scene does not sit still, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Just a few months into the year and we’ve already been treated to a steady stream of shiny new spots, from laidback locals slinging top-tier coffee to design-led spaces serving up seriously good brunch. Whether you’re chasing your next go-to or just here for the pastries (no judgement), here’s every café we’ve covered so far this year.
Our sandwich obsession has reached new heights with Smug Club, the Coomera Collective newcomer already selling out daily. From the team behind Bear Boy Espresso, this deli-style hotspot is all about giving the locals what they want with loaded focaccia sandos and playful cold foams.
Where: Shop 1, 31-37 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Burleigh’s brunch scene just got très chic with the arrival of Choubidou Cafe, a French-inspired cafe on the Hibiscus Haven block. From the duo behind Le Jardin, this sunny new spot brings Parisian charm with crepes, croissants and indulgent brunch plates.
Where: 2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Broadbeach has officially turned extra sweet with the arrival of Milk & Marble Rolled Ice Cream Co, serving up ice cream with a side of theatrics. Forget simple scoops, this is rolled ice cream made live on a sub-zero plate, chopped, spread and scraped into silky spirals right before your eyes.
Where: 125 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Thrift meets caffeine fix at Gritty Garms, the Mermaid Beach newcomer blending curated vintage fashion with specialty coffee and sweet treats. Born from founder Hugo Cunningham’s global sourcing obsession and barista partner Amara Gray’s cafe know-how, the space feels like a retro treasure hunt with cold foam in hand.
Where: 2550 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
A seriously sweet newbie has landed in Robina, with iconic American chocolatier See’s Candies opening its very first Australian store. Bringing over 100 years of confectionery heritage, the cult favourite arrives with glossy chocolate boxes, buttery caramels, peanut brittle and those famous lollipops that taste like pure nostalgia.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Need an excuse to slow down? Pause Button Cafe has arrived in Coomera serving colourful brunch plates, playful drinks and major feel-good energy. From the duo behind Humble Cafe, the bright new spot dishes up spicy honey chicken waffles, octopus nduja scramble and OTT sweet treats alongside creative coffees and boozy brunch sips.
Where: Shop 13 31-37, Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
The long-standing local favourite Paradox Coffee Roasters opens a flagship in Broadbeach, centred around an oval coffee bar and innovative batch brew tap system. Expect rotating single-origin beans, frozen V60 options and creative drinks like strawberry brownie and lychee pavlova lattes. The food menu, led by Head Chef Vivek, includes dishes like chilli scrambled eggs, miso mushrooms and soba noodle salad. With indoor-outdoor seating and a strong focus on quality sourcing, it’s a step up for your daily coffee ritual.
Where: 4 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Opened by Sophia Buntine, LOAF picks up where Mylk Well left off, offering a relaxed, beachside cafe just steps from the sand. The menu leans into easy, quality options like acai bowls, avo toast, smoothies and specialty drinks, alongside Supreme coffee. A standout is the weekend-only tiramisu iced latte, created in collaboration with Chef Frankie. With a breezy deck, dog-friendly setup and grab-and-go window, it’s designed for quick stops or slow mornings pre or post beach hangs.
Where: 1237 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
From Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef Janine Carampot, this Surfers cafe blends French patisserie with Filipino flavours. Display cabinets are filled with croissants, choux, tarts and petit gâteaux, alongside fresh sourdough and grab-and-go baguettes. There’s also a full brunch menu, Campos coffee and a strong matcha lineup. The light-filled space features blue-framed windows and a relaxed coastal feel, while interactive cake-decorating adds a playful touch for those wanting something beyond the usual cafe stop.
Where: G31, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Note-worthy brews are hitting all the right chords in at Coffee Note in Robina. This micro roastery is all about small-batch beans and flavour-packed coffee that feels a little bit like a science experiment. Sip, savour and maybe learn a thing or two about your brews while you’re at it. Add house-baked treats like Banana Bread or Chilli Mushroom Omelette, and suddenly your quick caffeine fix turns into a full-blown brunch. Consider this your new go-to for seriously good sips.
