Carbs, cheese and absolutely no regrets.
Carbs, cheese and absolutely no regrets.
Is there anything better than a perfectly golden, cheese-pulling, filling-oozing toastie? We’d argue no. And lucky for us, the Gold Coast is absolutely stacked with spots doing them properly, from classic ham-and-cheese jaffles to next-level Korean BBQ melts and slow-cooked beef dip situations. We’ve done the very tough (read: delicious) job of rounding up 15 of our favourites, spread across the GC and beyond. Please note that menus and specials change regularly, so always check with the venue before making the drive- but trust us, it’ll be worth it either way.
There is nothing on the Franquette menu we wouldn’t drool over, daydream about and devour in under five seconds, and the French Onion Toastie is the crown jewel. Caramelised onion cooked and seasoned in house, gruyère, Swiss cheese and fresh chives, all pressed into something truly special. We always leave, skipping out the door with a basket full of baked goods, too, because it’s honestly a crime not to.
Where: 155/157 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain
Doughed is the kind of spot you rock up to once and immediately put on the weekly roster. Cold-foam coffees, cinnamon scrolls on weekends, and an epic toastie menu make this Hope Island gem a non-negotiable. Our pick is the Early Riser: maple bacon, fried egg, hash brown, American cheddar, tomato relish and aioli. Basically, breakfast and lunch sorted in one glorious hand-held situation. Open 7 days, 6:30am–3pm.
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Hicksy’s is a relaxed, welcoming café where great coffee, good vibes and friendly service come together, and the toasties are very much keeping up their end of the bargain. Our latest obsession is the Hicks Reuben on Rye: smoked pastrami, mustard, rye sourdough, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, stacked and toasted to perfection. Speciality coffee on the side is non-negotiable.
Where: 11 Hicks St, Southport
Part grocer, part café, all good- Butter Bodega is your friendly neighbourhood bodega doing things right from 5:30am seven days a week. Our fav toastie is a Wednesday special (until sold out, so don’t sleep in), and it’s a Reuben worth setting an alarm for: Bangalow pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, jalapeños and Dijon mustard on toasted rye. Follow their Instagram so you never miss it.
Where: Unit 15/300 Marine Parade, Labrador
Janus Deli’s specialties are sandwiches, doughnuts, coffee and chicken, and they do all of it extremely well across two locations. Our current obsession is the Cheeeesy K-BBQ Melt: tender bulgogi, sweet and tangy kimchi jam and a generous layer of torched cheese melted to golden perfection. It’s the kind of toastie that feels like a reward for getting through the cooler days. Open 7am–3pm at both locations.
Where: Shop 14/458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar and 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
Toasties, jaffles – call them what you want, at The Holliday Coffee, we just call them delicious. Tucked on the corner of Wave Street at Nobbys Beach, this spot is a neighbourhood staple with a loyal following for good reason. We love the classic Leg Ham & Cheese Jaffle because sometimes simple is just right, especially with a great coffee to go with it. Weekdays 5:30am–1:30pm, weekends until 12:30pm.
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
At Giuseppe’s, toasties are serious business, and we are here for every second of it. The Parma Hot Honey stacks prosciutto, stracciatella and rocket on Burleigh Baker sourdough, finished with a drizzle of hot honey. Crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside, just how a toastie should be. There’s also a create-your-own focaccia option if you’re craving something specific. Open Monday–Tuesday 6:30am–6pm, Wednesday–Sunday 6:30am–8pm.
Where: The Oxley 1823, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Brews, chews and banter – that’s the Side Piece promise, and they deliver every single day from 6am. The Beef Dip is the one: milk bread loaded with slow-cooked beef, caramelised onion, double cheese and horseradish mayo, served with SP pickles and a miso jus dip on the side. It’s messy, it’s incredible, and you will absolutely be thinking about it the next day.
