It’s the unassuming seaside suburb quietly making itself known for the hippest coffee haunts and an industrial area that has grown into THE place to be, seemingly overnight.

Because somebody has to do it, we’ve rounded up 13 reasons why locals love Currumbin.

Fuel Bakehouse
Serving up some of the absolute best doughnuts you’ll ever have the pleasure of sampling is Currumbin’s Fuel Bakehouse. With varieties like Nutella, Passionfruit and Salted Caramel to name a few, you won’t be sad if you buy at least four of each. Not only doughnuts though, they also do epic pies, cruffins, croissants, all of the baked goodies and coffee too. Perfection the lot of it.
Where: 44 Currumbin Ck Road, Currumbin Waters

The Salt Mill
A tiny little space directly across from the beach, The Salt Mill is perhaps one of the most beloved cafes there is on the Coast. They do exceptional coffee, takeaway sandwiches packed with goodness, Açai bowls (arguably some of the best around), smoothies, fresh juices, smashed avo, raw treats, everything that is delicious in the world. Buy one of everything then stroll across the road and take in that unrivalled ocean view.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Gather Store
Hello homewares. And plants and art and jewellery and clothing. All the things you love and all delightfully arranged in the perfectly styled space that is Gather Store. In case you haven’t been in (WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE), allow us to enlighten you. Owners Jan and Sandy Hogg have carefully curated goods from local artists and craftspeople drawing inspiration from the local creative community. It’s pure gold, go now.
Where: Shop 1, 56 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Consciously Clean
The newest kid on the block, Consciously Clean is the place to go if you need to stock up on anything and everything eco-friendly in terms of home and body cleaning goods. They have a system where you can bring in your own jar or bottle and fill that with the product of your choice or purchase one there and it’s all very affordable. Not only that though, you can also grab food containers and wraps, drink bottles, pet things and skincare too. It’s a one-stop shop. We love.
Where: 4/42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Portside Coffee
The cry of “best espresso on the Coast” has been heard of Portside Coffee more than once and it’s true, this cool little joint is serving up the goods and not just in the coffee department. There’s also buttery homemade pastries on offer and intimate, friendly neighbourhood vibes galore. It’s the perfect place to get your early morning caffeine fix if you’re planning to explore Currumbin’s newly happening industrial area.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Panya Artisan Bakery
The only thing better than the smell of freshly baked bread is the taste of freshly baked bread. Sensory dreams can come true when you visit Panya Artisan Bakery. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t be alarmed, their main jam is supplying your favourite cafes and restaurants, but they do sell limited quantities of baked goodies to the public. Set your alarm for as early as you can handle, it’s well worth the wake up call.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Freeman’s Organic Farm
For a complete change of scenery make sure you add Freeman’s to your weekend plans. The farm was established in 1915 and in the 1920’s became the largest commercial banana farm in Australia with over 100 acres of trees. Today, the farm grows all organic produce which you can sample at the I Eight Cake Kitchen via a variety of delicious organic dishes and (more) baked treats.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley

Dust Temple
All your favourite arty aspects combine at Dust Temple, an ex-warehouse turned gallery, coffee shop and creative community hang. Hosting local, national and international artists, musicians, poets and an in-house ceramicist, leatherworker and silversmith, it’s certainly a place to go if you need to feel creatively inspired. Amp up the happy vibes with a coffee while you’re there.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Zipang Japanese
Casual Japanese dining at its absolute finest is what you’ll find at Zipang Japanese. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, it’s time you did yourself an absolute solid and booked in there to devour one of the best feasts you’ll ever have. They’re open Friday and Saturday nights at the moment and you’ll absolutely need to book ahead because Zipang is very, very popular. For good reason.
Where: 5/31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Balter Brewery
You’ve heard about it and if you’ve not yet had the chance to visit, make today the day. Balter is the brainchild of your fave local pro surfers combining two of the things we Gold Coasters love the most, beer and waves. It’s a delightfully decked out space with big old beer vats on display, a sweet mural on the wall and plenty of outdoor spots to sit. Happy days.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

Iron & Resin Garage
Primarily a clothing store and coffee shop, Iron and Resin Garage was made for rockers and motorbike riders. The reclaimed industrial space features a famous Sunday session, #onanysunday. Every Sunday from 9am-12pm you and your crew are invited to enjoy great live music from the cream of local musicians and breakfast provided by assorted food trucks.
Where: 6 Stewart Road, Currumbin

Sanctuary Markets
Brimming with all the tasty food stalls, arts and crafts and live music, Sanctuary Markets are held every Friday night at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Oh, there’s a bar too. Whack on your stretchy pants and grab your gang, there’s fun to be had on Friday nights in Currumbin. Obviously check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary too for that matter, they’ve got a bird show that’s pretty fun.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Parker and Persia
Love all of the vintage things? Us too. Luckily newbie Parker and Persia has us covered with a shop filled with revamped vintage furniture and homewares and some of the most stunning Moroccan rugs we’ve ever seen. Owners Steph and Sam have curated goodies from all over Australia to bring the stunning space to Currumbin. We’re in love.
Where: 2a/42 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin

Words by Kirra Smith

There’s one word that sends 99.9% of us to our happy place, and for once, we’re not talking about wine or cocktails. We’re talking about that other guilty pleasure that unites us all…chocolate!

In awkward news for those of us out here living our lives as if every day is International Chocolate Day, July 7 is the official–and technically only–designated day of celebration for this divine cacao creation. While we fully intend to continue worshipping its very existence every day ending in ‘y’, this honorary occasion gives us the perfect excuse to visit some of our city’s finest chocolate-slinging purveyors. For your complete consumption pleasure, here are 10 of the sweetest and most drool-worthy chocolate treats to be found on the GC.

Custard Canteen
A few sandy footsteps from Tally Creek, Custard Canteen whips up pastry goodies like a boss. Every single they’re churning out of their ovens is legendary, though the gooey-centred cookies have a particular soft-spot in locals’ hearts. Stuffed with chunks of chocolatey Lindt goodness and an oozy ganache filling, the Salted Caramel White Choc Cookie will blow your mind. Plus, you can even pick up a Bake-at-home box to save a taste of that famed cream-cheese cookie dough for a rainy day (in theory – LBH, its days are numbered).
Where: Tallebudgera Recreation Centre, Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House
It’s widely-known among locals that a Tarte run can singlehandedly make your entire day. When you’re in the mood for fresh-baked chocolate-y morsels, you’ll likely be in luck at either location (provided you get there early enough, of course). But if you’re in need of a next-level chocolate fix (think break up, another lap around the sun, Saturn is in retrograde) head directly Tarte Beach House and order yourself one of the famous Brown butter & choc chip cookie skillets. Baked-to-order and served still-oozing, all will be right in the world again after devouring this final boss of chocolate hits.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Little Cocoa
If you’ve got a choc-a-holic in your life you really want to spoil (FYI – treat ‘yo self also falls under this category!) – Little Cocoa does luxe, hand-crafted chocolate with pizazz. Handmade using high-quality couverture, the artisanal bundles and boxes feature an assortment of luscious filling laden chocolates; fine pralines; and fruit, nut or puff stuffed dragées. The perfect gift for any chocolate-lover, these almost-too-pretty-to-eat morsels are guaranteed to be adored (and promptly devoured).
Where: Order online, or keep your eyes peeled for pop-up events at 7/10 Bailey Cres, Southport

George’s Deli
Now bread with us, because a deli is typically not front of mind when it comes to sating chocolate cravings. Don’t be fooled, along with delivering some killer sandos, the new kid on Kingscliff’s block is serving a stellar selection of house-made sweet treats. Those quick enough can take their pick of hand-made donuts from the rotating daily selection; but this time of year, the seasonal S’mores Hot Choco has us in its clutches. A huggable cup of creamy, chocolatey liquid gold, finished with a rim of freshly torched merengue – it’s what dreams are made of.
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Paddock Bakery
I mean, who doesn’t heart this place! Universally beloved for myriad reasons, not the least of which is their banging baked goods selection; Paddock is a GC institution. If it’s a sippable sweet fix you’ve got on the mind, make your way through the leafy cottage grounds to the milk bar, where you can pick from an epic lineup of next-level shakes (and even have one created from your favourite cookie flavour!). For certified chocolate nuts, the Lamington milkshake is a must-try. Made with house-made coconut and chocolate milk, topped with Nutella and choc shards, it never misses #MilkshakeGoals.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Doughed
Doughed, Hope Island’s newcomer bakehouse café, does specialty drinks, focaccia sangas, stuffed doughnuts and some of the chunkiest NYC-style cookies out – holy moly, heaven is a place on earth indeed! If you’re craving sugary, sweet and cocoa-based baked goods, get in early to get your hands on the day’s mouth-watering selection. With flavours like Biscoff and Salted Caramel Pretzel gracing the NYC cookie rotation, you can’t go wrong. But if its chocolate you only have eyes for, it’s gotta be Hot Cocoa… or maybe Ferrero, wait, no, Red Velvet. Definitely… ah heck, better make it a box.
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island

