Better known for pies and deep fried everything, the scores of office workers in the vicinity now have healthy, wholefood options to beat that pesky 3pm slump.

The rustic, open, warehouse-style fitout features splashes of copper, exposed timber and rawhide rugs and almost everything within the space is made with recycled goods.

Serving Campos coffee, healthy breakfast and lunch options including wraps, acai bowls, savoury muffins and raw treats, Espresso 151 can be found next door to Burleigh’s newest workout hotspot, Elevation (hence the health foods).

Not only for gym goers though, there’s plenty of takeaway options for this warehouse district including chia bowls, yoghurt with fresh fruit and raw slices for dessert!

For those who need an extra energy hit, the Green Smoothie Bowl is packed full of protein.

If you don’t feel like jumping on the healthy eating bandwagon just yet (or if it’s cheat day) there’s a naughty corner filled with baked pastries – think croissants and crusty sweet treats.

Passionate about a holistic, healthy lifestyle owners Ali and Callum Davidson previously ran Project Sparta Fitness next door and when they decided to expand the space, the addition of a café was a no-brainer.

Stop by for a coffee and healthy breakfast or a tasty, wholesome snack on the go. There’s plenty of parking too, quite the bonus these days.

HOURS: 6am to 2.30pm seven days a week

LOCATION: 151 West Burleigh Rd, West Burleigh

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.

Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.

Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show (which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)

Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen.

If there could be an Espresso Moto in every suburb that would suit us just fine thank you very much. For now though, we’ll settle for the two that make our lives infinitely better (and more caffeinated). The OG in Palmy and now, a fresh little newbie in Coolangatta.

Yes it’s true; the much-loved venue has opened a second venue on Dutton Street where That Blue House once lived. It’s a huge gain for the Cooly locals because a. All Press Coffee is life and b. the EM crew are some of the best folks around.

The team swung open their second set of doors a couple of weeks ago and the space they’ve occupied is the perfect blend of cool for their vibe. Which is of course, all of the motorbike memorabilia. If you’ve visited the Palmy site you’ll know the space boasts a bike workshop in the back dedicated to restoring classics.

Down south you’ll find shelves stacked with helmets, oil cans and various other bike-related things Dad won’t be happy I don’t know the name of.

The menu and feel of the newbie is the same but both venues are getting a menu revamp in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, head down there and try these goodies before they leave our lives forever.

Healthy ones first and this is a D E L I C I O U S dish while also helping with that shredding for summer thing people do. Hooray? It’s called Fresh Avocado Salsa and it’s house-made corn, basil and almond pesto tossed through spinach leaves and topped with pepitas on, get this, house-baked activated charcoal ciabatta toast. It’s a mouthful in every sense of the word.

The Eggs Benedict are some of the best around with fresh house made hollandaise (love you), house-baked ciabatta and definitely go the smoked salmon.

Last but absolutely not least is BANOFFEE FRENCH TOAST and be still our hearts. It’s a tower of sweet, sweet goodness served with all of the fresh caramel sauce and if you licked the plate we would never judge.

As mentioned, Espresso Moto serve All Press Espresso out of New Zealand (because they’re good at everything) and it’s definitely a fave.

So there you have it, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll make a date with Cooly this weekend.

LOCATION: 5 Dutton Street, Coolangatta
HOURS: 6am to 1.30pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith