Finding a café that caters to both caffeine-craving parents and energy-filled little ones can feel like searching for a missing sock in a toddler’s room – nearly impossible. But at Mini & Me in Mudgeeraba, the struggle is finally over!

Mini & Me is the brainchild of Marija Dimitric, a hospitality management graduate who decided to swap textbooks for coffee beans and give the café world a shot. With the help of Z & M Builders, she designed a welcoming space with both indoor and outdoor seating, and dedicated spaces where tiny tots can let their imaginations run wild.

Keeping the kiddos entertained is top priority at Mini & Me, with the focus on floor space being the indoor playroom and the cubby house out the back. Packed with toys, games, books and even a ball pit, there is so much for the little ones to explore. All that’s left for you to do is sit back and savour the serenity. Nestled between several schools, Mini & Me is the perfect pre or post drop-off destination.

Beyond being a kid-friendly haven, Mini & Me is also a foodie’s delight. With a menu that blends Serbian and Australian influences, there’s something for everyone.

The café’s star attraction? Burek! For those unfamiliar with this golden flaky pastry, allow us to fill you in. Devoured for breakfast, lunch or dinner, burek is a delicious filo pastry stuffed with fillings like meat, cheese, spinach or potatoes. Mini & Me make it the traditional Serbian way, rolled into a beautiful spiral.

And for those who love a sweet treat, Mini & Me serves up homemade cakes, Portuguese tarts, baklava and other baked delights that taste just like a warm hug. We recommend a Serbian Zito – a delectable wheat and walnut pudding topped with whipped cream.

Mini & Me caters to all diets with vegan and vegetarian options, as well as sugar-free bites in flavours like Chocolate Hazelnut and Berry Crunch to keep kids happy without the crazy sugar high.

Pair it with a freshly-squeezed juice or a famous homemade lemonade infused with mint, ginger, and honey for a zesty sip.

Both the young and the young-at-heart will be delighted by the creamy milkshakes too. Served in tall, frosty glasses rimmed with a colourful sprinkle of 100s and 1000s, these dreamy drinks are pure joy in a cup.

But let’s be real – what parents truly crave is caffeine. The Turkish-Serbian coffee is a must-try, served in a dzezva (a small copper pot) with a side of sugar cubes or Turkish delight. It’s a little ritual of comfort after a chaotic morning.

Need that coffee fix fast? All your usual espresso brews can be ordered too.

So, next time you’re in Mudgeeraba and in need of caffeine (or just a place where your kiddo can burn off some energy while you breathe for a moment), pop into Mini & Me and swap tantrums for treats!

Where: 5/59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30am  – 1:30pm
Website: https://www.minimecoffeeshop.com
Instagram: @minimecoffeeshop

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby

If golf courses were judged on their cuisine, Boomerang Farm’s new Cook Club would be on par with the best around. Trust us, this place is so good it might just make you forget about your swing and focus on what’s swinging out of the kitchen.

This southeast Asian-inspired gem is the latest creation from Stevie Filipovic, the culinary virtuoso behind Gold Coast favourites like Light Years, Pixie, The Smoking Camel and Moonlight Hibachi Grill & Wine Bar. Stevie has teamed up with Brazilian-born head chef Rodrigo Paraboa, whose impressive resume includes stints at Paper Daisy, Little Truffle and Moustache. With Rodrigo’s signature flair in the kitchen, Cook Club is a hole-in-one (pun intended).

Reimagining what a golf course experience can be, Stevie shared, “Boomerang Farm has been an iconic destination in the local community for decades. The new owners aspire to continue the vision, creating an oasis on the hill – a hideaway from the mundane. Cook Club is the first step in this transformation, guaranteeing the most amazing food on any golf course, ever.”

Let’s talk about the setting. Designed by Studio Co & Co and brought to life by Kew Build, Cook Club is a seamless blend of elegance and natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of Boomerang Farm, just minutes from Mudgeeraba yet worlds away, the space combines the rustic charm of an outdoor bar and restaurant with the lush greens of the nine-hole golf course. Set across 20 hectares of stunning Gold Coast hinterland and surrounded by tropical flora, Cook Club also moonlights as a wedding venue. And trust me, there are even more surprises pencilled in for 2025.

Now onto the food! Rodrigo’s menu is a masterpiece. Small dishes like kingfish ceviche with compressed melon, coconut cream, fresh herbs and finger limes will have you hooked from the first bite. The wok-fried squid with kailan, bean sprouts, black vinegar and chilli is the kind of dish you’ll dream about later. Dumpling lovers, rejoice! The prawn and chive dumplings with nahm jim sauce, crispy chilli and the BBQ pork belly bao with house-pickled vegetables and lime mayo are here to keep the whole crew happy.

For bigger appetites, larger plates prove that golf course food can be gourmet. The wood-fire grilled snapper paired with coconut yellow curry and toasted nuts is pure perfection. And the charcoal-grilled short ribs served with black pepper and tamarind sauce and smoked Asian veggies, will make you forget you ever doubted golf club dining. Don’t forget dessert! The Basque cheesecake with lemongrass caramel is already a fan favourite and is worth every calorie.

After a day on the green, you’ll need to hydrate, and Cook Club’s cheeky cocktails pack a punch. Easy on the Eyes – a refreshing mix of gin, coconut rum, watermelon, and lime – is as smooth as the fairway. Feeling adventurous? Their coloured tongue slushies are here to satisfy your inner child (or your actual kids).

Boomerang Farm’s Cook Club is proof that when it comes to combining great food and golf, they’re onto a winner. So grab your clubs and your appetite, and swing by for a tee-rific feast. You might just find yourself staying for the 19th hole.

Where: 55 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba
When: Monday – Tuesday: 7:30am – 5pm
Wednesday – Sunday: 7:30am – late

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby

Locals love Mudgeeraba and clearly, we do too. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of our iconic coastline, but when was the last time you popped into this hinterland haven? No seriously, it’s a little over 15 minutes from Burleigh (we don’t want to hear you say it’s too far) so you can escape the hustle of the beachside burbs and take our word for it when we say it’s got some of the best eats the Gold Coast has to offer. Big claim, we know, but we stand by it.

We’ve taken the task of finding the best feeds in Mudgeeraba very seriously so you can just pop in and live like a local for the day. So, book a table and pretend you’ve gone bush for a little while, it’s the next best thing to an actual holiday.

Anekawa Japanese
This has got to be one of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets, nestled in the heart of Mudgeeraba’s Village, Anekawa shines a whole new light on traditional Japanese food. Created by chef Koki Anekawa (ex Rick Shores), the menu is a glorious celebration of ethically sourced Australian produce and traditional Japanese fair that we don’t so often see, set to the backdrop of one of the most intimate restaurant spaces we’ve dined in. The menu is ever changing based on the seasonality of produce and availability of specialty seafood, so you know that what they’re dishing up is fresh AF.
Where: Corner of Swan Lane & Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Wine Barrel
An institution among locals, there’s good reason why The Wine Barrel has stood the test of time, serving up some of the best tapas and wine (obviously) going around. The menu is loaded with an epic variety of food from Asian-inspired dishes to classic tacos. Our must-try’s? We can’t go past the pork belly, chilli caramel, coriander and mint to start, followed with the organic black mussels with Napoli, cream and nudja for a serious flavour bomb.
Where: 59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar
We know it might not be fair, but we low key judge a suburb’s foodie scene by their best Indian restaurant, so it’s fair to say Mudgeeraba is serving up the goods. Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar is not only one of our favourite Indian spots in the hinterland, but the whole of the Gold Coast. Think of the aromatic spices and bold flavours that come with authentic Indian food, they’ve got everything covered from hearty curries and succulent tandoori specialities that will keep you coming back.
Where: 3/59 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Bon Appetea
Tucked away in the most beautiful old Queenslander, Bon Appetea brings that English whimsy charm to Mudgeeraba – made even better with the beautiful hinterland back drop. You can pop in for your favourite high tea whether it’s for breakfast, brunch or lunch with luxe options too if you’re feeling a little bit fancy. In case you needed more mo-tea-vation to book in high tea with your favourites, the iconic basque cheesecake is one of our favourite sweet treats on the menu. Heading there in winter? You’ll want to snag a spot fireside while you get cosy, sit and sip on your hot beverage of choice.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Lenny Pizzeria
By now you’ve surely heard all the buzz about Lenny Pizzeria, the woodfired pizza hotspot has been buzzing since their iconic entrance to the Mudgeeraba dining scene. Think next level flavour combinations – we’re looking at you, Chill Kale and Fancy 4 Cheese – you’ll definitely want a pizza this. Perch up under the stars with your nearest and dearest and treat yourself to your favourite drop while you carb load.
Where: Shop 5/58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba 

Mudjira Village Eatery
Now it would be plain old rude of us to miss out on Mudgeeraba’s best breakfast spot. Embrace the laidback vibes of the hinterland at Mudjira Village Eatery, it’s got the country charm you expect from one of the town’s best eats and a full menu of epic eats. We’re all about the maple pecan French toast – try it and thank us later.
Where: 3 Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba

Junior’s Deli
For a taste of New York in the heart of Mudgeeraba you don’t need to look any further than Junior’s Deli. With classic deli sandwiches, toasties and burgers, plus barista coffee supplied by Therefore Coffee these guys have nailed the casual dining vibe. If you’re more about the grab and go life Junior’s have you sorted, you can even take home some of their signature house-made pickles to up your sandwich game and get a taste of the deli at home.
Where: 2/51 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

The Wallaby Hotel
One of the Gold Coast’s oldest pubs, The Wallaby has been serving up cold brews and great food since 1883. If you’re looking for the ultimate pint and parmy combo then you’ve come to the right place. They’ve got all the pub classics you know and love to kick those hunger pains, if you want to get a little adventurous then get around the Native Australian Wallaby Shanks – guaranteed to become your new go-to.
Where 43 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Whisky Lounge
Whisky aficionados will feel right at home at the Whisky Lounge, but don’t stress if you’re a newbie – the legends behind the bar will find you the perfect drop to start your whisky lover journey. It doesn’t matter if your palate prefers a smoky scotch or a smooth bourbon, they’ve got pretty much everything so you can pour, savour and enjoy the flavour. Not into dark spirits? Stress less and don’t whisk yourself away, there’s a delish cocktail menu to keep you busy all night long.
Where: Shop 2A/58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Sensory Boutique
In need of some retail therapy? The Sensory Boutique have the most aesthetically pleasing collection of goodies that have been perfectly curated so you can pick up home décor, scents, jewellery and more. If you’re looking for a fresh fit the team have hand selected pieces just for you. If buying brand-new is so last season for you, in the name of circular fashion, there’s a selection of pre-loved clothing and accessories (chic of course) that you can give a new life.
Where: Shop 24, Franklin Square, 60 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Panchos
Spice up your dining experience at Panchos, this Mexican spot knows what’s up when it comes to good food, good margs and good entertainment – the holy trinity of good vibes. The colourful fit out feels like you’ve stepped straight off the streets of Mexico into an authentic taqueria with the Latin American influence coming from all ends. Did we mention on Thursday’s you can snag a burrito and beer for $25 too? You’re losing money not getting amongst it #girlmath.
Where: 581 Gold Coast Springbrook Rd, Mudgeeraba

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.