If buttery pastries and cute brekkie dates surrounded by fresh posies is your idea of bliss, get ready for the brand new triple-threat cafe in town to feel like paradise found. How do you bloom, J’s Brunchette – the pleasure is allll ours!

Patisserie, brunch haunt and florist all rolled into one, J’s Brunchette brings together some of the very best things in life under one bountiful roof (did we mention it’s dog friendly?!). Bolstering morning coffee runs with flaky, baked-daily croissants and colourful bouquets; Mermaid’s most ravenous can now get amongst golden halloumi and hash filled brekkie feasts and lunch bites like Tiger Prawn and squid ink pasta. We’re really dating ourselves here, but to quote the 00’s club circuit banger – #I’mInHeaven.

Located a stone’s throw from the iconic Hedges beachfront, you can find Mermaid’s latest lurking on the corner of Seabeach Ave and the Gold Coast Highway. The culmination of several months of reno’s, the newly-polished, Parisian-inspired addition has delivered a crisp white facade, pops of pink, and French bistro seating all tucked under a sunny, all-weather terrace. Exactly the kind of aesthetic that twists our arm into falling inside for a little treaty-treat, no?

A spot as cute as a boutonniere right down to the name – Brunchette, the French word for brunch, will forevermore be our favourite way of referring to the best meal of the day; while the J is a nod to owner, Jasmine Chen. Implicitly aware that pastries taste better by the sea, it comes as no surprise that Jasmine chose this site for its breezy, beachy proximity.

Joined by a pastry chef with more than 20 years of experience; Chef Ming is the veritable choux master charged with whipping up flaky goodies like glossy Strawberry Tarts and Vanilla Crème Croissants on the daily (six days a week, if we’re getting technical – yet another reason Monday should get in the bin already #boo).

Along with the seductive selection of house-made patisserie, J’s Brunchette is pumping out cafe-style breakfast and lunch classics, with a stacked menu of specialty beverages to shake up your usual Long Black or Latte. Like the summery Strawberry Jasmine Tea, and the velvety espresso and mascarpone-topped Tiramisu Latte, which are truly treats in their own right!

If it’s brekkie you’re in the market for, J’s has got you covered – Scramble, Smashed Avo Sourdough and Shakshuka served with chorizo – the gang’s all here.

Continuing the savoury smash hits well into lunch, bun-based fare, the Buttermilk fried chicken or Beef burgers, served with beer battered fries are both worthy contenders for refuelling post beach. Or if you’re feeling something fresh and zesty, the Salmon yuzu soba noodle, made with slaw, edamame avo and heirloom tomato, has gotchu.

But whatever you do, just don’t leave without a Waterfall Tiramisu For Two (serving suggestions never have been our forte… #ServingSizeSchmervingSchmize).

Heck, while you’re treating yourself, why not brighten your whole damn week and pick up some fresh blooms while you’re at it!

Where: 2395 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 6:30am-2:30pm

Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby

It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for, much-loved Palm Beach Mexican eatery Costa Taco has opened a third space in Broadbeach and we couldn’t be happier.

Brothers Nick and Matt Stanley started their foray into the local foodie scene at Currumbin Community Markets in 2020 before moving into Palmy and (probably) not enjoying a single second of sleep since. We Gold Coasters very quickly fell in love with the laidback venue serving up authentic, flavour-filled eats the likes of which you don’t often see outside of Mexico.

The pair set out with the idea of creating a menu filled with real Mexican dishes that aren’t adapted to suit Aussie palates and the result has been an outstanding success. So much so they have now expanded to Byron Bay and most recently of course, the little house on the corner of Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach.

As was the case in Palm Beach, Costa Taco has introduced a space where the energy of Mexico fuses with the Aussie beach culture perfectly. The fitout is relaxed and filled with colour offering both indoor and outdoor seating that is both welcoming and the kind of spot that gives that roll-in-off-the-beach vibe.