Elk Espresso
The OG sweet-salty combo, chocolate and peanut butter is a pairing as iconic as they come – and Elk’s Chocolate and peanut butter thick shake isn’t far behind. Both the place, and the shake, have a special place in the hearts of many a Gold Coaster, and if they ever tried to take this creamy, chocolatey mainstay off the menu we’re fairly sure there’d be riots. Even if you’re not a fan of PB in particular, there’s a variety of dreamy shakes to choose from and they’re all to die for.
Where: Shop G044 Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

Janus Bakehouse
Keeping us plied with specialty sandos, coffee and donuts, the multi-talented Janus crew is also more than capable of getting those chocolate hankerings sorted. There’s always something chocolate coated and/or stuffed to be discovered in the cabinet, with fresh delights being added all the time. Such as the Chocolate Mousse Donut, a heaven-sent cocoa-dusted creation stuffed with whipped-to-perfection-mousse that we haven’t stopped craving since we first laid eyes on it.
Where: Shop 14/458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar, 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise

Basque
If you’re a bit of a choccy fiend, Basque’s chocolate cheesecake will be a total revelation. First amassing fans on the market circuit with their signature blackened dessert; when it comes to cheesecake, these guys are unmatched. Husband and wife duo, Zac, and pastry chef Laura are total sticklers; right down to making their own crème fraîche on site. The result is rich, creamy and delightfully tangy, we would (and often do) go well out of our way to get a taste. Catch them and a tantalising curation of bubbly at their chic Chirn Park HQ, or on weekends at HOTA markets. Just be prepared for their cheesy creations to consume your dreams for the foreseeable future.
Where: 33b Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

My Favourite Baker
There is something so satisfying about breaking open gooey-centred goodies to watch ooze unfold before your eyes, and My Favourite Baker delivers on this promise. Saving many a local from all kinds of celebratory binds, same day turnaround is just the beginning of the epic-ness these local cake wizards are capable of whipping up. They’re also known for an especially delectable range of chocolatey, oozy-centred cupcake flavours. Such as the Ore’Ooze – chocolate cupcakes, topped with vanilla buttercream and bursting with Nutella. Yum… we’ll take 12!
Where: https://myfavouritebaker.com.au/

Words by Kellie Leader

Dining out can be a mixed affair. From finding yourself excitedly catching up with friends over share style plates to sitting down in a sophisticated environment with huge explorations of flavours — and no doubt courses. There is undoubtedly an eating-out experience for every occasion. Boutique dining room-style destinations offering polished and carefully orchestrated dishes are growing in popularity; offering diners the chance to take part in a culinary journey from the moment they sit down until the moment they wave goodbye.

Hasn’t it been a little while since your last date night? We thought so. Handy for you, we have compiled our take on 11 of the best Gold Coast’s boutique dining experiences. Get booking peeps!

Restaurant Labart
How do nine luxuriant courses of utter seasonality and divine savourings sound to you? Like something you need in your life, we think you’ll agree. Brought to you by renowned Sydney Chef Alex Munoz-Labart, Restaurant Labart provides one of the most on-point submersions into culinary wizardry you’re going to find outside of a capital city. Once you have taken your seat, enjoy the pared-back wooden furniture and muted colour accents permeating serene yet urbane feels. Seriously: what is there not to adore about this place?
Where: 8 West Street, Burleigh Heads

The North Room
A sophisticated and contemporary dining room in Mermaid Beach, The North Room made its debut in mid-2017 introducing locals to share-style dining. The ever-changing menu focuses on seasonally inspired dishes served in a clean and minimalistic space. For wine lovers out there, rejoice. You’ll be treated to exceptional and lesser-known wine producers hand-picked to accompany the exquisite flavours of whatever chef/owner Tim Stewart has opted to curate for the day’s menu.
Where: 2527 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (between Ventura Rd and Cronulla Ave) 

