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You’re going to love Hazel Espresso a latte!

Just brew it - visit this Southport newbie stat.

French Toast Forever & Flat White Martini, Hazel Espresso (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
French Toast Forever & Flat White Martini, Hazel Espresso (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

Because we all know that breakfast is a serious affair here on the Gold Coast, it’s essential to keep abreast of the newest venues and the freshest concepts, right? Settling for second best isn’t a viable option when there’s such an incredible selection of venues, all with more exciting and taste bud pleasing dishes than you could wave a stick at. And it’s the thought-provoking and left-of-centre menus that sometimes garner the most attention. Because let’s face it, thinking outside the box should be celebrated!

We’ve discovered a cafe that understands this mandate quite well and has taken it upon themselves to shake the status quo and give Gold Coasters an offering a little out of the ordinary. Say hello, to the newly opened Hazel Espresso in Southport.

You’ll come across the warm and welcoming cafe of Hazel Espresso on Southport’s leafy Davenport Street in the heart of China Town. With seating outside, you can relax under dappled sunlight, or you might want to find yourself tucked inside their warm timber-coloured cafe.

Hanoi Egg Coffee & Banh Mi Breakfast Board, Hazel Espresso (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Hanoi Egg Coffee & Banh Mi Breakfast Board, Hazel Espresso (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

With Vietnamese heritage, the couple behind this cute space have carefully put together a modern menu that deftly blends Australian favourites with South East Asia fusion. Breakfast dishes are served all day, consisting of dishes like a tantalising Grilled Pork Banh Mi Breakfast Board and a Chilli Crab Scrambled Eggs with flaked pieces of crab meat, lashing of fresh chilli, lime and coriander. A little different, you might think, but for those with an adventurous palate and an admiration for Asian cuisine, you’ll be smitten.

Acai bowl fans will be drawn to the Hazel Acai Bowl, and for good reason, with house-roasted almond granola, a host of fresh fruit and peanut butter or Nutella add ons, it’s likely a no-brainer.

Lunch continues to be a delectable exploration of the orient with sangas and salads, including a Salmon Super Salad with pan-fried salmon, quinoa and edamame.

And for those chasing something a little sweeter, the French Toast Forever is a thick slice of cream cheese-filled French toast with ice cream, mascarpone, berry coulis and fairy floss, which must be tried.

Hazel Espresso exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Hazel Espresso exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

For those familiar with Vietnamese style coffee, Hazel Espresso has made it a priority that their caffeine offering is on point. Melbourne roasters ST ALi. provide all of the orthodox espresso-style drinks, whilst traditional and robust tasting pour-over style coffee is available across their special coffee menu. The Hanoi Egg Coffee is undoubtedly the highlight here, as rich coffee is layered with a creamy egg yolk foam on top, and the resulting texture and plush flavour is a true one-off. Rounding out the menu are three house-made teas jam-packed with fresh fruit, lemongrass, mint and a mixture of otherworldly and exotic flavours.

And should you feel like the time has come to enjoy a drink a little stronger, their licensed drinks menu has you covered with all of the usual suspects, including some velvety smooth Flat White Espresso Martinis!

In the new year, the team here has plans to open evening dinner services focusing on desserts and coffee; whilst still featuring their Banh Mis and rice-based dishes. So watch this space!

When: Tuesday – Friday 7am-3pm & Saturday – Sunday 7am-2pm
Where: 9 Davenport Street, Southport

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Chilli Crab Scrambled Egg on Croissant, Hazel Espresso (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Chilli Crab Scrambled Egg on Croissant, Hazel Espresso (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

14 reasons locals love Southport

Mr PP's Deli & Rooftop Bar (Image: © 2017 Inside Gold Coast)
Mr PP's Deli & Rooftop Bar (Image: © 2017 Inside Gold Coast)

It may be home to the Gold Coast’s bustling business district but Southport can also boast a huge array of incredible eateries, culture and general good times.

We’ve rounded up 15 things locals love about the place and we reckon you might enjoy them too.

In no particular order, enjoy.

Southport Sharks
There is many a good time to be had at Southport Sharks including dining at one of the delicious dish-packed restaurants, drinking at Aviary Rooftop Bar overlooking the city, joining in on one of their classes at the Health + Fitness Centre or getting involved in one of their many good time events. The possibilities are endless. It’s the perfect spot for a family event or take the crew for a Sunday afternoon session. Happy days no matter what.
Where: Olsen Avenue and Musgrave Avenue, Southport

Southport Yacht Club
Waterfront dining is the name of the game at Southport Yacht Club with two venues to choose from and stunning scenes from whichever you choose. You’re also welcome to just sit back and kick up your heels with a cold beverage or two while gazing lovingly at one of the many beautiful yachts in the marina. It’s one of the Coast’s best locations and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
Where: 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach

Zero Latency
Zero Latency is a free-roam, virtual reality experience like no other. With up to eight players per game, you’ll have the BEST time fighting zombies, exploring mystical places and challenging your friends on space stations. All you need to do is put on the VR headset, strap into the backpack and pickup the controller. Get 10% off here. It really is so good.
Where: 34 Smith Street, Southport

