Raijin Palm Beach is the new Japanese cafe that is not fluffin' around.
Raijin Palm Beach is the new Japanese cafe that is not fluffin' around.
We’re all for new and exciting things when it comes to eating experiences. Novel dishes which excite with never-experienced flavours and presentation keep us diners on the edge of our seats. And we will happily stay there if it means we get to experience more new concepts. Cafes in particular love to shake up the status quo at times with eats that just scream innovation and often a lot of painstaking work behind the scenes. The newly-opened Raijin — a modern Japanese café — in Palm Beach is the sort of place where an inventive twist on breakfast and lunch awaits.
The space is found with ease just off the Gold Coast Highway, on tree-lined Fifth Avenue in Palm Beach. Upon approach, you’ll see the venue has a low-lit escape-from-the-world vibe inside, or if you prefer, a scattering of tables street side will keep the sun on your skin as you watch bustling Palm Beach go about its day.
Owner Fuji and his team have put together a striking menu that showcases a cult dish that was stumbled across during a visit to Japan a few years back. The Soufflé Pancake is a piece of culinary wizardry as two entirely separate dishes — pancakes and soufflé — are combined. The result is the softest pillows of wobbling deliciousness which beg you to eat with care: utterly fluffy and light, these must be tried to be believed. An added bonus? Being made with mochi rice flour and brown rice powder, all four available dishes featuring these souffle pancakes are entirely gluten-free.
For those who favour something sweet, the Original Soufflé Pancakes come with lashings of whipped cream, real Canadian maple syrup, strawberries and blueberries. A Tiramisu version is much the same but with hearty additions of mascarpone cheese and a good dosing of fresh espresso.
The other two savoury styles are the Super Feed coming with smashed avocado, beetroot paste, buckwheat (optional smoked salmon and/or bacon to amp things up) or our personal favourite, the steamy Carbonara Soufflé Pancakes with bacon, mushrooms, parmesan! — Dreamy!
The menu also features a showcasing of Mochi Crepes, again completely gluten-free and equally as delicious with an array of toppings for you to choose from like Bacon-Egg-Spinach or the elite Smoked Salmon Sour Cream.
All these tantalising dishes will no doubt require adequate beverages to wash them down with, and Raijin doesn’t miss a beat in the drinks department. Speciality coffee is brought to you from Melbourne Roasters Proud Mary and Seven Miles from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with the latter’s Wilde Blend, often used as their Single Origin for black coffees.
For tea aficionados out there, rejoice: the selection of premium organic teas is nothing short of worldly. And if caffeinated drinks aren’t what the heart desires, fresh-squeezed juices and a selection of house-made milkshakes should fit the bill.
With plans on the horizon to serve alcohol and open in the evening, Raijin is looking to slot into the Palm Beach dining scene with a casual Australian-friendly take on classic Japanese-style share dishes. Watch this space, my friends!
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm
Where: 2 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Over the past couple of years Palm Beach (or Palmy as it’s affectionately known) has well and truly been embracing it’s new found cool kid status.
While we can’t pinpoint the exact moment it officially transformed to ‘it’ suburb, lucky locals have been living large of late, with the emergence of all the beachside haunts to frolic between (though they do have to compete a little more for parking these days).
While in years gone by, the only thing reliably making Palmy a ‘must stop’ destination was a quiet-ish (albeit stunning) beach, and the high chance of catching a red on the way through. With an influx of laidback eateries, noteworthy restaurants, swanky bars and luxe boutiques popping up left right and centre, there’s never any shortage of things to do. These days, we can think of at least 19 epic reasons that make this buzzing suburb THE place to be.
Palm Beach’s café game just levelled up with ’94, a matcha haven by Ahmet Taskin. Blending Japanese café vibes with vintage bar aesthetics, it’s serving up house-made syrups, killer matcha creations, and next-level toasties. More than just great sips and snacks, it’s a community hub with plans for running and swimming clubs. Basically, if you’re in Palmy, you need to be here.
Where: 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Rolling into the former Scottish Prince space, Cadillac Supper Club is bringing vintage vibes, moody lighting, and next-level eats to Palm Beach. The brainchild of Bar Evelyn’s Mark Catsburg and Nick Stanton, this spot opened in August 2024, but has recently reimagined itself as an Italo-American pizzeria and bar, serving up wood-fired pizzas alongside its classic dishes. Add in a stacked wine list, top-tier cocktails (hello, Cadillac Classic Martini), and vinyl-spinning DJs on weekends, and you’ve got your new favourite late-night haunt.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Gold Coast is home to many an impressive farmers market and one of our absolute favourites can be found in Palmy on Saturday mornings. From 6am at Palm Beach Currumbin High School you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan foods, specialty coffee, epic doughnuts, flowers, dog treats, the lot. The perfect way to spend a weekend morning.
Where: Thrower Drive, Palm Beach
Overcoming the momentary temptation to leave this one out (in hopes of greedily keeping more of those highly coveted tables all for ourselves) – but no list about epic Palmy spots would be complete with such a glaring omission. Dishing up authentic Mexican eats, the menu is short but sweet, sticking only to their specialities with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Any day featuring beachside, street-style tacos like the zesty Birria Beef (complete with signature consommé to dip), and a coconut marg (because marg) is a very bueno day indeed.
Where: 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Tallebudgera Surf Club has undergone a $12 million renovation, transforming it into a must-visit spot this summer. The upgraded venue offers everything from Bean Surfing Beach Café with coffee and breakfast classics, to a vibrant Sports Bar and an ocean-view Restaurant & Café serving fresh dishes like Lobster Tacos and Seafood Platters. There’s also a killer drinks menu, fun cocktails like the Tallebudgera Thunder, and a Gelato Bar with 12 flavours to cool off. Plus, every purchase supports local lifesavers, making it a win-win for beach lovers.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Those with little ones will attest to the fact that the Pirate Park is up there with the best on the Coast. Located right near the water, the park far exceeds anything you ever got to play on as a kid with a pirate ship stuck in the sand and upended wine barrels perfect for all day climbing. If you don’t have any babes, Dune Café is close by as is the sparkling ocean and a dog beach on Currumbin Creek that’s always good for a laugh.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach (on the left before the Currumbin Creek bridge)
No doubt you’ve already set foot inside The Collective more than once and why wouldn’t you with five restaurants to choose from? Open for lunch and dinner, you can stay all day and, as it’s a communal dining setting, you’re bound to make some new friends along the way. So, if you’re in the mood for pizza and tacos, head to The Collective, order both and wash it all down with a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
It’s every local boho babe’s dream come true. Opened in 2013, White Bohemian stocks all your favourite hippy-esque labels including GD brand Kivari, Byron Bay cult-fave labels SPELL and Arnhem. These guys were one of the first to bring us the magic of the laid-back luxe aesthetic before the #boho trend took over the world (and our wallets), so we trust them and their epic curation of all things effortless style endlessly. There’s homewares too so, you know, prepare to spend up.
Where: Cnr Seventh Avenue and Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
It goes without saying that if you’ve ever driven through Palm Beach, you’ve definitely laid eyes on Balboa Italian. The beautifully appointed double-storey brick building is in a class of its own serving classic Italian dishes with modern interpretations and the freshest of flavours. It’s worth a visit just to experience the fitout, complete with overhead Vespa and exposed brick walls. The cocktails are unique and the wine selection varied. It’s all good to be honest, get down there.
Where:1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Bringing mid-century charm and top-tier coffee to Palmy, Bantr is the new go-to for specialty sips, delicious eats, and a side of banter. Run by longtime locals Dean and Susan Olarenshaw, this laid-back spot serves up All Press Coffee, a TikTok-approved Strawberry Matcha, and crowd-favourite dishes like their famous Breakfast Burrito. With a vibrant atmosphere and a giant Samuel L. Jackson mural watching over your caffeine fix, bantR is where great coffee meets good vibes.
Where: 1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
A somewhat secret cocktail bar, tucked away on the Gold Coast Hwy, Suga specialises in rum and good times and if you’re keen on either or both of those you should absolutely get down there. They have an impressive cocktail menu plus plenty of epic wines (pet nats, yes please) and beers so no matter what, you’re gonna love it.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Launching a cafe in a hip and happening suburb surrounded by competition stiffer than a morning espresso is not for the faint of heart – but ever since they branched out from their OG Tugun location, locals and weary travellers alike have unanimously agreed it’s always a good day for Good Day Coffee Palm Beach. Friendly faces serving Blackboard coffee and other staples like pastries and goat’s fetta laden smashed avo toast – we could easily eat and drink here every day. The epitome of simple eats, and great coffee, done well.
Where: 1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Found upstairs in a sunlit space oozing chill vibes is Ritual Yoga & Pilates. Owned by sisters Rose and Sophie, Ritual is a favourite amongst both Palm Beach locals and those who reside in surrounding suburbs. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation (or a solid sweat session), Ritual is calling your name.
Where: 9b Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Bringing big flavour and even bigger vibes to Palmy, Madame V is the newest hotspot from acclaimed Gold Coast chef Daniel Ridgeway. Expect a menu packed with modern Asian-inspired delights, from Sticky Pork Ribs to Spicy Beef Tenderloin, plus a must-try Yum Cha Sunday featuring all the dumpling goodness your heart desires. The cocktails are just as bold—think yuzu-infused whisky sips and sake-spiked tropical creations. Whether it’s a casual bite, a private dining experience, or an all-out Yum Cha feast, Madame V is the place to be.
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Freshly made bagels with a variety of savoury and sweet options, from classic cream cheese spreads to loaded pulled pork and decadent S’mores French Toast Bagels. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-beach breakfast or post-pilates pick-me-up. The UE Bagels Reuben is elite. Winning gold at the Olympics level elite. With a relaxed, industrial vibe, this café offers both street-side and indoor seating to enjoy your bagels and their signature UE Brew Coffee Blend. Open daily from 6am (or until sold out), it’s a must-visit for any bagel lover!