Where: 2 Capital Court, Varsity Lakes
Junior’s Deli is doing made-to-order sandwiches, fresh coffee, and house-made pickles out of Mudgeeraba, and it’s worth the trip every single time. Our go-to is the Hot Salami Sandwich: sopressa, rocket, cos, red onion, tomato, provolone and lemon myrtle mayo on toasted sourdough, with Calabrian chilli and optional pickled jalapeños for those who are game. They also do weekly specials that sell out fast, so follow their Instagram and set it to favourites, otherwise you will be sad, and that’s on you.
Where: 2/51 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Your favourite sandwich shop’s favourite sandwich shop. McSandwich House is a Gold Coast institution, and the 3 Cheese Toastie (with jalapeños) is the stuff of legends: a three-cheese blend with pickled jalapeños on toasted white sourdough, with a cheese pull that belongs in a museum. The best bit? You can customise it with ham, chicken, kimchi, pickles, tomato and more. Open Mon–Sat, 6am–2pm.
Where: 83 W Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads
Lobby is the kind of spot where you feel fancy just sitting down, and the toastie more than matches the vibe. Ham, slow-cooked onion relish made from scratch and a generous mountain of Comté. Every element is designed to be the best version of itself, and it shows. Warm, cheesy and the perfect companion to a specialty coffee on a slow morning. We’re not leaving anytime soon. Perhaps, ever.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
Good Day is open 365 days a year, starting at 5am, which is the kind of commitment we deeply respect. This flagship café of Willy’s Beans Coffee has recently had a fresh new look, the coffee is slapping as always, and the BBQ Pulled Pork Toastie is a thing of beauty with pulled pork, cheese, coleslaw, chipotle vinaigrette and BBQ sauce on local sourdough. Back already?
Where: 3/476 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun
Kirra beach views, Moonshine Coffee Roaster beans and a toastie menu that slaps. MADE is doing everything right. The Sand Street is our pick: mild salami, tasty cheese, sundried tomatoes, pesto mayo, rocket and flaky salt. It’s the kind of sandwich you eat slowly because you don’t want it to end. The coffee is damn fine, too.
Where: Retail 2/101 Musgrave St, Coolangatta
Simple pleasures, elevated – that’s Luna’s Deli in a nutshell. The Croque Monsieur is a classic done properly: award-winning Bangalow ham, gruyère, Dijon mustard and béchamel, golden and toasted and oozing with cheese (and available GF). Open Wednesday–Monday, 7am–4:30pm, and whatever you do, don’t leave without a sweet treat. The handmade pastries and small-batch gelato are as essential as milk on your grocery list.
Where: Shop 7/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Technically just over the border, but we’re absolutely counting it. Delightful by Deluxe is running a Wednesday Winter Warmer special that’s almost too good- a soup-and-cheese toastie combo for $15, or add a small coffee for $20. Afterall, everyone knows if you look up “cosy” in the dictionary, soup and cheese toastie is the definition. Open Monday–Friday, 7am–2pm; Saturday, 8:30am–1pm.
Where: 25 Stuart St, Tweed Heads NSW
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Sangers that make you go mmm.
Lunchbox icon. Satisfying snack. Celebratory staple. Sandwiches are, quite literally, the best thing since sliced bread. Our infatuation with this blessed bread-based creation is as infinite as the mouth-watering combinations to be found within it’s carb-a-licious confines.
From provolone topped meatball subs to pesto slathered panini’s, Philly cheese steak stuffed hoagies and every gourmet combo in-between – times sure have changed for the humble ham sanga once rattling around in our trusty school bag. Like a good aged cheddar, our love for this lunchtime staple only intensifies with age, and it’s little surprise really, considering the proliferation of tip-top sando joints we are treated to nowadays.
Here are 12 of the Coast’s best sandwiches for when you’ve got bread on the brain.
Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House
We will never not be in awe of the world-class deliciousness that Tarte founder, Chloe Watts is capable of whipping up with little more than some basic pantry provisions. A dual location local bakehouse known for some of the best goodies going – with those rows of golden pastries and galettes vying for your attention, do not sleep on the equally salivation-worthy savoury creations. Pick between artisanal sammich vessels such as everything bagel buns, pillowy slabs of sourdough, or warm baguettes, arriving in the form of Five-cheese truffle toasties or Korean Philly Cheese Steak respectively… #SandwichGoals
Our Pick: The Miso Chicken Sandwich is a revelation.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Cheese Me Baby
Coffee, charcuterie, vino and toasties – Cheese Me Baby does a handful of things spectacularly well and with the way to our heart well and truly established, we see no reason why they should ever stray from their (cheese)wheelhouse. For sandwich-loving fromage fiends, seventh heaven exists just off Mermaid’s Gold Coast Hwy stretch, with golden, gooey Toasties and open-faced Tartines served hot off the sandwich press seven days a week. Keep it classic, or opt for sensational sweet-salty combos such as the raisin cinnamon sourdough, made with rocket, triple cream brie, prosciutto. Hello, lover.
Our pick: Make it a 3 Cheese W/ Tomato Soup and watch all your troubles melt away.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Side Piece
Side Piece is another star pupil on our eats scene that’s certainly no stranger to a little sauerkraut, swiss cheese and sliced meats action. They’ve just launched a killer new menu and among the array of cafe style suspects and some darn good coffee, you can find a couple of saucy, meat and cheese stuffed morsels that will absolutely destroy any crisp white tee’s in their path #worthit. Start your day with the king of breakfast sandos, a pickle and brown sauce stuffed B+E Toastie, or if you prefer big buns, try the barbecue Pork Roll (which, quite frankly, we’re not above starting our day with, either).
Our pick: Our love for a Reuben knows no bounds
Where: 2 Capital Court, Varsity Lakes
George’s Deli
If classic New York-style is the iteration of carb-based vessel you’re craving, skip the long haul flight and head directly to George’s Deli. Contributing copious amounts of retro-inspired cool factor to Kingscliff’s main drag, Marine Parade’s cute-as-a-button reuben-slinger punches out delicatessen classics and caffeine hits with a side of house-made Filipino-inspired desserts like the signature ube-infused handmade donut. Sando fans can savour top-tier pastrami and pickle laden Toasties along with succulent sammie specials like Beef Birria served by the sea – by George, this one’s a winner!
Our pick: La Cubano – plus requisite donut for ‘Ron, obviously.
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
Joe’s Deli
Sandwich fans, when a specialty sando slinger’s designation is accompanied by the word famous, you know those tastebuds ought to sit up and pay attention. Fusing Italian and American street food influences, Joe’s Famous Deli does classic, cold cut stuffed deli subs, sandwiches and piadinas (Italian flatbreads); all wrapped up with a hearty serving of nostalgia. Founded by Patrick Killalea, an ex chef to-the-stars who dedicated almost two decades to delivering the perfect deli, you’d be hard pressed to find a crew more committed to the sandwich craft than these guys. Situate yourself in one of the cushy New York-style booths and let happiness ensue.
Our Pick: The Lobbie Roll
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
MC’s Sandwich House
Whether your idea of bread-based perfection is a stacked salad sanga, New Orlean’s style Poh Boy sub, or a perfectly-crisped toasty oozing with multiple types of cheese – whatever you’re craving, chances are MC’s Sandwich House is dishing it up. These sure guys know how to play to their strengths; slinging sodas, Coffee Supreme and a tightly curated menu of next-level sando combinations available till sold out. So if it’s sandwich alchemy you’re craving, no dill-y dallying y’all.
Our pick: Hot Chicken with jalapeño brined fried chicken, house slaw, cheddar and jalapeño honey on brioche… *Chefs kiss*
Where: 83 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Scott’s Luncheonette
For deli style bites meets apertivo hour, leave those hankerings in the expert hands of Scott’s Luncheonette. An Italian-inspired panino bar specialising in coffee, specialty sambo’s, and sips, head to Palmy to start your day with authentic espresso served with egg and hash stuffed ciabatta Brekky Sangas. The latter half of the day is also sorted; crushing those cravings with classic combos like Leg Ham with provolone cheese, tomato & in-house pickles; chased with a cheeky tipple, should you wish.
