We all might remember 2021 for less than average reasons — but hold that thought. As far as the Gold Coast’s cafe scene is concerned, last year was a tidy little period for some epic joints popping up.

And because we know caffeine and tasty food is a pillar of our fair city, we think you’ll agree a roundup of the best cafe opens of 2021 is going to make for some good reading.

Espresso Moto Mermaid Beach
Not only content with a successful and popular cafe in Palm Beach, the crew behind Espresso Moto’s fun and dedicated efforts thought Mermaid Beach was lacking their presence. And they haven’t looked back since: incredible eats and Allpress coffee for the win!
Where: 1/88 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters

Barefoot Barista Currumbin
Already an institution of incredible eats and damn fine coffee in Palm Beach, the crew here decided that Currumbin Beach needed the same. Wander in straight off the beach and enjoy the spoils, folks.
Where: Shop 1/794 Pacific Pde, Currumbin

Funnybone
Helensvale’s The Surrounds Leisure centre cemented its position as a valid lifestyle hub when this modern and minimalistic styled space opened last January. With the brains behind Tugun’s much loved Good Day Coffee behind the venture — and superb Blackboard coffee flowing — this is a cafe that finally gifted the northern Gold Coast a quality spot to sit, sip and relax.
Where: 6 Emerald Dr, Helensvale

Hudson & Rosie’s Table
An ultra-healthy, fine-tuned Asian influenced menu is more than enough reason to visit this Highland Park venue. Oh, and they have some of the best looking and smiliest staff around!
Where: Shop 16/106 Alexander Dr, Highland Park

Main Street Providore
Next time you’ve fulfilled your promise of an early morning hinterland hike, then you should drop by this little hole in the wall delight. Allpress coffee and hand-baked treats aplenty.
Where: Shop 1A/11 Main St, Tamborine Mountain

Seadog in the Park
Loveable coffee aficionado Brodie Green caused a sensation when he opened the now much-lauded original Seadog on James Street. A couple of years later, he decided his expert coffee skills needed a tad more greenery and space to be fully enjoyed, and voilà, Burleigh’s best open-air cafe, was born.
Where: Burleigh Heads Bowls Club, 1 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Dover’s Drop
Burleigh town is a busy spot these days. Make an effort to seek out this cargo container style kiosk just off Reedy Creek Road and enjoy great coffee, freshly toasted sourdough crumpets, and a bean bag to lounge in the sun!
Where: 7-9 Dover Dr, Burleigh Heads

Papercup Carrara
With more than enough adaptations of acai bowls to keep anyone coming back for more, this small but kiddo friendly space is the perfect place to stay a while — or if you’re in a hurry, grab and go.
Where: 2 Coelia Ct, Carrara

Well Bread & Pastry
If freshly baked breads and all things delicious don’t tempt you to drop by this Palm Beach gem, then their precisely poured Paradox Roasters coffee will. Order something delish, pull up a seat at their window bar, and watch the world go by without a care.
Where: 6 Fifth Ave, Palm Beach

Zinc Cafe
Kingscliff is an easy and great little road trip from the Gold Coast if you fancy a change of scenery but without a big drive. Just off the sand, Zinc is the perfect place to hit up once you get there, plus you can also snag yourself a table on the adjoining surf clubs balcony for the ultimate view.
Where: 61 Marine Pde, Kingscliff

Cuppa on 41
This tucked-away cafe on Cavill Avenue is a real find. The whole ethos is about community: taking hospitality trainees on as staff and donating leftover food to homeless shelters. Easy on the pocket, there’s great coffee and freshly baked biscuits every day!
Where: 41 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Picnic Real Food Bar
Lauded chef and author Brenda Fawdon is the brains behind this cafe come treasure trove of beautiful local produce and sublime coffee. You may think it’s a little out of town, but believe us, it’s worth it.
Where: 46 Main St, Tamborine Mountain

Sweet Bambino
An inventive menu offering in the cosy suburb of Paradise Point. Nestle in with Social Espresso coffee — and a cheeky sweet version of French toast — on relaxed street-side seating and watch the world go by.
Where: 1/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Olive Coffee
This cute as a button cafe is a great place to get into some honest tucker whilst in Surfers Paradise. Besides delectable toasties and sip-worthy frappes, there’s also a charming collection of consumer goods for you to take home.
Where: 3/3046 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise 

Magnolia Lane
Sometimes simple things done really, really well are the best type of things. Drop into Magnolia Lane for delectable breakfast favourites like Chilli Scrambled Eggs or a spot of lunch — once you’ve topped up your tan on the gorgeous nearby Burleigh beach, of course.
Where: Shop 6/1863 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Raijin Palm Beach
Tucked away on a back street of Palm Beach, this is a cafe with a sophisticated and pioneering Japanese style food menu. You have got to try their Souffle Pancakes, fluffy and lighter than air; they must be tried to be believed.
Where: 2 Fifth Ave, Palm Beach