Panezski Distillery
The Coast’s first vodka distillery opened in Southport a few short months ago and what a treat. The family-owned business are whipping up three types of vodka, two types of gin and even a couple of beers on the premises and you can pop in to grab a bottle to go, or you can sit down and enjoy a cocktail and a charcuterie board and spend a bit of time. Very cool. 
Where: Unit 7/55 Bailey Crescent, Southport

Vinnies Dive
Who doesn’t love a good dive bar. Particularly one that doubles as a live music venue and has a huge range of your favourite beers on offer (and some you may not have heard of). Head in there to discover some new music from both local and interstate bands and if you’re in the mood for a party, which we know you are, you can hire the space out for your next one.
Where: 44A Nerang Street, Southport 

Boudoir Lounge interior (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar 
On the ground floor of the building you’ll find the deli section of the establishment, with an array of delicious meats and cheeses that will be brought together in platter form for your feasting pleasure. Upstairs, the rooftop bar boasts tasty cocktails, even more delicious eats and views across the city. It’s a real good time.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Randy Wallhole
To put it bluntly, you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a Randy Wallhole bagel. There are eight flavours to choose from which means you have multiple per day if you so choose. Go for the Pulled Bas first up, it’s got Smokey BBQ pulled beef, peri mayo and apple slaw. Wash it down with some of the best coffee on the Coast and be on your merry way.
Where: 4/21 Nind Street, Southport 

Boudoir Lounge
A newbie amongst the Southport bunch, Boudoir Lounge is the very best spot for a tasty brunch with the girls or simply a few cocktails after work. Found on Como Crescent, it quickly became the go to spot for those looking for some delicious eats, in a sweet setting and with unique sips of course. Inside there’s also a hair and beauty bar so you can get fabulous before you head out on the town. Perfect.
Where: 410/1 Como Crescent, Southport

Broadwater Parklands
Whether you’re four or 40, theres tons of fun to be had at Broadwater Parklands. For starters, you can sit and stare out at the yachts you’ll never set foot on. Then, there’s the bouncy pillow (maybe don’t go on there without a child), a kiddies train, a water playground and weekly events from theatre shows to foodie markets. See, fun.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport

D Point Ten
Oh donuts, how we love you. D Point Ten can be found on Stevens Street and, in keeping with the general donut vibe, is a little hole in the wall space pumping out the freshest of donuts we may have ever excitedly shoved into our greedy mouths. In all the best flavours no less. Go the Ferrero Rocher for sure.
Where: 6/1 Stevens Street, Southport

Cardamon Pod
The delightful folk at Cardamon Pod are serving up delightful dishes with a focus on clean eating but of the prettiest variety. They offer vegan and gluten free options for breakfast and lunch with a side of organic coffee and vegan desserts. All very delicious and it’s very hard to stop at just one thing or not to post on your Instagram.
Where: Brickworks Centre, 3/3 Brolga Avenue, Southport

Panezski Artisan Distillery (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Southport’s centre of swimming is something for all of us to be proud of. It’s as pretty as a collection of swimming pools can be and, as it was home to all the Commonwealth Games water activities, it’s world class. The architecture is sleek and there’s a training room featuring pits filled with foam for the divers to practice in.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport 

Escape Hunt
Imagine being wrongly accused of murder, chained to a wall and having to rely on your friends’ detective skills to free you. Who you gonna call? Welcome to Escape Hunt, Southport’s brain bending game guaranteed to test your problem solving skills like they’ve never been tested before. There’s a few scenarios you might be faced with, all of which involve solving a mystery with a set of intricate clues. It’s the most fun you can have inside a locked room. Make sure to take your smart friends. Grab 10% off here.
Where: 2/162 Scarborough Street, Southport

Brickworks Centre
Where to start. There are SO many excellent places to peruse at the Brickworks starting with Ferry Rd Market where you can nab yourself everything from beautiful flowers to the freshest breads, seafood and fruit and veggies galore. God it’s good. Within the Centre, there’s also stunning homewares, fashion and design stores and health and beauty services. Oh, there’s also always some really cool events.
Where: Ferry Road, Southport 

Words by Kirra Smith

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre (Image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)

15 Gold Coast spots for coffee with a view

Tarte Beach House, Currumbin Creek (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Tarte Beach House, Currumbin Creek (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

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

Café Catalina, Broadwater (image supplied)
Café Catalina, Broadwater (image supplied)

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

Tallebudgera Creek (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)
Tallebudgera Creek (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)

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, Coolangatta (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Kirra Sol Café, Coolangatta (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

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

Tarte Beach House, Currumbin Creek (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Downstairs at Tarte Beach House, Currumbin Creek (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

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

Kinship Cafe, Currumbin (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Kinship Cafe, Currumbin (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

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

26 & Sunny, The Langham Gold Coast (image supplied)
26 & Sunny, The Langham Gold Coast (image supplied)

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

The Blue House, Budds Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Bumbles and The Blue House, Budds Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

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.

View from the Flying Bean Cafe, Beechmont (image supplied)
View from the Flying Bean Cafe, Beechmont (image supplied)
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