Where: 1 Parnell Boulevard, Robina
There’s a dream combo waiting for you up on Tamborine Mountain. Clay Temple Co. and Muddy Matcha have teamed up where pottery wheels spin and matcha is whisked for the ultimate day out. Get your hands muddy, make something wonderful, then reward yourself with a perfectly frothy sip of green goodness. It’s creative and calming, especially as you soak up the mountain vibes.
Where: Shop 2-3 / 161 Long Road Tamborine Mountain
Day Off in Southport is serving up the coolest coffee in the city, literally. Drinks are poured into frozen glasses (chilled to -86°C to be exact) so your coffee or matcha turns into a soft and creamy dessert-like situation as you stir it. Couple your sip with a loaded sourdough slab like the Steak and Cheese or Peach and Honey, and you’ll be asking your boss for an RDO.
Where: 2 Short Street, Southport
Got a sweet tooth calling? Say hello to The Petite Crepe. My French Pastries is known for its flaky croissants and buttery cakes, and now it’s adding paper-thin crêpes to the mix. From Nutella and strawberries to mushroom and cheese, the sweet and savoury options have you covered. Très délicieux, and very Robina.
Where: Shop 5, 361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
What started as a tiny tram-stop coffee spot has now grown into a new neighbourhood hangout. Run by husband-and-wife duo Alberto and Leanne, Origin Cafe’s Broadbeach Waters outpost feels less like a cafe and more like being welcomed into a friend’s house (if your friend made amazing lasagne, tiramisu and really good coffee). Come for a flat white and smashed avo in the morning, come back with the whole fam for pasta night in the evening.
Where: 11/1 Kalimna Drive Broadbeach Waters
Purrfect Catch Cafe is reeling in Gold Coast locals hook, line and whisker. This new Hope Island spot is pet-friendly, serving up seriously good brunch with clever cat-and-fish vibes from decor to dish names. Think Crabby Kitty Croissants, Sweet Catch Bao, and Tiny Purr Pancakes for little ones. Matcha boba, Tropical Purr-adise smoothies and house-baked cakes make mornings and lunches irresistible. It’s witty, whimsical and a total purrfect catch for humans, pets and taste buds alike.
Where: 26/340 Hope Island Road, Hope Island
All you need is Lovi! Lovi is serving love on a plate with Italian-Mediterranean classics and heart-melting brunch favourites. Minimal coastal vibes and a cosy alfresco corner make lingering a must. Devour Baked Cauliflower, Mezze Maniche in vodka sauce, and cocktails that kiss you back. Whether you’re loved-up, flying solo or brunching with friends, Lovi turns every bite into a little love story. Eat, sip, swoon, repeat.
Where: 133 Laver Drive, Robina
Chasing the sunset never tasted so good. Sunset on Chevron is giving a Gold Coast fave a shiny new glow, serving brunches that roll into lunch with cocktails that sparkle when the sun dips. Enjoy fish tacos with zing, katsu burgers with crunch and espresso martinis on cue. It’s bringing fresh coastal energy to one of the Gold Coast’s most community-minded pockets. And yes, we’ll absolutely stay for one more round!
Where: 1/64 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
Forks at the ready! A yummy new chapter has begun for baker Heya Yum, turning her cult cake biz into a real-life sugar haven in Mermaid Beach! Serving ready-to-go celebration cakes that make 6am feel like sweet o’clock, this little shop means you can whip up an impromptu party any day of the week. Think mini masterpieces, cupcakes and pastries with flavours from Biscoff to raspberry. It’s sweet, soulful and sprinkled with Yum’s magic.
Where: 1a/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Turn over a new leaf at Leaf Cafe & Co in Broadbeach. This newbie is serving breezy, easy mornings with a side of brunch. Tuck into Pistachio French Toast, Truffle Mushroom Bruschetta and pasta-before-noon energy. The house-roasted coffee hits just right, whether you’re a short black sipper or oat latte lover. Bonus points for being close to the beach, it’s the kind of spot where one sip of coffee will help you leaf your worries behind.
