It’s the destination we all know and love. Relaxed, a little bit retro and constantly surprising us with new places to eat and play. It’s the much-loved suburb that flies under the radar when visitors come to town but to locals, it’s pure magic.

To show our love for this beachside beauty, here are ten things we locals love about Mermaid Beach.

The North Room
Recent receivers of a very prestigious hat, The North Room is an intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which more often than not, is overflowing with folks having the time of their lives as the sun goes down. Little Mermaid has earned the love of locals for their tasty eats, creative cocktails, and generally cool aesthetic – so get there now.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever). The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its Instagram-worthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. While you can certainly purchase the potted petals for your humble abode, you may also like to hire them for an event (which is quite the concept if you ask us). The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach

Lupo
Italian food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and particularly when it comes from Mermaid’s Lupo. Tucked away in the little complex that’s also home to Bonita Bonita, Lupo’s menu is one you’ll never forget. It’s a quiet, laidback space, low-lit & moody, and did we mention one of the very best spots for drinking incredible cocktails and filling your belly with goodness.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Zeppelin Barbers
This is one for the fellas… Zeppelin Barbers is the best on the Coast if the man in your life is looking for a fresh cut. Jase and the team are absolute weapons with the scissors and they deliver quality chat and a frosty beer while they’re at it. Good vibes always.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Surf Club
How good are surf clubs? Mermaid’s is right on the ocean with uninterrupted views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach

Soak Bathhouse
It only opened recently but already Soak Bathhouse has become a firm favourite amongst those who are a little bit partial to some rest and relaxation in a beautiful environment (so everyone). It’s a stunning oasis featuring a magnesium pool, massage rooms, a sauna, spas, and a cold plunge pool. Plus you can get an LED facial and just generally kick your feet up and chill – tried and tested by us and we highly recommend it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak, everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best sides we’ve ever sampled. There are also small plate options and it’s all mind-blowing. We vouch for the gnocchi. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so you should also head in there for bulk margaritas before sampling all of the epic eats on offer.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Bowls Club
Barefoot bowls is never not a fun time and so, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club. Round up the crew on a Sunday afternoon for bulk beers and a little ball throwing (bowling) and then venture onto one of the many eateries (like those listed above) to round out the night.
Where: 2418 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Surely we have convinced you that Mermaid Beach is the place to be by now?

Words by Kirra Smith.

Waffles are a highly underrated sweet breakfast dish, not quite a pancake, but equally as delicious.

Hailing from Belgium and extremely popular in the US, the thick golden, lattice-like treats were somewhat of a rare delicacy in Australia.

However, there are a growing number of venues on the Gold Coast serving up the sweet, topping laden goodness that are waffles.

On March 25th it’s World Waffle Day (which is fab news obviously) here’s our list of the top six spots listed from north to south.

Cardamom Pod
Whether you’re looking for a sweet or a savoury fix, Cardamom Pod has got you covered with their always delicious vegetarian treats. There’s a Banana Bread Sweet Waffle with caramelised banana, peanut butter fudge, mocha sauce, fresh berries and Snickers ice cream, YES PLEASE YUM. 
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Bubbo Dessert
Fresh off the streets of Hong Kong (aka Hong Kong street food) bubble waffles have taken the dessert world by storm and we are lucky enough to have one in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Not your traditional waffle square, these ingenious creations are bubble waffles topped with the most delicious of sweets and wound into a cone shape (can eat on the go). The Galaxy is a charcoal waffle with star lollies in the bubble pockets, RAINBOW ICECREAM, fresh cream, sprinkles, Fruit Loops, chocolate sauce and icing sugar and if that’s not the best thing you’ve ever heard, do you even dessert.
Where: Shop 10, 2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Loose Moose
The US-style establishment boasts an absolutely goodie-packed menu and of course, waffles are a firm favourite. Particularly when they are of the Ferrero Rocher variety. They are a crispy buttermilk waffle with Nutella, double cream, chocolate soil, fresh berries, Ferrero Rocher chocolate, vanilla bean ice cream, raspberry couli and dust. It’s a party in your mouth. Wash that down with a Freakshake and you’ve got yourself a time at The Loose Moose.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Surf Pde

Cowch
Expect next level waffles at the mecca of dessert goodness – Cowch. The options are endless but you can’t go past the Nutella Waffle Sandwich with a stack of two waffles, a generous scoop of chocolate icecream, a handful of strawberries and obviously, a generous amount of crowd-favourite, Nutella. It’s a sugar coma waiting to happen. There are also Belgian Waffles if you’re after more of a classic situation.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

Easy Street Diner
An American-style diner serving up traditional style eats, Easy Street Diner bring you a combination you never thought possible – chicken and waffles. That’s right, Belgian waffles baked to order with southern chicken tenders, maple syrup and whipped butter. Additional crispy bacon comes highly recommended.
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (between Peerless and Sunbrite Ave)

Oh My, Waffle 
Have we left the best for last? We’ll let you decide, but Oh My, Waffle opened not too long ago as a one-stop waffle shop. Yes please! There are 16 different waffles to devour additional vegan options too), but we suggest starting with the classic Straight Outta Burleigh! (big fan of the name…) consisting of a golden waffle topped with strawberries, brownie pieces, melted Whittaker’s Creamy Milk chocolate, ice cream & whipped cream. What’s not to love?
Where: Shop 6,1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Words by Kirra Smith

Radiating good vibes and a tropical, Caribbean theme perfectly suited to its balmy just-off-the-beach location, Poké Poké is bringing brightly coloured bowls of goodness to Mermaid Beach.

Poke bowls have taken the world by storm of late but in case you haven’t heard, the healthy bowls originated in Hawaii and are made up of crunchy salad, tender chunks of fish or meat, mouth watering sauces, nuts, seeds, noodles…any number of things and Poké Poké is leading the charge.

From the street, the first thing you notice is a custom carved front wall boldly enticing you to join the party. Inside the space pops with colour – an emerald green bench seat lines one wall while a neon pink sign beams in the corner declaring “okey dokey time for poké” and bunches of green bananas hang in a wide, sun-lit window.

It’s reminiscent of a tropical island takeaway joint with plenty of space to perch inside and watch the magic unfold or outside on the grass if you’d prefer.

Owner Morgan Walsh, one half of Mermaid Beach favourites Bonita Bonita and BonBon fell in love with the bowls on a recent trip and, as a lover of all things colourful, knew there’d be a market for them here.

At Poké Poké bowl options are abundant. Fresh Off The Boat is made up of the freshest salmon with edamame, zoodles, seaweed and radish on brown rice with wasabi mayo. If you’re in the mood for something warm, the Caribbean inspired roti bowls are for you. Go with the Chicken Curry bowl made up of taro and potato on coconut rice with roti.

Smoothie bowls are a thing too – try the Avocado and Kale with spinach, almond milk and banana.

Of course there are fresh and cold press juices, wine and beer and a soon-to-be-launched cocktail menu. You need never leave.

Don your most colourful Hawaiian get up and your favourite pluggas and get down there, there’s way too much fun to be had.

LOCATION: Cnr Alfred Street and Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: 8am to 8pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith