Just brew it - visit this Southport newbie stat.
Just brew it - visit this Southport newbie stat.
Because we all know that breakfast is a serious affair here on the Gold Coast, it’s essential to keep abreast of the newest venues and the freshest concepts, right? Settling for second best isn’t a viable option when there’s such an incredible selection of venues, all with more exciting and taste bud pleasing dishes than you could wave a stick at. And it’s the thought-provoking and left-of-centre menus that sometimes garner the most attention. Because let’s face it, thinking outside the box should be celebrated!
We’ve discovered a cafe that understands this mandate quite well and has taken it upon themselves to shake the status quo and give Gold Coasters an offering a little out of the ordinary. Say hello, to the newly opened Hazel Espresso in Southport.
You’ll come across the warm and welcoming cafe of Hazel Espresso on Southport’s leafy Davenport Street in the heart of China Town. With seating outside, you can relax under dappled sunlight, or you might want to find yourself tucked inside their warm timber-coloured cafe.
With Vietnamese heritage, the couple behind this cute space have carefully put together a modern menu that deftly blends Australian favourites with South East Asia fusion. Breakfast dishes are served all day, consisting of dishes like a tantalising Grilled Pork Banh Mi Breakfast Board and a Chilli Crab Scrambled Eggs with flaked pieces of crab meat, lashing of fresh chilli, lime and coriander. A little different, you might think, but for those with an adventurous palate and an admiration for Asian cuisine, you’ll be smitten.
Acai bowl fans will be drawn to the Hazel Acai Bowl, and for good reason, with house-roasted almond granola, a host of fresh fruit and peanut butter or Nutella add ons, it’s likely a no-brainer.
Lunch continues to be a delectable exploration of the orient with sangas and salads, including a Salmon Super Salad with pan-fried salmon, quinoa and edamame.
And for those chasing something a little sweeter, the French Toast Forever is a thick slice of cream cheese-filled French toast with ice cream, mascarpone, berry coulis and fairy floss, which must be tried.
For those familiar with Vietnamese style coffee, Hazel Espresso has made it a priority that their caffeine offering is on point. Melbourne roasters ST ALi. provide all of the orthodox espresso-style drinks, whilst traditional and robust tasting pour-over style coffee is available across their special coffee menu. The Hanoi Egg Coffee is undoubtedly the highlight here, as rich coffee is layered with a creamy egg yolk foam on top, and the resulting texture and plush flavour is a true one-off. Rounding out the menu are three house-made teas jam-packed with fresh fruit, lemongrass, mint and a mixture of otherworldly and exotic flavours.
And should you feel like the time has come to enjoy a drink a little stronger, their licensed drinks menu has you covered with all of the usual suspects, including some velvety smooth Flat White Espresso Martinis!
In the new year, the team here has plans to open evening dinner services focusing on desserts and coffee; whilst still featuring their Banh Mis and rice-based dishes. So watch this space!
When: Tuesday – Friday 7am-3pm & Saturday – Sunday 7am-2pm
Where: 9 Davenport Street, Southport
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?
All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more eating (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!
The all-in-ones
The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie board, ‘grammable acai bowls at Cardamom Pod and bites like Bird Royale because we’ve always got time for some cheeky chicken.
Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.
Now did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot along with our biggest vice Kmart on the store list, say goodbye to your savings but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped til you dropped it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.
For bakery treats
With a name like Sacre Coeur Patisserie it’s no wonder these guys have mastered the art of French pastries so prepare to stock up on croissants in allll the flavours from pistachio to raspberry and everything in between.
No man is left behind at Made With Love who deliver on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries because you know what, a donut a day keeps the doctor away or something like that and why should our vegans not be part of the action.
Keeping with the Euro-bakery theme is FARINA & Co, pastries are made onsite daily with all the classics like lemon meringue tarts and buttery croissants but wait, it gets even better – they double as a pasta bar. Grazie!
Pumping out sensational Asian-inspired pastries, desserts and drinks, Delothor Patisserie is our kinda kryptonite!
For a coffee
Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.
For the more traditional café vibe Humble Café might be humble by name but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.
Built on the tried-and-true premise that simple is best, everything about Herringbone Cafe is understated (in the best way) letting the true hero of the space – the food and coffee – take centre stage.
Eight Fifty Espresso boosts productivity and happiness, doling out weekday caffeine fixes from its sidewalk dwelling, sapphire green digs.
For a drink
You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day but if you’re after a side of live music with that then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice cold brew all in one. If you’re after pub vibes you can’t go past SOPO (previously known as RSL CLUB Southport).
Just across the tram line nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch til your hearts content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.
Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices plus a unique menu of sharing boards.
For good eats
Hello foodies, thoughts we forgot about you? We could never! Getting the good times rolling is none other than Good Times Deli who have quickly become known as the home of sandwiches like no other – think Philly Cheesesteak and banger Bahn Mi.
Japanese eatery, KatsuCo, churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.
For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get your fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.
If you’ve been having Euro summer FOMO you can find a taste of the Mediterranean at Como Kitchen & Bar or if there’s a little Italian in your stomach screaming for some arancini balls (or is it just us?) you can get a mozza at Mozza Mozza as well pasta served tableside from a cheese wheel.
Since we’re on a food journey around the world you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.
Local attractions
So you’ve got your coffee and you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.
Fancy a bit more adventure we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.
