Eat the most important meal of the day, all day.
Eat the most important meal of the day, all day.
Sometimes there are just those days when getting out of bed doesn’t happen between the traditional hours of breakfast. Whether it’s been a late-night Netflix binge, or you’ve been sinking tequila till the early hours we’re not going to judge you — much.
Luckily, some of our favourite Gold Coast cafes have you covered with the option of eating breakfast beyond noon.
Our eight picks mean you never need to miss the most important meal of the day again. Hurray.
Hymn Coffee in Tweed Heads effortlessly ticks all of the boxes for your breakfast dreams. They’re serving up delicious eats and quality coffee all day long and the sleek space is well worth a visit no matter which part of the Coast you call home. Grab yourself the Traveller Burrito, well, because it is amazing that’s why.
Where: Shop 2, 99 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads
This groovy little Palm beach hangout hasn’t been around a long while, but it has safely cemented its status as the coffee aficionado’s go-to. Jitter juice to one side though the fare on offer here is worth your attention, most notably their jaffle game. The humble toasted sandwich is elevated to new levels with the Sobrasada Jaffle: featuring jalapeños, smoked corn, and chimichurri. Si senior!
Where: Shop 5/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach
Paddock Bakery
We honestly couldn’t see ourselves writing this list without including these guys. One of the original all-day breakfast hit-ups, with one of the best outdoor spaces to hang out, drink, and generally live your best life. Home of the very inventive cruffin, on-site baked breads, milkshakes, and a world of other tasty baked goods. If you have somebody visiting from out of town and you aim to wow the socks off them, this is your place.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Blackboard Coffee
One of the Gold Coast’s most famous coffee houses, the team at Blackboard also make a mean all-day breakfast. What these guys don’t know about eggs benedict isn’t worth knowing, particularly when you’ve partnered this up with a tasty brew. Grab yourself a house-made doughnut for dessert and you’re guaranteed to leave with a spring in your step.
Where: 7/240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
Bam Bam Bakehouse
There’s no denying Bam Bam is one of our favourite places on Earth for the most awe-inspiring of sweet treats, but did you know they also create culinary breakfast masterpieces? Yep, they do. The Jalapeno & Queso Sweet Corn Fritters with a dollop of chipotle crema is going to blow any mind and we can’t help but mention the legendary Bam Bam Benny – a croissant packed with all things Benedict. Finger-wiping-plate goodness right there.
Where: 2519 – 2521 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Elk Espresso
Oh, Elk you little sweetheart, thank you for being the temple of all things breakfast at which we worship! Panna Cotta for breakfast is legitimately a thing here, with puffed grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and yoghurt. Going against the breakfast status quo continues with a cleverly constructed Breakfast Sashimi plate and Crispy Skin Salmon. Why not bend the rules a little next time you head out for breaky?
Where: Beach end of The Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
Everyone’s favourite Nobby’s beachside café is dishing up all of the nourishing eats for your feasting pleasure. The foods are healthy while also being delicious — meaning everything is worth trying. The Almond Latte French Toast is the clever — and guilt-free — way of doubling your caffeine intake; whilst their very own kalenaise means eggs benedict is always a healthy choice here. Oh, and you’ll see all of the cute dogs here: breakfast after noon never looked so good.
Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
Paradox Coffee Roasters
Pouring one of the Gold Coast’s finest cups of coffee and handcrafting breakfast/brunch food means you’re onto a winner at this local’s institution. This Surfers Paradise fave offers one of the best seasonal breakfast menus around and plenty of good vibes to match. We suggest you give the Canadian Hot Cakes with bacon, scrambled eggs (all smothered in maple syrup) a go – you’ll never very very satisfied.
Where: The 4217, 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise
And why you will too!
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.
She’s one of the Gold Coast’s finest, boasting 4.8 stars on Google and a 2025 AGFG Award to add to an already impressive list of accolades. The food is every bit as refined as the name suggests, crafted by genius minds. A reservation here means settling in for modern Australian dining at its best, served in an intimate, quietly sophisticated room. Fine food lovers, rejoice!
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
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 an appreciated presence in 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 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; open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
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
Welcome to the Gold Coast’s official brunch destination. There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes, and Little Mermaid has done precisely 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. Open for breakfast and lunch 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. You know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
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
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following as this gorgeous warehouse. It’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy, drawing 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, just become a plant parent!
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse has it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis of recovery and tranquillity right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, traditional and infrared saunas, a 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
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
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest-standing taco joints on the Coast, it’s a favourite amongst the locals, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, should that be your thing. To answer your question, yes, they do have Taco Tuesdays, complete with $6 tacos and $20 jugs of sangria! 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
Marked by yellow striped umbrellas, splashes of colour and plenty of smiling faces, Sunnyboy is the sibling of Broady’s Elk Espresso- a Gold Coast institution since 2011. From 7am daily, you can tuck into breaky, brunch and lunch classics that are seriously elevated. Like, too good to eat (but wayyy too good not to), Insta-worthy dishes that will blow your mind and taste buds. Then, for those weekends (or weekdays- no judgement here) that cause breaky with a side of bubbles, there’s Bottomless Boozy Brunches. Just take one look at their Insta, and you will be messaging the group chat to lock in a date.
