Burleigh’s Mohr Cafe and Deli is dishing up the goods.
Burleigh’s Mohr Cafe and Deli is dishing up the goods.
Just when we thought Hibiscus Haven couldn’t squeeze in another standout spot, Burleigh’s block of cool makes room and gives us Mohr.
Say hello to Mohr Cafe and Deli, the fresh face on Hibiscus Haven serving food so good you’ll want to text your group chat about it right now.
Run by husband-and-wife team Rob and Eden Mohr, this cafe has been a dream of these hospo wizards for some time. With more than two decades refining their craft on land and super yachts, the Mohrs know what makes a plate sing. They’re not cutting corners on anything, not the produce, not the prep, and definitely not venue, which they helped build with their own hands.
White and bright outside, inside, you’ll find that effortless coastal aesthetic Burleigh does best with exposed textured walls and warm timbers that create a calm spot to sip, snack and secretly people-watch.
Now let’s talk food because Mohr’s all-day menu is an all-star lineup.
Dip into Turkish Eggs perfectly poached and served with coconut labne, smoked tomato, cucumber, carrot pickle & charred bread.
The Shakshuka Scramble is (dare we say) moreish… with charred eggplant, peppers, tomato chilli salsa & charred bread. Chef’s hot tip is to add brisket.
A croque monsieur is a classic fave with ham and gruyere, fried eggs, cheese sauce, green pea chef salad and parmesan.
Lunch plates take things up a notch. Think mezze spreads with grilled vege and beef skewers, charcuterie, pizza bread topped with Mediterranean meatballs and provolone cheese, smash burgers, lobster tacos and all the good things you want to eat when you’re in a suburb that doesn’t do average.
If you’re in a hurry or you simply a grab-and-go girlie, Mohr’s deli bar is stocked with ready-made meals that aren’t your usual sad desk lunch. Everything is made fresh, seasonal and designed to taste just as good eaten in your car as it does at a table. Pre-order, or just walk in and point at whatever looks irresistible.
The menu changes regularly, because Rob and Eden love exploring flavours, so you know you can come back and find something new to tuck into.
And now here’s the real secret: Mohr food pairs perfectly with beer. Black Hops to be exact. And anything you order can be enjoyed next door at Black Hops Brewery! It’s a match made in Hibiscus Haven heaven.
Mohr is also pouring That’s Whyld Coffee Roasters from Miami, so you’re in safe and well caffeinated hands there, with a cold brew speciality foam that ticks all the boxes.
Bonus for this time of year is that Mohr does catering! Office lunches, private dinners, family feasts, they’ve got the goods.
And for those who can’t be bothered cooking tonight? There’s Mohr for Later, a delicious, ready-to-heat dinner range that lets you have a chef-made meal on the couch in your trackies.
Need we say Mohr?
Where: 4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
When: Daily, 6:30am–3pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
Costa Taco opens their biggest venue yet.
The Costa Taco titans have done it again and this time, they’ve levelled up in a big way.
If you’ve ever spent time in Palm Beach, there’s a good chance you’ve queued for Costa Taco at least once, probably more. The taco-slinging hole-in-the-wall became an instant cult favourite when it opened in 2021, with lines snaking down the street.
Locals caught on. Visitors caught on. It was only a matter of time before brothers and founders Matt and Nick Stanley turned this popularity into a full blown fiesta up and down the coast.
Fast-forward a few years and Costa Taco has grown faster than your margarita cravings on a Friday afternoon. Byron Bay? Tick. Broadbeach? Tick. And now, they’ve shut their OG Palmy spot to make room for the third stop on the B tour, their biggest and boldest venue yet: Burleigh, baby!
Between this new flagship and their all-day cafe Mercado in Mermaid Waters, Costa Taco is officially running the coast one tortilla at a time. But Burleigh isn’t just another branch.
Nick Stanley sums it up best: “Costa Taco has always been about more than food. For us, it’s about sharing Mexican culture with honesty and heart, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.”
It’s a mission you can feel the moment you step inside the Burleigh venue.
In prime posse on the GC Highway, the new venue blends laid-back Aussie beach culture with the vibrant flavours of Mexico. Gone are the days of inhaling your meal in Palmy so the line could keep moving, this big Burleigh spot invites you to settle in, sip a marg (or three) and let the good vibes take you to Mexico.
Exposed walls keep things cool and stripped-back, while pops of colourful artwork are splashed across the space. With 110 seats, two 10-seat booths and 15 stools at the bar, there’s plenty of room for the whole familia.
Now, to the food! All your Costa classics are here, and they’re ready to party.
Start fresh with lime-cured Ceviche Tostadas or chomp into the Elote Street Corn, grilled and slathered in chipotle crema, queso fresco, coriander and tajin salt.
Now let’s taco ’bout the tacos.
The Beer-Battered Local Snapper Taco is sunshine in a bite, fresh local fish drenched in crispy Mexican beer batter with a dreamy cashew salsa. The Guerrero Chicken Taco packs citrus, chilli and a secret sauce where the Confit Pork Carnitas will dance on your tastebuds with coriander, pickled onion and piña-guajillo salsa.
And then there are the heavy hitters. Chilaquiles (AKA wet nacho heaven) are bursting with tangy green salsa and ricotta-style cheese. Plus the holy grail: Quesabirria with crispy, cheesy, slow-cooked beef tacos with a rich dipping broth.
Wash it all down with a classic, coconut or chilli margarita and you’re living your best Mexican life.
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
When: Daily, 12pm–9pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Kirra Smith
The freshest spots are here, and the Gold Coast is just warming up.
The year’s winding down, but if November openings are anything to go by, the Gold Coast is still full throttle.
From sampling sizzling meats and frosty fruity treats to soaking up the vibes in beer gardens and on mountain picnics, we’ve rounded up all the November openings so you can start planning your ultimate end-of-year adventures.
Peddly Picnics is rolling into Tamborine Mountain with the smoothest way to explore the Scenic Rim… on two wheels! Grab an e-bike, load up your picnic basket and cruise between wineries, distilleries, cafes and lookout spots at your own breezy pace. With lush rainforest trails, secret foodie stops and even room for a pup in the basket, it’s the ultimate sip-and-snack summer adventure. Trust us, this is one wheelie good day out.
Where: 43 Main St, Tamborine Mountain
The Chilly Bin is officially Tugun’s coolest new hangout, bringing a taste of true Kiwi summer with its real fruit ice cream served straight from a converted horse float. Blending frozen fruit with silky handmade ice cream on the spot, it’s part soft serve, part smoothie, and all delicious. Think mango, mixed berry, rotating specials and even dairy-free bases made with coconut milk and olive oil. With sunny seating, games and major chill vibes, this spot has summer written all over it.
Where:478 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Costa Taco has taken over Burleigh in the best possible way, opening its biggest and boldest venue yet. What started as a tiny Palm Beach hole-in-the-wall with epic queues has grown into a full-blown coastal fiesta, and this new flagship is the ultimate taco playground. With 110 seats, colourful vibes, icy margaritas and all your Costa favourites, Burleigh is officially the new home of tortilla-fuelled good times.
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
Southport is heating up, and it’s all thanks to Ember by Fire Baby, the fiery new sibling turning up the sizzle on Welch Street. Upstairs, Fire Baby brings cheesy comfort by the slice, but downstairs Ember is where things get sear-iously smoky. Think flame-kissed steaks, charcoal-grilled seafood and bold dishes crafted by a powerhouse culinary team. With moody vibes, inventive flavours and that irresistible open-fire aroma, Ember is serving up the kind of heat you’ll happily lean into.
Where: 10 Welch Street, Southport
Pappa Flock has swooped into Surfers Paradise, landing on Cavill Ave with a whole lot of cluckin’ good energy. The bright, beach-inspired venue features bold orange decor and a mural by local artist Kiel Tillman, instantly claiming landmark status. Known for a loyal fan base, Pappa Flock hand-breads every tender and squeezes thousands of lemons daily for unbeatable lemonade. From the Mighty Box to Loaded Fries and signature Crispy Chicken sandwiches, this new hotspot is set to be Surfers’ go-to for a flockin’ good feed.
Where: Paradise Centre, Shop 24, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Hotel Jardin has officially brought a new era of chic to Chevron Renaissance, unveiling a multi-level playground of bars, dining and late-night glamour. Its first stage features the moody Lobby Bar, a sultry Piano Bar and SABA Kitchen, where Executive Chef Minh Le dishes up spice-driven pan-Asian flavours. With velvet booths, live music, refined cocktails and a rooftop arriving in 2026, Hotel Jardin is set to become Surfers Paradise’s newest go-to for elevated evenings, golden-hour moments and seriously stylish fun.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Cheek Café has arrived in Southport with big flavours, bold personality and peachy-good vibes. This sunny corner spot blends playful design with seriously good coffee, wholesome ingredients and a menu inspired by Greek, Italian and Aussie roots. Owner Natalie Yiannakopoulos has poured her heart into every detail, backed by Head Chef Anjelika Arnaiz, whose global experience brings a refined twist to brunch favourites. From the Cheeked Up Benny to Peachy Pannacotta, this cafe is guaranteed to brighten your day.
Where: 412/1 Como Crescent, Southport
Crack a cold one because Padre Brewing Co has officially landed in Miami. Built on two decades of friendship, the crew behind Padre believes good beer is best shared, and their new 160-seat brewery is the best place for it. Expect 14 beers brewed onsite, a menu stacked with elevated pub classics and a space designed for good times. Whether you’re sinking a lager, sampling an IPA or grabbing a takeaway, Padre is your new best mate.
Where: 9 Ozone Parade, Miami
Words by Lisette Drew
Al Bacio Gelato Naturale churns out traditional Italian gelato in Burleigh.
Do you remember your first lick of gelato? That sweet, creamy moment when the world just melted away? Well, get ready to relive it because Al Bacio Gelato Naturale is scooping up the Gold Coast’s freshest take on authentic Italian gelato.
Husband and wife Craig and Rebecca Heininger, with their daughter Jaime, are the dream team behind this family-run gelateria that’s making waves just a short stroll from Burleigh beach. With Italian roots in their family tree, they’ve certainly mastered the art of la dolce vita – the sweet life – one churn at a time.
Before scooping for success, Craig was a water engineer and Rebecca worked in the health industry with a flair for design. Jaime, meanwhile, has been obsessed with gelato since her first lick when she was 13 (can relate!) and has been working in gelato since her teens.
Earlier this year, the Heiningers took their gelato obsession global, heading to Tuscany to train at an artisan gelato academy. There, they learned to transform simple ingredients into something magic. No artificial colours, no pre-made pastes, just fresh fruit, creamy Jersey milk and a whole lot of love. After graduating, they embarked on a gelato tour across Italy. From Sicily to Milan they tasted their way through award-winning gelaterias, picking up inspiration along the way.
Now they’re pouring their passion into Al Bacio Gelato Naturale in Burleigh. Designed in collaboration with the creative team at Pennybridge and the fit-out pros at Zero 9, the space blends modern design with old-school Italian charm. Think terrazzo tiles, lush green tones and a welcoming open layout that lets you peek into the gelato lab. Yes, you can literally watch gelato being made before your eyes.
Behind the counter, a sleek under-bench Pozzetti cabinet keeps each flavour at its optimal temp. Outside, a cute alfresco nook invites you to linger with a cone and watch the world melt by.
And the flavours? Bellissimo, of course, with each scoop having its own story.
The signature Al Bacio, meaning “as good as a kiss” in Italian, is a rich chocolate hazelnut scoop made with homemade paste using hazelnuts from Piemonte, Italy. It’s a true tribute to Rebecca’s father who grew up in the region.
The rotating seasonal menu features creations like Jack-O-Lantern pumpkin spice and olive oil with jalapeño (yes, it works and its spicy nice). With changing flavours, it’s the ideal excuse for regular return visits.
If you like to gulp down your gelato, you can order your favourite flavour in thick shake form. And that’s not all! Coming soon are gelato protein sticks, slices, tubs and cakes for when you want to take the sweetness home.
Located in laid-back Burleigh near Commune cafe, it’s a dream spot for their dream to take shape. At Al Bacio Gelato Naturale, life really is sweeter by the scoop.
Where: Shop 7/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
When: Daily, 10am to 9:15pm (9:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights)
Instagram: @albaciogelatonaturale
Website: albaciogelato.com.au
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Kirra Smith
