Oh, bagels, aren’t you just the best thing since sliced bread. You’ve got to admit, schmearing cream cheese on a crisp, toasted bagel for breakfast makes you feel a cut above the rest, especially when chosen over sliced white. In the spirit of feeling superior, we decided to do some community service to find you the finest bagels the Gold Coast has to offer.

A tiresome task? Never. A tasty one? You bet! Here’s our list of 6 of the best.

UE Bagels
The UE Bagels Reuben is elite. Winning gold at the Olympics level elite. Think hot silverside, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing and pickles, all blanketed with melted cheese on a house-made bagel. If that doesn’t make you drool, you are clearly dehydrated and need to drink some water. Where can they go from there, you ask?  And to that, we say heaven. Donut French Toast Bagel heaven! It’s a French toasted bagel tossed in cinnamon sugar with a cream cheese honey spread topped with a dollop of jam. It’s safe to say UE Bagels is our new guilty pleasure.
Where: 6/482 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes and 5/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach

Tarte Bakery
Oh Tarte, how we love thee. Tarte does everything well, and bagels are no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned bagel lover or a newbie, Tarte’s offerings will have you coming back for a hole lot of deliciousness! Let’s start with the classic salmon bagel. Tarte’s version of this OG is artistically topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, pickled qukes, salted onion, crispy capers, and house-made ‘Everything Bagel’ seasoning.

It’s also worth noting (and ordering) that their tomato soup is served with a toasted triple cheese bagel! It’s a mind, body, and soul experience, and we recommend you dive right in.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

O Bagel
Producing potentially the best bagels this side of Manhattan, oh boy, we’re onto a winner here! Is it the way they make their house-made fluffy rounds of carb-deliciousness? Or is it their superior selection of classic to innovative sandwiches? It’s got to be both! From their unadulterated cream cheese bagel to their ‘chicken run’ stuffed with deep smoked parmesan chicken, herbal truffle ranch and cos lettuce — their menu is a hole-in-one. Let us leave you with some parting words of wisdom — mocha cream cheese bagel.
Where: Shop 2/2791 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach and Shop C9 2A Nexus Way, Southport

Hole Bagel Co
Traditionally hand rolled, then boiled and baked. Hole Bagel Co is here to keep things classic with authentic bagel baking techniques and crowd-pleaser toppings, all served at farmers’ markets around the Gold Coast. You’ve got to love that! Their turkey, brie, cucumber and cranberry sandwich is extraordinary. Or choose from their easy ‘bagel and schmear‘ option to savour their delicious homemade bagels with a simple, yummy spread.
Where: Palm Beach Currumbin Farmers Markets on Saturdays and HOTA Markets on Sundays.

Paddock Bakery
Calling all egg benny devotees! Your Sunday morning go-to has officially been elevated. Introducing the Benny Bagel. As the name suggests, it’s your classic eggs benedict, but now on a wood-fired bagel. Choose from the crispy eye bacon and rocket, salmon and spinach or halloumi and rocket. Not a benny fan? Paddock says no problem! Classic lovers can enjoy their signature toasted cream cheese or smoked salmon bagel.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh

Scout Coffee & Bagels
We have a little treat for our vegan friends! A vegan bagel complete with homemade plant-based meatloaf, avo, vegan mayonnaise, beetroot hummus, tomato and spinach served on a sesame bagel. Now that’s guilt-free! And for those forever weak at the dairy knees, they have something for you, too! Their blueberry burst is just as magical as you imagine, with a toasted blueberry bagel topped with blackberry-infused cream cheese and blueberries and gorgeously garnished with flowers! Say less!
Where: 1/233 Turpin Road, Labrador

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

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

Summer’s here which means the days are longer, the nights are balmy and there’s no place you’d rather be eating than alfresco. Enter: the only dining destination you need to know about whether you’re looking for your coffee fix or something a little more fancy, we’ve found your Oasis for all things summer dining in Broadbeach.

Caffeine Hit
But first, coffee. A fan fave, Elk Espresso’s menu changes seasonally, but we inevitably choose their Panna Cotta served with seasonal produce. It’s always as delicious as it is ‘grammable. Paired with their speciality coffee it’s a combo that will have you wondering it’s bean all your life.

For a brew-tiful start to the day, Base Broadbeach have nailed the art of Cold Drip – served over ice and prepared for five hours for that sweetness and clarity you know and love. Our go-to all year round, you could say we love it a latte.

The Institutions
They’ve been around longer than you remember, or maybe even long than you’ve been alive (hi Gen Z). We can’t say no to The Broadbeach’s classic Chicken Parmigiana – family argument over whether it’s a parmi or parma optional.

It’s the classic Italian you know and love for good reason, Mario’s knows pizza and pasta like no other. Dine in alfresco or get your pizza to go for a cheeky picnic on the beach.

If you need a sweetie treatie, donut worry Madison’s have the ultimate line up of pastries and baked goods for when those cookie cravings kick in – did someone say Biscoff cheesecake?

Sharing Is Caring
They put the ‘yum’ in Yum Cha, Grand Dynasty is the place to feast with the fam or friends. They’ve got all the classics you know and love like steamed prawn dim sims and bbq pork buns, so we know you’ll be crazy a-bao it.

In the mood to spice up your life? Satay no more. If you haven’t Thai’d the Crispy Pork Belly with kaffir lime sauce (our flavour of choice) from Spice Kitchen & Bar then seriously, what have you been waiting for?

Appetite as big Godzilla’s? Well we’ve got the spot for you. Harajuku Gyoza say you’ll leave feeling like a sumo wrestler and they mean it because you’ll be wanting to taste each and every delicious dumpling. Their Cheeseburger Gyoza with ketchup, mustard and pickles is a must-try.

Chill Eats
Get the So-Cal vibes at California Taco and let’s taco bout how fish tacos > all other flavours. There. We said it. Grab a couple of the classic OG Fish Taco with crumbed white fish, mango & pineapple salsa, white cabbage, baja aioli and salsa fresca on a corn tortilla. Yes. Please.

There’s no better place to perch up with a pint and people watch than The Loose Moose. The Jalapeno Poppers are morsels of spicy goodness, balanced with your brew of choice of course.

Feelin’ Fancy
In case you needed a reason to pull out your favourite fancy ‘fit, these guys are bringing boujee to Broadbeach. Sofia’s classic Cacio e Pepe has hit cult status quickly for the flavour and theatrics, with linguine, cream, cracked pepper served at the table and tossed in their 40kg parmesan wheel – yes, you read that right. The parmesan might not be the only thing needing to be wheeled out.

One of the newer kids on the block, Luna’s Gnocchi al Pomodoro is a game-changer. With hand-made gnocchi, tomato sauce, parmesan and fresh basil – sometimes less is so much more.

Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: Various opening hours

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE OASIS SHOPPING CENTRE