Where: 5/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach
As we’ve probably already well established by this point, us Gold Coasters are big suckers for a cute fit-out. It’s hard to tell if it’s the perfectly peachy-pink interiors, or the Italian aromas wafting from the kitchen that keep us coming back to Toro’s Pizza like moths to a flame. And spoiler alert: it’s definitely the latter, since there are few smells that compare to that of a freshly baked, still bubbling wood-fired pizza. Carbs, cheese, more cheese, and BYO – this place is what Italian dreams are made of.
Where: Shop 7/2 Eighth Ave, Palm Beach
Sporting a sunny new facade with striped yellow awnings and nautical touches, Neptune Kiosk is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and snack by the water. The kiosk now boasts an expanded space, including a dedicated pick-up window for quicker service. Alongside Marvell Street coffee, you can enjoy fresh juices, smoothies, ice creams, and sweet treats like fresh cinnamon donuts alongside oozy cookies and pastries from Custard Canteen. Open daily from 5:30 am, it’s the ideal stop for creekside caffeine and bites.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Early risers, rejoice! Mylk Well serves up top-notch brews and all-day eats from 5am daily. Brought to life by hospitality pros Sophia Buntine and Victoria Macbain (formerly of Commune), this sleek Scandi-inspired spot dishes out everything from Kimchi Toasties to Chilli Scrambled Sourdough, alongside Coffee Supreme creations that’ll keep you buzzing. Whether you’re after a killer House Hash Benny, a Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad, or just a perfect iced latte, Mylk Well has you covered. Safe to say, Palmy locals will be milking this one for all it’s worth.
Where: 1134 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Step inside this boutique hideaway, and you’ll be grinning like, well… you know who. What’s old is new again at this six-room motel, a nostalgic mid-century dream decked out with retro furnishings and a colour palette straight from the ‘60s—think tangerine oranges, teal blues, and pistachio greens. Whether you pick the Queen Room or the Bungalow, both are madly impressive. Tucked away on the buzzing Palm Beach strip yet hidden in plain sight, just follow the neon glow and cactus-lined walls—you’ll know you’ve arrived.
Where: 1005 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Words by Belinda Symons
We’re all pretty much up to speed with how the ever-evolving Palm Beach scene is something to behold. However, it’s not only novel and ultra-modern apartments we’re witnessing popping up, but also new and exciting hospitality ventures: from on-trend cafes to scintillating nighttime hangouts and about everything else in between.
But, what about a down-to-earth bakery where you can grab yourself a well-poured coffee, some incredible pastries and breads and a space where you can catch up with a friend to watch the world go by? Sounds a little too good to be true, yet it isn’t. Say hello to Well Bread & Pastry — Palm Beach’s newest euro-infused bakery!
South African husband and wife owners Michelle and Stefan spent a great deal of time working and living in Europe whilst in their twenties, and amongst their adventures and discoveries in food, there was always a strong love for bread. After many years of perfecting the art of baking the perfect loaf, chef Stefan decided it was about time he let some fortunate members of the public enjoy his efforts. And after moving from Melbourne only a few months ago, the couple has decided Palm Beach is where they intend to make this happen.
The shop space oozes French countryside bakery vibes, warm exposed wooden features with a serene and sophisticated olive green throughout. There’s some serious window benchtop action going down as well, so if you like to people-watch or grab something and have some space to yourself, you’ll be smitten. Otherwise, there’s a handful of tables for you to take a load off and enjoy yourself something a little bit tasty.
The guys here aren’t on a mission per se, but they do want to dispel the myth that bread isn’t good for you. By using live cultures in the baking process and avoiding heavily refined grains for sustainably sourced and organic flours, you can be assured that their fresh-out-the-oven breads aren’t going to spoil all those hours you’ve spent in the gym. There is a sizeable collection, including Whole Grain Sourdoughs, Milk Loaves, and Pumpkin and Soy Rolls — freshly baked and all deliciously golden brown.
On the pastry front, you’ll find drool-worthy Croissants, Pain Au Chocolats and Biscuits galore, but if you prefer something a little more substantial, you’re in luck. They’re also putting together ready-made sandwiches and their own piping hot home-baked pies right out of the oven.
For appreciators of only the best coffee, you’ll be pleased to read two different Paradox products are being utilised. The lauded Surfers Paradise roastery’s much loved Penny Lane blend will be the go-to and a rotating Single Origin for all the black coffee fans out there.
Having been open for less than a week, it seems Palm Beach has truly welcomed Well Bread & Pastry since their opening day — by turning out in huge numbers and buying bread like it’s going out of fashion. We say get in on the action and enjoy your reason to fall back in love with bread again!
Where: 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
When: Tuesday — Sunday, 6am – 2pm
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
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
