Ensuring you have the best available produce is an endless endeavour for those with an ardour for all things kitchen related. Whilst we’re incessantly spoilt with the incredible fresh produce growing in this fertile pocket of paradise we get to call home — getting your hands on artisanal goods and locally sourced fare can be a job at the best of times.

Sure, don’t get us wrong; scoping out the farmers’ markets on the weekend without a care in the world is one of the treasures of the week for us Gold Coasters. But what about if we told you you could source great paddock to plate staples and pantry-filling delicacies in one place without much hassle?

Well, family-owned and operated Harris Farm Markets have opened their very first store at Via Roma, Isle of Capri on the Gold Coast. Meaning multiple outings to get the very best things to fill your fridge, cupboards, and larder should be a thing of the past!

At over 1500sqm, the Isle of Capri store is no small feat. Shoppers will have top-quality fresh food at their disposal from a whopping 320 Queensland producers, with more than 500 lines of fruit and vegetables featuring the likes of gourmet mushrooms from Brisbane, strawberries from the Sunshine Coast and the crispiest of lettuces from Redland.

Beyond fruit and vegetables, this all-encompassing space brandishes all manner of health foods and products you could possibly desire, with widespread collections of locally made plant-based foods, over 50 lines of nuts and seeds, a range of milks and honey on tap.

Bakery heroes from Tweed, Bread Social, have been invited into the fold with their own counter space. Baking fresh breads, pastries from the mezzanine level above before cascading their goods down to customer level via conveyor belt (fun!).

Gastronomists will rejoice when they set eyes on the gourmet grocery section of local boutique products and an extensive deli with more than 400 cheeses — yes, you read that right. These parcels of joy will feature dairy and nut examples — in their very own Cheese Lane — from hard-working local legends Woombye, Olympus, and Casa Motta, plus many many more.

Five in-house butchers are on hand to cut meats to order exactly as you want them, as well as family-operated Papacosta fishmongers, with over five decades of experience bringing devoted customers the best and freshest seafood from all over the country.

Tying the whole market space together is some carefully considered décor paying tribute to the Gold Coast lifestyle, including over 200 buoys painted by Surfers Paradise State School children, a suspended refurbished boat, and artworks by the Gold Coast’s son of contemporary art and murals Kiel Tillman!

Unfortunately, it is thought some 25% of Australian crops don’t even make it to supermarket shelves because they aren’t attractive enough. Frankly, that’s a crying shame — and a wasteful one at that. Harris Farm Markets proudly gives these fruits and vegetables a chance to be used and enjoyed through their Imperfect and Re-purposeful Picks schemes. Meaning you can get your hands on some luscious produce for a reduced price — perfect for broths, popsicles, and smoothies if you ask us!

With Christmas only just around the corner — and the errands list slowly filling up — look no further than Harris Farm Markets at Via Roma for all your nutrient-dense plate filling needs this festive season!

When: Every day 6am — 10pm
Where: 15/21 Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.

For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.

If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!

All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.

Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.

Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.

Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.

For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.

If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!

Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.

To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.

For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.

Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.

Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.

Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.

For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.

For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.

Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.

We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!

Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.

For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.

Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.

The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.

Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.

Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50^th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.

Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.

If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.

We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.

Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

Is it ever too late for a cup of the good stuff? The haters will say yes, but the loyal bean lovers will argue otherwise and frankly – we agree!

For those who love themselves a coffee (isn’t that all of us?), getting yourself a cup of steamy — or icy — inspiration after 3pm is tough. We’re aware most cafes close around 1pm, or at a push 2pm. And that’s all perfectly well and fine. However, if your cravings for caffeine don’t have any sense of time, this situation undoubtedly causes you some unnecessary upset.

You want to organise an afternoon meeting but everywhere is closed? We hear you. Put down the Google search because we’ve done the heavy lifting and found the Gold Coast’s best spots serving up the good stuff after 3pm. These cafes recognise that coffee never sleeps and continue to serve it well into the afternoon, and in some cases, the evenings. So when those mid-afternoon caffeine withdrawals start to kick in, fear not, we got you.

Tarte Beach House

You know, weekdays aren’t the only time you need a late arvo coffee moment – and Tarte Beach House understood the assignment. Your nights get later come Friday to Sunday so it just makes sense that they’re on the tools until 4pm – the perfect time for your last brew before you start taking your coffee in espresso martini form.
Where: Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Nook Espresso

The ultimate little coffee nook for your afternoon pick me up, Nook have been brewing the goods for as long as we can remember and lucky for us – they do it until 4.30pm every week day. Bonus points that it’s in primo location for the parents among us desperate for some coffee goodness post school pick up.
Where: Stocklands Burleigh, 149 W Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads

Black Dingo

Southern Gold Coasters have we found a treat for you, one of the newest cafes on our foodie scene, Black Dingo is already loved by locals for pouring up cups of liquid gold until 4pm. Serving up fantastic coffee AND the most epic ocean views, we don’t need to convince you why to check this one out.
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta

Madison’s Café

Our knight in shining coffee (and treaties), this Broadbeach institution is known for satisfying your coffee craving all. day. long. Fear not because their coffee machine is on until 6pm and bonus points for the fact that you can finish with a cookie croissant – if there’s any left, that is!
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Rosé Gelateria

Should you find yourself in Sanctuary Cove after a mini shopping spree, a game of golf, parking up your superyacht (same) or decadent dinner at one of The Marine Village’s iconic restaurants, this gelateria is serving up delicious gelato right up until late (9pm in fact). The same is said for their perfectly made coffee, which you can have poured over gelato. Just saying…
Where: Shop 39a Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Fixx Café and Lounge

Fixx my name, coffee fix by nature, one of our favourite spots inside QT Gold Coast just gets that once the clock strikes twelve we’re still looking for the good stuff aka coffee. Pop in for the crowd favourite high tea or if you’re on the run, takeaways are on the table until 4pm.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Ottimo

With owner Davide holding a Diploma of Gelato making from the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy (no joke), you’d be right to have a sneaking suspicion the gelato here is likely out of this world. And in truth: it is! Mix it with all-day (until 9.30pm-10pm every night) served coffee utilising beans roasted in Italy, and you have a slice of Europe in Coolangatta. Bellissimo!
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

South Coast Coffee Co.

Being one of the Gold Coast’s best roasters and dispensaries of magnificent coffee is not enough for these guys, oh no. They also have an adjoining café space with out-of-this-world sweet treats and coffee flowing till 5pm during the week (4pm Sundays) – we’ll cheers to that.
Where: Shop 3G10, Capri Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Merlo Torrefazione (Brickworks)

If coffee is a happy part of your life (and if it isn’t, are you okay?) then you’ll want to pay a visit to these guys in Southport for you CBD folks. With pretty much every known piece of coffee apparatus under one roof, you can’t go wrong. They also roast on-site and serve coffee right up till 6pm most days (5.30pm Sundays), so you know it’s good.
Where: Brickworks Ferry Road, 107 Ferry Rd, Southport

The Kiosk Burleigh

All that walking (or running if that’s what tickles your fancy) is thirsty work so before you hit the pavement, we’re guessing you’re going to need a cheeky caffeine hit. Enter: The Kiosk Burleigh, answering our coffee prayers all the way up until 7pm – never too late for a latte if you ask us.
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Baker

Sourdough dreams and coffee schemes, Burleigh Baker has both rising to perfection. This village gem keeps the espresso flowing until 4pm, making it the perfect pitstop for a post-surf latte or an afternoon loaf run. With their “food integrity” mantra and artisan bread at the heart of everything they do, you’ll leave feeling nourished, caffeinated, and maybe a little smug about your healthy gut.
Where: 13/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Luna’s Deli

Never too late for a latte, and definitely never too late for a croissant. Luna’s Deli in Coolangatta keeps the coffee machine humming until 5pm (closed Mondays), so your arvo caffeine (and pastry) fix is well and truly covered. Think golden croissants, glossy pains au chocolat, and silky flat whites that’ll carry you right through to knock-off. Add in the ocean breeze and a cabinet of buttery treasures? Oui, chef.
Where: 7/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Marketta Coffee Bar

Night owls, rejoice, your coffee cravings don’t have to clock off at 3pm. Marketta Coffee Bar is fuelling the laneway with smooth brews from 5pm ‘til late (every Wednesday – Saturday), whether you’re after a straight-up espresso, a cheeky boozy iced coffee, or a Biscoff milkshake that deserves its own fan club. They’ve even got traditional affogato on the menu (because coffee + dessert = love story). Using top-notch beans from That’s Whyld Coffee Roasters, this spot proves caffeine after dark is always a good idea.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski and Belinda Symons