Coolangatta is our southernmost suburb and it’s almost like stepping back in time for a taste of the good old Gold Coast, a little slower and sleepier (the way we like it) but with a sprinkle of some seriously epic eats for good measure – dreamy.

If you’re a fan of chill coastal vibes and pumping surf, where you can soak up the sunshine all-day long and hop from beach to bar as your heart desires then Cooly’s got your name written all over it. The laidback lifestyle is just one of the reasons why locals love this little beachside suburb, but we’ve found another 16 for when you want to go exploring.

Franc Jr’s
I’ts called the famous pizzeria for a reason, Franc Jr’s have gotten a rep for dishing up the best pizzas on the Gold Coast – maybe even Queensland. Big call, I know but IYKYK. Home of their signature Sicilian square pizza, pop down for takeaway or dine in with a bottle of pinot to wash down your pizza. Our pick is the red strip with a pickled grape salad on the side (sounds weird but trust the process) and a frozen marg if you fancy a tipple.
Where: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Pipi’s Restaurant
Cooly brought in the big guns with Brisbane hospitality mavens, the Gambaro Group bringing Pipi’s to life and it’s something Southern Gold Coasters have been waiting for. Pipi’s is the newest seaside sensation to call Cooly home and you best believe our tastebuds can’t get enough of it. Nothing to be crabby about with a Mediterranean-inspired menu – Chargrilled Mooloolaba King Prawns and Freemantle Octopus Carpaccio just a couple of the stars of the show. If you’re feeling boujee then treat yourself to a Kaviari Caviar Bump – served with a shot of Belvedere or glass of Tattinger.

Special mention to the cafe-style sequel to this suave new seafood nosher, Awaken Cafe. Situated underneath Pipi’s Awaken thos caffeine-slinging counterpart is giving girl-next-door (but, y’know, downstairs) in the very best way.
Where: Level 1/275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta

Kefi
Kefi popped up on the café scene in late 2023 and their suitably summer vibe has been gracing our social channels here, there and everywhere. With coffee and food as delicious as the interiors are gorg it’s the kind of spot we could just spend all morning long at. With a Mediterranean twist on your classic brekky favourites, fuel up with a feed or pop in for the viral strawberry matcha and take a stroll on the beach because, wholesome.
Where: Corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, 2/110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Cooly Breeze
There’s something about being beach side and on a rooftop that just hits different, throw some fine dining into the mix and that’s our kind of trifecta. Executive chef Marcondes Almeida Neto has combined gastronomy with the flavours of the Medierranean Coast for bold flavours you’ve never tasted before. A feast for your eyes and your tum, the dishes are almost too pretty to eat… almost.
Where: Level 13 of Beachcomber International Resort, 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Coolangatta Pie Shop
This iconic Gold Coast pie shop has been around for more than 50 years, so it’s no wonder they’re serving up some of the tastiest pies around. We’re partial to a baked good and fortunately, the Coolangatta Pie Shop have them aplenty – perfect for that post surf carb load.
Where: 50 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Maverick Hair & Art Studio
If you’ve been looking for a place to tame that mane then say less, because Maverick Hair & Art Studio’s got your back. Or hair, I guess. The award-winning salon and of course, their stylists, know their way around the locks and can we just say – they do one of the best blondes we’ve seen on the GC, and that’s no easy feat. The refined industrial feel is a pretty little paradise to sit back and relax while you’re pampered, which is exactly what you want when you’re investing hours in those tresses – t’s the crown you never take off, after all. No bad hair days here
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Bar Evelyn
This place has been a hotspot for locals and visitors ever since it popped up on Marine Parade a couple of years ago. Cooly’s home of antipasto and pasta, you best believe we want a pizza that. Our picks? If you’re a seafood lover like us then the bug bucatini and pickled mussels with bottarga mayo, cucumber and dill are a must try. Sweeten the deal with their house-made tiramisu – do as the Italians do, we say – and one of their season sours.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Clay Cantina
One thing about us is that we are always down for a Mexican moment. Now let’s taco-bout the margs, specifically the Laneway Marg – just trust us when we say their signature agave inspired bev is everything you’ve been looking for in a marg and more. Taste the flavours of all your fave Mexican fare, or if you’d rather a hands on approach to your dining experience, get the crew together for their signature cooking classes where you’ll get up close and personal with their most-loved recipes. Gracias!
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Greenmount Beach Surf Club
With unsurpassed views in a northerly direction, you can take in everything overlooking the spectacular Greenmount Beach right up to the skyline of Surfers Paradise and, on some days, beyond. If the surf’s up, watched the surfers below shred waves or wipe out with an ice cold schooner in hand.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Cinebar
Forget that there was a ripper cinema in Cooly? How could you! It’s time you get acquainted with Cinebar, a restaurant-style movie experience where you can get the full dinner, drinks and show vibe without having to lift a finger – or leg for that matter. Because we’re all about efficiency, kick back and catch up on the freshest flicks while you’re wined and dined for the ultimate date night with your special someone or your gal pals.
Where: The Strand at Coolangatta

