FG Corner Store is the cafe with all the goods.
FG Corner Store is the cafe with all the goods.
Community has been a bit of a buzzword in recent times. It’s little wonder with our current global situation — people are beginning to lower their gaze for distant things, and therefore readily take in their current environment. Coming together over great food and drink, underpinned by a true, and friendly sense of localism has created pouches of community-driven hospitality venues across the city.
One little suburb, Florida Gardens within Broadbeach Waters, is where friendly residents and a tranquil ambience are the norm. A place that now has a community-focussed cafe-come-corner store offering up delicious goods… and you’re all welcome!
The venue sits on the corner of a strip of shops, and with its leafy outlook, welcomes you in to stay awhile in their fabulous interior or take a seat outside in dappled sunshine. Great care has been taken to produce a clean and calm space with rich wood hues, neutral tones, and great attention to detail everywhere you look.
The essence the owners of this space want to capture is the unique charm of Florida Gardens. Some residents have lived in this tiny enclave for decades, it’s the kind of place where popping round to your neighbour for a cup of sugar is a legitimate undertaking and not just a cliche. With this in mind, FG Cornerstore is precisely that: a place where locals can grab premium staple produce and gourmet items they might not find elsewhere.
Think decadent chocolate spreads, jams, salts from around the world. Daily bread from Gold Coast fave Pixel Bakehouse is available, and if you’re the type of person who loves routine, tell them what bread and what day you’d like it, and they can make it a consistent thing. Small town feels, just a hop, skip, and jump from Surfers Paradise? Who knew?
The menu is put together with mountains of care and attention and will develop over time. You’ll find tastes and savours of honest style Mediterranean style foods, with bowls of salads such as the Nonna Adelia potato and egg salad which you simply have to try — or take home! There’s also a fine collection of paninis with fillings you won’t find every day, like the FG OG with Coppa, Sopressa Salami, house-made pesto, and the Fresh As stuffed with Olasgasti Tuna, wasabi mayo, and pickled cucumber.
Expect no shortcuts taken with drinks either; with all your coffee and tea needs taken care of along with crowd favourites like your hot choccies and chais also available. And should you feel like a health-driven libation, you’re covered with a gorgeous selection of cold-pressed juices and kombuchas to treat those hot summer mornings.
The plan is to let the space integrate itself into the community, allowing the venue to be a catalyst for conversations and new relationships. Plans are on the horizon to open for evenings and long weekend lunches with a pending liquor license application awaiting approval. So watch this space!
And should we mention it’s just a turn or two off the Gold Coast Highway — convenient right?!
When: Mon, Thurs, Fri 6.30am – 1pm and Weekends 7am – 1pm
Where: Shop 7, 1 Naranga Avenue, Broadbeach Waters
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.
There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
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.
There are very few things in the world better than coffee but the experience of consuming the magical liquid can of course be enhanced.
How can it be better I hear you ask? Well, by the location at which you’re consuming it for one thing and drinking more than one cup at a time for another. And let’s be honest, coffee with a view of the beach or the bush should be mandatory when you’re living on the Gold Coast!
Black Dingo Cafe
Tucked beneath the iconic lighthouse, find Coolangatta’s latest lurking mere meters from where sand meets sea, overlooking Point Danger’s sweeping outlook. Creating a venue that ‘celebrates the beauty of the ocean and the joy of sharing it with loved ones’, there’s certainly more to Black Dingo than meets the tastebuds – though the allure of an especially tantalising all-day eats selection sure won’t hurt the cause in the slightest!
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta (Point Danger lighthouse)
Café Catalina
Found on the Broadwater up Southport way, Café Catalina overlooks well, the Broadwater and all the fancy yachts you can never afford. They also have tasty eats and you can take your doggo for a puppychino if that’s his/her thing.
