Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.

And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.

Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters

The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters

Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach

The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach

Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

Ok we can’t herb our enthusiasm here, because Miami’s café caper just got more unbe-leaf-able.

Taking over from The Elegant Shed in Hillcrest Parade, you’ll find a new eats and sips spot all dressed up and ready to grow!

Say aloe(vera) to Ferg’s, and no we’re not referring to Prince Andrew’s ex, but the eclectic garden-shed vibing café serving restaurant quality food.

Paul Carter is the new boss-man in town, aptly choosing the acronym F.e.r.g.s for his delicious breakfast and brunch venue.

So what the heck does Ferg’s stand for you ask and lettuce explain. It means Fresh Eats Really Good Sh*t and #IbegYourGarden?!

Serving up the freshest local produce, the name certainly fits and was simply mint to be.

Choosing the location for its hip and happening factor, multifaceted culture and super friendly local spirit, Paul and the Ferg’s team are bringing good old-fashioned community shed feels to the ‘hood.

When you walk in, there’s not a single too-cool-4-school pouting barista or waitperson in sight.

Everyone is smiling, plus they remember your name and srsly this sort of service gives us the warm and fuzzies every day of the week.

Ferg’s certainly looks the part, with its woody, kinda rustic, mismatched, and entirely charming aesthetic and swagger.

Upon entry, you’re eyes are drawn to the large concrete table in middle of the space, summonsing you to pull up a pew and chew the fat with fellow Ferg’s folk.

Or, plonk yourself on one of the bar stools lining the perimeter, chill on the bench seat (if you’re lucky – it’s prime real estate), or bags one of the few tables and chairs out front under funky mustard and white umbrellas.

Recruiting Head Chef Wendy Ortiz (ex-Overdose Specialty Coffee in Ramsgate Beach, New South Wales) and Aleesha Forno of Miss Moneypenny’s fame to design the menu was an Expert Level Pro move.

The food is honestly five-star restaurant quality and totally ex-seeded all our expectations.

The frontrunner and signature dish is Lemon Meringue Crumpets and the name alone is enough to induce a lip-licking reflex.

Made with Sourdough Co crumpets, house lemon curd, oat crumble and berry gel, it’s beyond be-leaf.

We also feel all the feels for the Smashed Avo Taco because anything involving avocado and tacos is destined to end up in our stomachs.

Served in a blue corn taco, feast on smashed avocado, fetta, watercress, and seeds.

If you or someone in your fold is a staunch meat eater, the Bacon & Egg Roll will hit the spot with greens, hickory smoked bacon, egg, Swiss cheese, and house relish.

Beverage-wise, pair your chow with coffee brewed with Gabriel beans, a cuppa tea, iced drinks, milkshakes, thick shakes, smoothies, and dairy-free smoothies like the Banoffee. With banana, rolled oats, maple syrup, an espresso shot (wakey wakey!), peanut butter, cocoa powder and almond milk, it’s better than the dessert.

The signature sips would have to be the Hrvst St cold pressed juices, and nothing prickles our fancy more on a stinking hot summer’s day.

May we recommend the Ruby Tuesday with watermelon, pink lady apple, pear, rhubarb and lime #TheBee’sKnees.

So if it’s fresh, restaurant-quality eats, smiley service, and a community feel you crave, Ferg’s is your new BFF.

And watch this space coz boozy brunches and nights are in the pipeline, meaning we can soon eat, drink (like, drink drink), and be rosemary.

Where: 2/43 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: 5.30am – 1.30pm Monday to Friday & 6am – 12pm Saturday & Sunday

 Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.

Of all the things we love, nothing ruffles our truffles like a Boozy Brunch. Not quite breakfast, not quite lunch, but the perfect combo of both with giggle-juice to boot. So when Melbourne’s (un)official home to the boozy brunch set its sights on our very own Main Beach, holy hollandaise Batman, our resting brunch face went full woo-girl. Yes folks, The Winey Cow has arrived and no, we’re not referring to your mother-in-law popping in unannounced, but the infamous, award-winning, family-friendly café. Set to redefine the brunch concept as we know it, all we can say is go ahead and mimosa our day!

Opening earlier this week, The Winey Cow is the bee’s knees of brunches….or the bovine’s spine even, and we really should have been poets. Taking home gongs for Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant in Melbourne, we’re in for something spesh. And not just us, but also our pups who are not only welcome, but have a dedicated Fido-friendly menu just for them. And let us tell you, this is going down a treat with the doggo mums and dads of Main Beach, which sounds like a new reality TV show. Often spotted sashaying down Tedder with their furry friends in tow, The Winey Cow is just what the doctor…and vet…ordered for our MB locals, always seeking trendy new spots for a quick bite, takeaway coffee, or a marathon meal.

Owners Cam and Jill Henderson, Jade Bremner, Rui Lourenco, Britt Ryan, and Magenta Hornsey, we salute you. This gorgeous indoor-outdoor venue not only serves up the most incredible nosh for breakfast, brunch or lunch, but also hits all the right style notes. The warm rustic entry sets the mood and along with the glorious aromas wafting out from the kitchen, lures passers-by to step inside.

Here’s you’ll find a fresh, clean aesthetic with lots of white, blonde wood hues, and plenty of strategically placed lush greenery draping down from above. There are pops of black pendant lighting and rustic wooden tables with matching chairs and stools. And, to add some contrasting texture, the counter is adorned in slimline white and mustard coloured vertical tiles.

Now to the menu and trust us, it’s a cracker. Firstly, let’s unpack the signature Boozy Brunch with your your choice of main meal washed down with endless mimosas for a whole hour, and that’s 60 minutes well spent. Enjoy your choice of Classic, Pineapple Berry and Mango Mimosas any (or every) day of the week from 10am. The only catch is that all members of the table must participate and somehow, we don’t see this being a problem.

May we recommend you tuck into the Eggs Norwegian with smoked salmon, panko-crumbed eggs, halloumi, sesame avocado, citrus hollandaise, and squid ink tuille. Or for something slightly more lunch-ish, the Slow Braised Pork Ribs with BBQ glaze, spiced mixed beans, slaw and pickles is #RibGoals. Just as palette-pleasing is the Vietnamese Calamari Salad with crispy calamari, slaw, bean shoots, black sesame, toasted coconut, fragrant herbs and herb dressing. If you want an element of DIY, add in as many sides as you’d like from a long list of contenders including scrambled curry tofu, chorizo, halloumi and sauteed greens and dukkha.

Pair your meal with coffee, tea (the White Peony Tea is *chef’s kiss*), fresh juices, smoothies, bottled drinks, mocktails, beers, wines, spirits, spitzers and of course, cocktails. We’re calling out the Lavender Meringue Pie as a must, made with Old Curiosity Lavender Gin, Limoncello, lemon and marshmallow foam. Or if you’re looking for something to grab and go, how about a Salted Caramel Smoothie with almond milk, oats, almonds, dates, vanilla, and sea salt.

Whether it’s a weekend or weekday, round up your crew and your K9, leave the car at home, and make a date with The (brunch-o-holic endorsed) Winey Cow.

Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
When: 6am – 2.30pm Monday to Friday & 6am – 3pm Saturday & Sunday
Instagram: @thewineycow
Website: thewineycow.com.au

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE WINEY COW