If you’ve recently found yourself thinking, “there really aren’t enough bars purely dedicated to desserts in the world” you’re not alone and you’re also in luck.

This weekend Burleigh Heads will welcome, you guessed it, a bar purely dedicated to desserts and get out of our way, we’re first in line.

Oh My, Waffle will soon be dishing up the waffle desserts of your dreams thanks to the sweet, after-dinner-dish loving hearts of two local gals, Jessica and Courtney, who are now our favourite people on the whole Gold Coast (sorry everyone else).

The pair say they got their inspiration from decadent waffle creations in Belgium and wanted to bring the tasty treats to the Coast, with a unique little spin of course.

Plus, as you’d well know coffee lovers, it is a fact that there aren’t too many places to grab a cuppa after 2pm around here so the girls are changing that up too with coffees available from morning until night (seeya sleep).

Coupla favourites on the menu are certain to the be the Let’s Get Lit made up of a golden waffle, toasted marshmallows, crushed biscuits and Maltesers drizzled with Whittaker’s Creamy Milk Chocolate! Seriously, help us.

Also the Drop It Like It’s Hot because it’s red velvet hot chocolate, with red velvet cake crumbs and house-made cream cheese frosting and actual dessert dreams come true.

On the menu there’ll be eight types of waffles plus two vegan ones, six milkshakes, a range of gourmet hot chocolates and the option to build your own waffle. So yeah, you can eat two things every day for a week, rinse and repeat.

We hear the interior is the relaxed, good time atmosphere you’d imagine your happy place to be and it comes complete with sneaky artworks praising those who love a good cheat day (us, every day).

Oh My, Waffle coming to a Burleigh near you this weekend.

LOCATION: Underneath The Ambience Tower, 1837 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Words by Kirra Smith. Photos supplied.

Ah, ice cream, you dreamy, heaven-sent creation, you. A treat that transcends all ages, there’s no denying it is one of – if not *the* – most iconic summer foods going. And here on the GC, our (usually) balmy climate is more suited than most to indulge in (several) scoops of creamy, churned ice cream or gelato goodness any old time we please…

Which is just as well, with all of the fabulous Gelaterias and frozen dessert purveyors gracing our city. It’s a near full-time job trying to keep tabs on them all… and, side note – new dream profession unlocked.

Let’s dig in (y’know, with one of those adorably tiny, and mildly impractical ice cream spoons) to some of the best spots to cool off with a cup, cone, or even a fully-loaded sundae –stacked, sprinkled and swirled within an inch of its life. Who’s hungry?!

Rosé Gelateria
Artisanal gelato slinger, Rosé Gelateria dons its telltale blush accents across two lush GC locations – Tedder Ave and Sanctuary Cove – which in itself, is a pretty decent clue as to the boujee, boutique style approach at these pretty-in-pink creameries. Besides a delicious assortment of crafted ice creams, they pour some fantastic coffee, including an affogato that’ll knock your socks and/or crocks off (hopefully not ‘and’, though). The signature Rose flavour, which comes sprinkled in petals, is a treat for the peepers and the palette. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a prettier gelato fix on the Coast!
Where: Shop 39a, Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove and Shop 6/19-21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach

Shiro Gelato & Snack
The concept of a friendly neighbourhood noshery specialising in snacks is one we can wholeheartedly get behind, and Shiro Gelato & Snack has your cravings covered with a Japanese take on all things to nibble, slurp, and lick. If it’s the lickable variety you’ve got your heart set on, house-made gelato flavours like Black Sesame, Matcha White Chocolate, Miso Caramel, and the vegan friendly Yuzu and Lemon flavour are all a common sight here. Take it to the next level and make it a Mochi-wrapped gelato scoop –served perfectly encased in the gelatinous Japanese dessert.
Where: 50 Nerang St, Southport

Gelato Messina
We’ve been living the ‘cream’ ever since Gelato Messina returned to our shores, now slinging their famed flavours out of Surfers’ slick new Paradise Centre precinct. The Messina name is one known for taking this gelato business seriously… everything from the dulce de leche to the gelato base – and even the chocolate – is made from scratch, down to their very own dairy farm to keep them plied with the creamiest jersey milk. There’s a reason that their… *checks notes* – literally every flavour – is what ice-cream dreams are made of.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2A Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Yo-Chi
With a line that stretches around the corner on the ‘reg (like, every single weekend) – locals have been going wild for Yo-Chi’s signature tangy and tantalising fro-yo goodness since the cult fave first swanned onto our scene in 2022. Now the proud owners of two GC locations in Broadbeach and Surfers, punters can get their probiotic fix in the most delicious of ways with a signature, soft serve style frozen yoghurt selection available on tap. The core range of year-round flavours are complemented by seasonal cameos, the majority of which are 98-percent fat-free.. and 100-percent mouth-watering.
Where: 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise and 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Gelato Shop
Cup, cone, or even sundaes – no matter your preferred method of consumption, Broadbeach’s The Gelato Shop has got you covered when it comes to all things chilled, sweet and creamy. The legendairy lineup of award-winning flavours includes the likes of Chunky Chocolate Cheesecake and Snickers gelato, a slew of fruit-based sorbets and decadent vegan options like Coffee Crunch or Peanut Butter. For an all-out indulgence, there’s locally made Warm Cookies & Gelato, Waffles and an array of fully stacked Sundaes.
Where: Shop 8 Aria building, Cnr Surf Parade & Albert Ave, Broadbeach