Canvas Palm Beach
This Nobby Beach institution decided 2021 was the year to expand and move their way down south. This new space is a haven for arty bits and pieces as well as gifts. And let’s not forget a brimming menu and coffee till late.
Where: Shop 3/1328 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Aperitivo
Genuine Italian style paninis have found their way to Currumbin — and for that, you should be extremely thankful. Daily fresh baked bread and tasty treats collide with superb speciality coffee from Niccolo of Melbourne.
Where: 8 Thrower Dr, Currumbin 

Santa Barbara Speciality Coffee
This Hope Island newbie snuck in right at the end of 2021 and is as aesthetically pleasing as it is brilliant at providing excellent coffee.You also have a chance to grab some appetising provisions before spending a beautiful day on the water.
Where: Shop 1/7/9 Pinnaroo St, Hope Island

Goya
A venue with Osaka’s swagger and Tokyo’s charisma, Japanese comfort food comes thick and fast here with a wide selection of tasty —caffeinated and non-caffeinated — iced drinks to boot.
Where: 9/2669 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Hazel Espresso
In Southport’s China Town, leafy Davenport Street is where you’ll find this cute cafe that packs a big punch in contemporary Asian fused breakfast/lunch dishes. Order the Chilli Crab Scrambled Eggs and the one-off Hanoi Egg Coffee for an inimitable way to start your day!
Where: 9 Davenport St, Southport

Saint Coffee Collective
Hop off the tram at the Gold Coast University Hospital in Southport and get yourself straight into some expertly poured coffee. Courtesy of Supreme Coffee and barista maestro, Hal Cozens.
Where: Kiosk 1, Gold Coast University Hospital Station, Cnr Hospital Blvd and Parklands Dr, Southport

Sparrow Coffee Nobby Beach
Not to be content with four already seriously successful cafes, Sparrow decided Nobby Beach was missing their brand of top-notch coffee. Download their app and pre-order coffee for pickup: perfect when you’re against the clock.
Where: Shop 3/2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Sometimes there are just those days when getting out of bed doesn’t happen between the traditional hours of breakfast. Whether it’s been a late-night Netflix binge, or you’ve been sinking tequila till the early hours we’re not going to judge you — much. 

Luckily, some of our favourite Gold Coast cafes have you covered with the option of eating breakfast beyond noon.

Our eight picks mean you never need to miss the most important meal of the day again. Hurray.

Hymn Coffee

Hymn Coffee in Tweed Heads effortlessly ticks all of the boxes for your breakfast dreams. They’re serving up delicious eats and quality coffee all day long and the sleek space is well worth a visit no matter which part of the Coast you call home. Grab yourself the Traveller Burrito, well, because it is amazing that’s why.

Where: Shop 2, 99 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads

Highline

This groovy little Palm beach hangout hasn’t been around a long while, but it has safely cemented its status as the coffee aficionado’s go-to. Jitter juice to one side though the fare on offer here is worth your attention, most notably their jaffle game. The humble toasted sandwich is elevated to new levels with the Sobrasada Jaffle: featuring jalapeños, smoked corn, and chimichurri. Si senior!

Where: Shop 5/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach

Paddock Bakery

We honestly couldn’t see ourselves writing this list without including these guys. One of the original all-day breakfast hit-ups, with one of the best outdoor spaces to hang out, drink, and generally live your best life. Home of the very inventive cruffin, on-site baked breads, milkshakes, and a world of other tasty baked goods. If you have somebody visiting from out of town and you aim to wow the socks off them, this is your place.

Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Blackboard Coffee

One of the Gold Coast’s most famous coffee houses, the team at Blackboard also make a mean all-day breakfast. What these guys don’t know about eggs benedict isn’t worth knowing, particularly when you’ve partnered this up with a tasty brew. Grab yourself a house-made doughnut for dessert and you’re guaranteed to leave with a spring in your step.

Where: 7/240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes

Bam Bam Bakehouse
There’s no denying Bam Bam is one of our favourite places on Earth for the most awe-inspiring of sweet treats, but did you know they also create culinary breakfast masterpieces? Yep, they do. The Jalapeno & Queso Sweet Corn Fritters with a dollop of chipotle crema is going to blow any mind and we can’t help but mention the legendary Bam Bam Benny – a croissant packed with all things Benedict. Finger-wiping-plate goodness right there.
Where: 2519 – 2521 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Elk Espresso
Oh, Elk you little sweetheart, thank you for being the temple of all things breakfast at which we worship! Panna Cotta for breakfast is legitimately a thing here, with puffed grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and yoghurt. Going against the breakfast status quo continues with a cleverly constructed Breakfast Sashimi plate and Crispy Skin Salmon. Why not bend the rules a little next time you head out for breaky?
Where: Beach end of The Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach 

BSKT

Everyone’s favourite Nobby’s beachside café is dishing up all of the nourishing eats for your feasting pleasure. The foods are healthy while also being delicious — meaning everything is worth trying. The Almond Latte French Toast is the clever — and guilt-free — way of doubling your caffeine intake; whilst their very own kalenaise means eggs benedict is always a healthy choice here. Oh, and you’ll see all of the cute dogs here: breakfast after noon never looked so good.  

Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

Paradox Coffee Roasters

Pouring one of the Gold Coast’s finest cups of coffee and handcrafting breakfast/brunch food means you’re onto a winner at this local’s institution. This Surfers Paradise fave offers one of the best seasonal breakfast menus around and plenty of good vibes to match. We suggest you give the Canadian Hot Cakes with bacon, scrambled eggs (all smothered in maple syrup) a go – you’ll never very very satisfied.

Where: The 4217, 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

Ahh brunch, not quite breakfast, not quite lunch and allowing us the opportunity to squeeze in a guilt-free meal between the two. BEST.

Do you know what’s even better than brunch, though? A boozy brunch. Because drinking in the morning is never a bad idea, particularly when accompanied by five-star foods from some of your fave local venues. And here they are, indulge away!

The Tropic
Everyone’s favourite ocean-view venue, Burleigh Pav offers bottomless brunch on the last Saturday of every month. Taking place specifically in The Tropic side of the space, you’ll not only get to gaze lovingly at the ocean but also indulge in some of the freshest seafood and innovative plates by imaginative Head Chef Guillaume Zika. Pair everything with bottomless NV Chandon and NV Chandon Rose for $129pp, or up the ante, and for an additional $30 you can be sipping Veuve Clicquot. Amazing. We’ll see you there every month then?
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Elk Espresso
Luckily, we have a lot of love to give because there are so many Gold Coast venues worthy of it. It goes without saying Elk Espresso is one of those that have been in our hearts from the start. And they just cemented our (and your) love for them with a bottomless offering available every day from 10am (with no booking required), where you’ll have your favourite dish paired with one hour of bottomless mimosas (classic, strawberry or lime) for just $45pp. Not to mention, the menu at Elk is always absolutely incredible, so plan ahead: wear your stretchy pants.
Where: Shop GO44, Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

Miss Moneypenny’s
Ok, so it’s ‘tehcnically’ a Bottomless Lunch at Broadbeach’s Miss Moneypenny’s — but once you try it, you’ll see why we had to include them in this list! Roll up every Saturday or Sunday from 12pm to 3pm with live entertainment from 1pm (Sunday) and indulge in a three-course set menu and two-hour beverage package from $90 inclusive of selected cocktails, spritzers, bubbles, wine and beer. If you feel like getting fancy go for the Chef’s Signature Selection with seven courses and a two-hour beverage package including the above sips from $125pp. You may also upgrade both packages to include French Champagne – we are here for it.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Nineteen at The Star
This sophisticated dining experience features an exquisite menu complete with Executive Chef Uday Huja’s brunch favourites, as well as highlights from the grill. Plus, you can pair your brunch with a premium two-hour champagne package while you take in the stunning views – now that’s a brunch worth getting out of bed for. It’s on every Sunday with two sittings – 11am until 1pm and 1.15pm and 3.15pm. With sweeping views overlooking the ocean and the city, it has to be one of the most stunning brunch options around.
Where: The Darling, Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

The Island Gold Coast
It’s a grazing-style lunch situation at Surfers Paradise’s beloved The Island Rooftop. Snack on a $69pp all-inclusive package with dishes like salt and pepper squid and garlic and char-grilled rosemary lamb cutlets – all delicious, obviously. To drink, there are selected tap beers, house red, white and sparkling wine, the Rooftop Spritz range, select cocktails, soft drinks, and juices all included in your package. Head in every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 2pm to get involved in this one.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Mr Hizola’s
Your favourite contemporary Cantonese spot is now boasting weekend bottomless brunches, so prepare to get boozy. Available from 12pm – 4pm Saturday and Sunday (min of 2 ppl), you’ll each receive a delectable lunch bowl with choices like Kung Pao Chicken and Vegetable Spring Rolls and, more importantly, a 2-hour limitless drinks package featuring spiritizes and tap beers! It’ll set you and your guest back a very affordable $55 each.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Gods of the Sea
For ardent seafood lovers, Gods of the Sea is a solid IYKYK situation, meaning if you crave foods from the deep and haven’t checked out this place yet, where have you been? Every Saturday, book in for a 2-hour bottomless brunch anywhere between noon and 3pm for a magnificent ocean-orientated five-course degustation with the likes of pan-seared scallops and grilled swordfish. And don’t forget the boundless pouring of bubbles at your disposal. Just $89 per person! But make sure you get in before Saturday 20 November as this will be the last of their Bottomless Brunch series!
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Highway, corner of Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

Ally Chow
Ally Chow in Nobby Beach brings you all the Asian fusion you can fill your belly with. Our new favourite thing is the Margarita Lunch Banquet though, including all the tastiest eats plus unlimited Asahi beer, Prosecco and MARGARITAS! So yes, that’s a thing. Best of all, it’s just $99 per person — that’s pretty much your Friday through Sunday lunches sorted for the rest of the year, no? And if you’re more of a vodka gal (we all have that one time tequila got us good), the Chow Out banquet for $79 features bottomless Thai Basil Caipiroskas! Delish.
Where: Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach 

Words by Alex Mitcheson.