4 Pines
On the brew-tiful beach front you’ll find one of the vibiest beachside breweries we know, the ultimate for whether you’re escaping the surf or just looking for a spot to kick back with live tunes and a beer in hand. You’ll find all your 4 Pines favourites, like the classic Pacific Ale for a fresh and fruity finish or the Pale Ale for a more crisp and citrusy taste, on tap and calling your name. Well, what are you waiting for – hop to it!
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Ottimo
If you want the inside scoop then here it is – if you want to be served up gelato the Italian way, Ottimo know that sticking to tradition is anything but boring. Having studied at the Gelato University of Carpigiani (yes, that’s a thing), owner Davide let’s his Italian heritage swirl through each delicious morsel whether it’s Ferrero Rocher or passionfruit flavoured. We give it an High Distinction!
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Timezone
Nothing like a bit of healthy competition to get the heart rate up, blitz your bestie with more than 200 classic arcae games to choose from. With full-sized bowling lanes, dodgem cars and laser skirmish there’s something for all ages – including the big kids at heart.
Where: Level 1, 72-80 Marine Parade, The Strand, Coolangatta

The Pink Hotel
Not a Cooly local? No problem, because one of our most aesthetic hotels just happens to call Coolangatta home! It’s impossible to miss the iconic pink glow of the Palm Springs inspired Pink Hotel, if it weren’t for the fact that you can spot the GC’s glorious skyline from it, we’d forgive you for thinking you were in the California desert. Originally a motel, the legends behind The Pink Hotel lovingly restored it to its current glory so now we gorg destination for the ultimate staycation – love that for us.
Where: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Eddie’s Grub House
Rock ‘n roll meets fried chicken, burgers and whiskey: does it get any better than that? Get a mouthful of naughty but nice American classics in this soul food dive bar. They regularly have live music and karaoke nights if you’re feeling brave, it’s long been a Cooly institution for good grub and good vibes – for good reason!
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Cooly Rocks On
It’s got to be one of the most colourful creations that Cooly has brought us, each and every year we love seeing Cooly transform into the home of motors and music with a dedicated festival to celebrate the lifestyle of yesteryear. Think Hot Rods, Elvis Tribute Artists, Swing Dancing, Pin Up Pageants and so much more,
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

Call us shallow, but there’s something about a fave haunt sliding on back to the scene with a fresh new look that just makes you feel good. Doubly so, in the case of Tallebudgera Creek’s resident coffee slinger, Neptune Kiosk – recently unveiling its cheery new spruce up to go with the impeccable vibes Talle’s idyllic inlet dishes up daily.

Because if there’s one thing Gold Coasters can attest, when it comes to being creekside, ‘feeling good’ kinda comes with the territory.

Sandy-footed frequents milling around the Talle waterfront of late will have been delighted to stumble across the sight of a fresh-faced Neptune Kiosk, once again churning out the Marvell Street coffee and croissants from its sunshine-y new facade.

Tucked beneath Neptune Royal Life Saving Club just footsteps from the foreshore, the stalwart hole-in-the-wall has chic new look and slightly larger footprint, in a triumphant return of the oh-so-convenient caffeine and treat fix creek-goers have grown rather fond of.

The ever-popular strip has been abuzz with a different type of commotion of late – courtesy of a hefty $3.4 million boardwalk renovation for the precinct. In a move strategically timed to coincide with the works, which also incude upgraded picnic facilities and amenities block, Neptune Kiosk opted to follow suit and temporarily shut up shop to undergo a (slightly less spendy) glow-up of its own.

Back and better than ever, the waterfront coffee window now greets us with an extra cheery façade – just in case the blessed sight of our friendly neighbourhood barista wasn’t mood-lifting enough. Its welcoming exterior is now flanked by sunshine-y striped yellow awnings and nautical nods such as feature lights and a crisp, shiplap-clad exterior. It’s not all about the pretty stuff though, with functional improvements that expanded the space and added a dedicated pick up window… and when it comes to our coffee hit, we’re alllll about the efficiency.

For those trying to mind their caffeine intake (commiserations), there’s also squeezed to order Orange Juice and frosty, fresh fruit Smoothies to wrap your lips around. Creekside faves like Ice Creams and Milkshakes are also going strong here, with options like Nutella and Strawberry Jam which will no doubt be welcomed by the sandy groms – though we wouldn’t say no to a Salted Caramel for ourselves, just quietly.

If you’re feeling munchie after a solid creek sesh, swing by the cabinet to ogle the day’s curation of oozy, stuffed cookies, freshly-baked pastries and sweet treats. A selection, need we remind you, which is brought to you by the team behind beloved baked goods purveyors, Custard Canteen – so there are no wrong choices here!

The rotation, a little bird tells us, is also set to be bolstered by the addition of Hot cinnamon donuts and Toasted croissants in coming days – the call of which will be a pretty tall order to resist as temps relent in the latter half of the year.

Oh happy day, Gold Coasters – scrumptious creekside brews and chews are officially back on the menu at this cute ‘lil coffee nook (as if Talle needed any more going for it…)

Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
When: Daily, from 5:30am

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.

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.