Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.

Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.

Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic 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), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but 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 and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

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

The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons 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

Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)

Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, 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

Words by Bianca Trathen.

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!

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

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

Lakeview Espresso
A hidden gem in Burleigh Waters, these guys serve up a mean iced latte and the very best of breakfast dishes. Enjoy those delightful things overlooking the lake and usually with a playful pup or two in sight (they’re welcome for breakfast too).
Where: 100 Burleigh Street, Burleigh Waters

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

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

Kirra Sol Café
On the doorstep of the iconic Kirra Beach, Kirra Sol Café is the ultimate takeaway spot for you and your furry friends. Not only does their coffee deliver – Social Espresso, yes please! – but we’re also big fans of their epic brekky burritos. They’re located in Bread & Butter and of course there are epic views for your Southern Gold Coasters.
Where: 76 Musgrave St, Coolangatta

Tarte Beach House
One of the newest kids on the block, Tarte Beachhouse 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

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 

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

Burleigh Espresso
Known for serving coffee and good vibes – what more could you want. We love this little spot tucked away under Burleigh Surf Club, one of the only truly beachfront spots in Burleigh it’s obvious why we love. Bonus – if you’re a runner there’s loads of social run clubs that start and finish there so you can work up a pre-caffeine sweat so that coffee tastes even better after.
Where: 55 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

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

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

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.