Where: Meriton Suites, Shop 8, 2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Washing your car just became a whole lot more fun with Yellow & Butter, a brand new cafe tucked inside Cloud 9 Car Wash in Southport. While your car gets squeaky clean, you can demolish rich Basque cheesecakes (all gluten free), buttery brioche buns and cute cloud-inspired drinks. Owned by chef Hayley Namgung, it turns a boring chore into a full-blown treat.
Where: 92 Ferry Road, Southport
Find your people at Our Tribe cafe, a pastel paradise just steps from Kirra beach. This is a full family affair with husband-and-wife Jamie-Leigh and Chris Wilkinson running the show with their four kids. From rosti Bennys to potato waffles and Seven Mile Coffee that hits just right, it’s a place to feel at home. Grab a seat and settle in, you’ve officially found your tribe.
Where: Shop 1/1 Douglas St, Coolangatta
Holy dough-ly! Coomera just claimed the Gold Coast’s sweetest crown with Australia’s biggest Krispy Kreme Hot Light™ store. Melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts roll fresh off the line while a drive-thru makes snagging your sugar fix ridiculously easy. Peek through the glass window for a front-row view of dough to drizzle magic, sip on coffee, and maybe sneak a second (or third) OG. Big, bold, and unapologetically glazed, this is a doughnut playground where one is never enough.
Where: 1 Prosper Avenue, Coomera
Mermaid Beach just got a wellness glow-up with House of Hälsa, where health meets good vibes and even better food. Founded by Coco Loberg and Gareth Fletcher, this Swedish-inspired spot turns nourishing bites into a playful adventure with parmesan jam toast, vibrant watermelon ceviche, and smoothies with cheeky names like Cody Simpson’s Neptune. Terracotta walls, sunken lounges, and cosy textures makes feeling good look (and taste) effortless.
Where: 1/2453 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Butter me up, Byron! ButterBoy has landed on Jonson Street, bringing chunky NYC-style cookies, soft-serve, and the viral cookie milk straight to the Bay. From oozy centres to golden edges, these cookies are next level. Founded by James Sideris, ButterBoy’s fifth store promises the sweetest snack vibes around with a rotating menu of flavours that are irresistible like Lotus Crunch and Ripple Choc Brown Butter. Need we say more?
Where: 17–21 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
The coolest kid on the Coast has officially landed, with Elly’s Gelato now scooping in Currumbin. Created by a crew of beach-loving mates who refused to end a surf without something sweet, this retro-cute gelato bar is pure summer energy. Think Blood Orange Sorbet, Peppermint Choc Chip, Bubblegum and classic creamy favourites, all served just steps from the sand. Post-swim, post-walk or post-“just nabbed a car spot”, Elly’s is the cherry on top of a perfect beach day.
Where: 778 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Just deli-cious! Giuseppe’s Deli is back and serving proper Italian comfort eats in Mermaid Beach. Now under new management at The Oxley, this old-school style deli is all about stacked focaccia, classic flavour combos and pasta that tastes like it came straight from nonna’s kitchen. Think sandwiches loaded with fresh fillings, triple-cheese truffle melts and comforting pastas. This is just seriously good Italian food done right.
Where: The Oxley 1823, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Ciao down to Nico. deli & shop, Kirra’s new love letter to Italian culture. Just steps from the sand, this neighbourhood-style deli channels espresso-at-the-bar energy, stacked paninis and sweet little cannoli moments. With mid-century charm and top-notch local produce Nico. feels like a proper Italian pit stop minus the long-haul flight. Pop in for a coffee, stay for the focaccia and leave planning your next visit.
Where: Shop 17/48 Musgrave Street, Kirra
Words by Lisette Drew
Mermaid Beach scores new wellness cafe, House of Hälsa.
If your New Year’s resolution involves being more healthy in some way, shape or form, consider House of Hälsa your motivation to keep at it.
House of Hälsa has opened its doors in Mermaid Beach with a fresh take on health-forward dining that’s less preachy and more positive vibes to hit your goals.
Located in prime posse on GC Highway, House of Hälsa is an all-day cafe and wellness destination where nourishment meets top nosh.
The name Hälsa comes from the Swedish word for health, translating to House of Health, and the meaning runs deeper than a wellness buzzword. Founded by tattoo artist Coco Loberg of The Raspberry Room fame and her partner Gareth Fletcher, the space is a love letter to global travel and the magic that happens when good food meets good company.
“I’m half Swedish on my dad’s side, and I wanted to honour that heritage while building something meaningful,” Coco said.
Add in Gareth’s passion for community spaces and the result is a cafe designed not just to refuel, but to relax, which, let’s be honest, is health too.
Terracotta-toned walls and burgundy accents make House of Hälsa stand out on the highway. Inside, the vibe is sexy with dark woods, warm textures and a central sunken lounge setting the tone for long chats over conscious bites.
Whether you’re sandy after a surf, sweaty from a gym class or squeezing in a mid-morning catch-up, House of Hälsa will slip right into your wellness routine.
The menu is health food with personality. Dishes draw from personal memories and global experiences.
“Our vision is to make nourishment playful,” said Coco. “Food that feels good, tastes great, and tells a story.”
Start with a simple Swedish household favourite of parmesan, jam, rye and eggs or a standout blackberry toast with goat cheese and rosemary.
To refresh the palate, dive into Watermelon Ceviche, inspired by traditional techniques from a Peruvian grandmother in a small coastal town.
These are just a taste, with house-made yoghurt bowls and vibrant seasonal salads also sure to please.
For smoothie lovers, House of Hälsa takes sips to a whole new level. Fully customisable blends brimming with superfoods will be on heavy rotation, as well as signature creations with cheeky names like Cody Simpson Neptune, Strawberries And Cream, Mango Mango and Millionaire Shortbread.
Beyond the plate, House of Hälsa also features a small retail selection, stocking snacks to supplements to keep you on track at home. Expect sea moss, coconut water, kombucha, coffee beans and even non-alcoholic wine from NON.
There’s also snacks for the little ones and frozen treats for four-legged friends as well as a very cute takeaway window to grab your health on the go.
Living an active lifestyle is easy on the GC, but now we’ve got even more reason to hit our PBs.
Where: 1/2453 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5am-3pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Palmy’s new LOAF serves up tiramisu iced lattes and acai bowls by the beach.
Palm Beach baes – your new sweet spot has arrived! For those who were heartbroken over Mylk Well’s closure, dry your mylky tears!
Owner Sophia Buntine has opened up a brand new spot just steps away from the old locale and even closer to the beach.
After closing Mylk Well due to the building being demolished, Sophia was planning to take a well-earned break. However, it didn’t last long!
When she heard whispers of a space becoming available on the GC Highway just a few streets away from the original location, the opportunity was too good to pass up.
With a baby on the way, it’s been a wild ride getting LOAF open, but Sophia couldn’t wait to get back to slinging coffees for the Palm Beach community.
“Our beautiful customers are so laid back and just genuine,” she said.
Sitting pretty on the corner of Gold Coast Highway and 15th Avenue, Sophia was keen for a fresh aesthetic while keeping some signature styling from the OG cafe. Lush green walls pay homage to Mylk Well, while the white-framed pickup window makes it feel like you’re popping around to a friend’s place for coffee rather than ordering from a cafe.
The window overlooks a timber deck dotted with tiled white tables and large umbrellas for shade. There’s plenty of seating, a relaxed coastal feel and pooches are welcome too, which, on the GC, is practically essential.
Let’s just say Sophia has done it again, combining the cafe holy trinity of great coffee, quality food and amazing people into one cool hangout.
Being so close to the beach, the Acai Bowl with fresh banana and berries is shaping up to be a local favourite, and you can customise with peanut butter, pistachio drizzle or nutella if you’re feeling a little extra.