If a hands on approach to fun is more your vibe then entering a new dimension at Zero Latency is a must-do, the international juggernaut has given VR new life with games on games so you can immerse yourself in the madness. Sing your little lungs out without fear of judgment and enjoy yourself a lyric fuelled good time at Black8 Pool Hall. Test your relationships and put that brain to work with a prison break escape room at Escape Hunt or pick up a pistol at Southport’s very own – and the Coast’s safest – shooting range, The Shooting Centre.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
There are very few things in the world better than coffee but the experience of consuming the magical liquid can of course be enhanced.
How can it be better I hear you ask? Well, by the location at which you’re consuming it for one thing and drinking more than one cup at a time for another. And let’s be honest, coffee with a view of the beach or the bush should be mandatory when you’re living on the Gold Coast!
Black Dingo Cafe
Tucked beneath the iconic lighthouse, find Coolangatta’s latest lurking mere meters from where sand meets sea, overlooking Point Danger’s sweeping outlook. Creating a venue that ‘celebrates the beauty of the ocean and the joy of sharing it with loved ones’, there’s certainly more to Black Dingo than meets the tastebuds – though the allure of an especially tantalising all-day eats selection sure won’t hurt the cause in the slightest!
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta (Point Danger lighthouse)
Café Catalina
Found on the Broadwater up Southport way, Café Catalina overlooks well, the Broadwater and all the fancy yachts you can never afford. They also have tasty eats and you can take your doggo for a puppychino if that’s his/her thing.
Where: 10/11 Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Highway, Southport
Sandbar
Overlooking Surfers Paradise beach and with abundant people watching opportunities, Sandbar is the perfect spot for a coffee or two. In the last year, they’ve had quite the revamp so you can go from breaky to lunch and from coffee to cocktails.
Where: 52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Custard Canteen
Custard Canteen delivers on epic coffee right by one of the Coast’s most beautiful beaches – Tallebudgera Creek. They’re pet friendly so you can take your pooch for a long walk on the beach post-caffeine fix and if you’re craving a sweet treat, you can’t go past their iconic Portuguese Tarts.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Dune Café
Watch the paddleboarders cruise by on Currumbin Creek at hidden paradise Dune Café. It’s nestled inside the park (which is epic by the way) and close to the dog beach and with delicious breakfasts and all the laidback vibes, it’s the perfect spot for a coffee or three.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Neptune Kiosk
Tallebudgera Creek’s resident coffee slinger, Neptune Kiosk – recently unveiled its cheery new spruce up to go with the impeccable vibes Talle’s idyllic inlet dishes up daily. Once again churning out Marvell Street coffee, croissants AND hot cinny donuts from its sunshine-y new facadem it’s a triumphant return of the oh-so-convenient caffeine and treat fix creek-goers have grown rather fond of.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Rafiki
It’s earned its status as an institution for good reason – locals can’t get enough of Rafiki. Pooch friendly, ripper coffee (and a cookie on the side, yes please) but it’s also home to their flavour bomb seasoning so you can take home a little taste of the good life.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
MADE
Fronting the corner of Musgrave & Miles St, the cosy 25-pax venue offers a mix of indoor and kerbside seating for Kirra’s peckish perambulators. Frequents whom the cafe gods are looking favourably down upon can either nab a table, or perch up at the bar and watch the world go by in front of the breezy bifold windows which span one wall.
Where: Corner of Musgrave & Miles St, Kirra
The Salt Mill
Home of the most ridiculous acai bowl selection, Salt Mill serves up some of the best coffees around while also being just a hop, skip and a jump from Currumbin Beach. It’s a little space with a whole lot of soul and it’s extremely loved by those who live close by and visitors from further suburbs.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Tarte Beach House
One of the newer kids on the block, Tarte Beach House has brought the goods from Tarte Burleigh in the Creekside spot on Currumbin Alley. The same brew you know and love but with one of the best views on the Coast, why not pop off for a paddle board after before coming back for a cheeky refuel after – we can never say no to a strawberry muffin top.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Kinship
Currumbin can’t stop delivering the goods with this beachfront beauty. You’ll find Kinship right by Currumbin SLSC pumping out coffees until 2pm, with the whole of Currumbin Beach at your feet it’s the perfect spot to take the fam and let the kids run loose.
Where: 766 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
The Galley Café, Boatworks
We’ll forgive you for missing this hidden gem, The Galley Café is the perfect spot for a brew for you Northern Gold Coasters. The marine inspired fit out is a hit for boaties and the kids love it too, bring the fam and keep watch as the yachts cruise through the river all day long.
Where: 1 Boatworks Drive, Coomera
26 & Sunny
Sip away on your coffee right on the beachfront at 26 & Sunny, nestled below The Langham it’s the perfect coffee pitstop for your early morning beach walk. They’ve also got epic eats if you’re craving a bite, bonus point for it being the ultimate spot to dog on the boardwalk watch if you’re sans furry friend.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Bumbles
If you haven’t been to Bumbles, then where have you been? Budds Beach has long been a locals secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day. Yes please.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise
Flying Bean Café
If you’re looking for a different kind of view, Flying Bean Café is the place with sweeping views of the hinterland all the way through to the Gold Coast. Get at one with nature, good coffee and great views at this little gem of the Scenic Rim. Because how could you forget, the Gold Coast isn’t just about those beautiful beaches when we’ve got this lush hinterland at our doorstep.
Where: 1696 Beechmont Rd, Beechmont
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