Palette
If the backdrop is something you consider heavily when choosing a destination for eating out, how does a world-class art gallery sound? Home of the Arts (HOTA) brand spanking new Gallery building would not have been complete without an astounding place to eat and drink, right? Enter Palette. With the talented and much experienced Dayan Hartill-Law as Executive Chef, the ethos is simple; high-quality produce with amazing provenance underpinned by knowledgeable yet approachable staff. Book in for an evening visit and be amazed by a degustation menu directly inspired by neighbouring art installations.
Where: The Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Glenelg Public House
One for the meat lovers out there: what these guys don’t know about preparing and serving up mouth-watering steak isn’t worth knowing. The menu cleverly hinges on incredibly diverse, quality produce — both from the paddock and the ocean — with old-school yummy dishes served with a contemporary Australian flair. For those who feel like something a bit special, there is an additional section for oversized select pieces of meat which can be sliced and brought out ready to share. Be sure you come with drinks on your mind, as the back bar and wine selection are another strong point at this Mermaid Beach ode to good food.
Where: 9/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Eddy + Wolff
The décor and styling of this tucked-away Robina hotspot will inevitably make it hard going if you intend on ordering anything quick. A central island bar with wrap-around high seat dining is the epitome of modern, sophisticated eating, and we reckon you’ll fall for it in a big way. A fusion of Asian flavours awaits you from an uncomplicated share style menu with its devoted section to BBQ: Octopus Tentacle with tangy nashi pear glaze is the absolute highlight here. Another eatery with a ‘distinction’ in Instagram profiles, showing off some mighty sexy-looking cocktails you just must try — all with subtle but considered nods to the orient.
Where: 44 Commerce Drive, Robina

Zipang
When you’re yearning for top-notch Japanese eats within a small and intimate setting, then this under-the-radar restaurant in Currumbin Waters, we think, fits the bill to a tee. From the moment you arrive, the cheery staff will bring the specials blackboard over to your table and talk you through what delicious edible sensations are on offer. If it’s available, we recommend the black sesame crusted Salmon or any one of the baos — they’re all fabulous. Pair up whatever you opt for with a selection of sakes and Japanese beers to round off a great experience of Japanese cuisine on the southern Gold Coast.
Where: 10/27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Little Truffle
Being one of the longest-standing — and most celebrated — restaurants in our city, Little Truffle most certainly has a piece of our heart. But what is it about this unassuming Mermaid Beach haven of flavour? Is it a European-inspired menu filled with the most deftly put together mouth-watering dishes, or a dazzling wine list, perhaps it’s the exceedingly polished service? You know what, we think it’s all three — and a whole lot more!
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Cross-Eyed Mary
From the same folks behind the ever-popular pizza restaurant, Francie’s, this newly opened Mediterranean delight is already bringing all things delicious to the people of Coolangatta. Aesthetically, this bolt hole with a fresh white interior is the kind of place you’ll want to settle into and be in no hurry to leave. With a menu centred around some incredible handmade pasta — with a separate vegan menu — we think you’ll join us in agreeing Griffith Street just got a whole lot better. The textbook spot to pop in for an afternoon wine — or fall in love with the menu and stay late into the night.
Where: 14 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Lupo
Lupo arrived at Mermaid Beach to a whirlwind of rave reviews, and here now, nearly four years later, the adoration hasn’t stopped. The comfortable space offers a homestyle Italian menu with lashings of love and an atmosphere to match. Made up of the very best produce around, if you take a look at their Instagram anytime soon: beware. It’s plausible you’ll be lost to the world scrolling their drool-worthy photos for a while. The Pork Cotoletta is crumbed pork that will ruin the humble Chicken Schnity for you forever.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Bottega
When the prospect of visiting the cutest little Italian eatery comes your way, you should be keen as can be. The newly opened Bottega on Chevron Island features handmade pastas to hand-rolled and stretched pizzas, fired right on the spot in their pride of place pizza oven — beside the entrance, no less. Sprinkle into the equation some out-of-this-world imported wines, which you won’t find on the high street every day, and Bottega is the answer to your pasta-induced prayers.
Where: 58 Thomas Drive, Surfers Paradise

The Little Plate
Another hidden in plain sight gem, The Little Plate manages to pack a punch in the flavour department by taking Euro and Asian favourites and turning the taste up to 10! You’ll consistently find a large selection of as-fresh-as-possible specials, giving this Burleigh restaurant the ultimate replay value — no two visits will ever be the same. We suggest you give their tasting menu a go at least once and let the experts take care of the rest.
Where: Shop 11/3 Deodar Drive, Burleigh Heads

Words by Alex Mitcheson.