Our pick: Mexican Pork made with crumbled feta & Oaxaca cheese… mmmm.
Where: Shop 1, 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Janus Deli and Janus Bakehouse
If it’s incredible sandwiches you seek, Janus Deli is a local delicatessen concept dishing them up every day of the week. No longer Molendinar’s best kept secret, fans can now get their donut or deli fix straight outta Surfer’s Paradise. Be it sweet or salty, there’s plenty to get your tastebuds around here – purists can quell cravings with cold-cut stuffed classic style subs, tease the tastebuds with Korean-infused creations, or get amongst some truly bun-dary pushing sando combos. Such as the sweet-salty big boss; the Bacon & Egg Sanga, served between two sticky Glazed Donut slabs.
Our Pick: Grab the The J.F.C and the name will become immediately apparent.
Where: Shop 14, Crestwood Plaza, 458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar and 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
Doughed
Dual specialty snack spot, Doughed, is a delightful newcomer bringing spoils of sandwiches and sweets to the hungry folk of Hope Island. Sweet or savoury, crispy-edged NYC-style cookies or palm-sized packages of pillowy focaccia loaded with cold cuts, carb cravings are well and truly curbed here. If it’s superb sandwiches you have your heart set on (always) there’s plenty to wrap your mitts around, with mouth-watering creations like the three-meat Mortadella Medley, with semi-dried tomatoes, pesto, chilli honey and more. Doughed, where’s my carbs?!
Our pick: The Mortdella Medley
Where: Hope Island Marketplace, 99-103 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Juniors Deli
Whether it’s a cheeky midday morale boost or all-out midweek slump avoidance; the medicinal properties of a lit lunch should not be underestimated. Juniors Deli is one such spot delighting Mudgeeraba residents by way of spectacular hoagies, such as the specialty; provolone and ranch laden Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches. If you’re after a hand-held meal that’s a little less siesta-inducing, a fully-loaded salad sanga always goes down a treat.
Our pick: Philly Cheese Steak (for obvious reasons).
Where: 2/51 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Piknik
When you’re in the mood for munching or a light meal that just so happens to smash your daily veg quota, Piknik always delivers. If you’re not yet au fait with Burleigh’s resident rainbow snackery, think fresh smoothies, juices and a display cabinet brimming with some of the most colourful, made-daily sarnie combinations going. Tuck into plant based specialties such as the golden Tofu Schnitzel sandwich; all of which come gluten free and dairy free to keep the tum happy, too.
Our pick: The Burleigh Basic (a misnomer, we promise #drool).
Where: Shop 7/3 Deodar Dr, Burleigh Heads
Delightful
If you’re keen to graze the arvo away on all things cured, brined and aged (and when aren’t we?) then Monique and Alisha are your gals; but if you’re in the mood for antipasti and bread, well, they’re also known to bung on a particularly stellar sanga to boot. After several years spent slinging the prettiest picnic boxes we ever did see, the duo branched out with their aptly named brick-and-mortar venture, Delightful. With their feel-good munchery fuelling the Tweed CBD since, swing by for a fresh daily selection of breakfast toasties, classic and fully-loaded deluxe sandwiches and give your laughing gear something to really grin about.
Our pick: Photo finish between Green Goddess on Turkish or Chicken Bruschetta
Where: 25 Stuart St, Tweed Heads
Words by Kellie Leader
Big flavours, small bills.
Why blow the budget when you can feast like a king for the price of a jester? We’re talking wallet-friendly feeds that still slap harder than your mate’s group chat memes.
Whether you’re ballin’ on a budget or just love a bargain (honestly, who doesn’t?), we’ve sniffed out the Gold Coast’s tastiest cheap eats for your weekend munchies. Ready, set, unbuckle that belt.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Cold beers, big screens and match-day vibes.
The World Cup has arrived, and whether you’re backing the Socceroos, cheering on your family’s homeland or just here for the epic atmosphere, there’s nothing quite like watching the beautiful game surrounded by fellow football fanatics.
