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

Push your shakeable pancake mix to the side — you deserve more. In fact, you deserve the best. Save yourself the hassle of heating up the frying pan: here is where you can have a heap of perfectly cooked pancakes on the Gold Coast placed right in front of you with an impressive medley of toppings and extras.

Now, it’s up to you to decide which pancake style stacks your excitement the most (all of them can be your answer).

Sens Fusion
Looking for the perfect souffle pancake? We’ve found it! Sens Fusion is flipping the script with light-as-air Japanese soufflé pancakes. Whether you’re team sweet or savoury, these viral pillows of deliciousness are worth the wait. Trust us, you’ll be on cloud nine with their fluffing amazing pancakes! We went for the OG, served with melted butter and maple syrup, but if you’re feeling decadent, we’d suggest the Matcha Souffle served with matcha cream, matcha crumble and matcha ice cream. Get ’em while they’re hot—and fluffy!
Where:  129 Queen Street, Southport

Milkman’s Daughter
What’s not to get in a crush over at the Milkman’s Daughter? Apart from pouring epic coffee and being one of Mermaid Beach’s best hangouts, they are serving up pancakes you have to see to believe. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are bathed in vanilla turmeric custard, passionfruit reduction and topped with pistachios and edible flowers. The healthiest AND tastiest pancakes ever to exist? Quite possibly!
Where: 2/43 Alfred Street, Mermaid Beach

Kefi Cafe
Drop everything and pick up your fork. You can now have your cake and eat it in pancake form, all while getting a coffee hit! You heard correctly. Kefi is trying to put us in a food coma with their tiramisu-inspired Kefi Hotcake. We’re talking about coffee-infused pancakes topped with caramel, chocolate soil, maple syrup, mascarpone, and whipped Kahlua. We consent!
Where: 110 Marine Pde, Coolangatta

Chut & Co
Don’t let the title ‘pancake tacos’ confuse you- we’re not about to mix taco spices with maple syrup. However, we are about to tell you that Chut & Co have reimagined the perfect way to present pancakes; in a taco stand. It’s three little buttermilk pancakes, all in a row, piped generously with vanilla mascarpone and topped with raspberries, strawberries and an Oreo crumble. Who knew pancakes could be taco-licious?
Where: Mermaid Plaza, 2400 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Hudson and Rosie’s Table
Spoiler alert- these are the best pancakes on the Gold Coast. Sorry, you can’t contest, for this is a fact. These banoffee pancakes are truly bananas! Let me set the scene; the pillow-like ricotta pancakes are lush, standing tall on your plate and soaked in and surrounded by fresh banana toffee, maple pecan crumble and fresh berries. A velvety scoop of espresso mascarpone cream sits atop, proud and donned with pretty flowers. You reach your last mouthful and wonder, can life get better than this?
Where: 106 Alexander Drive, Highland Park

Palm Springs
If it’s a sweet treat you want, then it’s a sweet treat you’ll get. They call it the ‘palm pancakes‘, which sounds innocent enough. But Palm Springs wasn’t flippin around when they decided to conjure up this plate of pleasure: a deep-dish buttermilk vanilla pancake, dulce de leche with vanilla ice cream and Biscoff crumble. Pick your jaw up off the floor—you have a table reservation to make.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Hot Shott
You thought food combos peaked at cronuts and cruffins, didn’t you? Don’t worry, we did too. Until we discovered the valhalla of food combinations; a cinnamon scroll meets pancake. We’re not spinning fiction, although it does sound like a fairytale. Hot Shott has combined two of life’s greatest edible pleasures to deliver their cinnamon scroll buttermilk pancakes with vanilla ice cream, roasted macadamia, mixed berries and maple syrup. One word: cinna-mazing.
Where: 3/17 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach

Pancake Diner
Of course, we had to include a chocolate pancake edition on our list! Who are we, the Grinch? Then we thought, if we’re going for chocolate, why not make it a black forest? The Pancake Diners black forest-inspired stack starts with two chocolate pancakesserved with fresh strawberries, blueberries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream with chocolate fudge, and chocolate chips. Because if you’re going to indulge, why not make it decadent?
Where: 16/221 Christine Avenue, Burleigh Heads

