Mermaid’s new cafe Chut & Co is set to become your new numero uno.
Mermaid’s new cafe Chut & Co is set to become your new numero uno.
New cafes never cease to sizzle our bacon, especially those that are convenient, feel like home and above all, serve up incredible nosh. You know the kind – simple done right and whilst this sounds, well, simple enough to find, it can be like trying to locate your missing hoop earring on a packed Melba’s dance floor circa 2009 (in other words; bloody hard). Well we’ve discovered a place that delivers all of the above, with a super catchy name to boot. Chut & Co is bringing a fresh vibrant cafe to Mermaid Plaza, so you can pop in for a caffeine fix or feed before you drop your monthly salary on a week’s worth of groceries #2023Woes.
Chut & Co is the real deal. The brainchild of a humble carpenter passionate about coffee, Joey Vevjoda knows an opportunity when he sees it….and he saw it! One of this ex-Canberra local’s most brag-worthy moves was making Chut the champion of ONA coffee here on the GC. Also hailing from our country’s capital, ONA Coffee Roasters is one of the most recognised up and coming coffee carriers in Australia, and we have big love for his man for bringing it to our ‘hood.
In addition to cracking coffee, he’s enlisted Head Chef Fernando Giorgi to whip up some srsly mouth-watering café fare. Creating a masterfully curated breakfast and lunch menu, his 16 years’ experience and love for Mediterranean food is obvs when you peruse the meals on offer.
Speaking of, do yourself a favour and order the Pesto Joe with chicken, pesto, avo, tomato, cheese, spinach toasted on sourdough. We’re also partial to a Burrito with all.the.things, including bacon, a scrambled egg patty, avo, beans and corn salsa, crunchy slaw and cheese, served with hash sticks and spicy dipping sauce. Or for something sweet, the Choc-Chip or Blueberry Pancakes are guaranteed to please even the most discerning sweet tooth, both served with vanilla ice cream.
Pair your meal with your choice of coffee or other hot drink, smoothie (can’t beat the Classic Banana!), cold drink, milkshake, thickshake (swing us the Crème Brule any or every day of the week), and cold pressed juice. Our pick is the Lemon Glow with lemon, ginger, apple and spinach and we can confirm a swig of this will result in an all-round inner and outer glow-up #YouAreWhatYouDrink.
Another unique aspect of Chut is that the fit out was done entirely by Joey himself, who put his carpentry skills and other trade related prowess to darn good use! Picture a cool grey colour palette with pops of charcoal, white, and plenty of on-trend drapey greenery goodness #PlantsAreLyf. There are arches (yay!), polished concrete floors, funky brown leather chairs, rustic wood tables, and moody white pendant lights highlighting the textured render on the walls. It feels modern yet like you’re right at home and we’d be happy to move in here, mostly coz we’ve always fancied the idea of having a private chef #goals.
So if service with a smile, great tasting coffee and top-notch quality food, all conveniently located in Mermaid Plaza, check out Chut & Co. And PS if you’re wondering (we were) what Chut actually means, it’s Czech (Joey’s heritage) for taste….which is precisely what it delivers.
Where: Mermaid Plaza, 2400 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: 5.30am – 2pm Monday to Friday & 6am – 1pm Saturday & Sunday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
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
Please pro-seed to Miami’s new five-star garden-shed vibing cafe.
Ok we can’t herb our enthusiasm here, because Miami’s café caper just got more unbe-leaf-able.
Taking over from The Elegant Shed in Hillcrest Parade, you’ll find a new eats and sips spot all dressed up and ready to grow!
Say aloe(vera) to Ferg’s, and no we’re not referring to Prince Andrew’s ex, but the eclectic garden-shed vibing café serving restaurant quality food.
Paul Carter is the new boss-man in town, aptly choosing the acronym F.e.r.g.s for his delicious breakfast and brunch venue.
So what the heck does Ferg’s stand for you ask and lettuce explain. It means Fresh Eats Really Good Sh*t and #IbegYourGarden?!
Serving up the freshest local produce, the name certainly fits and was simply mint to be.
Choosing the location for its hip and happening factor, multifaceted culture and super friendly local spirit, Paul and the Ferg’s team are bringing good old-fashioned community shed feels to the ‘hood.
When you walk in, there’s not a single too-cool-4-school pouting barista or waitperson in sight.
Everyone is smiling, plus they remember your name and srsly this sort of service gives us the warm and fuzzies every day of the week.
Ferg’s certainly looks the part, with its woody, kinda rustic, mismatched, and entirely charming aesthetic and swagger.
Upon entry, you’re eyes are drawn to the large concrete table in middle of the space, summonsing you to pull up a pew and chew the fat with fellow Ferg’s folk.
Or, plonk yourself on one of the bar stools lining the perimeter, chill on the bench seat (if you’re lucky – it’s prime real estate), or bags one of the few tables and chairs out front under funky mustard and white umbrellas.
Recruiting Head Chef Wendy Ortiz (ex-Overdose Specialty Coffee in Ramsgate Beach, New South Wales) and Aleesha Forno of Miss Moneypenny’s fame to design the menu was an Expert Level Pro move.
The food is honestly five-star restaurant quality and totally ex-seeded all our expectations.
The frontrunner and signature dish is Lemon Meringue Crumpets and the name alone is enough to induce a lip-licking reflex.
Made with Sourdough Co crumpets, house lemon curd, oat crumble and berry gel, it’s beyond be-leaf.
We also feel all the feels for the Smashed Avo Taco because anything involving avocado and tacos is destined to end up in our stomachs.
Served in a blue corn taco, feast on smashed avocado, fetta, watercress, and seeds.
If you or someone in your fold is a staunch meat eater, the Bacon & Egg Roll will hit the spot with greens, hickory smoked bacon, egg, Swiss cheese, and house relish.
Beverage-wise, pair your chow with coffee brewed with Gabriel beans, a cuppa tea, iced drinks, milkshakes, thick shakes, smoothies, and dairy-free smoothies like the Banoffee. With banana, rolled oats, maple syrup, an espresso shot (wakey wakey!), peanut butter, cocoa powder and almond milk, it’s better than the dessert.
The signature sips would have to be the Hrvst St cold pressed juices, and nothing prickles our fancy more on a stinking hot summer’s day.
May we recommend the Ruby Tuesday with watermelon, pink lady apple, pear, rhubarb and lime #TheBee’sKnees.
So if it’s fresh, restaurant-quality eats, smiley service, and a community feel you crave, Ferg’s is your new BFF.
And watch this space coz boozy brunches and nights are in the pipeline, meaning we can soon eat, drink (like, drink drink), and be rosemary.
Where: 2/43 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: 5.30am – 1.30pm Monday to Friday & 6am – 12pm Saturday & Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Main Beach welcomes The Winey Cow - home to the boozy brunch.
Of all the things we love, nothing ruffles our truffles like a Boozy Brunch. Not quite breakfast, not quite lunch, but the perfect combo of both with giggle-juice to boot. So when Melbourne’s (un)official home to the boozy brunch set its sights on our very own Main Beach, holy hollandaise Batman, our resting brunch face went full woo-girl. Yes folks, The Winey Cow has arrived and no, we’re not referring to your mother-in-law popping in unannounced, but the infamous, award-winning, family-friendly café. Set to redefine the brunch concept as we know it, all we can say is go ahead and mimosa our day!
Opening earlier this week, The Winey Cow is the bee’s knees of brunches….or the bovine’s spine even, and we really should have been poets. Taking home gongs for Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant in Melbourne, we’re in for something spesh. And not just us, but also our pups who are not only welcome, but have a dedicated Fido-friendly menu just for them. And let us tell you, this is going down a treat with the doggo mums and dads of Main Beach, which sounds like a new reality TV show. Often spotted sashaying down Tedder with their furry friends in tow, The Winey Cow is just what the doctor…and vet…ordered for our MB locals, always seeking trendy new spots for a quick bite, takeaway coffee, or a marathon meal.
Owners Cam and Jill Henderson, Jade Bremner, Rui Lourenco, Britt Ryan, and Magenta Hornsey, we salute you. This gorgeous indoor-outdoor venue not only serves up the most incredible nosh for breakfast, brunch or lunch, but also hits all the right style notes. The warm rustic entry sets the mood and along with the glorious aromas wafting out from the kitchen, lures passers-by to step inside.
Here’s you’ll find a fresh, clean aesthetic with lots of white, blonde wood hues, and plenty of strategically placed lush greenery draping down from above. There are pops of black pendant lighting and rustic wooden tables with matching chairs and stools. And, to add some contrasting texture, the counter is adorned in slimline white and mustard coloured vertical tiles.
Now to the menu and trust us, it’s a cracker. Firstly, let’s unpack the signature Boozy Brunch with your your choice of main meal washed down with endless mimosas for a whole hour, and that’s 60 minutes well spent. Enjoy your choice of Classic, Pineapple Berry and Mango Mimosas any (or every) day of the week from 10am. The only catch is that all members of the table must participate and somehow, we don’t see this being a problem.
May we recommend you tuck into the Eggs Norwegian with smoked salmon, panko-crumbed eggs, halloumi, sesame avocado, citrus hollandaise, and squid ink tuille. Or for something slightly more lunch-ish, the Slow Braised Pork Ribs with BBQ glaze, spiced mixed beans, slaw and pickles is #RibGoals. Just as palette-pleasing is the Vietnamese Calamari Salad with crispy calamari, slaw, bean shoots, black sesame, toasted coconut, fragrant herbs and herb dressing. If you want an element of DIY, add in as many sides as you’d like from a long list of contenders including scrambled curry tofu, chorizo, halloumi and sauteed greens and dukkha.
Pair your meal with coffee, tea (the White Peony Tea is *chef’s kiss*), fresh juices, smoothies, bottled drinks, mocktails, beers, wines, spirits, spitzers and of course, cocktails. We’re calling out the Lavender Meringue Pie as a must, made with Old Curiosity Lavender Gin, Limoncello, lemon and marshmallow foam. Or if you’re looking for something to grab and go, how about a Salted Caramel Smoothie with almond milk, oats, almonds, dates, vanilla, and sea salt.
Whether it’s a weekend or weekday, round up your crew and your K9, leave the car at home, and make a date with The (brunch-o-holic endorsed) Winey Cow.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
When: 6am – 2.30pm Monday to Friday & 6am – 3pm Saturday & Sunday
Instagram: @thewineycow
Website: thewineycow.com.au
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE WINEY COW
