Cheers to Palm Beach's newest pad.
Cheers to Palm Beach's newest pad.
Okay is it just us or have you been hanging for an eats/drinks/hangs spot to pop up that’s all about the 80s/90s? Long before Kate Bush started running up that hill again, we played all the old school bangers on loop, gleefully embraced the resurgence of oversized blazers, and totally lost count of how many times we binged Clueless. Oh-so patiently we have bided our time and alas, we wait no more! Enter The Hood 4221 in (no prizes for guessing) Palm Beach – and as if we’re not totally hella bugg’n dawg coz this place is fly and if you think we’re overdoing the vintage slang, you can eat our shorts!
This intimate indoor/outdoor venue, the brainchild of friends Carly and Channey, has all the makings of a new local fave. The fit-out is quite the masterpiece, orchestrated by the talented Bridgette Ford from Arch Interiors, and Wes McCosh from Concept Projects Queensland. We’re talking a colour palette filled with pinkish hues and splashes of black, a bar wrapped in corrugated iron, pink neon lighting, and pot plants in between the bottles of spirits lining the bar shelves. Without a doubt, THE most amazing feature, however, is the one-off artwork covering the interior walls by local artist Timmi Fresh. Think of a collage of black and white era-appropriate poster-inspired art with bursts of graffiti which can only be described as; totally rad.
We love that it’s run by two super cool chicks who decided to take a chance on a wild idea and boom, three months later found themselves living the dream. Sipping on a coffee one morning, Carly and Channey noticed the nearby Kebab shop had gone up for lease – and the cogs started to turn. At first, they just had a laugh throwing around a few ideas but after a quick inspection, they went all in – 90s #girlpower style! Carly is quite accustomed to taking a punt, or at least talking about it, previously appearing on a weekly radio sports show discussing all things punting and horse racing. And Channey isn’t just passionate about natural wine, she’s actually studied it. And by studying, we don’t mean reading the odd wine label at Uncle Dan’s, she legit has qualifications and #lightbulbmoment – this is what we want to be when we grow up!
Serving up simple good food, a cracking 80’s/90’s soundtrack (LOVE) and delicious sips, there’s so much to love here. With Head Chefs Rob Rivers and Kereru Wilson from fellow Palmy crowd-pleaser Burgster, you know you’re in for some shut-up good chow. Their signature dish are the Margarita Chicken Wings, and anything with Margarita in the name is so okay with us.
If you can’t decide which beverage to order, may we suggest The Hood Cosmo because guys, there is nothing more 90s than a Cosmo and suddenly we want watch Sex and the City reruns immediately. The drinks menu also includes a small selection of natural boutique wines poured by the glass, and unique spirit infusions by local Jam Queen, Cicely Nurse. And yes, we said jam in drinks and this is actually a thing!!
So watch this space friends because these girls definitely have more left in the tank, with big plans for more little bars. In the meantime, throw your hair back in a claw clip, don your Doc Martens and make an afternoon or night (or both!) of it at this tubular new spot. Like, totally!
Where: 10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
When: 2pm – 11pm Thursday – Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
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
Combining great-tasting food and sustainably sourced ingredients is a realm we should be looking to head if climate-related headlines are anything to go by. Two brothers who believe in this ethos are brothers Matt and Nick Stanley, who are the gents behind Palm Beach’s soon to open taco den — Costa Taco.
For those who do the rounds of farmers markets, you may recognise these two who also double as the proprietors of Cuzzie Pies. They’re ones to keep themselves busy and have been since holding regular taco pop-ups at Dust Temple’s Summer Series, Alfred’s Apartment and Bundall Farmers Markets; keeping finger-licking tacos coming to the masses right across the Coast.
With the increasing popularity and desire to find themselves a spot to call home, the guys landed themselves a humble yet fun space right on the Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach. This is an honest-style Mexican taqueria where you’ll find no Oz-Mex cliches — only wholly authentic-tasting tacos, ice-cold beers, and a simple but rustic setting where banter and good vibes are guaranteed to gush.
From their time spent around farmers markets and talking with dedicated growers and producers, the two brothers became acutely aware of how our little corner of the world mirrors Mexico’s climate. With near-identical weather patterns and even soil types, they began to experiment with chillies and vegetables, fully appreciating how food from local farmers not only rewards you with quality produce but a much smaller carbon footprint. And before you know it, Costa Taco was born!
Everything you ingest at Costa Taco is sourced from our sun-drenched local area and is highly seasonal. But what else would you expect?
The guys are adamant about keeping their food offering small and delicious — no dishes acting as purely menu fillers here. You’ll have a straightforward choice of five tacos: Beef Birria, Pork Canitas, Guerrero Chicken, Baja Fish and Seasonal Veggie, which comes as your vegan choice. All of these delights come on pillowy corn-based tortillas — meaning zero gluten for you, compadre! Running alongside this will be an ever-changing and evolving sides and specials list with a handful of exciting and ‘of the moment’ dishes the guys are excited for you to try and share amongst friends.
For drinks, you’ll find a small selection of wines and one of the iciest assemblages of Young Henry beers ever seen — perfect for when the spice begins to cut in.
In the space, there’s low seating for couples, and a stand-up bar for those who want to chat whilst they sip beers and munch tacos. You’ll also notice a fun and eye-catching part of the venue is a spice thermometer painted on one of the walls: handily indicating where specific chillies and peppers sit in the grand scheme of hotness. You’ll then have the option of customising your tacos to whatever level of heat your heart desires. Finally… you can now settle that argument over which sauce is the spiciest!
Authenticity is at the heart of Costa Tacos. While Palm Beach might not be a dusty cactus-filled town in Mexico, the local produce and dedication to flavour more than make up for this fact!
Hours: Opening 14 Saturday August 2021 then Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm-late
Where: 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
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.
