If, like us, Turkish eats are a thing you never knew you could fall in love with, today is your lucky day. Particularly if you are of the Coomera-based persuasion (and if not, make it your business to get there asap).

Elk Bakehouse opened not too long ago and with it, comes an absolute abundance of the tastiest Turkish-inspired treats you should get in your life RIGHT NOW.

Quite obviously, anything with the word bakehouse in it is a thing we can get behind. Purely because it means food is baked there and baked food is our favourite kind. Elk Bakehouse is no exception with cabinets jam-packed with pies, Turkish-style pastries, cakes, you name it.

They’re all found within a cosy little space inspired by snowy winters spent by the fire in a sweet little pine tree-surrounded log cabin. Sounds heavenly doesn’t it. Elk is all exposed brick walls, matte black accents and a select few plants to bring it all together. It’s delightful.

Owners Pinar and Jade Carpaz, a mother and daughter team and two of the loveliest ladies you’ll ever meet, opened the venue in honour of Pinar’s late mother whose cooking influences feature throughout the delightful Turkish dishes. It’s their first venue and we are quite the fans of everything about it.

So what should you eat? Well everything but, of course, we’ll be specific.

The Börek is a crispy, baked pastry made with thin flaky dough and filled with cheese and it is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The Simit is a Turkish street bagel that’s extremely popular in Turkey (and now in Coomera too). You may also (and should) choose the Simit Toastie which is said bagel stuffed with Turkish pastrami and cheese and so very good.

Also taste a Sigara (cigar roll). There are two flavours, spinach and fetta and savoury mince and you may as well take one of each.

There is also a Sucuk (dry, spicy sausage) pie that might just be the best pie in all the world.

Of course, there are all the regular suspects if you want something a little closer to home; chicken farmhouse pies, other kinds of pies (all of which are golden and crunchy and smell divine), salads and the like.

For dessert, make sure you try Pinar’s carrot cake and the Semolina cake is worth a sample too. Don’t blame us if you roll out of there please.

To wash it all down, go with a Turkish coffee or tea and let us know how that goes won’t you.

There are also some absolutely stunning Turkish homewares you’ll want to take home with you. Sorry about it.

So. If you’re in the market for next-level eats in a space that’s been put together with a whole lot of heart, look no further than Elk Bakehouse and definitely wear your stretchy pants.

LOCATION: Shop 7/1 Commercial St, Upper Coomera
HOURS: 7am until 4pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Ahh, the blessed ritual of brunch. Leisurely feasts of eggs every which way you can imagine, sticky, syrup drenched French toast stacks, and smoked salmon for days – what’s not to love? Plus, it gives us the excuse to sleep in, and our tastebuds are rewarded pretty handsomely for the trouble.

Couple it with a little concept known as bottomless cocktails and life doesn’t get much better. So universally beloved is the sip-happy cousin of this mid-morning rendezvous, we’ve rustled up an entire list of the best places on the GC to get your boozy brunch-fest fix (say that five times fast after two hours of free-flowing mimosa’s).

From north to south, gather your mates, don your stretchy pants and jump on the brunch bandwagon!

Mozza Mozza
For a surefire way to stave off the Sunday scaries, the groovy and oh-so boozy, discotheque-themed Italian feast (don’t ask questions, just go with it) going down weekly at Mozza Mozza would have to be one of the best. For $75 per person, the Sunday Bottomless Disco dishes up share-style plates such as Pizzas, Arancini Balls and House-Made Focaccia to load up on – studded by a fruity Spritz and Mimosa menu to strategically work your way through. As far as bottomless spreads go, we particularly love the options on offer here – feeling like flanking your Italian feast with a boozy slushie upgrade? Say no more, fam! Craving Mozza Puff Bread or Tiramisu? Sure thing, just add ‘em on for a fiver. You’ll be shakin’ your groove thang in no time.
Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen Avenue & Musgrave Avenue, Southport

Winey Cow
If you consider yourself a bit of a brunch connoisseur, Main Beach’s resident egg-slinging specialist, Winey Cow is a must try for several reasons. Reason numero uno, is that they live and breathe this brekkie business – after all, the much-lauded namesake Melbourne location has the boasting rights to accolades like Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant. And when you’re in the mood to take the Chilli Scramble Croissant up a notch, they also throw a particularly spectacular bottomless brunch any ‘ole day of the week. For $55 per person, you can grab a main with endless mimosas for an hour, with Cranberry & Lime and Pineapple, Passionfruit & Lime options if you wanna switch it up from the Classic OJ. And ‘wine’ not, we say?
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach

QT Gold Coast
There’s Sunday brunch… then there’s Soul Sundays at Bazaar. A bubbly twist on the beloved Bazaar buffet experience we know and love, Soul Sundays takes this fanciful spread to the next level! From 11am–3pm every Sunday, you can nosh your way through brekkie faves like waffles and crepes while being serenaded by the sounds of live music and the chorus of clinking glasses as the champas flows freely. To chaperone your delectable experience, there’s even a Director of Champagne at the ready to customise your sip with a selection of juices and nectars. Yep, this one does indeed speak to our soul.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion
The Surfers Pav always delivers the goods and this is especially so when we’re talking about their Brunch Club experience. The perfect waterfront setting, DJs will be on the decks from 1pm every Sunday to set the mood. Choose from the $59 per head package including a selection of Oysters, or the $99 per head package with a choice of Cauliflower popcorn, Calamari or Chicken riblets, followed by either Nachos, Lamb ragu, Fish and chips, or Mushroom lasagne. Both packages entitle you to Prosecco, Bellinis, Mimosas, Pineapple mimosas, Mango mimosas, Pav lager, along with requisite softies. Walk-ins or bookings welcome anytime from 12.30pm.
Where: 30 – 34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Hyde Paradiso
It’s the ultimate beachside brunch overlooking the ocean and yeah, we had you at beachside. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, tuck into the Standard Brunch or Vegan Brunch for an all out, four-course feast of Mediterranean-inspired mixed tapas, including delightful bites like Eggs Benny Hash made with truffle honey hollandaise. But ‘bottomless’ we promised, and bottomless ye shall receive – here you can pick your poison with two-hour sip packages such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini Spritz & Limoncello Spritz, Chandon Brut & Chandon Rosé, or perhaps the Veuve Clicquot upgrade will be more your speed. Available between 12pm and 2pm, minimum of 2 people required.
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

The Island Gold Coast
The Island says Saturday afternoons are for gathering, grazing and good times, and who are we to disagree? And yes, technically speaking, this one is classified as a ‘lavishly long lunch’ – but when it comes with two hours of tantalising eats, arrival mimosa and cocktail and spritz carafes – does anyone really mind? Spend your Saturday nibbling your way through Charcuterie and share-style bites of Karaage Chicken, Lamb kofta and Wood-fired pizzas, alternated with jugs of Passionfruit and Vanilla Mojito, Watermelon Margarita Spritz and Mimosa. $79 per person, two sittings (from 11:30am or 1:30pm) available.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Elk Espresso
Broady gem Elk is another superb spot popping the cork on bottomless brunch daily. And bonus, it’s walk-ins only – so just grab the gang and rock up between 10am–1.30pm to partake in their delectable assortment of colourful, petal-topped dishes along with one hour to go ham on the bottomless Mimosa menu. Yep, that’s sixty whole minutes of mimosa action and nope, we sure as heck ain’t driving. Pick your fave between the the Classic, Strawberry lime and Tropical varieties, then ‘sip’ back and marvel as your flute magically refills itself. You certainly don’t have to tell us twice! $49 per head.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre (opposite the beach), Broadbeach

Miss Moneypenny’s
Weekends are for sleep-ins, so if you didn’t quite make it out of bed in time for brunch, turn those lemons into two hours of citrus-studded spritzers, cocktails or French champagne (which absolutely beats lemonade, any day of the week) at the famous Miss Moneypenny’s bottomless lunch. Opt between the degustation-style Chef’s Signature or Three-course a la carte menu, and nosh your way through delectable dishes like saffron-infused Coral Coast Barramundi and Waygu Carpaccio. Talk about lush …we’re not saying it was this stellar spread in particular that was responsible for bagging them an AGFG chef hat for the past three years running… but we’re not not saying it, either. Available Saturday and Sunday, 12–2pm from $110 per person.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Tropic Vice
Yes, this one’s technically a ‘lunch’, but we’re happy to look the other way for any excuse to a) incorporate more margs into our weekend and b) hit snooze few dozen times. From 12–4pm every Sunday, the Tropic Vice rooftop transforms into a free-flowing fiesta with live music, DJ’s bites and bottomless margs for $99 per person. We’re talking a set menu of Truffle fries, Halloumi Bites and Tacos, with the option to upgrade to a Dozen Oysters & Bottle of Luc Belair for an extra $85 if you’re really in the mood to celebrate. Monday can wait indeed!
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Ally Chow
Ally Chow dishes up Asian fusion done right, and their two brunch options do not disappoint. For $99 per person, the Chow Out features the Chef’s choice banquet with two-hours of bottomless thai basil caprisokas, Asahi beer and prosecco. Or, have a go of the Margarita Lunch Banquet and yes, this has us written all over it. For $130, enjoy the same offerings mentioned above, only substitute bottomless caprioskas for bottomless margis! Once again recognised with the Australian Good Food Guides Chef Hat Award, this one is a no-brainer.
Where: Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

The Tropic
One of the GC’s very favourite ocean-view venues, The Tropic offers a solid ten bottomless brunch and absolutely nobody is surprised to hear this. Taking place exclusively on the terrace on the last Saturday of every month, not only will you be privy to multi-million-dollar views and DJ beats, but deliciously fresh seafood and innovative fare. Think Oysters, Spiced bread, Stracciatella & Persimmon, Pavlova, and more, but no need cuz we’re already #sold. Veuve, Rose and Bellini Cocktail packages available from $75 per person. Don’t mind if we do!
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Palm Beach Ave
Palmy’s resident art deco stunner isn’t just a pretty face—it’s also home to some pretty spectacular dining deals (shout out, $60 3-course set menu) – including one of the most irresistible bottomless brunch options going! Every weekend, from 10am to 2pm, get beachside for your boozy brunch fix for only $45 per person. The mid-morning soiree kicks off with a salmon blini canapé to start, while you settle in to 1.5 hours of free-flowing mimosas and ponder between options like the Chilli Scrambled Eggs and Prawn and Bug Roll from the mouthwatering menu… #decisionsdecisions.
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Refinery Coffee
Why wait for the weekend? Refinery Coffee reckons any day is a good day to bust out the boozy OJ for this beloved mid-morning ritual, and we wholeheartedly agree. Available from 10am daily, gather your celebratory crew and report to Currumbin’s light-filled converted warehouse for the Bottomless Brunch option. Here, you can tuck in to your pick from the all-day eats menu, such as Chilli Scram and Eggs Benny, while throwing back Classic & Watermelon mimosas for 1.5 blissful hours. The only caveat is that your whole crew must be partaking (is that even a question) with a non-alc option also available. Bottoms up!
Where: 37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters

Let’s face it, keeping one’s Instagram ahead of the pack is often a full-time job. And when you live in one of the best cities, with a coastline that is nothing short of captivating (literally every day), then making sure you have the pictures that will make everyone envious is a priority. Whether your Instagram account has masses of die-hard fans eyeing up everything you do, or you simply like taking photos just for the sake of taking photos, what’s important here, is that you get THE shot!

Seeing as we are blessed with awesome places to eat and while away our best lives, then taking pictures whilst out and about is a smart move. We’re talking cafes, restaurants and bars where the aesthetics — and you combined — are a match made in heaven. So many to choose from though, right? Our research has taken the load off your shoulders as we have the most Insta-worthy brunch spots on the Gold Coast for you. Happy snapping!

Nineteen at The Star
Who hasn’t seen the pictures doing the rounds of people looking absolutely fabulous at Nineteen at The Star? If you haven’t, we suggest you Google some: stat! Besides the amazing views across Broadbeach at over 200 feet with unrestricted panoramas, the sophisticated setting both in the restaurant and bar provides ample opportunity to capture yourself with a sprinkling of luxury. While you’re at it, treat yo self ever to something decadent from Executive Chef Uday Huja‘s Sunday Brunch menu. May we suggest the Eggs Benedict with Dill Ocean Trout or Ham, Poached Eggs and Brown Butter Hollandaise matched with a Champagne Brunch 2 hour beverage package? Insta-game officially leveled up.
Where: The Darling at The Star, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

