Whether you prefer to start your day with a green smoothie, a (non-negotiable) triple shot iced latte or a big ‘ol stack of buttermilk pancakes – when a hip new coffee haunt inserts itself in your neck of the woods, mornings just feel that little bit brighter.

This is especially true for Gold Coasters whose BFFs are of the four-legged variety, with Mermaid’s new pup-friendly spot Arketà Cafe set to be a firm favourite among foodies and furry friends alike.

Combining their passion for good food and cute canines, partners Iszaya and Keeley were inspired to create a spot for central locals to perch up with their pooch in tow for slow sun-soaked brunches while also offering tasty, quick bites for those on the go.

Keeley brings her background in owning and operating cafes to the table, with Mermaid Waters being the obvious choice for the duo to set up shop.

“It is our local area where we live and we felt it was lacking a dog friendly cafe with an amazing experience and food and friendly staff” owner Iszaya adds.

There’s also set to be a whole lot more babycinos on the horizon, with the duo hustling extra hard to get the Arketà doors open before they welcome their next addition, a new baby in the coming weeks.

They’ve certainly got plenty on their plates (and spoiler alert: we’re very happy to report we can say the same about the eats).

The direction for the Arketà fit out was headed by Keeley and embodies that welcoming, modern industrial cafe vibe we can never get enough of.

Chic square tiles bedeck the wraparound counter, while the blush and cream combo will always get a yes from us.

Polished concrete flooring, black seating and lofty ceilings bring all the industrial drama with greenery and timber inclusions to bring a welcoming warmth to the space.

Meanwhile, the alfresco seating offers a prime pozzy for lucky locals to linger a little longer and soak up some rays.

An equally enticing menu offers all the cafe style suspects – we spy with our little açaí, a full selection of raw treats, fresh juices, smoothies (the La Luna looks especially lit), and açaí on tap for your daily nutrient hit, obvi.

Though lbh, brunch is what we’re really here for, and Arketà delivers.

On high rotation will be the hash avo, whipped feta, golden hash browns, avo, poached eggs, and the rightful breakfast of champions – the breakfast loaded burger for your fried egg, bacon, wilted spinach cheese and hollandaise fix all wrapped up in one glorious bun.

The pièce de résistance though, might just be the big brekkie that’s got to be one of the most stacked on the Coast.

The Arketà The Lot, toasted turkish loaded with hollandaise laden poached eggs, avo, hashies, sausages, bacon, sautéed baby spinach and grilled tomato… aaand they’re not done yet: a swirl of açaí topped granola on the side to top it all off.

Food sweats, take the wheel.

Of course, our furry friends need not spend the whole time giving us puppy dog eyes, with Arketà is punching out the pupuccinos and more goodies from the dedicated doggo menu.

Because while we may not deserve dogs, the goodest boys and girls definitely deserve all the treats.

Where: Shop 5, 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
When: 6am-2pm Monday-Sunday

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

Biscoff lovers, buckle up because this list is about to get biscrazy! From thick shakes that’ll have you dunking straight into dessert heaven to gooey cupcakes oozing with the sauce of the gods, the Gold Coast’s food scene is giving us more Biscoff than we ever dreamed possible.

Let’s unpack who’s who in the zoo when it comes to our local Biscoff boffins. Warning: side effects may include sugar highs, food comas, and an uncontrollable urge to go back for seconds.

Custard Canteen
You’ll find this little GC gem a few sandy footsteps from the iconic Tallebudgera Creek. In addition to their delish all-day brunch options, their pasties – made fresh daily on site may we add – are THE business. Biscoff buffs, grab a Twice Baked Croissant dipped in rum syrup with a centre of frangipane and Biscoff crème Pat, topped with Biscoff crumb and flaked almonds. Well worth the extra calories.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Pop’s Milk Bar
The iconic Aussie Milk Bar is officially back thanks to Pop’s. Serving 1950s vibes with a modern glow-up, think bright colours, service with a smile and of course, fab food – made from scratch! Speaking of fab, it’s not just the food that’ll knock your socks off, the Gelato Thickshakes lovingly blended with housemade gelato will too. Our pick? You guessed it – the Biscoff Gelato Thickshake.
Where: Southport Park Shopping Centre, 163 Ferry Road, Southport

