Coolangatta is our southernmost suburb and it’s almost like stepping back in time for a taste of the good old Gold Coast, a little slower and sleepier (the way we like it) but with a sprinkle of some seriously epic eats for good measure – dreamy.

If you’re a fan of chill coastal vibes and pumping surf, where you can soak up the sunshine all-day long and hop from beach to bar as your heart desires then Cooly’s got your name written all over it. The laidback lifestyle is just one of the reasons why locals love this little beachside suburb, but we’ve found another 16 for when you want to go exploring.

Franc Jr’s
I’ts called the famous pizzeria for a reason, Franc Jr’s have gotten a rep for dishing up the best pizzas on the Gold Coast – maybe even Queensland. Big call, I know but IYKYK. Home of their signature Sicilian square pizza, pop down for takeaway or dine in with a bottle of pinot to wash down your pizza. Our pick is the red strip with a pickled grape salad on the side (sounds weird but trust the process) and a frozen marg if you fancy a tipple.
Where: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Pipi’s Restaurant
Cooly brought in the big guns with Brisbane hospitality mavens, the Gambaro Group bringing Pipi’s to life and it’s something Southern Gold Coasters have been waiting for. Pipi’s is the newest seaside sensation to call Cooly home and you best believe our tastebuds can’t get enough of it. Nothing to be crabby about with a Mediterranean-inspired menu – Chargrilled Mooloolaba King Prawns and Freemantle Octopus Carpaccio just a couple of the stars of the show. If you’re feeling boujee then treat yourself to a Kaviari Caviar Bump – served with a shot of Belvedere or glass of Tattinger.

Special mention to the cafe-style sequel to this suave new seafood nosher, Awaken Cafe. Situated underneath Pipi’s Awaken thos caffeine-slinging counterpart is giving girl-next-door (but, y’know, downstairs) in the very best way.
Where: Level 1/275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta

Kefi
Kefi popped up on the café scene in late 2023 and their suitably summer vibe has been gracing our social channels here, there and everywhere. With coffee and food as delicious as the interiors are gorg it’s the kind of spot we could just spend all morning long at. With a Mediterranean twist on your classic brekky favourites, fuel up with a feed or pop in for the viral strawberry matcha and take a stroll on the beach because, wholesome.
Where: Corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, 2/110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Cooly Breeze
There’s something about being beach side and on a rooftop that just hits different, throw some fine dining into the mix and that’s our kind of trifecta. Executive chef Marcondes Almeida Neto has combined gastronomy with the flavours of the Medierranean Coast for bold flavours you’ve never tasted before. A feast for your eyes and your tum, the dishes are almost too pretty to eat… almost.
Where: Level 13 of Beachcomber International Resort, 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Coolangatta Pie Shop
This iconic Gold Coast pie shop has been around for more than 50 years, so it’s no wonder they’re serving up some of the tastiest pies around. We’re partial to a baked good and fortunately, the Coolangatta Pie Shop have them aplenty – perfect for that post surf carb load.
Where: 50 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Maverick Hair & Art Studio
If you’ve been looking for a place to tame that mane then say less, because Maverick Hair & Art Studio’s got your back. Or hair, I guess. The award-winning salon and of course, their stylists, know their way around the locks and can we just say – they do one of the best blondes we’ve seen on the GC, and that’s no easy feat. The refined industrial feel is a pretty little paradise to sit back and relax while you’re pampered, which is exactly what you want when you’re investing hours in those tresses – t’s the crown you never take off, after all. No bad hair days here
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Bar Evelyn
This place has been a hotspot for locals and visitors ever since it popped up on Marine Parade a couple of years ago. Cooly’s home of antipasto and pasta, you best believe we want a pizza that. Our picks? If you’re a seafood lover like us then the bug bucatini and pickled mussels with bottarga mayo, cucumber and dill are a must try. Sweeten the deal with their house-made tiramisu – do as the Italians do, we say – and one of their season sours.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Clay Cantina
One thing about us is that we are always down for a Mexican moment. Now let’s taco-bout the margs, specifically the Laneway Marg – just trust us when we say their signature agave inspired bev is everything you’ve been looking for in a marg and more. Taste the flavours of all your fave Mexican fare, or if you’d rather a hands on approach to your dining experience, get the crew together for their signature cooking classes where you’ll get up close and personal with their most-loved recipes. Gracias!
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Greenmount Beach Surf Club
With unsurpassed views in a northerly direction, you can take in everything overlooking the spectacular Greenmount Beach right up to the skyline of Surfers Paradise and, on some days, beyond. If the surf’s up, watched the surfers below shred waves or wipe out with an ice cold schooner in hand.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Cinebar
Forget that there was a ripper cinema in Cooly? How could you! It’s time you get acquainted with Cinebar, a restaurant-style movie experience where you can get the full dinner, drinks and show vibe without having to lift a finger – or leg for that matter. Because we’re all about efficiency, kick back and catch up on the freshest flicks while you’re wined and dined for the ultimate date night with your special someone or your gal pals.
Where: The Strand at Coolangatta

4 Pines
On the brew-tiful beach front you’ll find one of the vibiest beachside breweries we know, the ultimate for whether you’re escaping the surf or just looking for a spot to kick back with live tunes and a beer in hand. You’ll find all your 4 Pines favourites, like the classic Pacific Ale for a fresh and fruity finish or the Pale Ale for a more crisp and citrusy taste, on tap and calling your name. Well, what are you waiting for – hop to it!
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Ottimo
If you want the inside scoop then here it is – if you want to be served up gelato the Italian way, Ottimo know that sticking to tradition is anything but boring. Having studied at the Gelato University of Carpigiani (yes, that’s a thing), owner Davide let’s his Italian heritage swirl through each delicious morsel whether it’s Ferrero Rocher or passionfruit flavoured. We give it an High Distinction!
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Timezone
Nothing like a bit of healthy competition to get the heart rate up, blitz your bestie with more than 200 classic arcae games to choose from. With full-sized bowling lanes, dodgem cars and laser skirmish there’s something for all ages – including the big kids at heart.
Where: Level 1, 72-80 Marine Parade, The Strand, Coolangatta

The Pink Hotel
Not a Cooly local? No problem, because one of our most aesthetic hotels just happens to call Coolangatta home! It’s impossible to miss the iconic pink glow of the Palm Springs inspired Pink Hotel, if it weren’t for the fact that you can spot the GC’s glorious skyline from it, we’d forgive you for thinking you were in the California desert. Originally a motel, the legends behind The Pink Hotel lovingly restored it to its current glory so now we gorg destination for the ultimate staycation – love that for us.
Where: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Eddie’s Grub House
Rock ‘n roll meets fried chicken, burgers and whiskey: does it get any better than that? Get a mouthful of naughty but nice American classics in this soul food dive bar. They regularly have live music and karaoke nights if you’re feeling brave, it’s long been a Cooly institution for good grub and good vibes – for good reason!
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Cooly Rocks On
It’s got to be one of the most colourful creations that Cooly has brought us, each and every year we love seeing Cooly transform into the home of motors and music with a dedicated festival to celebrate the lifestyle of yesteryear. Think Hot Rods, Elvis Tribute Artists, Swing Dancing, Pin Up Pageants and so much more,
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

If it feels like a lifetime since you’ve kicked your heels up beachside with a frosty beverage in hand and sand absolutely everywhere, you’ll be thrilled to know that wait is over Gold Coasters.

Coolangatta’s new Bo’teku is bringing those beloved, laidback Bali vibes to us and who needs to travel anyway right?

It’s the work of local lad Matt Burke and the crew behind Bondi Grill’e and it’s one place you’re going to absolutely love.

The vibe is very much a relaxed, meet-your-friends-for-drinks in the sunshine situation and you’ll feel very much at home there with a cocktail in hand and a delicious dish or three on the way.

Taking up space where George’s Paragon used to live on Marine Parade, Bo’teku is a bohemian inspired bar and eatery decked out in bright pops of colour, including an eye-catching orange Chesterfield couch and a neon sign that reads “you are exactly where you need to be”, which you indeed will be once you’ve set foot inside.

Pops of greenery are dotted throughout and you’ll have a choice of low and high tables, overlooking the ocean to get stuck into the impressive menu.

Which we will now discuss.

The share-style menu is absolutely packed with a diverse range of dishes, with the freshest of seafood making up a large portion.

For lunch, there are exceptional delights like Kingfish Ceviche with lime, chilli, mint, dill, grapefruit sesame dressing, crispy parsnip and black truffle sourdough (probably the best you’ve ever sampled), BBQ King Prawns with a ginger ponzu and smoked aioli and Tuna Tartare with avocado, black caviar, ponzu and crispy sourdough to name a few.

At dinnertime you’ll be choosing from Mozarella Croquetas with a blue cheese sauce, Salt and Pepper Cuttlefish with basil, chili and smoked mayo, Crispy Pork Belly with a sweet seeded mustard sauce and shaved apple and Black Angus Rump Steak served with Tagliata with crispy shallots, salsa verde and juse.

For dessert, a Salted Caramel Cronut with Vanilla bean ice-cream and toasted almonds will fill the spot. Yes.

It’s all mind-blowing honestly, try everything.

Matt procures seafood from a local Tweed supplier daily so you know it’s all the freshest possible quality available.

To drink (no we haven’t forgotten about you), there is an extensive and very good cocktail menu to get involved in with sips like a Lychee Apple Martini that will change your life, an array of delightful margaritas and share-style jugs that are probably the most affordable (and delicious) you’ve ever come across – Watermelon Punch anyone? Yes, hello.

The Bo’teku, is known a place where alcoholic beverages are sold, serving as a meeting place for “bohemians” looking for a good drink, great food, appetizers and a relaxed conversation. And indeed it is all of that friends.

There’s a DJ on Sunday afternoons from 2pm spinning relaxed beats so there’s pretty much nowhere else you need to be.

Get excited about this one Gold Coasters.

LOCATION: Shop 6, 110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
HOURS: Monday to Thursday 5pm until late, Friday and Saturday 12pm until late and Sunday 2pm until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Balmy, outside-all-day weather is upon us once again Gold Coasters and how good is it to feel like things are almost as they should be again. Now as we all know, this delightful weather also means eating out more, grabbing eats to go between extensive beach sessions and of course, all of the coffee to keep our energy up.

Luckily, there are many local cafes supportive of such a lifestyle, the latest of which opened recently in Coolangatta, right opposite the beach and boasting fresh, welcoming vibes you’re absolutely going to want to get involved in.

It’s called Vanilla Lily and it can be found on Marine Parade, just steps from the beach where Raw + Rice once lived. A deck at the front looks out over the street and the beach beyond offering plenty of sunshine and salty sea breezes.

Inside it’s all polished concrete walls with hanging pendant lights and handmade wooden tables with the bench at the front the piece de resistance. It’s made of rose quartz and imported from Brazil. It’s sparkly and stunning and we would like it in our house please.

Now once you’ve taken in the beautiful interior you might notice a familiar face or two behind that fancy bench. Vanilla Lily is owned by Dean and Lisa Saul who also own Café Kirra down the road, a firm favourite amongst locals and now with a sophisticated little sister.

You can also expect the same good vibes and the lovely community atmosphere that generally comes with a family owned business.

The menu is fresh and filled with dishes that have a modern, healthy take on all your favourites. There’s Avocado Toast with sliced radish, dried chilli flakes, pomegranate and drizzled with raw honey and lemon on a slice of sourdough.

The Lily Nourish is a nutrient-packed dish filled with sauteed greens, roasted chickpeas, dukkha crusted roast pumpkin, avocado and turmeric hummus and there’s also the Vanilla Lily Granola, Eggs Benedict and French Toast to name a few.

To sip, there’s Byron Bay Coffee and a sweet selection of smoothies including Banana, Green and Berry varieties – all made using vegan protein powder.

Excitingly, Vanilla Lily (named after a native plant) will soon also be a bar serving up beachside sips and tapas-style dishes including an epic cheeseboard and fresh oysters.

Bring that on.

Head on down to Vanilla Lily to soak up some of those laidback, beachfront vibes we all know and love.

LOCATION: Shop 2, 110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
HOURS: 6am until 2pm daily and from 4pm when the bar opens

Words and photos by Kirra Smith