Pancakes on the Rocks
The humble apple crumble has been flipped. It’s your nan’s specialty, taken to a new level by Pancakes on the Rocks. Imagine buttermilk pancakes so fluffy they could make clouds jealous, crowned with marinated apples and a dollop of cream and ice cream. As if that wasn’t enough, a homemade crumble adds a crunchy, sweet finish. If you don’t feel like betraying sweet granny on this occasion or feel something a bit more savoury, their crepes are equally delicious!
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Shop T1.31, Surfers Paradise

No Name Lane
It’s a classic: the mixed-berry pancake stack. What a crowd-pleaser! While perfect as is, No Name Lane has made a good thing great, adding some seriously mouth-watering editions. Keeping a classic base, they top the perfect pancake rounds with mixed berry compote, mascarpone, vanilla anglaise, cinnamon crumble, white wine glaze, and vanilla ice cream. They’re berry-nice. Te-he!
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Indulging in the gooey, nutty godsend that is Nutella is a guilty pleasure that knows no bounds. Fortunately for Gold Coasters, there’s no shortage of spots across our sunny shores offering tantalising Nutella treats to satisfy those sweet cravings.

There’s no denying the joy it brings to enthusiasts, so here are 10 spots offering delectable Nutella creations (listed North to South).

D Point 10 –  Nutella Doughnut
The Nutella Doughnuts (filled with lashings of the good stuff) are some the very best things in the entire world and you (and should) can eat them by the dozen at D Point 10. So soft, so fluffy, so great.
Where: 201 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes

Rosé Gelateria
In addition to serving up delicious gelato this pastel-infused beauty is a veritable fountain (literally) of nutella goodness. They have Nutella Cheesecake Dessert Jars, Nutella stuffed Cinnamon Cruffins, Nutella Shakes and the pièce de résistance, Nutella on tap! You are guaranteed to walk out of here in a sugar coma.
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Shop/39A Masthead Way, Hope Island and Shop 6/19-21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach.

Cheeky Waffles
The naughtiest kid on the block, Cheeky Waffles offer a nutella “love injection” into their genitalia-themed desserts. Perfect for those who like their waffles extra saucy! 
Where: 3189 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Paradox Coffee Roasters – Iced Nuttellate
So it’s an Iced Latte but with Nutella which, as far as we’re concerned, makes it one of the best things in the world. Need we say more.
Where: The 4217, 7/10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

Elk Espresso –  Nutella Thick Shake
Elk Espresso are famous for their insane Nutella Thick Shake, which is one of the most delicious things you’ll ever taste. Maybe order two.
Where: Shop G044, Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

Joe’s Deli – Two Tone Hollywood cheesecake
This traditional Italian style deli is known for its killer sandwiches, but its sweets are equally spesh. Next time you’re shopping up a storm at Pac Fair refuel with a slice of Joe’s Famous Two Tone Hollywood cheesecake. This is a true crowd-pleaser, served with a decadent drizzle of liquid Nutella and a perfectly torched marshmallow brulee topping.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Bam Bam Bakehouse – Nutella Cronuts
Bam Bam’s Nutella Cronuts are the best way to start every day. The nutty spread is wrapped up in a soft buttery and sugar-coated flaky croissant dough and honestly who even needs an explanation, just go eat some.
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Paddock Bakery – Nutella Bots & Coco Pops Milkshake
Paddock is the queen of OTT sweet treats but we just can’t go past their sweet little Nutella Bots. Lashings of Nutella inside their soft sourdhou cinnamon doughnuts. Bite-size and so very excellent. If you prefer your Nutella in liquid form order a Coco Pops Milkshake and thank us later. Coco Pop flavoured milk finished with Nutella & fresh Coco Pops – crack it & let the fun begin!
Where: Hibiscus Haven, Miami

Ze Pickle – Oreogazm
Deep fried Oreos in doughnut batter with ice cream and Nutella drizzled on top. The dream.
Where: 1/37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Custard Canteen – Double Choc Brownie Cookie
Chunks of epic choc brownie, Lindt milk and dark chocolates, topped with Nutella. Is it hyperbole to call a cookie life-changing?
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Tallebudgera Creek

Words by Belinda Symons