Last week we shared all of the exciting restaurants that opened in 2020 and today we’re here to round up the cafes.

So without further ado, here’s every delightful newbie we had the pleasure of visiting last year and you should get pumped about it, there’s some epic ones.

My French Pastries
We always do a little happy dance when a new patisserie opens on the Gold Coast and especially when that new patisserie is filled with fancy French goodies that we could eat all day long. Which is exactly what’s happening at Robina’s My French Pastries. Perfect sweet treats.
Where: Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Custard Canteen
The team behind Bam Bam Bakehouse and Cubby Bakehouse did it again with the opening of their newbie Custard Canteen. An exceptional Talle Creek newbie specialising in yes, Portugese custard tarts that are some of the most delicious things we’ve ever put in our mouths. Of course, they have a full brekky and lunch menu, coffees and other sweet treats and absolutely everything is life changing.
Where: Tallebudgera Recreation Centre, Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Macro Kitchen
A new healthy eating hub moved into Burleigh Heads bringing tasty bowls, dishes high in nourishing goodness, protein, all the things. Macro Kitchen is simply perfect for our little Burls. They also offer healthy beverages and take-home meals, so you really need never cook or eat unhealthily again. Happy days.
Where: 2/1837 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Plant Based Cafe
Up Paradise Point way a healthy, new plant-based cafe opened much to the delight of locals and they are serving up some absolutely beautiful treats. Both in the taste sensation and Insta snap-worthy ways. Think perfectly put together açai bowls and avocado toast but like you’ve never seen them before. Coffee goodness by Byron Bay Coffee Co. and plenty of good vibes to go around.
Where: 1/2 Grice Avenue, Paradise Point

Bonnie’s Industrial Café
First cab off the rank after iso times was Bonnie’s Industrial Café in Ashmore. Bonnie and her team are serving up absolutely epic stacked burgers, 14-hour slow cooked meats, fresh salads and coffee to go. It’s café food, made amazing. Get involved.
Where: 2/26 Expo Court, Ashmore

Common Ground
A stunning space in Burleigh Heads was recreated to open as a stunning new brunch venue known as Common Ground. It’s the work of two local hospo legends Euan and Bella Lovell, part owners of Broady’s Fig + Frankies and their partner Matt Tranter and it’s very, very good. The menu is made up of beautiful plated eats, all with a little something special. You’re going to want to try it all, trust us.
Where: 2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Baker
Baked goods are life. Particularly those by the team at Burleigh Baker who have made the lives of Gold Coast locals better for many years. Everything from the very best pies, sourdough in so many amazing flavours (hello olive), custard tarts and the very best of croissants can be found at Burleigh Baker. They opened a new venue at Paradise Point recently and it’s every bit as good as the first. Right near the water too. Perfection.
Where: 6 Bruce Avenue, Paradise Point

Kylie’s Cupcakery
The Coast’s cult cupcakery opened a new store in Nerang and it instantly became one of the most popular spots around. For good reason too. Kylie is creating absolute masterpieces when it comes to cupcakes including flavours like The Unicorn, complete with edible glitter, Nerds, Turkish Delight and Lemon with Elderflower Buttercream. Yep. There’s also an incredible Unicorn Shake you’re going to want to sample. And take many Insta snaps of.
Where: 6 Lavelle Street, Nerang

D Point 10
The donut kings are absolutely taking over the Gold Coast and with good reason, they’re making some absolutely incredible flavours of donut. Think Gaytime, Oreo, Red Velvet and their latest creation, Caramilk. There’s minis and regular sized donuts and they’re all absolutely amazing. Get one of each just to be sure.
Where: A2/201 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes

The Backyard Cafe
The latest of the bunch is The Backyard Cafe, by the team behind Bine Beer Bar, Hideaway Kitchen and Bar and a few other venues you know and love. The newbie can be found at the site where The Yard once lived and it’s going to be both a cafe and a restaurant with pop up food trucks with lots of good old fashioned family and community vibes. This is a good one.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

