Rafiki opens a second cafe by the park in Mermaid Waters.
Rafiki opens a second cafe by the park in Mermaid Waters.
Hakuna matata Mermaid Waters! Beloved local institution Rafiki by the Sea has opened up a sibling cafe, and this time it’s a flavour bomb by the park.
Rafiki by the Park is the newest venture from hospitality power duo Tobias Diamandopoulos and Rosalind Pinto. What started as a humble hole-in-the-wall spot at the Mermaid Beach Surf Club has grown into a Gold Coast favourite.
The Rafiki name now carries serious flavour, with its signature spice blend stocked across the country and a growing community of loyal fans who don’t just come for the toasties, they come for the good vibes.
Tobias and Rosalind bring over 30 years of hospitality savvy to the table, with a resume that includes Rafiki, Okazu Sushi Bar, and Eska Seafood. But the secret ingredient for Rafiki? Community.
“Rafiki means “friend” in Swahili and it really captures the heart of what we’re about,” said Rosalind.
“We wanted to create a space where people can connect with old friends and meet new ones.”
And what a meeting place. Leafy plants sway above a sun-kissed corner of Mermaid Waters shopping village where island-inspired interiors make it feel like a mini holiday, away from the hubbub of Sunshine Boulevard and Markeri Street.
Designed and built by the owners themselves (talk about hands-on hospitality!), the space blurs the line between indoors and out. With a big dining deck, cosy indoor seating and a sprawling park out back, it’s the ultimate hangout for locals, pups and prams alike.
But let’s talk about the menu.
If you’ve ever wandered past Rafiki by the Sea on a Wednesday morning, chances are you’ve spotted the Hedges Run Club ordering smoothies like it’s a competitive sport.
You can order all the smoothies here at Mermaid Waters too, including fan favourite Monkey Madness – a wild blend of banana, cocoa, peanut butter, coconut water and milk, topped with chia, coconut and cocoa nibs.
Rafiki by the Park stays true to its roots with all the classics you know and love from the Mermaid Beach locale.
Tuck into famous Rafiki toasties like the Rueben with pastrami, sauerkraut, seeded mustard or the Moroccan Pesto Chicken with roasted capsicum, both oozing with melted cheese.
With an abundance of seating at Rafiki by the Park there is also an extended offering of sit-down breakfasts and lunches.
African Avocado Toast puts a twist on the breakfast staple, while the Pulled Pork Nachos will have you saying holy guaca-moly!
All tables are adorned with a signature Rafiki spice shaker, allowing you to pack your plate with flavour.
The vibrant mix of sumac, pistachio nuts, turmeric, paprika, hemp hearts and other punchy ingredients has become so popular, the team have created a take home spice, so you can have Rafiki flavour at home.
Just like its sibling, Rafiki by the Park is soon to become a hub for the community. With a plan to use the space for mothers group meet ups and sip-and-paint afternoons, you know you will find your tribe here.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
When: Daily, 6am-2:30pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