Where: 168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
First, we were blessed with Rafiki By The Sea- a long-standing neighbourhood favourite serving flavoursome food, stellar coffee and unmatchable vibes. Then came Rafiki By The Park, thanks to the screaming success of the seaside original. That’s right, Gold Coasters… we’ve been blessed with two Rafikis, and honestly, we deserve it.
Both venues serve slurp-worthy smoothies, icy matcha, cheeky (and famous) toasties, house-made yoghurt cups piled with seasonal fruit and crunchy granola, and their cult-status African Avo Toast. Add in strong coffee, super-friendly staff, and a rotating roaster of smiling doggos, and you’ve got two of Mermaid’s most beloved local hangouts.
Where: By The Sea, 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach. By The Park, 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Bam Bam has long held elite bakery status in Mermaid Beach (and the rest of Australia), and once you’ve had one of their pastries, you get it. The place smells ridiculous, in a butter-meets-sugar way, and the pastry cabinet makes you lose all inhibition with zero regrets. There are loaded muffins, crispy cruffins, savoury and sweet croissants, melted-in-the-middle cookies, and so much more! They also cover scrambled eggs, sandwiches, acai bowls- even poke bowls and nasi goreng! They do it all, and they do so damn well! Needless to say, it’s a staple for locals, a weekend ritual for many, and a must-visit for anyone serious about baked goods.
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Raspberry Room isn’t just a place to get a fine-line tattoo; it’s a speakeasy-meets-hotel-lobby-inspired haven. The waiting room channels New York lobby vibes, and the studio blends the founders’ favourite bars and hotels, all wrapped up in a colour palette straight outta Wes Anderson’s classic, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’. It’s the perfect place to pop your tattoo cherry, or collect more!
Where: 2/2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Etsu is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight spots- seriously, you’d walk straight past if you didn’t know what you were looking for, but that’s half the fun! Inside, it’s moody, intimate and buzzing in that way only great Japanese venues seem to pull off. The food is consistently excellent, from the sashimi to the small plates to the more playful specials. The drinks list is stacked with good sake and Japanese whisky, and the staff know their stuff without being over-the-top about it. It’s a favourite for celebrations, date nights or any time you want dinner to feel like an occasion without being overly fancy. Don’t go past the aburi salmon maki roll with avocado, seared salmon, spicy mayo, teriyaki and red tobiko.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Ritual is the calm in the chaos – the place locals escape to when they need to breathe, stretch or just reset after a big week. The studio is warm and welcoming, with pilates that burn and yoga that soothes. There’s a real community feel here which is always a standout feature. Whether you’re into slow, grounding sessions or you want something a bit stronger, the timetable covers it. They also have locations in Palm Beach and Robina!
Where: 2431 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
The Good Lane stocks local makers and artists.
Not only is the Gold Coast becoming THE place to be for epic eateries, cool cultural events and all things art and entertainment, we are also embracing all things sustainable and zero waste at a rapid pace and it’s so exciting to see.
In the last year or so we’ve had a couple of sustainable product stores pop up around the place and they have been welcomed with open arms by us locals.
Happily, there’s a new kid in town and this one can be found right in the heart of Burleigh Heads. It’s called The Good Lane and it’s a zero-waste, plant-based marketplace where you can stock up on all things good-for-the-planet.
Owner Elijah McQuinn was the man behind Sustainable Social, a zero-waste, plant-based market on the Coast; but wanted a retail space so he could bring local makers together and hold events for the public too.
What kind of things you ask? Well Gold Coasters, pretty much everything.
You can treat your skin to something special with clay masks, deodorant pastes and bath soaks by local brand Rustic Peppermint.
There are kitchen goodies like coconut bowls, bamboo straws, cutlery kits, produce bags, dish brushes, lunch boxes and drink bottles.
Of course, you can also get eco-friendly tote bags and produce bags.
There are also hand-crafted ceramics including incense holders and ritual dishes from Blue House Pottery plus prints and macrame for your walls by local artists.
Stock up on (hot commodity) loo paper by the legends at Who Gives a Crap or a beautiful thrifted / upcycled piece of clothing .
The Good Lane is also a micro nursery so you can take home some (yes, more) greenery for your house as well as candles by The Glass Half Full and there’s also a selection of stunning vintage homeware, carefully curated by the team.
That’s not even all of it.
You can pretty much find anything you need and all within the pretty, light-filled space and it’s all made by locals from Northern NSW to Brisbane. How good.
If you’re thinking you might like to spend a bit of extra time in there, you’re in luck.
Events like watercolour art classes, sound healing sessions and cacao ceremonies are all on offer throughout the week. Sounds like the perfect place to us.
Head down there to check it all out for yourself and pick up some sweet, sustainable goodies to fill your home with and keep an eye out for shop pup Chase, he’s a fluffy little sweetheart.
LOCATION: 73 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday & Sunday’s 10am to 3pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
