Holiday mode: activated! Tropicana Kitchen & Bar has landed in Surfers Paradise, bringing all the vacay vibes with no passport required!

With more than 15 years in the biz, Tina Chaff – the clever cat behind the former Kitty O’Shea’s – decided it was time to give the Irish pub a glow-up into an island paradise.

Tina said, “Cavill Avenue has always been a vibrant social hub and over the years it has continuously adapted to the times. It’s an iconic and nostalgic spot that draws visitors from all over, while those lucky enough to call it their backyard get to experience its ever-evolving energy firsthand.”

Step inside Tropicana Kitchen & Bar and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a luxe holiday retreat. Inspired by Tina’s recent trip to Miami, Florida, the striking pink tropical wallpaper sets a playful tone while plush jade green velvet booths invite you to sink in and stay a while. Whether you’re here for a date night, a celebration or just an excuse to sip something fabulous, the vibe is equal parts chill and chic.

Now let’s dive into the food! From Kitty O’Shea’s kitchen, Tina has brought with her chef Gieson Gelmetti to create magic – island style. The menu is a love letter to fresh, local ingredients with an innovative twist.

Be filled to the brim at breakfast with Loco Tacos stuffed with soft bacon scramble, sliced avo, corn and tomato pico de galo, pickled onion, queso fresco and pesto mayo. 

Sweet fiends can devour Blueberry French Toast made with thick cut brioche covered in house lemon blueberry compote and biscuit crumb with vanilla ice cream. Wash it all down with a Campos coffee and you’ll be ready for a day relaxing by the beach.

Lunchtime munchies start with small morsels such as the moreish Pork Belly Bites, glazed in house-made sticky sauce topped with fresh green onion. 

Seafood lovers can enjoy Crispy Skin Barra paired with chat potatoes and asparagus on a bed of pea puree. For something heartier, chomp into a feast from the chargrilled menu, like Sirloin served with chimichurri, chat potatoes and rocket salad.

No tropical escape is complete without a little liquid sunshine, and cocktails here pack more punch than a coconut falling from a palm tree.

Expect creative concoctions featuring house-infused spirits, fresh fruit and surprising twists that’ll have you saying, “Just one more” (we won’t judge!). Take a deep dive into the Fish Bowl cocktail menu, with the fan favourite being the Shark Attack Fish Bowl with a fin-tastic mix of vodka, blue curacao, pineapple juice, lemon grenadine, Sprite and shark gummies. 

If you’re chasing those vacay vibes, take your brunch game up a notch with a little extra sparkle. From 9am to 11am, you and your crew can sip and celebrate with one glorious hour of bottomless mimosas for just $49, and $59 from 11:30am to 4pm. So fire up the group chat and get the gang together for a tropical escape any day of the week!

Where: 25/2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Daily 7:30am – late

Talk about Thai-riffic! Pink Whale is making a splash in Surfers Paradise, serving up Thai street food that’s as bold as its venue. This brand-new eatery from the masterminds behind Valyn Thai, LimLay Thai and Nahm Talay is the latest addition to the Nahm Group – a family of restaurants that has grown from a single venue to a beloved collective, each offering a unique take on Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. After 10 years in the hospo game, the team has taken over the iconic Charlie’s spot and given it a seriously fun makeover.

Just like its sibling restaurants, Pink Whale is all about elevated street food – a perfect mix of traditional Thai flavours with a modern twist. But where LimLay pops with vibrant furnishings, Pink Whale explodes in colour.

Inspired by the buzzing, chaotic energy of Thai street stalls, the space is decked out in neon lights, glittery rainbow tables, and an unapologetic pink aesthetic. It’s bright, it’s loud and it’s designed to feel like a walk through the late-night streets of Bangkok.

But let’s get to the real star of the show – the food. Pink Whale is bringing the hustle and bustle of Thai street eats straight to Cavill Avenue, serving up sizzling, slurp-worthy, and oh-so-snappable dishes.

Kick things off with their mouthwatering Thai BBQ skewers, perfect for grabbing on the go or pairing with a beer tower while you soak in the Surfers Paradise buzz. Choose from Tropical Chicken, Beef, Pork, Chicken Wings or classic Satay Chicken – each marinated, grilled, and dripping with flavour.

