After a long day in the surf, there is nothing we want more than an ice-cold acai bowl to cool down and refuel. I guess you could say it’s an acai for sore eyes – see what we did there?

Okay, but does anyone really remember life before acai? That delicious little berry from the Amazon has been a breakfast, lunch and snack staple for Gold Coasters for years and because we take our jobs very seriously, we’ve done the heavy lifting (see: eating) so that you can kick back and chow down. Don’t mind us while we add acai aficionado to our resumé.

Cardamom Pod
Maybe some of the most instagrammable bowls on the GC, Cardamom Pod’s bowls are truly a work of art. Loaded with colourful toppings and flavours like mango mousse, blue spirulina crème and a protein ball, the colourful mermaid tail finisher makes it feel almost too pretty to eat… Almost.
Where: 3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport

Blendlove
If you’re in search of acai perfection, look no further than Blendlove in Southport. The team behind this plant-based haven have been mastering the art of the perfect bowl for years and no surprise, it’s one of our faves on the Coast. Top yours with seasonal fruit, flaked coconut buckinis and it’s like summer in a bowl.
Where: 1/253 Ferry Road, Southport

Yo-Chi
You probably already know them for their frozen yoghurt and if you don’t, then where have you been, honestly? Now they’re swirling up acai at both their Gold Coast locations and want to know what the best part is? You can swirl as little or as much as your tum desires AND build your perfect bowl with all of the iconic Yo-Chi toppings you know and love.
Where: 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise and 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Goji Granola Bar & Café
Taking the classic acai bowl to a whole new level, Goji Granola Bar is the place where locals flock and celebreties are spotted when visiting our beachside haven. Anything but your average acai bowl, Goji’s signature Coco Fluff vegan ice cream is the hero topper of course with flavours changing weekly. Add fruit for something fresh or a churro if you’re keen to indulge.
Where: 7/60 Santa Cruz Boulevard, Clear Island Waters

Little Mermaid
This corner-side hangout spot has long been the locals’ favourite place to grab a coffee and a bite post-swim/surf – and it’s easy to see why. Dreamy décor and fantastic breakfast and lunchtime menus mean this is the kind of place you want to visit on the regular with salty hair and sand between your toes.
The pick: Get the Beach Lover Acai Bowl and don’t look back! All of the bright and zesty additions you’d expect but with a healthy dollop of peanut butter as its crown of glory.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Oakberry
Okay, so you know it’s going to be good when they literally only make acai. Popping up all over the Coast, Oakberry has locations in all your favourite spots, so a bowl is never far away. What do we love most about the Oakberry acai bowl, you ask? Probably that no two are the same. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure vibe with bulk flavours, textures and toppings to create your custom flavour. We’re also low-key big fans of the fact that they come in cup-size containers too. No more praying your acai bowl won’t spill in the car on the drive home.
Where: Pretty much everywhere – Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, BSKT at Nobby Beach, Broadbeach, Pacific Fair, Coolangatta, The Pines, Robina and Paradise Point

Sunkist
The newest addition to the acai scene, Sunkist Eatery has recently joined the fold at The Oxley and they’re serving up bowls until 5pm. Yes, you read that right. Bowls until 5pm because apparently they’ve felt our pain of having a mean craving in the arvo with no one to save us. Their signature bowl has all the goodies you want to create an epic bowl – think fresh fruit from the Oxley Grocer, crunchy granola and a drizzle of honey.
Where: The Oxley, 17-19 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

Nobbys Shack
As classic as they come, Nobbys Shack has the traditional acai combo you know and love or another with a cheeky twist. Try the Jungle Bowl for a tropical flavour sensation with acai, cupuacu, banana and coconut water topped with museli, coconut, banana and fresh fruit – tastes like summer in a bowl.
Where: 2241 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Tugun Fruit and Flowers
Your one-stop-shop for all the significant essentials you need, and of course, some pretty darn good acai bowls! Whilst you wait for the bowl of your dreams, you can grab yourself some super fresh fruit, a candle or two, or even an epic-looking dried flower arrangement to spruce up a space at home.
The pick: The Choc Acai Bowl for us – this overflowing bowl is blended with raw cacao and almond milk and is topped with ALL of the seasonal fruit imaginable.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Niche & Co
You could say this superfood café have found their niche, think healthy food, good vibes and acai bowls that are anything but average. Our flavour of choice? The Snickers Acai Bowl for the perfect blend of fresh and full of flavour, it’s served with vegan granola, coyo salted caramel mousse, cacao nibs, house peanut butter, activated choc buckinis and salted caramel – it’s almost too good to believe it’s good for you!
Where: 4/449 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