Doughed
This gastronomic Graceland has bought all things doughy and delicious to Hope Island Marketplace. Whether you’re vibing something sweet or savoury…or both…this is your one-stop-shop. Everything on the menu will evoke your inner foodie, but let’s take a moment to shout out their NYC Biscoff Cookie. It’s so good that it often sells out (as do many of their noms) so get in early to enjoy this crowd-fave Biscoff banger!
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island

Cheeky Waffles
If it’s orgasmically good desserts you’re after, Cheeky Waffles is here to fill that (genitalia shaped dessert) hole in your life. Yup, you read that right (insert immature but unavoidable giggle). We can’t go past the Biscoff-inspired topping that sounds so good it should no longer be considered G rated: waffle dipped in Caramilk chocolate with a crumbled Biscoff topping and gold powder. If it’s #literalfoodporn you’re after, do yourself a favour and head to Cheeky Waffles for happy endings all round.
Where: 3189 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Milkman’s Cookies
At Milkman’s Cookies, you can literally nab yourself a box of Biscoff infused cookie goodness by the dozen for those sugar cravings that just won’t quit. Their Biscoff White Choc creation features the Milkman’s signature cookie dough with white chocolate chips and a stuffed Biscoff cookie butter centre. Did we mention it’s topped with extra Biscoff and a lotus biscuit? #i’llbestuffed
Where: Bundall HOTA markets every Sunday

Yo-Chi
Swirling Gold Coasters into a frenzy, fro-yo fans will already be well acquainted with Yo-Chi for (soft) serving up their sweet treat fixes and resulting brain freezes – #worthit. As mega Yo-Chi fans, we hope (and pray) the warmed Biscoff topping NEVER comes off the ever-rotating options of sweet toppings.
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, Chevron Renaissance, 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, Soul Boardwalk, Shop T1.05A/4 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, Shop 1009/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina and 27 Connor St, Burleigh Heads

Milky Lane
Hello? It’s the dessert/drink of our dreams calling! If the sound of a Biscoff Espresso Martini doesn’t already have you drooling, let us elaborate. We’re talking vodka, fireball, and cold drip coffee, with biscotti sauce and lotus biscuit. Yeah, we’re ded.
Where: 1/38 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Burleigh Gelato Co.
If you can’t cone-tain your love of gelato, we’ve got the scoop on one mash-up you don’t want to miss. Introducing the Biscoff Cookie Pie with Biscoff ice cream. No this is not a drill and yes – get into our bellies!! With more Biscoff than you can poke a stick at, this is the MVP. Tried and tested by us….on repeat.
Where: 9 Connor St, Burleigh and 3/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach

Side Piece
If you’re in the mood for non-boozy brews and chews, anyone who frequents Varsity Lakes will tell you Side Piece Coffee is the best. Overhauling their mouthwatering menu earlier this year, they’ve also introduced a new permanent staple to their treat cabinet -and we’re frothing! Do yourself a favour and scoff down a Biscoff Caramel Slice. We assure you, it might be your first but it certainly won’t be your last.
Where: 2 Capital Court, Varsity Lakes

My Favourite Baker
Planning a birthday for someone, have an event coming up, or completely forgot about a special occasion and need some ten-outta-ten cake goodness pronto? My Favourite Baker to the rescue! These guys have endless five-star reviews and can call just about every high profile biz on the GC a customer. Our pick is the Lotus Ooze Cupcakes; vanilla cupcakes with an oozing Lotus Biscoff sauce and caramel buttercream. They had us at ooze….
Where: 4/1 Inventory Court, Arundel

Paddock Bakery
Have we saved the best for last? All we can say is donut sleep on this – three words: Biscoff. Cheesecake. Doughnut. (We’ll let you be the judge.) What started as a special, was soon welcomed as a Paddock staple. A semi-sourdough doughnut dipped in a Caramel glaze, filled with a Biscoff Cheesecake filling, sprinkled with cookie crumb & a Biscoff bikkie (for dipping, obvs). We’ll take two #prettypleasewithabiscoffontop
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami

Words by Bianca Trathen

Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.

And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.

Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters

The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters

Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach

The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach

Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.