La Macelleria
A spot that’s a stickler for tradition, La Macelleria is kitted out with all the best Italian gelato-making gear. You can watch on as the crew whips up their artisanal, chilled confections daily… *drooling intensifies*. Wrap your lips around stalwart flavours like Bacio and Salted Caramel, gelato shakes and out-of-this-world affogato – for those who prefer their desserts to come with a kick. One taste, and your love for this place will be un-cone-ditional.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters

The Oxley 1823 Sub Station
Not only has the team at The Oxley brought us a gorg new Nobby Beach hangout spot, but they’re also keeping us cool with delicious gelato at the Sub Station. Along with juices and milkshakes that will def bring the boys to the yard, they’re dishing delicious gelato. Word to the wise, we highly recommend clocking early and ducking in for the $3 Happy Hour scoops. Surely the boss will understand.
Where: The Oxley, 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Burleigh Gelato
Picture the scene: you find yourself in the southern end of town (wandering off of one of those world-class beaches, no doubt), when you’re hit with a hankering – not quite hunger – but you could most definitely eat. The answer is Burleigh Gelato! Now with a second location in Palm Beach, the array of flavours is enough to earn the affection of even the frostiest-at-heart. The cookie-inspired creations, such as M&M Cookie Dough gelato or Biscoff gelato are alone enough to get dessert fans swooning. They’re also handily available on major home delivery apps and open late — perfect for those late-night sugar cravings.
Where: 9 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads and 3/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach

Scoop Gelati
Here’s the scoop… if you’re in and around Burleigh and find yourself in the mood for gelato, sorbet or ice-cream shakes – do not pass go – head directly to Scoop Gelati. The hand-crafted, small-batch recipes include refreshing revelations like ANZAC Biscuit, Banana Honeycomb and Apple Crumble, all made fresh on-site. Got an ice cream connoisseur in your life? Their frozen cakes are a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds – perfect for every occasion, or ‘just because’ works too.
Where: 23 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Tango Gelato
Palm Beach’s turquoise sensation, Tango Gelato, serves up sweet scoops daily out of its Pavilions Shopping Centre location. The icy creations include inventive combos like Ginger & Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Cookies & Cream and Blackberry Sorbet – so if you think you’ve ‘been there, licked that’ when it comes to ice cream flavours, we’d suggest you pay them a visit to have your mind blown immediately. They also offer delivery, so if you’re lucky enough to live nearby, you can always opt to have the the ‘mind blown’ come to you (in your jim-jams, obvi).
Where: Pavilions Shopping Centre, 1102 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Ottimo
What do you have if you take yourself a devoted Italian and then send him to study a diploma from the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy? You have Davide, the owner of Ottimo, of course! Promising superior gelato and coffee – rest assured, whatever flavour you settle on taking from this premium iced-goods purveyor is going to be the goods — it’s all made fresh and on-site daily, after all. Stroll in after an afternoon on the beach and let him and his friendly staff scoop you happy. And their signature ‘Sicily’ flavour, made with Mandarin Custard with Pistachio and Almond Caramel, sure does just that.
Where: Shop 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co
Serving only the most authentic Italian gelato – the rainforest-studded surrounds of Tamborine’s mountainside community are the only reminder that you are, in fact, not strolling the streets of Sicily whilst sampling your delicious scoop of choice. At Tamborine Gelato, the iced goods are served old school – hidden behind the lids of a traditional Pozzetti gelato cabinet in the name of freshness. Seasonal, house-made flavours are rejigged every couple of days, with the chance to catch creamy creations like Mint Stracciatella, Banana Custard or Lemon Myrtle and Honey. They recently teamed up with Franquette to bring us ‘The Gelaffin’… a freshly baked cruffin loaded with small-batch gelato – aka the most glorious ice cream sandwich you’ve ever laid eyes upon. Officially our new favourite franken-food obsession for summer.
Where: 4/15-17 Main Street, Tamborine Mountain

Words by Kellie Leader.

Are you the kind of person who skips right to the desserts page of a menu? Yep, well, you’re not alone. Taking tactical consideration of what sweet things can and will follow is a clever move by anyone’s standard. Luckily we are spoilt for choice with sweet treats and desserts on the Gold Coast.

