If you ask us, Coolangatta has been looking particularly perky of late – no, not in a BBL kind of way, but rather, the kind of pep in your step that comes with scoring a couple’a delightful new dining additions in your neck of the woods.

Hot on the heels of the Gambaro Group’s latest gem, Pipi’s Restaurant, making its grand entrance mere weeks ago, comes the cafe-style sequel for suave new seafood nosher. Gold Coasters, say hello to Cooly’s bright-eyed and bushy-tailed new addition, Awaken Café.

Following in the footsteps of its Kingfish Tartare slinging big sis one level above, the lush, dual venue venture now reigns supreme over Point Danger; occupying the two lower levels of the recently constructed Awaken Complex. Already making some waves of its own, the caffeine-slinging counterpart is giving girl-next-door (but, y’know, downstairs) in the very best way, adding caffeine hits and relaxed, brunchy bites like Fresh Pastries and Blueberry Pancake stacks to the rotation for Rainbow Bay’s neck of the woods.

Sporting an aesthetic as dreamy as the offering is delicious, the seaside venture is impressive, but not totally unexpected – coming courtesy of the culinary heavyweights behind esteemed Brissy eateries Black Hide Steakhouses, Italian gem Persone, and Caxton Street mainstay Gambaro Seafood Restaurant.

Delivering a knockout Gold Coast debut, the Gambaro Group says embarking on this exciting new chapter is a “moment to cherish”.  It’s a sentiment shared, now we can finally get in on the action Brisbanites have been hogging had to themselves for some six decades.

Between a pearler of a pedigree, and the legacy of its locally-beloved predecessor, Cafe DBar; there’s no doubt the new venture has had some rather lofty expectations to live up to.

With the (very welcome) aroma of freshly-brewed beans once again filling the air, the cosy, 40-pax venue sees the cliffside community’s iconic whale-watching site restored to its former, coffee slinging prime.

Offering breakfast and lunch, the new dreamboat cafe on Cooly’s block boasts panoramic views from Snapper Rocks across to Duranbah Beach, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating at which to perch up for a cuppa or a bite to eat while you also ‘drink’ in those iconic views.

For the Gambaro gang, the goal was to create a contemporary yet inviting venue, with retro nods infused throughout in an ode to “classic cafes that have dotted the Queensland coastline for years”.

A joint collaboration between BYculprit. x S.SHYNE, the fit out is all about channeling that laidback Cooly lifestyle, while riffing on that of its upstairs counterpart, with chic, coastal tones and finishes featured throughout.

And look, we can (and will) gush Grand Designs style all day long, but let’s be honest – Breakfast Rolls and avo and runny egg studded Green Bowls are what we’re all really here for.

The Awaken menu is all about the quintessential, cafe-style classics, with Goat cheese studded Omelettes on sourdough served alongside crowd-pleasers like Cheese Toasties for the kiddos.

If you’re feeling famished, the Point Danger Full Breaky will be a no brainer – or for a lighter start, you can’t go wrong with the fresh and summery Corn & Zucchini Fritter, served with Siracha aioli. As the latter half of the day looms, the offering benefits from a couple of lunch additions, think staples like Fishermans Baskets and Wagyu Burgers, with a nom-worthy Pumpkin Salad that gives them a run for their money.

To wash it all down, Juices, Smoothies and all the usual caffeine-based suspects round out the rise-and-shine ready offering. Though, in quite the plot twist, the smoothie selection – like the Snazzy Snapper made with Mango, orange juice, Greek yoghurt, honey, mint, might just tempt us to forgo our usual coffee order. (Just kidding, we’ll be double parking all the way.)

Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
When: 6am – 2pm Monday to Friday, 6am – 3pm Saturday & Sunday

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

Okay sure, haters might say our daily cup(s) of liquid sunshine for the soul bring us disproportionate amounts of joy – but what about a whole dang cafe whose entire ethos revolves this concept?

Marina Ghobrial is the super Saiyan of good vibes behind Cooly’s newcomer, Kefi, a coffee spot dedicated to food that makes you feel good, inside and out.

Named after a Greek word that roughly equates to the essence of joy, which, is something Marina says the new venture embodies, adding “living a life full of Kefi is about cherishing the simple things that bring happiness to our souls.”

So hey, let’s all continue to lean into our caffeine-worshipping ways, in the name of livin’ our best kefi lives.

Headed by Vy Truong, a Head Chef who counts esteemed Brisbane eateries PawPaw Cafe and Stanley among her lengthy CV, the seed oil free kitchen specialises in serving soul nourishing food made with love. Whipping up beverages made with house-made almond milk, Eggs Benne, and berry-nice stacks of ricotta laden Hotcakes, daily.

All of which absolutely sparks joy, if you ask us.

Perched on the corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, Kefi can be found just footsteps from Cooly’s sand-kissed promenade, one block beyond the beach (a stone’s throw from a Marine Parade hidden rooftop gem – Cooly Breeze).

The 60-seater radiates warmth from the get go, with sunset-vibing tangerine pops conveying the brand’s ethos.

For the fit-out, Eddie Studio came together with Meka Build (a name also responsible for Social Espresso’s sweet new digs) to bring Marina’s vision to life.

One which was sparked by her travels, melding some Bali vibes and Mediterranean-inspired elements for the interior direction.

“I fly to Bali almost every year and love to visit all the beautiful cafes so wanted to bring something magical to the coast where people can escape the mundane” says Marina.

It’s a theme also carried throughout the menu, with Marina adding “I am quite health conscious and obsessed with the Mediterranean diet” – and by the sounds of the Hotcake with lemon whipped ricotta, fresh berries, maple and pistachio blanc anglaise.. we are about to be too.

The Eggs Bene also comes totally pimped out, feat. an extra delicious dose of nutrients – poached eggs, served with confit lamb shoulder, kale, tahini hollandaise and paprika on pita. And to drink, we think the signature cocktail, a Tiramisu Martini, says all you need to know.

For Marina, the new venue represents a long-held dream, and one that surely required a seismic leap of faith to make a reality.

“I decided that this was the year I took the leap, quit my job, moved from Brisbane and poured my heart into creating Kefi”, adding “Hospitality is my passion, I am a big foodie and love being around people.”

Which is just as well, because with a dreamy little venue like Kefi – something tells us you won’t be able to keep us away.

Go on Gold Coast, get those keisters along to drink in some sunshiney goodness in all forms, stat.

Where: 110 Marine Pde, Coolangatta
When: Daily, 6:30am–2:30pm

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

Every now and again, a venue so spectacular struts into town that it immediately has us in its clutches and entirely turns the local dining landscape on its head(land). Making its grand entrance earlier this year, Mediterranean dining darling Pipi’s Restaurant was precisely that pivotal addition, turning the tides for foodie prospects in the cosy seaside locale of Coolangatta.

Boasting the dream trifecta of elevated eats, absolute oceanfront position and show stopping good looks, the latest jewel in the Gambaro Group crown has a lot going on. Earning itself a rep for impeccable service and quality to rival its coveted outlook, Pipi’s is now making fresh waves with some superb additions to its elevated eats offering. So, if you’re yet to meet the seaside venue that’s changing the game in the Southern GC, there has never been a better time to dive in to this dreamy dining destination!

Perched atop Point Danger, with an outlook spanning from Snapper Rocks across to D’Bah, Pipi’s is so much more than just a pretty spot for a bite. Unveiling a brand new destination unlike anything else on offer in the area, the arrival has totally transformed the Boundary Street strip. Occupying the first level of Coolangatta’s new luxury Awaken complex, the 100 pax showstopper has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for seaside revelling.

Perfectly positioned to host everything from casual drinks and family lunches through to luxury events like reunions and weddings; Pipi’s has redefined the way in which the tight-knit community can converge, carouse and celebrate in style – the world is your oyster, party people!

Leaning into its ocean proximity, Pipi’s is all about crafting Mediterranean-inspired fare that simultaneously elevates local produce and delivers a European escape for the tastebuds.

With renowned Brisbane establishments like Gambaro Seafood Restaurant and Black Hide Steakhouse in its bloodline, when it comes to building on that 70-year culinary legacy, Pipi’s isn’t pulling any punches.

At the heart of the light and airy space sits an expansive open kitchen and bar which connects both dining spaces. Meanwhile, the inclusion of central showpieces such as a dedicated oyster bar and open flame Josper grill have dual benefits of creating a lively and theatrical ambiance while churning out a superb culinary experience.

Bolstered by some tantalising new land and sea additions, the menu combines renowned signature dishes such as Steak Frites with vibrant new options like the Veal Tenderloin, served with orange, carrot and capers.

While tangy new inclusions like tomato and pickled cucumber King Fish Crudo and Seared Half Shell Scallops finished in brown butter and finger lime will have seafood connoisseurs hook, line and sinker… #Drool. For sweet tooths, the newly-added Baked Cheesecake with red wine and berries also teeters perilously on the verge of ‘drop everything to get a taste’ territory.

If you’re more in the mood to graze and sip, Pipi’s provides the perfect setting to do so. With a soothing interior inspired by the colours and textures of the pipi shell, perch up in the welcoming, light-filled surrounds and get cozy with the diverse snack and drinks selection – the latter loaded with distinctive cocktails and European wines.

Striking the balance between elegance and laid-back coastal, Pipi’s is truly a ‘choose your own adventure’ venue – effortlessly adapting to whatever level of indulgence you’re in the mood for. And really, when aren’t we down for Crispy Prawn Rolls, Seafood Platters and crafted cocktails!

Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
When: Wednesday – Sunday from 11:30am – 3:00pm, Wednesday – Thursday 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Friday – Saturday 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Sunday 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Website: pipisrestaurant.au
Instagram: @pipisrestaurant

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY PIPI’S RESTAURANT