Without a doubt one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting down in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.

In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts here on the Coast. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!

Cove Cafe
Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever – as is the the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as Spanner Crab with saffron mayonnaise, and Salted Caramel Choux with orchid vanilla tea cream and caramel sauce.

Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, so you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea – starting with a welcome of Tea Forté infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade to bottomless rosé or the signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail – either of which sounds pear-fect to us (and bonus, we can finally swing by and suss out that lush, spruced up lagoon pool in the process). Prices start at $57 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Pearls Bar
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. Starting March 1 they invite us all to celebrate the heart of autumn with their Falling for Flavours: Autumn High Tea. Infused with luxurious flavours inspired by the new season, we’re drooling in anticipation. From Roasted Hazelnut Nutella Slice to Spiced Pumpkin Cake, you certainly won’t leave underwhelmed…or hungry. Complemented by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and tropical palms, it looks as decadent as it tastes. $76 per adult, which includes a glass of Sparking Wine as well as unlimited tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Le Jardin
The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll be feeling very high socie-tea indeed sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings. There are two high tea options to choose from (fancy and fancier) – depending on how bougee you’re feeling – starting from $89.90 per person. Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) for around $30 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Chapter and Verse
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of of Honey Lavender Scones and Salted Caramel Chocolate Tartlet… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bumbles
Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).

Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast) there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise

QT Gold Coast
This is no ordinary high tea! … well okay, technically speaking they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also include a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.

Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the tastebuds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Choux Pastries and Brownie-macarons. Prices start at $64 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz really enhance to your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Ms Margot’s
A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over soft-shell crab bao, pumpkin arancini, and halloumi with pickled fig. The Signature and champagne upgrade Par-Tea option come in at a very Carrie approved $42 and $67 respectively – bc, y’know – more to splash on shoes. OTT outfits optional.
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Palette
Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Prawn Toast with yuzu mayo and sesame and for the sweet tooths, Davidson Plum and Marshmallow Pinwheel. Yum! Prices start at $70 per adult.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Greendays
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. To set the scene on the type of sumptuous snack spread they put on – we’re talking mouth-watering morsels like Pork and Chestnut Gyoza, Pandan Swiss Roll and Dragonfruit Pannacotta. Throw in a glass of French bubbles for an extra $12… just because, or go the whole hog and upgrade to bottomless bubbles for an extra $45 pp. There’s also a separate vegan high tea and junior high tea so no one misses out. High Tea from $65 per adult.
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

The Langham
Okay so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Miniature coconut + mango pavlovas, Hot smoked salmon rillettes and Lemon curd scones, we’re not about to get caught up in the semantics now are we (a ‘Rosé’ by any other name and all that).

In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practicing your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $109 per person Monday to Friday and $119 per person Saturday & Sunday.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Videre
Local fave Videre does a high tea with panache… with the added perk of some some pretty stellar views, to boot. From Moreton Bay Bug Fritters and Barramundi Summer rolls with bush tomato relish, to a selection of sweets whipped up by the in-house Chef de Patisserie’s – the quali-tea here is unparalleled. And quite frankly, the assortment of freshly baked scone flavours served with all the trimmings (hellooo Sun-dried mango scone and just-churned butter!) alone is enough to get us swooning. Don’t forget the unlimited French press coffee and ‘Tea Drop’ tea and breathtaking panoramic views from the 21st floor whilst the golf folk slug it out below. We know what we’d rather be doing. Prices start at $68 per person including a glass of Mumm Tasmania Brut Prestige or a speciality mocktail, delish!
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

Mecca Bah
Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck in to three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista made coffee and tea, and a sparking wine or mocktail on arrival. $69 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach & 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Bon Appetea Teahouse
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Words by Kellie Leader.

From swoon-worthy beaches to incredible breweries, everyone knows this glorious city of ours can be a bit of an overachiever. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some lesser-known, and downright delectable draw cards on offer – such as a bourgeoning, freshly-baked cookie scene courtesy of our stellar cohort of specialty baked goods purveyors.

And sure, while the concept of a ‘burgeoning cookie scene’ might be (mildly amusing) news for some, for true connoisseurs – scoping out and sampling these sweet morsels and their infinite iterations can be serious business. The ultimate, anytime treat that lands somewhere between snack and dessert, the humble cookie really does have it all: Portable. Portion-sized (theoretically). Satisfying. More flavours than you can dream of…

We could happily dedicate our days to munching our way through the finest cookies the Gold Coast alone has to offer, and never get bored. If this too sounds like your kinda bucket list, here’s some of the best cookie spots the GC has to offer – for your utmost snacking pleasure.

The Milkman’s Cookies
When two chirpy Gold Coast mates embarked on a quest to master the perfect cookie, it wasn’t long until the budding bakers had their eureka moment. Deciding to take a punt on hawking their sugary, secret weapon at the weekly HOTA Farmers’ Markets, the duo found colossal success – consistently selling out of their meticulously crafted wares, week in, week out. After finding fame among local sugar fiends, the next logical step for the duo was to branch into national distribution. And since we can now officially get out Milkman’s fix at locations like Harris Farm, it’s safe to say, mission successful on that front too, lads.
The one to munch: Biscoff White Choc – need we say more… (aside from ‘keep ‘em coming, please’)
Where: HOTA Markets at Bundall every Sunday, Alfred’s Apartment, Harris Farm Markets(QLD) and online.

Paddock
A cute and unassuming cottage tucked in a leafy backstreet of Burleigh – beyond Paddock’s slice-of-suburbia vibing picket fence, lies a spot famous for churning out some of the best baked goods in town. And whatever the state-of-the-art bakers kitchen is whipping up on any given day, we’re having. ‘We’re fully grown adults’, we remind ourselves, as we resist the urge to smoosh our entire face against built-in viewing window, gazing at the alchemists working their magic within. Instead, guide that kid-in-a-candy-store enthusiasm in the general direction of the cabinet, where you can make your selection between flaky pastries, buttery tarts and, of course, a selection of gooey, soft-baked cookies, stuffed within an inch of their lives.
The one to munch: The Triple Threat, a combo of Macadamia Cookie, Nutella Bombs & Salted Caramel has it all (and if you have to share, it also comes in a whopper 1KG version!).
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Gold Coast Cookies
Currently in its GC bake-over era – from cafes, to Coles Express, seemingly everywhere we turn nowadays, we’re greeted by Gold Coast Cookies… and we’re not mad about it. From humble beginnings, hand-delivering cookies for free around the city, bringing buttery hand-baked joy in the first few months of the pandemic, to supplying to over 150 cafes nationwide in the space of a year – owner Christina’s pandemic hobby got out of hand, fast. These days, you can find the painstakingly developed recipes and flavour combo’s in stockists all over town (track them down via DM on socials while their new website is in the works).
The one to munch: The brand new Buena flavour, bursting with choc chips and topped with white chocolate hazelnut cream, has us enchanted. Bliss.
Where: Coles Express (QLD), select cafes and online

Currumbin Cookies
The signature treats on offer at Currumbin Cookies are truly something special. Delightfully different from others you’ll find on the Coast, what sets them apart is that they use a sourdough base for their sweet little parcels of perfection. The result is a light and fluffy crumb, crispy exterior and a more complex taste profile – yum! Another dough whisperer you can find at local markets.
The one to munch: Brown butter, chocolate and pecans – a delectable combo, eh?
Where: Burleigh Market and Palm Beach Farmers Market every Saturday

Custard Canteen
If you’ve ventured by Tallebudgera Creek in recent years (and if you haven’t… we have questions) then you’d most probably be familiar with the requisite Custard Canteen pit stop, convenient as it is downright delicious. Churning out all-day brunch staples and delightfully buttery treats daily, it’s little wonder that it fast became a fixture among creek dwellers. If it’s cookies you seek, the selection is here is second-to-none – after all, Custard comes courtesy of the original crew behind much-lauded Bam Bam Bakehouse and Cubby Bakehouse. With biscuit credentials like those, they certainly know how the cookie crumbles.
The one to munch: We’re hard pressed to go past the Salted Caramel White Choc— gooey, decadent and ohh so good.
Where: Tallebudgera Creek, 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Tarte
When Gold Coasters have got sugar on the mind, the mental gymnastics of squeezing a Tarte side quest to into the schedule almost always follows. And luckily, for sweet treat fiends (well, maybe not our waistlines) that feat is easier than ever. These days, devotees of Tarte’s delicious wares can choose to get their fix at either Burleigh or Currumbin, thanks to a second, Parisian-inspired site that now fronts the suburb’s iconic creek. Helmed by pastry prodigy Chloe Watts, we have plenty to thank the game-changing bakehouse brand for – starting with the heaven-sent array of cookies emerging fresh from the oven daily. We defy anyone who can leave empty-handed.
The one to munch: Choc Brownie Cookie is truly elite-tier – soft and gooey on the inside, chewy cookie on the outside.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Dough House Cookies
If you consider yourself a cookie connoisseur, prepare to blow your dough once you get a taste of the moorish treats that Bundall-based outfit, Dough House Cookies is delivering to the masses ( – literally, they ship Australia-wide #deadly). Their deluxe goodies are a common sight gracing the displays of coveted caffeine hot-spots across the coast – counting Blackboard Varisty, Elk Espresso, and Pasture & Co among its stockists. Which means you never have to venture far to get your fix when the hankering hits. Or, order online and have them sent direct to you (or gift to a loved one, if you’re feeling generous).
The one to munch: Red Velvet Oreo Nutella is a revelation and we will not hear otherwise.
Where: head to their site to find stockists or order online

Words by Kellie Leader.

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