The Salt Mill
If you like big bowls and you cannot lie or you’re a southern Gold Coaster looking for your acai fix then you really don’t need to look further than The Salt Mill. Located in the perfect spot in Currumbin for you to pop in post swim and cool down with a bowl of icy goodness, all while soaking in epic beach front views – yes please!  Trust us when we say the bowls are BIG, they’re loaded with crunchy goodness, fresh berries and passionfruit , plus a scoop of peanut butter if that tickles your fancy.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

For nearly a decade of dough-liciousness, 5B2F Bakehouse has been a go-to for Gold Coast locals seeking expertly crafted pastries, crusty sourdough and decadent cakes. Now, the much-loved Chirn Park patisserie has expanded, bringing its signature quality and artistry to Southport with the newly opened 5B2F Ciabatta.

The brainchild of renowned South Korean pastry chef Moonsun Yoo, 5B2F Ciabatta is the product of a lifelong love for baking. Growing up in a family steeped in the craft, Moonsun’s passion for the kitchen bloomed early, inspiring him to train at international hotels. It was during his time as a chef at the Hyatt Seoul that he discovered his true calling as a pastry chef, a specialty that he would bring to our sunny shores, opening his beloved Chirn Park bakehouse in 2016. Driven by a dream of expanding his pastry empire, Moonsun has now made that vision a reality.

Tucked away on Davenport Street, this 5B2F Ciabatta embraces a more streamlined, takeaway concept while still delivering the same level of terrific taste that has defined the 5B2F name. The focus here? The humble yet versatile sourdough ciabatta, transformed into an array of fresh, flavourful sandwiches.

Each day, the bakery turns out a rotating selection of handcrafted ciabatta creations. Tuck into a tangy Reuben with house-made corned beef, sauerkraut, onion and chipotle mayo or the creamy Chicken Sandwich with roasted chicken, sliced apple, brie cheese and chipotle mayo. For something indulgent, the truffle-infused ham and cheese toastie is a standout, with its crispy golden crust and irresistibly gooey centre.

There’s also hearty salads on offer, like the classic Caesar Salad with a generous serving of bacon, egg, cos lettuce, parmesan cheese drizzled with an anchovy dressing.

Of course, no visit to a 5B2F venue would be complete without a sweet treat. The pastry display is stocked with flaky croissants, glossy kouign-amanns, and fruit-studded danishes.

For the tea fans out there, raise your pinkies high for the Earl Grey – a delicate layered delight of earl grey mousse , earl grey ganache and earl grey cream with double baked marble sponge.

Or have your cake and eat it too with the signature Mont Blanc – a work of art in edible form. This masterpiece layers chestnut crèmeux, honey sponge, chocolate tart, chestnut mascarpone cream, with a confit chestnut as the cherry (or chestnut) on top. Pair it with a cup of Allpress Espresso, and you’ll be on cloud nine!

For those looking to celebrate, whole cakes are available daily, with flavours ranging from vanilla chiffon to baked cheesecakes piled high with fresh cream and glistening fruit. You can place custom orders in advance, and these beautifully crafted cakes are sure to rise to any occasion!

With its hot new Southport location, 5B2F is on a roll, raising the bar (and the dough) for artisanal baking on the Gold Coast. Moonsun isn’t loafing around either – he’s cooking up plans to expand even more, starting with opening the upstairs dining space so customers can sit, sip, and savour at their own pace.

Where:  29 Davenport St, Southport
When: Monday – Friday 7am–4pm

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby