Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.

And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.

Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters

The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. 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 to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters

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, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean 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 – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach

The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. 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

Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned 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 (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their 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 head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

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