Where: 10/11 Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Highway, Southport
Sandbar
Overlooking Surfers Paradise beach and with abundant people watching opportunities, Sandbar is the perfect spot for a coffee or two. In the last year, they’ve had quite the revamp so you can go from breaky to lunch and from coffee to cocktails.
Where: 52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Custard Canteen
Custard Canteen delivers on epic coffee right by one of the Coast’s most beautiful beaches – Tallebudgera Creek. They’re pet friendly so you can take your pooch for a long walk on the beach post-caffeine fix and if you’re craving a sweet treat, you can’t go past their iconic Portuguese Tarts.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Dune Café
Watch the paddleboarders cruise by on Currumbin Creek at hidden paradise Dune Café. It’s nestled inside the park (which is epic by the way) and close to the dog beach and with delicious breakfasts and all the laidback vibes, it’s the perfect spot for a coffee or three.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Neptune Kiosk
Tallebudgera Creek’s resident coffee slinger, Neptune Kiosk – recently unveiled its cheery new spruce up to go with the impeccable vibes Talle’s idyllic inlet dishes up daily. Once again churning out Marvell Street coffee, croissants AND hot cinny donuts from its sunshine-y new facadem it’s a triumphant return of the oh-so-convenient caffeine and treat fix creek-goers have grown rather fond of.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Rafiki
It’s earned its status as an institution for good reason – locals can’t get enough of Rafiki. Pooch friendly, ripper coffee (and a cookie on the side, yes please) but it’s also home to their flavour bomb seasoning so you can take home a little taste of the good life.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
MADE
Fronting the corner of Musgrave & Miles St, the cosy 25-pax venue offers a mix of indoor and kerbside seating for Kirra’s peckish perambulators. Frequents whom the cafe gods are looking favourably down upon can either nab a table, or perch up at the bar and watch the world go by in front of the breezy bifold windows which span one wall.
Where: Corner of Musgrave & Miles St, Kirra
The Salt Mill
Home of the most ridiculous acai bowl selection, Salt Mill serves up some of the best coffees around while also being just a hop, skip and a jump from Currumbin Beach. It’s a little space with a whole lot of soul and it’s extremely loved by those who live close by and visitors from further suburbs.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Tarte Beach House
One of the newer kids on the block, Tarte Beach House has brought the goods from Tarte Burleigh in the Creekside spot on Currumbin Alley. The same brew you know and love but with one of the best views on the Coast, why not pop off for a paddle board after before coming back for a cheeky refuel after – we can never say no to a strawberry muffin top.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Kinship
Currumbin can’t stop delivering the goods with this beachfront beauty. You’ll find Kinship right by Currumbin SLSC pumping out coffees until 2pm, with the whole of Currumbin Beach at your feet it’s the perfect spot to take the fam and let the kids run loose.
Where: 766 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
The Galley Café, Boatworks
We’ll forgive you for missing this hidden gem, The Galley Café is the perfect spot for a brew for you Northern Gold Coasters. The marine inspired fit out is a hit for boaties and the kids love it too, bring the fam and keep watch as the yachts cruise through the river all day long.
Where: 1 Boatworks Drive, Coomera
26 & Sunny
Sip away on your coffee right on the beachfront at 26 & Sunny, nestled below The Langham it’s the perfect coffee pitstop for your early morning beach walk. They’ve also got epic eats if you’re craving a bite, bonus point for it being the ultimate spot to dog on the boardwalk watch if you’re sans furry friend.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Bumbles
If you haven’t been to Bumbles, then where have you been? Budds Beach has long been a locals secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day. Yes please.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise
Flying Bean Café
If you’re looking for a different kind of view, Flying Bean Café is the place with sweeping views of the hinterland all the way through to the Gold Coast. Get at one with nature, good coffee and great views at this little gem of the Scenic Rim. Because how could you forget, the Gold Coast isn’t just about those beautiful beaches when we’ve got this lush hinterland at our doorstep.
Where: 1696 Beechmont Rd, Beechmont
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.