Parkway Coffee
Robina gained a pretty new brunch spot in the form of Parkway Coffee, by the gals at Third Base in Palm Beach and it comes with the same community feels, menu packed with goodness and of course, excellent coffee. Do yourself a favour and get on down to try it out.
Where: Robina Quays, 16b, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Tarte Bakery & Café
Something very special arrived in Burleigh in late August and if you haven’t already had the pleasure, stop reading and get down there right now. It’s Tarte Bakery & Café and it’s the work of former Paddock Bakery owner Chloe Watts. Filled with incredible baked treats, brunch dishes and exceptional coffee, it’s one of a kind and we’re in love.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Stones Throw
While not a newbie, Stones Throw did move to a new location so that’s good enough for us. The crew that once called Burleigh home, packed up and headed on down to Currumbin to serve up their much-loved menu in a new garden oasis. Happy days for Currumbin locals.
Where: 9 Station Street, Currumbin

The Hunted Café
Venture out into the leafy oasis that is Bonogin and you’ll find cosy newbie The Hunted Café serving up tasty breakfast and lunch dishes, housemade baked goods and plenty of tranquillity. It’s owned by a local family so you can expect all the community hospitality too. A real treat, do yourself a favour and get out there.
Where: 555 Bonogin Road, Bonogin 

Vanilla Lily
Coolangatta got a pretty new coffee spot in the form of Vanilla Lily, overlooking the ocean on Marine Parade. From the team at Café Kirra, the newbie has a menu packed with healthy, nourishing eats including dishes like a delightful Avo Toast and Acai bowls, plus a range of smoothies that are perfect for those extra balmy days we’re about to experience again. Head down and give them some love.
Where: Shop 2, 110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Palm Springs Cafe
One of the Coast’s most beautiful venues opened in 2020 and if you haven’t already had the pleasure of visiting, we suggest you get down there quick smart. It’s called Palm Springs Cafe and it can be found on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Gardenia Grove boasting breakfast cocktails of the Margarita, Bloody Mary and Espresso Martini varieties and a nourishing, goodie-filled menu that’ll have you returning time and time again. Same.
Where: Cnr Gardenia Grove and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Trio Café
Trio can be found inside Glow on Energy Circuit and it’s a beautiful, welcoming space decked out in lots of bright white. To eat, there’s brunch delights like Açai Bowls and crowd favourites Avocado Toast (with marinated feta, housemade dukkah and lemon oil thank you very much) and Bacon and Egg Rolls, plus a Chicken Ranch Salad if you want something a little lighter. At lunchtime, there are some absolutely stacked burgers including a Korean Fried Chicken Burger that might change your life.
Where: 10 Energy Circuit, Robina

Made
A sleek new space that’s both a barber and a barista in one, it’s a new Tugun spot you’re going to want to try ASAP. Brit and Josh have created a sweet community hub where you can pop in for a Moonshine brew and then get yourself a little trim (dudes only). There are baked goods by the team at Fuel Bakehouse too so it’s pretty much the best time you can have.
Where: 2B/417 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Heartwood Espresso
Kirra’s newest addition is Heartwood Espresso, found right opposite the beach and boasting the perfect menu for when you’ve just rolled in off the sand and want something refreshing and also delicious to fill you up. Perfect for those spring days that just arrived.
Where: 2/74 Musgrave Street, Kirra

Stone Studio
Down Kingscliff way, a pottery studio slash café opened and it’s an absolute dream. Stone Studio is the work of two very passionate locals who wanted to allow people the opportunity to take some time out from their loves and create something special. Which is exactly what happens at any number of their workshops and classes. Combine that with a cuppa and some baked goodies and everything is golden. Do yourself a favour and head down there ASAP.
Where: 1/110 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Oakberry Acai
Just in time for the heat, Oakberry Acai moved onto James Street serving up fresh, cold acai bowls and smoothies for the barefoot Burleigh Heads gang. Found on a corner space and with seating overlooking the street, it’s the perfect spot for people watching and consuming something refreshing after a day at the beach.
Where: 1/30 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Wavy Bone
From coffee cart to standalone café, Wavy Bone has transformed in 2020 and we are here for it. You can still expect the same five-star Blackboard Coffee but this time you can sit down in a sweet space to enjoy it, along with some mouthwatering baked treats and gourmet toasties. Wavy Bone can be found in Chirn Park which is a beautiful spot should you not be from around there.
Where: 1/36 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