The dishes boast locally sourced ingredients, of the very best quality that come together in traditional recipes, and it is without a doubt, some of the most exceptional Mexican food you’ll ever sample. The actual menu comes complete with a map on the back, marking the exact locations the dishes originate.

Let’s begin with the tacos. The Beer Battered Local Snapper Taco alights from Baja, the coastal peninsula almost entirely surrounded by the ocean. The Snapper is caught locally on the Coast, battered with Mexican beer and served with a cashew salsa made with European-style flavours. The Guerrero Chicken Taco is a product of the Guerrero region and that little beauty is marinated in citruses, sour grape juice and three types of chillies and comes with Costa’s secret sauce, Pico de Gallo and Cashew Salsa Verde.

The Specials menu is one of our favourite sections (also the Marg section) and there are so many must-try’s here. The Chilaquiles are Mexi-style wet nachos and are the kind you’ll find if you visit Mexico City. Salsa made with green tomatoes and a ricotta-style cheese is poured over the top to allow for a varied texture and the flavour is tangy and so very tasty.

The Quesabirrias is traditionally a Mexican hangover cure in the Guadalajara region, and we’d likely induce a hangover just to eat it every day. Made up of two cheesy Birria (stewed meat) tacos that are grilled until they’re crispy and served with Costa Tacos’ famous dipping sauce, these are one (of many) dishes you will order again and again.

Our third highlight is the Ceviche Tostadas. In case you’ve never had the pleasure, ceviche is fish cooked in lime juice and in this case, served on crispy tostadas with fresh tomato, cucumber, onion, chilli and avocado. They hail from the Sinaloa region of Mexico, found on the Coast.

To drink there are both local and Mexican beers, Mexican soft drinks and of course, Margaritas – chilli, coconut and a special guy you should absolutely order several of.

It’s no surprise to those of you who have sampled Costa Taco previously that the Broadbeach venue is perfection in the form of traditional Mexican-eats but if you haven’t yet, do yourself a favour and head down immediately. It’s an eating experience you won’t soon forget.

Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
When: 12pm to 9pm daily

It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures; eating Mexican and drinking margis – sounds a bit corny but we stand by it. So it’s pretty darn lucky the Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to Mexican meals, mmm there’s a little Mariachi band playing in our head just thinking about it.

And if you don’t like Mexican then this is guac-ward, because we’ve done the heavy lifting – aka eating – so you can pick your taco joint of choice and put your taco where your mouth is. Come on, don’t be salty – unless you’re a margarita of course.

So here’s our round up of the Coast’s best spots to get your Mexican fix, but before you go don’t forget the rules – first we fiesta, then we siesta. We’ll be there faster than you can say “extra guac, please”.

Chicos Taqueria
Hola chica, this Southern Belle is one of the newest additions to the Mexican scene. And what do they bring to the table? Glad you asked because tacos and un-burrito-ble burritos are clear heroes but if we’re honest, we’re yet to taste a dish we didn’t like. Don’t fret if tacos are nacho vibe, get around the delicious little morsels of flavour that are their empanadas.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters

Nude Amigos
Grab your (fully clothed) amigos and head on town to Cancun – uhh, we mean Broadbeach – because Nude Amigos might be nude in name but it’s flavours are anything but. The space is as light and breezy as it is chic and vibey, it’s basically just begging of you to sip back on one of the exotic (see: very fancy) tequilas that take pride of place behind the bar. In fantastic news for our across-the-border neighbours, they’ve opened a second venue in Kingscliff.
IWhere: Lot 1, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach and 60 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

El Camino Cantina
With shops across the country, we’re lucky to have ourselves one of these spicy little dens of Mexican magic here on the Goldy. Slip in and slip on a sombrero and let the endless fantastic food and de-lish cocktails flow. Overlooking one of the Gold Coast’s best known beaches – Surfers Paradise – it’s big on size, vibes and margs… No really, the margs are giant and nothing gets us going like a cocktail as big as our sombrero.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Panchos
Who said the beachside burbs should be having all the fun? Not us, so if you’ve been having a siesta on our humble Hinterland’s worst kept secret and Gold Coast institution, Panchos, then this is the sign you need to get on out to Mudgeeraba so they can guac your world. With splashes of colour from wall to wall plus enchiladas, margs and tinnies at the ready you’re set for a spec-taco-lar feed.
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba

Isla Cantina
Isla just go ahead and say it, this cal-mex might be the GOAT cultural combo and Isla Cantina understood the assignment when they curated not just their menu, but the holy trinity of Wing Wednesday, Taco Thursday and Sunday Specials so you’ve got not one, not two, but three reasons to treat yourself to those glorious water views and the Surfers skyline while you chow down on some mex-cellent fare.
Where: Shop4, G7 Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Agave Rosa
Fresh, delish dishes with dashes of distinct oriental flavour (say that after a few tequilas), served Mexican style is what you’ll get in spades at Agave Rosa. It’s funky, bright and welcoming feels are perfectly complimented by their phenom menu mixing our two fave cuisines with finesse. And like any Mexican establishment worth its salt, their cocktails and margaritas slay!
Where: Shop 2/74 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta

Clay Cantina
It might just be the Cooly-est Mexican haunts to hit the south – Gold Coast we mean. The casual laneway dining outside and inviting, home-style dining inside makes the perfect home for this feisty Latina to dish up the best Mexican outside of the Motherland. And we’re not actually joking. Plus, you can transform into a Mexican Masterchef yourself with super fun classes using authentic ingredients and tools.
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Hail Mary
If you haven’t been to Hail Mary have you even been to Burleigh? Tucked away in a James Street laneway we’ll forgive you for missing this pink hued haven just this once. It’s not just it’s ridiculously good looks that maker her a winner, they deliver with the freshest, most flavoursome Mexican nosh you’ve ever tasted. With a daily lunch special like two tacos and a beer/wine or soft drink for $19, what are you even waiting for?
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Mexicali
Always busy, the Cali meets Mexico feels of Mexicali have us coming back again and again. You can’t go wrong with a banquet if you’re in a group, so you can think less about what to order and more about the margaritas on the horizon. Sunset cocktails on the balcony never get old, and a snap under the ever-changing lightbox message above the stairs is mandatory!
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Bonita Bonita
Eats institution Bonita Bonita (and little sister Bon Bon pouring mezcals and tequilas for pre or post-dinner party starters) is a long-standing fave. Its dimly lit, moody and ornate interior design never ceases to impress and create an intimate vibe and while it’s traditionally been a dinner-only spot, the Mexican gods answered our prayers and we’re officially on for lunch Tuesday to Saturday. Enjoy the mouth-watering eats (the grilled corn…OMG) and don’t even get us started on the cocktails.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

California Tacos
SoCal vibes are so strong with this one it’ll have you singing CALIFORNIAAAAAA, here we come… No? Just us then. Well if you can depend on anywhere to give you a taste of authentic Mexican street-style tacos it’s a place called California Tacos, step into the beachy vibe at Burleigh or Broady and get better acquainted with the well-stocked bar – the only way a bar should be, we say. Salud!
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads & 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Costa Taco
Overcoming the momentary temptation to leave this one out (in hopes of greedily keeping more of those highly coveted tables all for ourselves) – but no list about epic Mexican spots would be complete with such a glaring omission. Especially now they’ve opened another outpost in Broadbeach. Dishing up authentic Mexican eats, the menu is short but sweet, sticking only to their specialities with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach and 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Aztec
Kicking around since 1995, The Aztec Broadbeach…along with The Aztec Coolangatta…is a hit with the whole fam, boasting a fun-loving mixture of cosy booths, ultra-modern furnishings, neon lights and an epic fluoro bar. A colourful and upbeat venue, you’re spoilt for choice with all the Mexican goodies you’d hope to find and half price lunches Friday through Sunday in case you needed any more convincing.
Where: The Aria Building, Shop 11/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach & 152 Griffith Street (Twin Towns end), Coolangatta

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski