Don't drive past this unassuming beach cottage. Their gourmet cuisine is worth stopping for.
Don't drive past this unassuming beach cottage. Their gourmet cuisine is worth stopping for.
It’s prime location just steps off the sand, makes AVVIA the perfect restaurant for a cheeky pre-beach breakfast, or post swim fill-up. AVVIA has created a tranquil atmosphere by incorporating little details that make the restaurant full of charm. From it’s graphic feature wall, to the dainty hydroponic garden out back, it’s these special additions that keep AVVIA customers in love with the vibe. Whether you cozy up next to the coffee bar inside, opt for some fresh air and ocean views on the deck, or get a little more casual in the garden, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Choosing to use cultivated plants grown from heirloom seeds; wild-harvested leaves, flowers, barks and roots; local fish, seaweeds and coastal grasses; pastured meat, poultry and eggs from local farmers is the difference you can taste at AVVIA. The tantalizing modern Australian menu has so many mouth watering choices you’ll be hard pressed to choose just one. We stopped in for lunch and tried the Pan Fried King Prawns, which were served in a rich broth of chilli, garlic and butter, finished with grilled sour dough spears. Upon first bite we declared them our new favourite prawn dish on the Gold Coast (yes they are that good). Wednesday – Sunday AVVIA hosts a fine dining dinner. Crisp white tablecloths glow under soft amber lights on the deck where Palm Beach’s most elegant dishes are served. Treat your taste buds to Parisian rose-crusted Salmon sitting on a bed of potato crema, asparagus, English peas, zucchini and mushroom sauce. Although we missed breakfast, we hear it’s worth a trip back for the Cornflake Crusted French Toast (omg ?).
An impressive international wine list awaits diners at AVVIA. Three pages of alluring wines will tempt any customer into having a taste of one of the illustrious wines on offer. If tasting one isn’t enough, dare to try the wine tasting flight experience where you can sample three wines from head chef Eddie Uzan’s hometown of Katzrin, Israel (don’t mind if we do).
Be sure not to miss the AVVIA Christmas in July event on Thursday 28th of July. Bookings are essential!
3/23rd Avenue Palm Beach
By Marleigh Kelly
Over the past couple of years Palm Beach (or Palmy as it’s affectionately known) has well and truly been embracing it’s new found cool kid status.
While we can’t pinpoint the exact moment it officially transformed to ‘it’ suburb, lucky locals have been living large of late, with the emergence of all the beachside haunts to frolic between (though they do have to compete a little more for parking these days).
While in years gone by, the only thing reliably making Palmy a ‘must stop’ destination was a quiet-ish (albeit stunning) beach, and the high chance of catching a red on the way through. With an influx of laidback eateries, noteworthy restaurants, swanky bars and luxe boutiques popping up left right and centre, there’s never any shortage of things to do. These days, we can think of at least 19 epic reasons that make this buzzing suburb THE place to be.
Palm Beach’s café game just levelled up with ’94, a matcha haven by Ahmet Taskin. Blending Japanese café vibes with vintage bar aesthetics, it’s serving up house-made syrups, killer matcha creations, and next-level toasties. More than just great sips and snacks, it’s a community hub with plans for running and swimming clubs. Basically, if you’re in Palmy, you need to be here.
Where: 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Rolling into the former Scottish Prince space, Cadillac Supper Club is bringing vintage vibes, moody lighting, and next-level eats to Palm Beach. The brainchild of Bar Evelyn’s Mark Catsburg and Nick Stanton, this spot opened in August 2024, but has recently reimagined itself as an Italo-American pizzeria and bar, serving up wood-fired pizzas alongside its classic dishes. Add in a stacked wine list, top-tier cocktails (hello, Cadillac Classic Martini), and vinyl-spinning DJs on weekends, and you’ve got your new favourite late-night haunt.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Gold Coast is home to many an impressive farmers market and one of our absolute favourites can be found in Palmy on Saturday mornings. From 6am at Palm Beach Currumbin High School you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan foods, specialty coffee, epic doughnuts, flowers, dog treats, the lot. The perfect way to spend a weekend morning.
Where: Thrower Drive, Palm Beach
Overcoming the momentary temptation to leave this one out (in hopes of greedily keeping more of those highly coveted tables all for ourselves) – but no list about epic Palmy spots would be complete with such a glaring omission. Dishing up authentic Mexican eats, the menu is short but sweet, sticking only to their specialities with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Any day featuring beachside, street-style tacos like the zesty Birria Beef (complete with signature consommé to dip), and a coconut marg (because marg) is a very bueno day indeed.
Where: 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Tallebudgera Surf Club has undergone a $12 million renovation, transforming it into a must-visit spot this summer. The upgraded venue offers everything from Bean Surfing Beach Café with coffee and breakfast classics, to a vibrant Sports Bar and an ocean-view Restaurant & Café serving fresh dishes like Lobster Tacos and Seafood Platters. There’s also a killer drinks menu, fun cocktails like the Tallebudgera Thunder, and a Gelato Bar with 12 flavours to cool off. Plus, every purchase supports local lifesavers, making it a win-win for beach lovers.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Those with little ones will attest to the fact that the Pirate Park is up there with the best on the Coast. Located right near the water, the park far exceeds anything you ever got to play on as a kid with a pirate ship stuck in the sand and upended wine barrels perfect for all day climbing. If you don’t have any babes, Dune Café is close by as is the sparkling ocean and a dog beach on Currumbin Creek that’s always good for a laugh.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach (on the left before the Currumbin Creek bridge)
No doubt you’ve already set foot inside The Collective more than once and why wouldn’t you with five restaurants to choose from? Open for lunch and dinner, you can stay all day and, as it’s a communal dining setting, you’re bound to make some new friends along the way. So, if you’re in the mood for pizza and tacos, head to The Collective, order both and wash it all down with a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
It’s every local boho babe’s dream come true. Opened in 2013, White Bohemian stocks all your favourite hippy-esque labels including GD brand Kivari, Byron Bay cult-fave labels SPELL and Arnhem. These guys were one of the first to bring us the magic of the laid-back luxe aesthetic before the #boho trend took over the world (and our wallets), so we trust them and their epic curation of all things effortless style endlessly. There’s homewares too so, you know, prepare to spend up.
Where: Cnr Seventh Avenue and Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
It goes without saying that if you’ve ever driven through Palm Beach, you’ve definitely laid eyes on Balboa Italian. The beautifully appointed double-storey brick building is in a class of its own serving classic Italian dishes with modern interpretations and the freshest of flavours. It’s worth a visit just to experience the fitout, complete with overhead Vespa and exposed brick walls. The cocktails are unique and the wine selection varied. It’s all good to be honest, get down there.
Where:1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Bringing mid-century charm and top-tier coffee to Palmy, Bantr is the new go-to for specialty sips, delicious eats, and a side of banter. Run by longtime locals Dean and Susan Olarenshaw, this laid-back spot serves up All Press Coffee, a TikTok-approved Strawberry Matcha, and crowd-favourite dishes like their famous Breakfast Burrito. With a vibrant atmosphere and a giant Samuel L. Jackson mural watching over your caffeine fix, bantR is where great coffee meets good vibes.
Where: 1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
A somewhat secret cocktail bar, tucked away on the Gold Coast Hwy, Suga specialises in rum and good times and if you’re keen on either or both of those you should absolutely get down there. They have an impressive cocktail menu plus plenty of epic wines (pet nats, yes please) and beers so no matter what, you’re gonna love it.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Launching a cafe in a hip and happening suburb surrounded by competition stiffer than a morning espresso is not for the faint of heart – but ever since they branched out from their OG Tugun location, locals and weary travellers alike have unanimously agreed it’s always a good day for Good Day Coffee Palm Beach. Friendly faces serving Blackboard coffee and other staples like pastries and goat’s fetta laden smashed avo toast – we could easily eat and drink here every day. The epitome of simple eats, and great coffee, done well.
Where: 1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Found upstairs in a sunlit space oozing chill vibes is Ritual Yoga & Pilates. Owned by sisters Rose and Sophie, Ritual is a favourite amongst both Palm Beach locals and those who reside in surrounding suburbs. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation (or a solid sweat session), Ritual is calling your name.
Where: 9b Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Bringing big flavour and even bigger vibes to Palmy, Madame V is the newest hotspot from acclaimed Gold Coast chef Daniel Ridgeway. Expect a menu packed with modern Asian-inspired delights, from Sticky Pork Ribs to Spicy Beef Tenderloin, plus a must-try Yum Cha Sunday featuring all the dumpling goodness your heart desires. The cocktails are just as bold—think yuzu-infused whisky sips and sake-spiked tropical creations. Whether it’s a casual bite, a private dining experience, or an all-out Yum Cha feast, Madame V is the place to be.
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Freshly made bagels with a variety of savoury and sweet options, from classic cream cheese spreads to loaded pulled pork and decadent S’mores French Toast Bagels. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-beach breakfast or post-pilates pick-me-up. The UE Bagels Reuben is elite. Winning gold at the Olympics level elite. With a relaxed, industrial vibe, this café offers both street-side and indoor seating to enjoy your bagels and their signature UE Brew Coffee Blend. Open daily from 6am (or until sold out), it’s a must-visit for any bagel lover!
Where: 5/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach
As we’ve probably already well established by this point, us Gold Coasters are big suckers for a cute fit-out. It’s hard to tell if it’s the perfectly peachy-pink interiors, or the Italian aromas wafting from the kitchen that keep us coming back to Toro’s Pizza like moths to a flame. And spoiler alert: it’s definitely the latter, since there are few smells that compare to that of a freshly baked, still bubbling wood-fired pizza. Carbs, cheese, more cheese, and BYO – this place is what Italian dreams are made of.
Where: Shop 7/2 Eighth Ave, Palm Beach
Sporting a sunny new facade with striped yellow awnings and nautical touches, Neptune Kiosk is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and snack by the water. The kiosk now boasts an expanded space, including a dedicated pick-up window for quicker service. Alongside Marvell Street coffee, you can enjoy fresh juices, smoothies, ice creams, and sweet treats like fresh cinnamon donuts alongside oozy cookies and pastries from Custard Canteen. Open daily from 5:30 am, it’s the ideal stop for creekside caffeine and bites.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Early risers, rejoice! Mylk Well serves up top-notch brews and all-day eats from 5am daily. Brought to life by hospitality pros Sophia Buntine and Victoria Macbain (formerly of Commune), this sleek Scandi-inspired spot dishes out everything from Kimchi Toasties to Chilli Scrambled Sourdough, alongside Coffee Supreme creations that’ll keep you buzzing. Whether you’re after a killer House Hash Benny, a Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad, or just a perfect iced latte, Mylk Well has you covered. Safe to say, Palmy locals will be milking this one for all it’s worth.
Where: 1134 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Step inside this boutique hideaway, and you’ll be grinning like, well… you know who. What’s old is new again at this six-room motel, a nostalgic mid-century dream decked out with retro furnishings and a colour palette straight from the ‘60s—think tangerine oranges, teal blues, and pistachio greens. Whether you pick the Queen Room or the Bungalow, both are madly impressive. Tucked away on the buzzing Palm Beach strip yet hidden in plain sight, just follow the neon glow and cactus-lined walls—you’ll know you’ve arrived.
Where: 1005 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Words by Belinda Symons
From rock to ukulele island songs and harmonica lap slide blues, Old Man Friday play surf inspired music new and old.
This weekend they’ll perform their cruisy tunes at Cooly Rocks On for the very first time. We chat with them about Friday surf sessions and being middle aged men having a hoot playing music.
This is your first time playing at Cooly Rocks On, what have you got in store for us?
We’re very excited to be playing our music at Cooly Rocks On and we’ll be bringing some rocking surf instrumental tunes and that old school chilled surf vibe.
Besides your own performance, what are you excited to see / do at the festival?
We all love the classic cars so are really looking forward to having a good look around at them. We’re also excited to check out the other bands like Pat Capocci and the street buskers.
What do you love about the Gold Coast’s music scene?
There’s a great variety of music on the Gold Coast and to see music from many genres being embraced and enjoyed is terrific. Being a surf instrumental band we feel this acceptance and it’s great that we have a platform to play our music and be supported by locals.
What’s unique about the music you make?
There aren’t many surf bands around these days so that makes us a little unique. We love how music can move people and have found that instrumentals can speak and move people as much as a traditional song. Our music varies from down the line rock to ukulele island songs and harmonica lap slide blues.
Tell us about yourselves…
In the full band format have Marcus Bancroft the multi-instrumentalist on the drums – he usually plays guitar, slide, ukulele, and pretty much anything you throw at him. Brett Edy the big wave surfer for Durban is on the bass. He’s a smooth character with tasty bass skills. We have ‘Pheely’ Phil Cancelleri on second lead and rhythm, we call him Pheely because he has terrific feel on the guitar. Nick Tatlow ‘The Rat’ is our lead guitarist and the master of laying down the melody line. And lastly Blair Johnstone who loves to sit in the pocket of rhythm guitar and isn’t interested in playing that fancy lead stuff live (although likes writing it).
How did Old Man Friday come about (and why the name)?
Old Man Friday came about one Friday morning surf session when we decided to pursue starting a band and playing music together. Blair had recorded some original instrumentals, which had that surfy vibe and we thought we’d explore this and take if further. We proceeded to record a self-titled seven-track EP and started to play markets as a duo. We then pulled in some very talented friends to help bring to life the band music we had also written and recorded. The band name was inspired by this activity.
What can we expect from your albums?
We’ve released two albums now, a self-titled EP and a full-length 10 track album called Down The Line. We’re continuing to write new content and recording as we go. We’re aiming to get another album out before the end of the year. We have the material ready we just need the time and space to record it.
What’s up next for Old Man Friday?
We are obviously looking forward to playing at Cooly Rocks On and will continue to seek to play at other festivals. We’re getting a regular gig at the Noosa Festival of Surfing which is always a delight to play at. The duo has regular gigs at the local farmers markets which are a lot of fun and keep the playing sharp.
Your favourite piece of life advice…
Have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously. For us Old Man Friday is a lot of fun as we get to hang out together as “middle” aged men and have a hoot playing music. We hope this comes across at our gigs and that people enjoy that we enjoy playing music.
Beach: Lacey’s Lane – our fave surf spot
Café: Barefoot Barista, Palm Beach
Restaurant: Avvia on the GC Highway 23rd Ave
Music venue: Farmers Markets and Miami Marketta of course
Catch Old Man Friday at Cooly Rocks On this weekend.
Performance times:
Saturday 10th June
Kirra Foreshore – 11.15am-12.00pm
Thrifty Stage – 1.15pm-2pm
Sunday 11th June
Kirra Foreshore – 12.45pm-1.30pm
The Strand Stage – 4.30pm-5.15pm
