If there’s one place on the Gold Coast where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, do some srsly cool stuff, and wander amongst stunning natural parklands, it’s Robina.  There’s also a hospital, a train station and a sports stadium, one of which is exciting enough to make our list (hint; it’s not the hospital or the train station).

In honour of this central GC gem, we’ve compiled a list of 14 reasons why Robina peeps love their ‘burb, and why wider GC locals travel en masse to experience all it has to offer.

Pasta Emporium
With their Euro background and extensive experience in the food industry, mum and daughter duo Natalie and Sonia have created an artisan pasta boutique store like no other. Made with a high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B and also digestion friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of nasty-free slow cooked sauces. The.Best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina

Palmer Golf Course
Carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands with fairways lined by towering gum trees, this uniquely designed course is in the top 30 resort courses in the country #noice. A 6078-meter, 18-hole, Par 71 championship golf course (Aust Course Rating 72) designed by the Marsh / Watson team, its rolling fairways, manicured greens, towering eucalyptus and natural water course make it a local and visitor fave.
Where: Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Zone Bowling / Timezone
This dual-branded entertainment venue is an uber-exciting entertainment experience, combining Zone Bowling and Timezone in one renovated super space. Perfect for a birthday of any vintage and for corporate functions, you’ll find ten pin bowling, the latest arcade games, a laser tag arena with a ‘futurism/apocalyptic robots’ theme, and super fun spin zone bumper cars (coming later this year). Just yay!!!
Where: Robina Town Centre, 1 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

My French Pastries
A venue called My French Pastries needs no introduction but since it’s amongst the cream of the crop here on the GC, we’ll give them one anyway. Jen and Antonio Marchesi have created something really spesh with French pastries made from scratch. Think key lime Chantilly, lemon meringue, blueberry and chocolate tarts, and if you’re not salivating, you must be unwell. A special shout-out must go to the scrumptious savoury goodies, providing a well-rounded experience for your tastebuds.
Where: Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Eddy + Wolff
The trendiest of the Robina bunch, Eddy + Wolff opened in early 2019 bringing exceptional, modern Asian eats to the people. It’s a sleek, 22-seat venue serving up ten-outta-ten eats, just like it’s northern brother from the same mother, Can Tho Kitchen at Runaway Bay. The menu features BBQ-style dishes, snacks, larger plates and sides, all of which are designed to share and hail from Thao and Vien’s home country of Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea to name a few. The drinks list is tight and perfectly curated to match the food with an unmissable lemon sake. An absolute fave.
Where: 44 Commerce Drive, Robina 

The Kitchens
Fact; foodie marketplace-style situations are one of life’s greatest gifts. The Kitchens is precisely that, with an array of exceptional venues all in the one beautifully appointed area. Think tasty teppanyaki, big ‘ole burgers, a vegan foodie venue and even a craft beer bar offering delicious eats to name a few. There is more choice here than you can poke a stick at and bonus; it’s attached to one of the region’s best shopping centres #UnicornsDoExist.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina 

El Camino Cantina
A good time Mexi-joint at Robina Town Centre, what’s not to love? Rocking one of the most colour-filled interiors you ever did see, a menu packed with family-friendly Mex-cellent eats, and frozen margaritas, it’s love at first sight/bite/sip. The legendary venue is one of seven Queensland restaurants, synonymous with funky neon signage, sweet sombreros, and an all-round winning ambience. Gather the crew and get on it.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

CBUS Super Stadium
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina

Robina Pavilion
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Robina Parkway Dog Park
Obviously one for the locals with hairy mates but if you live further afield and have a furry friend in tow, we highly recommend. There are all kinds of fun things for your doggo to explore including tunnels and hurdles, and they’re bound to make a new buddy or two in the process. If you don’t have a pooch, get down there anyway and score free pats a-plenty #GoodForTheSoul.
Where: Lot 21, Robina Parkway, Robina

Parkway Coffee
Ahh Parkway Coffee how we love thee and your equally irresistible sibling Third Base in Palmy. Like its southern sister, this Robina crowd pleaser offers similar laidback community vibes, and also serves up the same level of tasty brunch eats. Their Reuban Toastie with beef pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins, and thousand island dressing on golden toasted sourdough is the perf example of Parkway’s culinary prowess. Pair your feed with some quality time in the garden…and day made.
Where: Robina Quays, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Cheltenham Park
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina 

The Sporting Globe
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Alpine Indoor Climbing
Robina’s state-of-the-art climbing centre is positively R.A.D if you’re somewhat of an adrenalin junkie, or someone looking for a new sporty-spice-esk challenge. Alpine Indoor Climbing is a favourite amongst both professional and beginner climbers (including those lacking in coordination, AKA us). There are varying levels of challenges and you can go across, straight up, or anyway you like really, and there are cushioned pads underneath should you lose your grip. Good times.
Where: 86 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Words by Bianca Trathen.

If you read our interview with Yas Matbouly, visionary Founder and President of Australia’s fastest growing charity Serving Our People (SOP), you know a little somethin’ somethin’ about this story. Based on the Gold Coast, SOP are excited to launch SERVED., the country’s first charity-owned, not-for-profit coffee shop…and so are we! Although it’s not exactly hard to coax us into trying a new coffee haunt, this hole in the wall at the charity’s Mermaid Beach headquarters serves your long black with a side of feel-good-factor. Just the way we like it.

SERVED. is an extra spesh initiative as 100% of profits will go directly to support SOP’s work across South East Queensland. It enables us, the local community, to help those who are struggling without spending more moolah than we normally would. In our humble opinions, this is #genius and we love that our enduring love affair with caffeine will now support a worthy cause – other than the quest for more energy.

Coffee snobs breathe a sigh of relief as SERVED. will use Melbourne-based ethically sourced St Remio coffee beans to please both your palette and your conscience. And if you’re not into coffee firstly, just huh?, and secondly, in addition to serving ‘The People’s Coffee’, there’s also refreshing juices and ‘The People’s Water’. So there is literally no excuse not to swing in on your AM stroll or drive to work for your morning refreshment and good deed for the day.

Funds raised will be used to prop up a range of the organisation’s projects, like their supermarket donation boxes, plenty more SERVED. outlets across our ‘hood and beyond, and various other growth ventures. Delivering anything to anyone in need, SOP has supported over 55,000 people in various capacities during their time of crisis.

Obviously COVID brought anything but good fortune for many businesses, but SOP is the ultimate feel-good COVID success story. Opening its doors in March 2020 as a logistics, delivery and emergency relief not-for-profit organisation, it has gone from strength to strength. Blossoming into a mobilised team of more than 2,100 volunteers across South East Queensland and New South Wales, they have delivered 19,000 meals, and more than 1,000 food packages; ‘bags of love’. We all know karma keeps her receipts so we reckon these outstanding individuals should buy lotto tickets, like immediately.

Another exciting SOP project is the launch of Queensland’s first ‘free supermarket. Here members of the community can collect essential non-perishable grocery items they need but are unable to afford #howgood. The supermarket is located at the organisation’s Mermaid Beach headquarters, which recently underwent a transformation into a modern community hub with a half-size basketball court, electric bicycles, and space for community activities and fundraising events.

And because these do-gooders just keep on keeping on, SOP are hosting a Christmas toy drive and pop-up gift-wrapping shop at Pacific Fair, with the public encouraged to purchase and donate gifts to those in need. Then, Christmas hampers and Pac Fair gift vouchers will be distributed to over 100 deserving peeps across the Gold Coast and we literally just got goosebumps.

So watch this space for more info on SOP’s amazing work and in the meantime, look for the bright blue and white awning and smiling faces at SERVED when you’re in Mermaid. Grab a coffee or refreshment and feel all the feels knowing that you’re doing your bit to help the less fortunate.

Where: 2582-2584 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (entrance via 4-6 Seaview Avenue)
When: 5am – 2pm, Monday to Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Yep it’s that time again! Each year we like to whip up an annual café round up to make sure you’re au fait with the movers and shakers on the GC café scene.

Now there are almost too many to mention coz LBH, our region is overflowing with caffeine/breaky/brunchy/lunchy goodness these days, but feel free to use this as a fail-safe checklist next time you’re keen to hit up somewhere new and totally nom-worthy #You’reWelcome.

SERVED
SERVED is Australia’s first charity-owned, not-for-profit coffee shop #bravo. Oz’s fastest growing charity Serving Our People launched this new hole-in-the-wall coffee haunt at its Mermaid Beach headquarters, promising a side of feel-good-factor with your caffeine hit or refreshment.
Where: 2582-2584 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (entrance via 4-6 Seaview Avenue)

Good Day Coffee Palm Beach
Younger sibling to Tugun’s ever-popular Good Day Coffee, Palm Beach now has its very own GDC installment taking over the space where Watson Bloom once lived. Serving up coffee, breakky, snacks, brunch and lunch, it has the same ‘friendly place for friendly people’ vibes as its big sis #GoodGenes.
Where: 1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Corner Coffee
The southern GC’s newest grab-and-go must-try! Unlike many convenient pitstops for your fuel (aka coffee), breaky, lunch on the run, or sweet or savory snack, this one offers healthy, gluten free eats and vegetarian options and legit, where have you been all our process-food-infused lives?
Where: 134 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads

Pasture & Co
Embracing the eco-friendly philosophy with gusto, Pasture & Co (2.0) is a unique family-friendly café ticking all the boxes; d-lish healthy eats, prime location, tranquillity with a vibe, friendly service, and an environmental conscience. Using local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, you’ll find epic vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo fare….and they even cater for omnivores!
Where: 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley

Delothor Patisserie
Pumping out sensational Asian inspired pastries, desserts and drinks, this two-story Southport sweet tooth’s haven is our kinda kryptonite! Founders Alexia Kang and her cousin’s pastry prowess is celebrated far and wide, and their dreamy central Southport space is as delicious as their eats.
Where: 29 Davenport Street, Southport

Tarte Market
The newest Tarte in town, Tarte Market joins Tarte Bakery Café and the Tarte Takeaway window, this time making all things healthy, clean and beach-bod-friendly. With New York and Parisian influences, feast on salads made fresh to order, with the option of including as many house-made ad-ons as your tastebuds desire.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Herringbone
Perched opposite the Southport Library, you’ll find the irresistible Herringbone. Embracing the ‘simple is best’ premise, this tastefully designed minimalistic café lets its sensational Australian and Italian inspired menu take centre stage #drool.
Where: 27 Garden Street, Southport

Mark Daniel’s Patisserie
If you’re a regular at Robina Town Centre or Runaway Bay Shopping Centre, chances are you’ve popped into Mark Daniel’s Patisserie mid-shop to refuel. With everything baked fresh daily, pair your obligatory coffee with cakes, slices, cupcakes, macaroons, croissants, doughnuts, toasted sangas, bagels and OMG – dessert JARS!
Where: Runaway Bay Shopping Centre, 10/12 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay & Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Tugun Market Co.
A destination store for local produce and products, make sure you grab a delish Campos coffee and a bite to eat while you’re there, and let your mini-me’s frolic in the special kids’ area. Changing up the food shopping experience, Tugun Market Co. offers a point of differentiation to the larger supermarkets, delivering a unique and enjoyable food shopping journey.
Where: 499 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun

Rise Bakery
Combining a high-end French bakery with a tres elegant fit out, salon de thés vibes, and a (well-stocked) champagne bar, what’s not to love?! Located at Sanctuary Cove, there’s no better setting for coffee sipping, croissant munching, and people watching.
Where: Shop C/ 4 Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

MC’s Sandwich House
MC’s Sandwich House is the new face on the Burleigh sandwich scene, offering their tantalising take on sangas from around the globe. Made fresh to order and available until sold out, pop in to celebrate quality sandwiches with both classic and outside of the box ingredients.
Where: 83 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads

Gluten Free 4 U
The Broadbeach arm of the popular Gluten Free 4 U franchise has already ‘grained’ a cult following with those who suffer with food allergies and intolerances, thanks to delicious treats, Parisian café vibes and traditional bakery feels – sans the stuff that makes you feel ick. Gorg yourself with 100% gluten and nut free goods, plus a wide range of dairy free, soy free, egg free, yeast free and fructose free products, take-home meals and speciality cakes.
Where: Bel Air On Broadbeach, 2633 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Moli
No ho-hum sausage roll or #basic beverages here! With a minty fresh green aesthetic, Moli Patisserie and Café is Broady’s answer to all your brekkie, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea (more concisely put, everything except dinner) prayers. Feast your eyes on a variety of Asian style cakes made fresh each and every day, levelled up teas, stellar coffees, and refreshing cold press juices.
Where: Moli Patisserie and Café, Shop 8&9, Qube Building, 29 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

Market Organics Wholefood Cafe
Serving up relaxed, nutritious and delicious eats seven days a week, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, smoothie or meal before doing your weekly grocery haul. A one-stop-shop for your wholefood needs, Market Organics boasts an extensive 100% certified organic produce department, bulk food section, variety of refrigerated and dry goods, a Wellness Hub, and a herbal dispensary.
Where: 201 Ferry Road, Southport

Butler’s Tea Room + Noshery
Serving up delicious contemporary cuisine and the most exquisite teas and liquid treats you ever did see (or taste), the eclectic Butlers Tea Room + Noshery has our hearts a-flutter! It’s a secret find in the European countryside (well it’s in Burleigh…but you’d swear otherwise), and stop the press; they serve….wait for it….spiked teas #ThereIsAGod.
Where: 12/197-207 Reedy Creek Rd, Burleigh Heads

Bowl & Blend
Poke enthusiasts, juice junkies and Acai fans listen up! Slinging healthy Hawaiian eats and sips like a boss, Bowl & Blend is the home of high quality, organic, ethically sourced and reasonably priced fare, made with hand-picked local ingredients.
Where: 64 Griffin Street, Coolangatta

Grazeway
An on-trend, buzzing, indoor/outdoor café with a show-stopping upscale, casual dining menu, this one’s a winner! Add the fact that they create edible art with their instagrammable grazing tables, boards and platters, Grazeway is eating and entertaining #goals.
Where: Shop 1/1 Tibbing St, Nerang

Words by Bianca Trathen.