For smaller bites, there’s Avo Toast, Crumpets, Banana Bread and Fruit Toast, all reasonably priced for a quick brekkie.
Loaded smoothies are the ultimate grab-and-go option to take down to the beach. We recommend a Green Galaxy with spinach, mango, banana, pineapple, spirulina and coconut water all swirled together, while the Tropical Storm is summer in smoothie form, with mango, banana, pineapple, passionfruit and coconut water.
When it comes to coffee, you’ll find all your hot and cold favourites made with Supreme Coffee beans, as well as some fun specialty drinks like Mont Blanc, Pistachio Cold Brew, Strawberry Matcha and Coconut Cloud.
But it’s the weekend special that has customers lining up around the corner.
The Tiramisu Iced Latte — currently only available on weekends — is a collab with Chef Frankie in Currumbin. A classic iced latte is crowned with a slice of Chef Frankie’s famous tiramisu, creating a dream combo that’s equal parts morning coffee and moreish dessert.
One sip and you’ll be yelling through the window to Sophia: “I LOAF YOU!”
When: Daily, 5am – 12pm
Where: 1237 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
Paradox Coffee Roasters is now brewing in Broadbeach.
Attention coffee lovers! One of Gold Coast’s favourite coffee slingers, Paradox Coffee Roasters, has relocated to a fancy new flagship cafe in Broadbeach, and trust us, they’ve just levelled up your coffee game.
The Paradox Coffee Roasters crew have been pouring their hearts and brews into our coast for over a decade. In 2023, they opened an outpost at Gold Coast Airport that took our pre-flight coffee to new heights. Now their new flagship in Broadbeach is bound to have even more locals lining up for their daily fix.
The venue design is as smooth as their brews. Situated in the Oracle Dining Precinct, the new flagship has ample space for sipping and snacking, with cosy booths, sprawling communal tables, and a breezy indoor-outdoor setup. A standout mural by Australian artist Vans the Omega celebrates a decade of Paradox Coffee Roasters on the Gold Coast, utilising the Roman numeral X coupled with bold geometry and the core colours associated with the packaging of each Paradox coffee blend.
Watch the baristas in action performing what can only be described as caffeinated choreography at the iconic oval-shaped coffee bar. A custom LaMarzocco machine takes centre stage, but the clever batch tap system is giving main character energy too. Think precision-brewed, temperature-controlled coffee that’s served hot or cold for the ultimate sip experience. Forget cups, just pour it straight into our mouths, thanks!
Paradox has brewed up some serious specialty options, including their V60 Frozen Single Origins, premium single-origin beans frozen to perfection, as well as Special Release Origin coffees that are as rare as snow on the GC. Each month, there’s a new coffee to explore from top-growing regions like Colombia, Ethiopia and Panama, keeping your taste buds on their toes.
For cold brew devotees, a limited release blend promises smooth, flavour-packed sips. Head Coffee Roaster Yogesh has also whipped up some delightfully dessert-inspired creations: a Strawberry Brownie Latte, a Lychee Pavlova Latte and a Fruits of the Forest cold brew that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious.
Feeling peckish? Paradox has your back with breakfast and lunch favourites from the OG GC cafe in Surfers, plus some new dishes that you’ll want to sink your teeth into immediately. Curated by Head Chef Vivek, you can expect only the best locally sourced, top-quality ingredients.
Start your day with Chilli Scrambled Eggs on a chia seed bagel with fermented chilli labneh, parmesan, and pickled onions. New menu additions include Roasted Pear Granola with coconut labneh and the Paradox Miso Mushroom featuring crispy lentil cake, miso mushrooms, crispy enoki, whipped white bean, charred greens, sage pangrattato and herb oil.
For lunch, the Karaage Chicken Naani wrap and the Soba Noodle Salad are the ultimate flavour-packed treats. Seasonal changes mean your palate is in for a rotating surprise.
If you need us, we’ll be parked under the coffee taps.
When: Daily, 5:30am to 2:30pm
Where: 4 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