Why not seek to fix that sweet craving you have? Here’s our list of the best places on the Gold Coast to grab a dessert, worthy of that extra time on the treadmill!

Tarte Bakery & Tarte Beach House
As if all self-control didn’t already tank at the mere sound of the word Tarte, our reigning pastry queen Chloe Watts went all out earlier this year to bestow upon us a knockout second site – Tarte Beach House #havemercy #we’reweak. The chic sister venue bringing Tarte’s trademark goodies to the banks of Currumbin’s picture-perfect creek, and in the process, blowing the bar previously set by our OG dessert darling out of the water.

We’d stop at ‘muffin’ to get our hands on the signature Crueller, or a Raspberry, Strawberry & White Chocolate Muffin Top, or.. okay basically everything they’re churning out. Which begs the question, can one ever have too much Tarte? We think no.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Oh My, Waffle
Make no mistake about it, if you find yourself in and around Burleigh Heads and are hit with a hankering for something sweet, head directly to Oh My, Waffle to have your mind (and calorie intake, lbh) blown –#ohsoworthit.

Prepare those ravenous, post-surf appetites to meet their match at the sight of some seriously loaded waffles and thick shakes. Though word to the wise – you may need to waddle home afterwards.
Where: Shop 6 / 1837 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

My French Pastries
Husband and wife duo, Jen & Antonio Marchesi are the French maestros behind some mighty salivating goodies at this Robina bakery, and what these folks don’t know about sweet and crunchy European desserts frankly isn’t worth knowing!

Don’t delay. Head along for the shiniest looking caramel eclairs and the flakiest known pain au chocolats this side of the equator — Bon appétit!
Where: Shop 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Custard Canteen
Is a breakfast dessert a thing? If it’s not, we’re officially calling it. And if you find yourself down by the ever-majestic Tallebudgera Creek dipping in its crystal clear waters, we suggest you hot foot it right away to Custard Canteen.

Get into some great coffee — and a bacon & egg burger to end all burgers — before rounding things off with one of their ooze-tastic cookies or the flakiest of Portugese Tarts. YUM!
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Bam Bam Bakehouse
Inventive, indulgent, and darn tasty in every department: Bam Bam Bakehouse is the goods — period. The line of sweets and desserts are nothing short of mesmerising (even attracting the likes of Margot Robbie and Matt Preston).

With so many mouthwatering morsels on offer, attempting to choose only a couple of them is a challenging feat (as is not allowing ourselves to immediately to scarf down the lot).
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

D Point Ten
Bringing an exclusively sweets-based offering to the GC’s sea of swole and shredded rigs surely required a seismic leap of faith, but any sceptics are now eating humble pie thanks to D Point Ten’s growing donut empire.

These days, their dough-licious conquest of the Coast spans across three official outlets – Pacific Fair, Varsity Lakes and Hope Island – with northern residents now also able to get their hands on the seductive looking donuts at sando sister venue, Janus Deli.

The delectable flavour rotation includes the likes of Golden Gaytime, Ferrero, and S’mores, all of which keep us wanting more. Whip out a box of these bad boys at your next gathering, and watch how fast you become everyone’s bestest bud.
Where:  Hope Island, Varsity Lakes, Molendinar and Pacific Fair – Broadbeach Waters

Paddock Bakery
One of the Gold Coast’s game-changing cafes, the level of baked and sweet goods that these guys consistently punch out is utterly jaw-dropping.

If you haven’t treated yourself to several (hundred) coffee dates at one of the cutest mini-Queenslander’s gracing the GC… welcome, you must be new here?! To remedy this immediately, we suggest you get together some of your nearest and dearest and get in on some brunch action before you launch a full-scale attack on the cracker assortment of sweets.

Be sure to try the crowd-fave Biscoff Cheesecake Doughnut or their whopping 1kg Giant Cookie! (Remember, Mum says sharing is caring.)
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Franquette
If you live in or around Tamborine, and haven’t yet wrapped your mitts (and tastebuds) around some Franquette… frankly, it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities (unless you’re gluten-free, obvi, in which case, commiserations).

Under the expert eye of master baker Jérôme Favier, Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket) assuages hinterland hankerings with authentic French-style sweets, rolls and scrolls, and of course, the ever-crescent croissant.

They’ve teamed up with the Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co. gang to bring us ‘The Gelaffin’… a freshly baked cruffin loaded with small-batch gelato – aka the most glorious ice cream sandwich you’ve ever laid eyes upon. Officially our new favourite franken-food obsession for summer. Brain freeze (and bulk satisfaction) incoming.
Where: 1/159 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain 

Basque
We’ve been giddy over Basque since the gorg new specialty bakehouse-cum-sippery sauntered into Chirn Park earlier this year, bearing mind-blowingly good cheesecake and French champagne. Umm, did we just become best friends?! Two of our very favourite modes of celebration under one chic roof – consider us, and our ‘coffee and cake catch up’ standards, spoiled forevermore.

Owners Laura and Zach Guertin devised the dreamy concept in answer to the age-old conundrum, ‘what should I bring?’ – and yeah, we can attest, one taste of Laura’s incredible creations and you’ll forget alll about the box of Favourites.

Luckily for the lot of us, we need not wait for a special occasion to partake in their signature Spanish Cheesecake and Champagne selection, with both available by the slice, and glass – any old time you please to cheese.
Where: 33b Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

My Favourite Baker
The very aptly named My Favourite Baker is one beloved among locals as a lifeline for incredible, last-minute cakes (that look and taste anything but).

The GC’s everyday cake heroes ‘crumb’ through with the (baked) goods – delivering same day turnaround on their delectable range of cakes and cupcakes almost every day of the year. Saving our bacon bakin’ from all kinds of sticky, special occasion situations, ‘logistical oversights’ and baking fails – with rave reviews, might we add. Phew! *backs slowly away from the packet mix*

Forgotten occasion? What forgotten occasion?

Only bulk brownie points to be found here (shhh.. it’ll be our little secret).
Where: 4/1 Inventory Ct, Arundel

Aux Fines Bouches
For devout pastry buffs (there’s an oxymoron in there somewhere – and hats off to anyone who manages to be buff, and a pastry enthusiast simultaneously) we do éclair, Aux Fines Bouches is the place to be.

This place is really not flaking around – run by decorated French pastry chef, Richard Le Deunff – locals in the know can’t get enough of the authentic, buttery baked-goods they’ve been doling out since 2019.

An unassuming space tucked away in Burleigh’s industrial outskirts, with a window where you can marvel at the culinary wizards whipping up the delectable works of art. Meticulously crafting tarts, cakes and custard-laden pastries Wednesday through Sunday, with a level of obsession matched only by that of our enthusiasm for consuming them.
Where: 2/43 Taree Street, Burleigh Heads

Cheeky Waffles
This naughty noshery has been getting sweet lovers hot under the collar since they burst onto Surfer’s nightlife strip, boasting a decadent and debaucherous range of genitalia-shaped desserts.. that also leave the sweet cravings totally satisfied.

The novelty (and priceless bants) of a choc-dipped coochie or pecker-shaped waffle might be too good to pass up, but don’t be tempted to write them off as a ‘one-time thing’. This place is the whole package, with the famously soft and fluffy waffles (described as ‘the best I’ve had’) the kind that keep lip-licking locals coming back for more.

Swing by and get yourself a ‘sugar daddy’ for happy endings all round.(in case you were wondering, no, we’ll never tire of writing about this place).
Where: 3189 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Madisons Cafe & Patisserie
A name that certainly needs no introduction among cake fans, alas no GC sweets list worth it’s salt sugar would dareth omit local mainstay, Madisons. The Broadbeach institution has long been hooking us up with our daily coffee and cake needs, with the sight of their specialty cakes becoming somewhat of a staple at our celebrations over the years.

The online ordering process is as dreamy as the buttercream (no phone call necessary, millennials rejoice) simply build your own from the options on offer – oh alright, make it a caramel mud + vanilla buttercream, since you asked (and smattering of gold dust, if you don’t mind.)
Where: Ground Floor, Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Charles Avenue, Broadbeach

Dipcro
All hail the buttery king-of-pastries, the mighty croissant (controversial? We think not). Chevron’s debutant sweet-snackery, Dipcro delivers our sweet fix in the form of artisan baked goods like Cinnamon Buns, Croissants, Mille Feuille and Palmiers.

The venue’s namesake and signature item (a play on the words ‘Dip’ and ‘Croissant’– à la, ‘Dipcro’), invites us to take the blessed croissant to a whole new level – served with an array of signature toppings & fillings for your dunking pleasure. Oh if we must.
Where: 55 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island,

Captain’s Candy
The childhood rite of passage that was letting loose on the local pick and mix may merely live on as a fond, yet distant (albeit a little more distant than we care to admit) mem these days, but luckily us locals can venture to Captains Candy to fulfil even our most obscure candy cravings. The willy wonka-vibing wonderland inconspicuously tucked away in Ashmore’s outlet precinct, fully loaded with floor-to-wall goodies (including a hefty selection of international faves for our expat friends).

You need not *only* leave with a sugar rush, you can also stock the pantry with slightly more responsible provisions such as hot sauces, pickles, seasonings and rubs while you’re at it.

Whatever lolly your heart desires, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find it here (even some formerly erased icons.. shout out green frogs and spearmint leaves).

Responsible adults to chaperone our candy expeditions, apply within.
Where: 12 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore

Words by Kellie Leader.