Liquid Dreams
A colourful new juice bar opened up down Coolangatta way not long ago and it’s the perfect place to get on the healthy eating (and drinking) train ahead of summer. There’ll you’ll find absolutely stacked acai bowls, a huge array of fresh juices, smoothies, watermelon cups, chia cups, all of the things. It’s all so very good for you and so very yummy. So good to refresh after a day in the sun too.
Where: Ward Street, Coolangatta

There you have it, a whole slew of goodness to sink your teeth into ASAP.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Is it ever too late for a cup of the good stuff? The haters will say yes, but the loyal bean lovers will argue otherwise and frankly – we agree!

For those who love themselves a coffee (isn’t that all of us?), getting yourself a cup of steamy — or icy — inspiration after 3pm is tough. We’re aware most cafes close around 1pm, or at a push 2pm. And that’s all perfectly well and fine. However, if your cravings for caffeine don’t have any sense of time, this situation undoubtedly causes you some unnecessary upset.

You want to organise an afternoon meeting but everywhere is closed? We hear you. Put down the Google search because we’ve done the heavy lifting and found the Gold Coast’s best spots serving up the good stuff after 3pm. These cafes recognise that coffee never sleeps and continue to serve it well into the afternoon, and in some cases, the evenings. So when those mid-afternoon caffeine withdrawals start to kick in, fear not, we got you.

Tarte Beach House
You know, weekdays aren’t the only time you need a late arvo coffee moment – and Tarte Beach House understood the assignment. Your nights get later come Friday to Sunday so it just makes sense that they’re on the tools until 5pm – the perfect time for your last brew before you start taking your coffee in espresso martini form.
Where: Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Nook Espresso
The ultimate little coffee nook for your afternoon pick me up, Nook have been brewing the goods for as long as we can remember and lucky for us – they do it until 4.30pm every week day. Bonus points that it’s in primo location for the parents among us desperate for some coffee goodness post school pick up.
Where: Stocklands Burleigh, 149 W Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads

Buoy
Oh Buoy, have we been waiting for a spot in Nobby’s to fill the afternoon coffee shaped hole in our heart. With coffee on tap until 5pm – conveniently coinciding with the end of your work day – pop in for a cuppa and pick up those last minute groceries for dinner (that you definitely didn’t forget) at The Oxley Village Grocer.
Where: The Oxley, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

Black Dingo Café
Southern Gold Coasters have we found a treat for you, one of the newest cafes on our foodie scene, Black Dingo is already loved by locals for pouring up cups of liquid gold until 3pm every day. Serving up The Cats Pyjamas Coffee AND the most epic ocean views, we don’t need to convince you why to check this one out.
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta

Madison’s Café
Our knight in shining coffee (and treaties), this Broadbeach institution is known for satisfying your coffee craving all. day. long. Fear not because their coffee machine is on until 6pm and bonus points for the fact that you can finish with a cookie croissant – if there’s any left, that is!
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Rose Gelateria
Should you find yourself in Sanctuary Cove after a mini shopping spree, a game of golf, parking up your superyacht (same) or decadent dinner at one of The Marine Village’s iconic restaurants, this gelateria is serving up delicious gelato right up until late (9pm in fact). The same is said for their perfectly made coffee, which you can have poured over gelato. Just saying…
Where: Shop 39a Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Fixx Café and Lounge
Fixx my name, coffee fix by nature, one of our favourite spots inside QT Gold Coast just gets that once the clock strikes twelve we’re still looking for the good stuff aka coffee. Pop in for the crowd favourite high tea or if you’re on the run, takeaways are on the table until 4pm.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Ottimo
With owner Davide holding a Diploma of Gelato making from the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy (no joke), you’d be right to have a sneaking suspicion the gelato here is likely out of this world. And in truth: it is! Mix it with all-day (until 9.30pm-10pm every night) served coffee utilising beans roasted in Italy, and you have a slice of Europe in Coolangatta. Bellissimo!
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

