PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Whether you prefer to start your day with a green smoothie, a (non-negotiable) triple shot iced latte or a big ‘ol stack of buttermilk pancakes – when a hip new coffee haunt inserts itself in your neck of the woods, mornings just feel that little bit brighter.

This is especially true for Gold Coasters whose BFFs are of the four-legged variety, with Mermaid’s new pup-friendly spot Arketà Cafe set to be a firm favourite among foodies and furry friends alike.

Combining their passion for good food and cute canines, partners Iszaya and Keeley were inspired to create a spot for central locals to perch up with their pooch in tow for slow sun-soaked brunches while also offering tasty, quick bites for those on the go.

Keeley brings her background in owning and operating cafes to the table, with Mermaid Waters being the obvious choice for the duo to set up shop.

“It is our local area where we live and we felt it was lacking a dog friendly cafe with an amazing experience and food and friendly staff” owner Iszaya adds.

There’s also set to be a whole lot more babycinos on the horizon, with the duo hustling extra hard to get the Arketà doors open before they welcome their next addition, a new baby in the coming weeks.

They’ve certainly got plenty on their plates (and spoiler alert: we’re very happy to report we can say the same about the eats).

The direction for the Arketà fit out was headed by Keeley and embodies that welcoming, modern industrial cafe vibe we can never get enough of.

Chic square tiles bedeck the wraparound counter, while the blush and cream combo will always get a yes from us.

Polished concrete flooring, black seating and lofty ceilings bring all the industrial drama with greenery and timber inclusions to bring a welcoming warmth to the space.

Meanwhile, the alfresco seating offers a prime pozzy for lucky locals to linger a little longer and soak up some rays.

An equally enticing menu offers all the cafe style suspects – we spy with our little açaí, a full selection of raw treats, fresh juices, smoothies (the La Luna looks especially lit), and açaí on tap for your daily nutrient hit, obvi.

Though lbh, brunch is what we’re really here for, and Arketà delivers.

On high rotation will be the hash avo, whipped feta, golden hash browns, avo, poached eggs, and the rightful breakfast of champions – the breakfast loaded burger for your fried egg, bacon, wilted spinach cheese and hollandaise fix all wrapped up in one glorious bun.

The pièce de résistance though, might just be the big brekkie that’s got to be one of the most stacked on the Coast.

The Arketà The Lot, toasted turkish loaded with hollandaise laden poached eggs, avo, hashies, sausages, bacon, sautéed baby spinach and grilled tomato… aaand they’re not done yet: a swirl of açaí topped granola on the side to top it all off.

Food sweats, take the wheel.

Of course, our furry friends need not spend the whole time giving us puppy dog eyes, with Arketà is punching out the pupuccinos and more goodies from the dedicated doggo menu.

Because while we may not deserve dogs, the goodest boys and girls definitely deserve all the treats.

Where: Shop 5, 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
When: 6am-2pm Monday-Sunday

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

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

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.

Little Truffle

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

Six Tricks

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

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

La Macelleria

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

Little Mermaid

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

Mermaid Beach Surf Club

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

The Borrowed Nursery

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

Soak Bathhouse

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

The Glenelg Public House

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

Bonita Bonita

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

Sunnyboy Espresso

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

Rafiki By The Sea / Rafiki By The Park

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 Bakehouse

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

Raspberry Room

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

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 Yoga & Pilates

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