The Tropic
With arguably one of the best views of the Gold Coast coastline, The Tropic was a no-brainer for this list. But it’s not all about those unbelievable pastel hue sunsets, oh no. Inside, the restaurant gives off a luxe Miami yacht club vibe with an overall neutral theme vibrantly juxtaposed with colour from plants, chairs, and even the plates. Did we mention the food is next level? We suggest it’s time to round up the girls and clear your calendar for the last Saturday of every month for The Tropic’s Brunch – it’s one you won’t regret! (Not that anyone has ever regretted a Brunch!)
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Mavis’s Kitchen
The drive out here alone will have you pulling over several times to snap away. However, upon arrival you’ll be treated to one of the Northern River’s most scenic and tucked away dining gems. The cute whitewash colonial-style building is just adorable with grassy paddocks and a gurgling stream that lead your eyes to escarpments around Mount Warning. Do brunch your way when you pre order Mavis’s Kitchen Picnic Hamper filled with cheeses, a charcuterie selection, seasonal dips, cake of the day, freshly baked vegetable frittata and more. If you stay onsite, they’ll even throw in the picnic rug so you can cozy up by the nearby dam and enjoy the simple sound of nature…. Bliss!
Where: 64 Mount Warning Road, Mount Warning, NSW

Saltwater at Currumbin
Our creeks and waterways around the Gold Coast are often overlooked or even worse, completely forgotten as we go about our everyday lives. One stretch of water that deserves your attention any day of the week is Currumbin Creek. Saltwater at Currumbin entirely takes advantage of its waterside location and gives you endless dabbled light and beautiful colours of blue to play around with. It’s impossible to take a bad photo here. Couple that backdrop with a lazy Sunday spent enjoying a Berry Bircher Museli or Eggs Benedict and you’re onto a winner!
Where:2/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Palm Springs
If clean white lines, cacti and Cali-vibes raise your heart rate, then we suggest you schedule a post with a pic from this North Burleigh newbie. Based on a unique southern Californian aesthetic mashed with our very own sub-tropical climate, the interior (and exterior) are full of epic chances for you to strike a pose. Also, doggos are most welcome to join you! So get a snap with your floof, grab your Salsa Scrambled Eggs and a margarita too (because yes they serve morning margis!).
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

South East Espresso
Way down in Coolangatta, this under-the-radar backstreet café is the perfect location after a beach swim or your ritual easy-Sunday-morning Ham Hock Smashed Avo. The warm saffron rendered walls are the perfect backdrop for your best linen attire with contrast minimalistic shades of grey. If you take a seat on their pavement side leather cushioned bench, prepare to make friends with a legion of four-legged friends. Don’t worry; they shouldn’t mind one bit making a guest appearance on your story.
Where: 229 Boundary Street, Coolangatta

Highline
When an uber-cool mid-century fit-out combines with incredible coffee art, the result is Highline in Palm Beach. A firm favourite with the locals and for good reason. All of the dishes here are put together with a strong ethos that you also eat with your eyes. Add in some polished concrete flooring and all the toasty coloured wood features, and your brunch-time snap is destined to be a crowd-pleaser. Because who wouldn’t want a 3 cheese, wild mushroom, chive Jaffle pictured in a more perfect setting?
Where: 5/10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Milkman’s Daughter
When the Gold Coast first laid eyes on this angelic Mermaid Beach all-vegetarian brunch spot, we’re sure there was a collective swoon moment. The textured white exterior walls alone would typically be enough to have our phones out and ready for a sneaky snap. However, the true treasure is inside when you lay eyes on the sweetest-looking backlit booths with arched ceilings and hanging plants. If you are lucky enough to secure the booth, do yourself a favour and cement it in the form of an insta-post accompanied with your Lemon Ricotta Fluffy Pancakes with house tumeric vanilla custard, passionfruit reduction, berries and herbs.
Where: 2/42 Alfred Street, Mermaid Beach

Paddock Bakery
We think we’re correct to state that Paddock is one of the Gold Coasts’ most tagged eats/drinks hotspots to date. Period. So, what makes it so unique? It could be the quaint English-style garden exterior, or the original vintage Queenslander converted main building, maybe it’s the iconic Dippy Eggs or their ridiculously good-looking baked goods (shout out to their Almond Croissants) which are often only just out the oven? But, you know what, we think it’s all of them!
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Want to see more insta-worthy spots? Follow Inside Gold Coast on Instagram here!

Words by Alex Mitcheson.