South Coast Coffee Co.
Being one of the Gold Coast’s best roasters and dispensaries of magnificent coffee is not enough for these guys, oh no. They also have an adjoining café space with out-of-this-world sweet treats and coffee flowing till 5pm during the week (4pm Sundays) – we’ll cheers to that.
Where: Shop 3G10, Capri Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Merlo Torrefazione (Brickworks)
If coffee is a happy part of your life (and if it isn’t, are you okay?) then you’ll want to pay a visit to these guys in Southport for you CBD folks. With pretty much every known piece of coffee apparatus under one roof, you can’t go wrong. They also roast on-site and serve coffee right up till 6pm most days, so you know it’s good.
Where: Brickworks Ferry Road, 107 Ferry Rd, Southport

The Kiosk Burleigh
All that walking (or running if that’s what tickles your fancy) is thirsty work so before you hit the pavement, we’re guessing you’re going to need a cheeky caffeine hit. Enter: The Kiosk Burleigh, answering our coffee prayers all the way up until 7pm – never too late for a latte if you ask us.
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Riverland Kitchen
This creekside all-rounder brings brekkie bites and gourmet burgers to the banks of Terranora Creek and serves coffee until 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Where: 45 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

A wise person once said that coffee makes the world go ‘round… or was it money that makes the world go ‘round? Either way, money buys coffee so same thing if you ask us. And let us tell you there’s an abundance of incredible coffee beans roasted right here on the Gold Coast.

And what’s not to love about the humble coffee bean? Well, these guys would say nothing, because what else is versatile enough to bring the energy in the morning before turning into the GOAT of cocktails in the evening – can you tell we’re a fan?

So, whether you know your coffee or you just like to think you know your coffee, we’ve found the best coffee roasters in our very own backyard so you can walk in and flex that knowledge like you’ve been studying the humble bean for years.

If you’re the kind of person that needs a brew at home before you even think about being an actual human (same), then here’s your key to take home and brew up the pearls of their labour or sit back and get them to do it for you, here they are for your jitter juice slurping pleasure.

Merlo Coffee Torrefazione
Escape our subtropical climates for just a moment, and pretend you’ve found your way to Italy at Brickworks Ferry Road in Southport. Italian for coffee house, Merlo’s Torrefazione is a haven of all things coffee and features an in-store air roaster, meaning a constant steady flow of the freshest espresso. Chat all things coffee and let their staff teach you about their blends and make you the perfect grind on the spot depending on what method you use at home.
Where: Brickworks Ferry Road, 107 Ferry Rd, Southport

First Fruits Specialty Coffee
Found in both Labrador and Southport, First Fruits believe coffee is an art form. Beans are ethically sourced and of the highest quality, and the team are very knowledgeable on all aspects of coffee. They roast in medium and city roast styles which bring out the oh-so delicious flavours of the bean and offer a smooth, balanced flavour.
Where: 129-133 Olsen Avenue, Labrador and 1 Griffith Way, Southport

Willy’s Beans
One of the newest roasters on the block, there’s a reason we ‘willy’ love what these guys bring to the table… errr, cup. Tucked away in Burleigh Heads, the coffee warehouse opened its doors in July and locals can’t get enough of the specialty coffee that Willy’s Beans have been brewing. Celebrating the art of coffee making, the boutique roastery pays homage to the heritage of the Colombian-grown beans that are expertly roasted onsite. They’ve got a range of blends for any style of coffee you’re looking to brew at home, so let the expert team guide you to your perfect match.
Where: 1/4 Ramly Drive, Burleigh Heads

Profile Coffee Colab
Don’t let its size fool you, Profile Coffee Colab is a hive of activity and if you’re a frequent visitor like us, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Bringing the buzz (and we don’t just mean the coffee) this local roastery is the home of Joy Organic Coffee Roasters and boasts the Gold Coast’s biggest range of specialty coffee! The line-up grows each and every week so if you’re looking for incredible coffee to enjoy at home, look no further. Not only do they have coffee en masse and beans roasted onsite to take home, but there’s also a co-roasting space, coffee training centre and coffee courses in case you’re looking to certify those coffee snob skills.
Where: 109 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Waters