And after the Socceroos kicked things off with a shock first-game win, you better believe the hype is officially real. Suddenly, every match feels like must-watch TV, preferably on a giant screen, pint in hand, surrounded by people who are just as emotionally invested as you are.
Thankfully, the Gold Coast knows a thing or two about a good sporting atmosphere. From sports bars screening matches around the clock to Irish pubs and oceanside bistros, these venues are bringing the energy, the giant screens and the cold beverages needed to see you through every nail-biting minute.
Round up your crew, dust off your team jersey and prepare to lose your voice. Here’s where to watch the World Cup on the Gold Coast.
Fig ‘n’ Fox is going big for the World Cup, with the Surfers Paradise pub securing extended alcohol trading for Australia vs USA this Saturday morning. Translation: beers will be flowing from Friday night right through until the 5am kick-off, which is exactly the kind of commitment we expect from a proper match-day venue. There’ll be a pre-drink party, free entry, the game live and loud on the big screen, plus more than 10 TVs across both levels. They’ll also be opening and serving from 10am for Brazil vs Haiti, and showing all other World Cup matches during regular trading hours from 11am until late, seven days a week.
Where: Shop 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When it comes to watching football in a pub, Finn McCool’s knows exactly what it’s doing. The Irish favourite is showing selected World Cup fixtures live and loud on the big screens, complete with all the banter, atmosphere and hearty pub fare you’d expect. Afterall, it doesn’t get much better than football and Irish pub food. What a match!
Where: 39 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The newly rebranded Pig ‘N’ Whistle has wasted no time establishing itself as a proper football-spectating destination. Every World Cup match will be shown live and loud across big screens and projectors, with exclusive breakfast menus for early kick-offs, ice-cold pints and all the fan-filled atmosphere you could ask for. Bonus points for the limited-edition World Cup merch available while stocks last.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
If your ideal football viewing experience includes specialty coffee alongside the action, Che Café has you covered. Screening matches live while serving delicious food, coffee, cold beers and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great option for those who prefer a slightly more relaxed match-day setting. Just get there early, seating is limited.
Where: Shop 3/1 Sunshine Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
Looking for somewhere with serious South American energy? Flavours GC is streaming Brazil matches live and bringing all the passion that comes with them. Expect big cheers, cold beers, Brazilian hospitality and plenty of yellow and green. Matches will be shown both indoors and in the venue’s picnic area, so you can choose your own viewing adventure.
Where: 14 Kalimna Dr, Broadbeach Waters
If you’re serious about football, the Sports Bar at The Star Gold Coast is your safest bet. Open 24/7 throughout the tournament, they’re screening every match live and loud from the opening whistle through to the final showdown. With massive screens, plenty of seating and the ability to catch games at all hours, this is about as close as you’ll get to stadium atmosphere without boarding a plane.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Beer. Banter. Game on. The Beach Hotel is showing every match live and loud during trading hours, making it an ideal spot to settle in with mates and watch the action unfold. Cold beers on tap, big screens and a lively atmosphere make this Broadbeach local a no-brainer for football fans.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Bine Beer Bar is proudly positioning itself as the unofficial headquarters for Australian, New Zealand, Brazilian, Japanese and Scottish supporters, which sounds like exactly the kind of chaotic energy we can get behind. The venue will be pouring Stella Artois throughout the tournament and showing every match that falls within trading hours. Secure your table early if you’re planning a big game-day session.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Avenue, Mermaid Beach
As a French restaurant, La Vie takes football very seriously. The Nobby Beach favourite is transforming into a World Cup headquarters, complete with team colours, waving flags and match-day specials. If your team wins, you’ll score a free beer, while participating nations unlock $7 beers throughout their matches. Throw in French crêpes for morning games, charcuterie boards, cocktails and plenty of French flair, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Where: 28 Chairlift Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Balter is taking a slightly different approach, hand-selecting several key World Cup fixtures to screen live in the Beer Garden. Expect a giant screen, cold beers, jug specials and plenty of atmosphere for each match. Walk-ins only, so arrive early and claim your position before kick-off.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