Feeling a little soupy? Their Tom Yum Jumbo is a must-try. Build your own noodle bowl by picking your favourite noodle, protein, and broth. Whether you go for a rich and spicy Tom Yum base or a comforting, aromatic broth, it’s a slurp-worthy experience that warms the soul.

One dish that’s making waves is the Pineapple Fried Rice, served straight from a pineapple half. Packed with prawns, egg and their signature Thai seasoning, this dish is a tropical dream come true. And if you’re a fan of the classics, Pad Thai and Pad See-ew are always a winning choice.

Got a hungry crew? Go big with jumbo-sized servings available for soups, noodles and rice – because when it comes to Thai food, more is always more.

Want some table-side theatrics? The Sizzling Tenderloin is the one to order. Juicy beef, peppercorn, chili and mixed veggies come together on a sizzling hot plate, with the sauce poured over right in front of you – cue the mouthwatering aroma and dramatic steam. Spice lovers, be warned: this one brings the heat.

And what’s a Thai feast without a refreshing drink? Pink Whale serves up homemade Thai Milk Tea, Thai Lemon Iced Tea and Coconut Juice, perfect for cooling down after a fiery dish. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, grab a cold Asahi or Stone & Wood on tap, a bottle of Corona or a crisp Somersby Apple Cider.

And if you’re really settling in for the night, that beer tower is calling your name.

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Their signature cocktails, including the Long Thailand Iced Tea, Aperitivo and ‘Sunrise’, bring the perfect Thai twist to your sipping session.

With indoor and outdoor seating for 80–100 guests, a menu packed with crowd-pleasers, and a neon-lit, high-energy vibe, Pink Whale is a tail-slapping good time. The team chose this buzzing location because, “it’s just like Thai street food – busy, chaotic, and a little over the top.”

After a decade of creating beloved Thai eateries, Pink Whale is their boldest concept yet – a love letter to Thai street food, brought to life in the heart of Surfers Paradise. More than just a place to eat, it’s an experience. So next time you’re in the area, wade in and get ready for a whale of a good feed!

Where: Shop EP024/2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Daily from 11.30am to 10pm

Let’s face the facts – we Gold Coasters are morning people. Whether we’re hitting the run clubs, catching waves or strolling with our furry friends, we’ve turned ‘Carpe Diem’ into an art form. So, it’s no surprise our breakfast spots are serving up next-level eats to match our early bird energy.

When the sun hits that glitter strip, there’s no better place to start your day than in Surfers Paradise. From drool-worthy dishes to coffee that’ll have you buzzing, we’ve hit the streets by the beach to bring you the best breakfasts in the heart of the Coast.

Tropicana
Escape the daily grind at Tropicana Kitchen & Bar! This sunny Surfers spot has just had a glow up from Irish pub to island paradise. Whether you’re taco-ing into Loco Tacos or diving into the dreamy Blueberry French Toast, every bite is a tropical getaway. Wash it down with a Campos coffee or bottomless mimosas or for the ultimate morning pick-me-up. So butter up your brunch crew and sip back – because a breakfast oasis awaits!
Where: Paradise Centre, 25/2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

La Playa
Wake up and smell the ocean breeze – La Playa is flipping breakfast on its head with dishes that’ll have you coming back for more. Spice up your morning with the chorizo-loaded shawarma wrap, because let’s be real – boring breakfasts are nacho thing. Avo cravings? The Baltic avo smash is guac-ing amazing. And if you like it sweet, the blueberry ricotta hotcake is a stack-tacular dream. Pair it all with a fresh smoothie, or a signature cocktail for something a little stronger, and you’ve got a beachside brekkie that’s a party in your mouth!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Janus Deli
Bringing big flavours and retro diner vibes to Hanlan Street, Janus Deli is your go-to for next-level sandos, sweet treats, and seriously good sips. Whether you’re sinking your teeth into the JFC (soy garlic fried chicken with apple slaw on a potato bun) or tackling the Moo-licious (corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Janus sauce on fresh sourdough), every bite is a deli-lover’s dream. Got a sweet tooth? Their freshly baked donuts, including the cult-fave Dough-kie (a cookie-donut hybrid), will have you in dessert heaven. Pair it all with a pistachio latte or iced biscoff, and you’ve got a breakfast worth waking up for.
Where: 12 Hanlan Street, Surfers Paradise

Hyde Paradiso
Hyde Paradiso has poached one of the top spots for breakfast in Surfers, serving up Mediterranean magic on level two of Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise. Soak in the ocean view while feasting on Eggs Benny Hash dripping in Truffle Honey Hollandaise, Shakshuka eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, or Fluffy Pancakes with lemon curd and macadamia butter. For the ultimate weekend catch-up, gather the crew for Hyde Paradiso’s famous bottomless brunch, available 12pm – 2pm Friday to Sunday.
Where: Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise, Level 2, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Bumbles
If you haven’t been to Bumbles, it’s time to buzz over to Budds Beach! This gem has been flipping out top-notch breakfasts for over a decade, and locals know it’s no yolking matter. Indulge in dreamy French Toast with cinnamon brioche, bacon and berry compote, or tuck into Savoury Mince with poached eggs and chorizo. Feeling fancy? Book in for a High Tea experience, with an array of sweet and savoury treats to devour. Pinkies up, darling!
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise

BARITALIA
Pizza for breakfast? Mama mia, yes please! BARITALIA serves up a slice of morning heaven with an Italian twist that’ll have you dough-eyed in delight. Swap that sad cold pizza in the fridge for a pizza-oven toasted croissant or breakfast bruschetta stacked with zucchini, Meredith goat’s cheese, and mint. The smashed avo is a real knockout, and if you’re feeling extra, the panini lineup – think eggplant, chicken or prosciutto — will have you saying “Bellissimo” at the first bite of house-made dough. Italian-made coffee hits differently, and their barista is ready to serve you Allpress Espresso from 6.30am.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Centre, Elkhorn Ave &, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Ohana’s
A fruity, Hawaiian-inspired bar and eatery was exactly what Surfers Paradise needed and exactly what Surfers Paradise got in the form of Ohana’s. Surfers Paradise’s tropical gem, serves up island vibes and seriously good morning feeds. Think Fritter Stacks, Waffles, Açai Bowls, and Smashed Avo, all washed down with an East Coast Roast coffee, fresh juice, or a smoothie. Turn that leisurely breakfast into brunch with a cheeky morning cocktail – because why not? Ohana’s is the ultimate spot to fuel up before a sun-soaked day.
Where: 64 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Sandbar
With a prime location overlooking Surfers Paradise beach, Sandbar is the toast of the coast—serving up fresh ocean breezes, epic people-watching, and a brekkie menu that truly egg-ceeds expectations. From smoothie bowls that scream summer to a pulled pork Benny worth waking up for, every dish is packed with coastal flavours. Feeling hungry? The Beachside Big Breakfast will have you rolling from your seat to laying on the beach.
Where: 52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Elston Restaurant & Bar
If it’s breakfast classics you’re after, look no further than Elston Restaurant and Bar. This casual dining spot will keep the whole tribe happy with açaí bowls, egg and bacon rolls, smashed avo and waffles as the waves crash nearby. If your appetite calls for something hearty, the Elston Feast is no mean feat to finish, with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, sauteed greens, tomatoes, chorizo, sourdough, pickled onions and chilli relish. Just make sure you leave some room for a Locale Coffee Roasters sip of choice.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Shop T1/04 / 4 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Paradox Coffee Roasters
Rise and grind, Gold Coast coffee lovers! Paradox Coffee Roasters know their beans, and they’re not just waffle-ing on about quality. Your brew-tiful coffee journey starts with ethically sourced beans, roasted to perfection by a team with over 15 years of experience. And let’s toast to their epic breakfast game. The Cinnamon Donut with Peaches, Coconut Caramel Sauce, Fresh Fruits & Tim Tam Crumble is as doughlicious as the Chilli Scramble with house-made chilli oil is hot. Paradox Coffee Roasters is the ultimate combo of coffee and cravings, all in one perfect spot.
Where: The 4217, 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

Breakfast Buffets
If you’re anything like us, making decisions – especially about breakfast – is a struggle. Why choose when you can have it all? A buffet is the ultimate foodie free-for-all – no judgment, just endless plates of pure joy. The Gold Coast is serving up some seriously drool-worthy all-you-can-eat experiences, and we’re here for it. Indulge in the luxe spreads at Bazaar Marketplace, Citrique, Akoya and Waves Buffet Restaurant, or take your appetite to new heights at Horizon Sky Dining. This is just a taste of what’s on offer, with buffets on the Gold Coast deserving of a list of their own. Slide into your stretchy pants and check out our round-up of the best buffets on the Gold Coast.

Words by Lisette Drew