Kuki Coffee
Kuki by name, Kuki by nature but in the best kind of way – these guys have been fuelling some of your favourite coffee spots so if you’re a Rafiki stan you’ll have tasted the sweet flavours of Kuki Coffee before. Using an air roasting method that brings hot air to circulate and roast the beans, a unique approach that means you’re getting a more consistent roast and flavour profile so you can trust your daily cuppa tastes the same every. Single. Day. Pop into their espresso bar which is right near their roasting warehouse for a brew to go and to ask the team all things coffee – they’re guaranteed to find your perfect match.
Where: 2/40 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh

Silipo Coffee
The team at Silipo Coffee use the very best green coffee beans from farms around the world. They’ve been in the coffee business for over 20 years, so they know what’s up when it comes to the perfect brew. Where possible, Silipo Coffee sources organic and fair-trade beans, and the end result is some of the tastiest coffee around. Sip in-store or take some beans home for yourself.
Where: 9/54 Bailey Crescent, Southport

Paradox Coffee Roasters
Speaking of people who know all about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters are all about the journey. They purchase quality green coffee beans from estate farms and co-operatives where farmers receive a fair wage for their work. The roasting team has over 15 years of experience, and they are committed to producing the highest quality of coffee there is — just ask the locals!
Where: 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

South Coast Coffee Co.
Formerly known as Pomeroys Coffee Roasters, this Isle of Capri based roastery has a strong ethos: Great coffee isn’t created by accident; it is designed to be great from the start. And the proof is tasted in every cup. Multi-awarded with national titles over the last five years, the team take mountains of care when it comes to crafting blends considering what regions beans come from, the altitudes they grow at and what sort of soil they come from. Don’t just take our word for it; visit their café at Capri on Via Roma Shopping Centre and taste it for yourself.
Where: Capri on Via Roma Shopping Centre Shop 3G10, 15 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Koko Coffee Roasters
Passionate about roasting coffee and serving it to the people, Koko Coffee Roasters are all about trying new ideas and honing their skills so they can ensure you get the absolute best brews possible. Offering both espresso and filter coffee, drop in for a chat to learn a little more about coffee or grab some beans and equipment to take home and make your own.
Where: 17 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Blackboard Coffee Roasters
With almost a decade under their belt, these guys are one of the Coast’s best-known producers of fine coffee beans. What they do with them is utter magic. If you don’t believe us, try any number of their products, from innovative biodegradable coffee capsules to high-grade instant specialty coffee — these guys are true thinkers outside the box. And if you haven’t had the chance to delve into their deliciousness, change up your local cafe to one of MANY cafes located across the Coast that offer their beans!
Where: Roastery located in Burleigh

Quest Coffee Roasters
Burleigh’s beloved coffee aficionados Quest have been roasting up a storm for many, many years, and their brews’ quality is always exceptional. Their roasts are hand-crafted and organic and create the absolute perfect brew. Beans are as fresh as can be, selectively sourced, and only the best will do. You can pop in for a cuppa at the espresso bar or take some home to work your own magic with them. Quest recently branched out to a brand new cafe in Broadbeach, Banksy Bar & Kitchen.
Where: 20 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Laughing Pug Coffee Company
If their name doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe their innovative coffee drip bags will. Ideal for the next time you go camping — or are experiencing the hangover from hell — you can have speciality grade coffee with just the flick of your kettle switch. No grinding, no mess, and no fuss! They’re also quite the experts on brewing methods and offer friendly advice on how to brew and which of their blends work best with what. And if you are the organised type, sign up for a subscription and have your monthly caffeinated supplies delivered right to your door. — Now you’re talking!
Where: Brewed in Burleigh Heads, available online. Pickup from Pug HQ available.

Social Espresso
The Burleigh Heads team have nailed it when it comes to smooth, tasty brews and we’re big fans. Not only can you visit them at their brand new HQ (it’s where you’ll find us most mornings), but you’ll also find their roasts in cafés across the Coast, and you can take them home to pop in your machine. Their perfectly crafted coffee comes with a side of passion and all of the knowledge, and you can rest assured you’ll be handed the perfect cuppa every single time.
Where: 1/9-11 Fremantle Street, Burleigh