Over the past couple of years Palm Beach (or Palmy as it’s affectionately known) has well and truly been embracing it’s new found cool kid status.

While we can’t pinpoint the exact moment it officially transformed to ‘it’ suburb, lucky locals have been living large of late, with the emergence of all the beachside haunts to frolic between (though they do have to compete a little more for parking these days).

While in years gone by, the only thing reliably making Palmy a ‘must stop’ destination was a quiet-ish (albeit stunning) beach, and the high chance of catching a red on the way through. With an influx of laidback eateries, noteworthy restaurants, swanky bars and luxe boutiques popping up left right and centre, there’s never any shortage of things to do. These days, we can think of at least 17 epic reasons that make this buzzing suburb THE place to be.

Las Palmas
Overlooking the ocean with the perfect pastel palette, Las Palmas is bringing Latin America to Palm Beach with a share-style menu, made up of mouthwatering flavours and a fresh cocktail list to match. Head in there for a Sunday arvo session or long lunch with your loves. It’ll be your new summer fave for sure.
Where: Level 1, 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Scottish Prince
Tucked away, all moody low-lit with wild times written all over it, The Scottish Prince, sister venue of The Cambus Wallace and is one of the best drinking holes we have here on the Coast. It’s primarily a whisky bar boasting over 300 varieties of the tasty tipple plus a perfectly complementary menu including Steak & Ale Pies, Scotch fillets, fish and chips and on Sunday nights, an authentic Taste of Scotland tasting menu. All the very best things. Get in.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Palm Beach Farmers Market
The Gold Coast is home to many an impressive farmers market and one of our absolute favourites can be found in Palmy on Saturday mornings. From 6am at Palm Beach Currumbin High School you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan foods, specialty coffee, epic doughnuts, flowers, dog treats, the lot. The perfect way to spend a weekend morning.
Where: Thrower Drive, Palm Beach

Frida Sol
Margaritas and Mexi-eats are some of our favourite things and happily, they’re on offer at Palmy’s delightful upstairs space, Frida Sol. There’s a chilli margarita that’ll knock your socks off and if you perch outside on the deck, a balmy ocean breeze – the combination of which will remind you exactly why you live on the Gold Coast. The perfect time.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Pirate Park
Those with little ones will attest to the fact that the Pirate Park is up there with the best on the Coast. Located right near the water, the park far exceeds anything you ever got to play on as a kid with a pirate ship stuck in the sand and upended wine barrels perfect for all day climbing. If you don’t have any babes, Dune Café is close by as is the sparkling ocean and a dog beach on Currumbin Creek that’s always good for a laugh.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach (on the left before the Currumbin Creek bridge)

The Collective
No doubt you’ve already set foot inside The Collective more than once and why wouldn’t you with five restaurants to choose from? Open for lunch and dinner, you can stay all day and, as it’s a communal dining setting, you’re bound to make some new friends along the way. So, if you’re in the mood for pizza and tacos, head to The Collective, order both and wash it all down with a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

White Bohemian
It’s every local boho babe’s dream come true. Opened in 2013, White Bohemian stocks all your favourite hippy-esque labels including GD brand Kivari, Byron Bay cult-fave labels SPELL and Arnhem. These guys were one of the first to bring us the magic of the laid-back luxe aesthetic before the #boho trend took over the world (and our wallets), so we trust them and their epic curation of all things effortless style endlessly. There’s homewares too so, you know, prepare to spend up.
Where: Cnr Seventh Avenue and Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Balboa Italian
It goes without saying that if you’ve ever driven through Palm Beach, you’ve definitely laid eyes on Balboa Italian. The beautifully appointed double-storey brick building is in a class of its own serving classic Italian dishes with modern interpretations and the freshest of flavours. It’s worth a visit just to experience the fitout, complete with overhead Vespa and exposed brick walls. The cocktails are unique and the wine selection varied. It’s all good to be honest, get down there.
Where:1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Espresso Moto
It’s a cafe crossed with a motorbike workshop and the home of the best banana smoothies on the Gold Coast. That’s right, the best. There is not a single thing not to love about Espresso Moto from their very delicious breakfast goods (the brekky burritos are the bomb), to their use of Allpress coffee and the ever-friendly staff who always say g’day. There’s also a communal dog bed and the beach is right around the corner. So yeah, it’s the best.
Where: 1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Suga
A somewhat secret cocktail bar, tucked away on the Gold Coast Hwy, Suga specialises in rum and good times and if you’re keen on either or both of those you should absolutely get down there. They have an impressive cocktail menu plus plenty of epic wines (pet nats, yes please) and beers so no matter what, you’re gonna love it.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Good Day Coffee Palm Beach
Launching a cafe in a hip and happening suburb surrounded by competition stiffer than a morning espresso is not for the faint of heart – but ever since they branched out from their OG Tugun location late last year, locals and weary travellers alike have unanimously agreed it’s always a good day for Good Day Coffee Palm Beach. Friendly faces serving Blackboard coffee and other staples like pastries and goat’s fetta laden smashed avo toast – we could easily eat and drink here every day. The epitome of simple eats, and great coffee, done well.
Where: 1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Ritual Yoga & Pilates
Found upstairs in a sunlit space oozing chill vibes is Ritual Yoga & Pilates. Owned by sisters Rose and Sophie, Ritual is only a couple of years old but has already become a favourite amongst both Palm Beach locals and those who reside in surrounding suburbs. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation (or a solid sweat session), Ritual is calling your name.
Where: 9b Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Palm Beach Ave
PBA is one of those gems that so quickly won our hearts that we seem to forget this pretty-in-pink art deco stunner is only relatively new to Palmy’s ever-growing strip of uber-cool beachside hangouts. One of those venues where it’s 10’s all round, the tropical luxe, chandelier-laden interiors have us swooning every time, and we can never seem to get enough of the knockout food and cocktails (no matter how much we regret it the next morning). Plus they do bottomless brunch, so, need we say more?
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Tank Bar & Dining
We can never seem to talk about Tank without the urge to get, well… tanked, which is some fairly genius subliminal marketing if you ask us. In our defense, what else are we supposed to do in a cracking little craft beer bar? We’re certainly not there to lick stamps.

The 10 rotating craft beer taps offers a nice mix of local and international brews, and the laid-back vibes of a modern beach shack style bar a hops, skip and a jump from the ocean are pretty hard to beat. Plus, with two levels, there’s plenty of primo spots to perch up, catch the sea breeze and watch the GC Hwy go by.
Where: 1166 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Toro’s Pizza
As we’ve probably already well established by this point, us Gold Coasters are big suckers for a cute fit-out. It’s hard to tell if it’s the perfectly peachy-pink interiors, or the Italian aromas wafting from the kitchen that keep us coming back to Toro’s Pizza like moths to a flame. And spoiler alert: it’s definitely the latter, since there are few smells that compare to that of a freshly baked, still bubbling wood-fired pizza. Carbs, cheese, more cheese, and BYO – this place is what Italian dreams are made of.
Where: Shop 7/2 Eighth Ave, Palm Beach

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 Palmy spots would be complete with such a glaring omission. Dishing up authentic Mexican eats, the menu is short but sweet, sticking only to their specialities with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Any day featuring beachside, street-style tacos like the zesty Birria Beef (complete with signature consommé to dip), and a coconut marg (because marg) is a very bueno day indeed.
Where: 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Canvas Palm Beach
Who doesn’t love starting their day with a visit to their friendly local barista, with a leisurely peruse of some hand crafted homewares on the side #theperfectmorningdoesexist. And hey, if some of the latter – such as a candle that smells like bliss in a jar, or some cute ceramics – happen to come home with us along with a great cup of coffee, we’ll happily take the dopamine hit while we’re doing out bit to #supportsmall.

For Palmy locals the cute digs and delightful café fare are a definite draw card, but for parents the park proximity makes this spot unparalleled – along with the blissful moment’s peace and quiet babycino buys.

(And yes, we stopped being cool right around the same time we started caring about babycinos and where the good parks are.)
Where: Shop 3, Magnoli Building, 1338 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Words by Kellie Leader.

Okay is it just us or have you been hanging for an eats/drinks/hangs spot to pop up that’s all about the 80s/90s? Long before Kate Bush started running up that hill again, we played all the old school bangers on loop, gleefully embraced the resurgence of oversized blazers, and totally lost count of how many times we binged Clueless. Oh-so patiently we have bided our time and alas, we wait no more! Enter The Hood 4221 in (no prizes for guessing) Palm Beach – and as if we’re not totally hella bugg’n dawg coz this place is fly and if you think we’re overdoing the vintage slang, you can eat our shorts!

This intimate indoor/outdoor venue, the brainchild of friends Carly and Channey, has all the makings of a new local fave. The fit-out is quite the masterpiece, orchestrated by the talented Bridgette Ford from Arch Interiors, and Wes McCosh from Concept Projects Queensland. We’re talking a colour palette filled with pinkish hues and splashes of black, a bar wrapped in corrugated iron, pink neon lighting, and pot plants in between the bottles of spirits lining the bar shelves. Without a doubt, THE most amazing feature, however, is the one-off artwork covering the interior walls by local artist Timmi Fresh. Think of a collage of black and white era-appropriate poster-inspired art with bursts of graffiti which can only be described as; totally rad.

We love that it’s run by two super cool chicks who decided to take a chance on a wild idea and boom, three months later found themselves living the dream. Sipping on a coffee one morning, Carly and Channey noticed the nearby Kebab shop had gone up for lease – and the cogs started to turn. At first, they just had a laugh throwing around a few ideas but after a quick inspection, they went all in – 90s #girlpower style! Carly is quite accustomed to taking a punt, or at least talking about it, previously appearing on a weekly radio sports show discussing all things punting and horse racing. And Channey isn’t just passionate about natural wine, she’s actually studied it. And by studying, we don’t mean reading the odd wine label at Uncle Dan’s, she legit has qualifications and #lightbulbmoment – this is what we want to be when we grow up!

Serving up simple good food, a cracking 80’s/90’s soundtrack (LOVE) and delicious sips, there’s so much to love here. With Head Chefs Rob Rivers and Kereru Wilson from fellow Palmy crowd-pleaser Burgster, you know you’re in for some shut-up good chow. Their signature dish are the Margarita Chicken Wings, and anything with Margarita in the name is so okay with us.

If you can’t decide which beverage to order, may we suggest The Hood Cosmo because guys, there is nothing more 90s than a Cosmo and suddenly we want watch Sex and the City reruns immediately. The drinks menu also includes a small selection of natural boutique wines poured by the glass, and unique spirit infusions by local Jam Queen, Cicely Nurse. And yes, we said jam in drinks and this is actually a thing!!

So watch this space friends because these girls definitely have more left in the tank, with big plans for more little bars. In the meantime, throw your hair back in a claw clip, don your Doc Martens and make an afternoon or night (or both!) of it at this tubular new spot. Like, totally!

Where: 10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
When: 2pm – 11pm Thursday – Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen.

We’re all pretty much up to speed with how the ever-evolving Palm Beach scene is something to behold. However, it’s not only novel and ultra-modern apartments we’re witnessing popping up, but also new and exciting hospitality ventures: from on-trend cafes to scintillating nighttime hangouts and about everything else in between.

But, what about a down-to-earth bakery where you can grab yourself a well-poured coffee, some incredible pastries and breads and a space where you can catch up with a friend to watch the world go by? Sounds a little too good to be true, yet it isn’t. Say hello to Well Bread & Pastry — Palm Beach’s newest euro-infused bakery!

South African husband and wife owners Michelle and Stefan spent a great deal of time working and living in Europe whilst in their twenties, and amongst their adventures and discoveries in food, there was always a strong love for bread. After many years of perfecting the art of baking the perfect loaf, chef Stefan decided it was about time he let some fortunate members of the public enjoy his efforts. And after moving from Melbourne only a few months ago, the couple has decided Palm Beach is where they intend to make this happen.

The shop space oozes French countryside bakery vibes, warm exposed wooden features with a serene and sophisticated olive green throughout. There’s some serious window benchtop action going down as well, so if you like to people-watch or grab something and have some space to yourself, you’ll be smitten. Otherwise, there’s a handful of tables for you to take a load off and enjoy yourself something a little bit tasty.

The guys here aren’t on a mission per se, but they do want to dispel the myth that bread isn’t good for you. By using live cultures in the baking process and avoiding heavily refined grains for sustainably sourced and organic flours, you can be assured that their fresh-out-the-oven breads aren’t going to spoil all those hours you’ve spent in the gym. There is a sizeable collection, including Whole Grain Sourdoughs, Milk Loaves, and Pumpkin and Soy Rolls — freshly baked and all deliciously golden brown.

On the pastry front, you’ll find drool-worthy Croissants, Pain Au Chocolats and Biscuits galore, but if you prefer something a little more substantial, you’re in luck. They’re also putting together ready-made sandwiches and their own piping hot home-baked pies right out of the oven.

For appreciators of only the best coffee, you’ll be pleased to read two different Paradox products are being utilised. The lauded Surfers Paradise roastery’s much loved Penny Lane blend will be the go-to and a rotating Single Origin for all the black coffee fans out there.

Having been open for less than a week, it seems Palm Beach has truly welcomed Well Bread & Pastry since their opening day — by turning out in huge numbers and buying bread like it’s going out of fashion. We say get in on the action and enjoy your reason to fall back in love with bread again!

Where: 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
When: Tuesday — Sunday, 6am – 2pm

Words by Alex Mitcheson.