Coffee Note is now roasting in Robina.
Coffee Note is now roasting in Robina.
Caffeine fiends, unite! Coffee Note has arrived in Robina and is brewing up something special.
Some take their first sip of coffee and simply enjoy it, others fall headfirst into the world of single origins, grind size and brew methods. Coffee Note owner Wenwei (Eric) Liu sits firmly in the latter, a full-blown coffee connoisseur who has turned his passion into a small-batch micro roastery in Robina.
After running Reverends Fine Coffee in Brisbane for the past two and a half years, Eric has headed south to share his love of specialty coffee with Gold Coasters.
The name Coffee Note comes from two of Eric’s favourite things: coffee and music. In coffee, notes are used to describe flavour, where, as a guitar player, notes are part of Eric’s world too.
“It felt like a word that connects different parts of my life, so Coffee Note just felt right.”
Joining him at Coffee Note is his wife and head chef Yiyun (Jan) Gao, who brings a menu full of house-made goodness, from sauces to sweet treats, all made fresh in the kitchen.
Tucked away behind Robina Parkway beneath Boheme apartments, Coffee Note is a bit of a hidden gem. The space is industrial cool and understated, concrete bar and timber paneling, with outdoor seating for around 20–25 people allowing you to sip and savour the roast.
But first, coffee, because it’s literally in the name.
Coffee Note is dedicated to specialty coffee, roasting in small batches to highlight each origin’s unique flavour profile.
Eric writes detailed descriptions for each roast – think little love notes, but coffee notes – on every bag. He’ll guide you on grind size, dose and whether the beans are best enjoyed black or strong enough to cut through milk.
Sip on Rabbit Hole House Espresso Blend with notes of plum and caramel, or try the Tropical Orchard with floral, strawberry and honey flavours. Whether you’re a long black lover or prefer a piccolo, there’s a roast for every mood.
And of course, great coffee deserves great food. While the menu is still evolving, there are already plenty of delicious treats at prices that’ll keep both your wallet and the whole family happy.
The house-baked Banana Bread with espresso-date butter is reason enough to visit, perfectly paired with your morning brew.
For something savoury, the Chilli Mushroom Omelette features assorted mushrooms, mesclun, parmesan and house-made chilli oil on white sourdough.
While coffee is king here, they’ve got plenty of other sips to keep you smiling, including house-made chai and a dreamy Coconut Cloud. There’s also an Açaí Smoothie with açaí, mixed berries, banana, honey and coconut water for something fresh and fruity. Even the little ones and furry ones are catered for with babycinos and puppuccinos.
If you want to enjoy the flavour at home, Coffee Note also delivers beans across the Gold Coast, so you can keep the good brews going all week long.
When: Tues–Fri 7am–2pm, Sat–Sun 7am–1pm
Where: 1 Parnell Boulevard, Robina
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
February’s freshest foodie finds.
The last month of summer has gone by in a flash, but luckily a fresh batch of brand-new venues has made sure it didn’t go unnoticed! From nostalgic chicken shops to a steakhouse with serious honky-tonk vibes, here’s the latest scoop on the hottest openings last month that you’ll want to sink your teeth into.
Tedder Avenue’s newest Italian stallion is here to wow. Bar Ricci in Main Beach is serving coastal Italian glamour with limoncello buttered barramundi, blue swimmer crab pasta, and arancini that’ll steal your heart. Think Aperol Spritz like Amalfi, Michelin-worthy mains and a wine list that’s world-class. With breezy terraces, private rooms and service as stylish as the interiors, Bar Ricci is perfect for long lunches, intimate dinners or Italian family feasts.
Where: 20 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
All you need is Lovi! Lovi is serving love on a plate with Italian-Mediterranean classics and heart-melting brunch favourites. Minimal coastal vibes and a cosy alfresco corner make lingering a must. Devour Baked Cauliflower, Mezze Maniche in vodka sauce, and cocktails that kiss you back. Whether you’re loved-up, flying solo or brunching with friends, Lovi turns every bite into a little love story. Eat, sip, swoon, repeat.
Where: 133 Laver Drive, Robina
Purrfect Catch Cafe is reeling in Gold Coast locals hook, line and whisker. This new Hope Island spot is pet-friendly, serving up seriously good brunch with clever cat-and-fish vibes from decor to dish names. Think Crabby Kitty Croissants, Sweet Catch Bao, and Tiny Purr Pancakes for little ones. Matcha boba, Tropical Purr-adise smoothies and house-baked cakes make mornings and lunches irresistible. It’s witty, whimsical and a total purrfect catch for humans, pets and taste buds alike.
Where: 26/340 Hope Island Road, Hope Island
Chasing the sunset never tasted so good. Sunset on Chevron is giving a Gold Coast fave a shiny new glow, serving brunches that roll into lunch with cocktails that sparkle when the sun dips. Enjoy fish tacos with zing, katsu burgers with crunch and espresso martinis on cue. It’s bringing fresh coastal energy to one of the Gold Coast’s most community-minded pockets. And yes, we’ll absolutely stay for one more round!
Where: 1/64 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
Chicken tonight? Don’t mind if we do! The Salty Chook is spinning golden birds in Rainbow Bay and serving pure post-surf satisfaction. Think free-range rotisserie chook with crackly skin, Nashville hot burgers that bring the heat, and chippies dusted in extra chicken salt (obviously). It’s nostalgic with no-fuss, where sandy feet and salt-of-the-earth souls are always welcome.
Where: 13 Ward Street Coolangatta
Forks at the ready! A yummy new chapter has begun for baker Heya Yum, turning her cult cake biz into a real-life sugar haven in Mermaid Beach! Serving ready-to-go celebration cakes that make 6am feel like sweet o’clock, this little shop means you can whip up an impromptu party any day of the week. Think mini masterpieces, cupcakes and pastries with flavours from Biscoff to raspberry. It’s sweet, soulful and sprinkled with Yum’s magic.
Where: 1a/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Turn over a new leaf at Leaf Cafe & Co in Broadbeach. This newbie is serving breezy easy mornings with a side of brunch. Tuck into Pistachio French Toast, Truffle Mushroom Bruschetta and pasta-before-noon energy. The house-roasted coffee hits just right, whether you’re a short black sipper or oat latte lover. Bonus points for being close to the beach, it’s the kind of spot where one sip of coffee will help you leaf your worries behind.
Where: Meriton Suites, Shop 8, 2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse is raising the steaks and the roof in Surfers Paradise. Think smoky brisket, a show-stopping 1kg Tomahawk Steak, and wings that deserve their own fan club. There’s a mechanical bull daring you to hold on, a d-floor for line dancing and a stage for live country music straight outta Nashville. It’s boot-scooting, bucking-bull fun for both family get-togethers and full-throttle nights out. Saddle up!
Where: 3/15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Lisette Drew
Romance is in the air at Robina’s new hotspot, Lovi.
February may be the official month of love, but if you’re anything like us, you’ll agree that showing affection shouldn’t be a seasonal fling, it should be dished up all year round.
Robina’s newest cafe, Lovi, shares this sentiment, built on the belief that love can be celebrated daily, preferably with good coffee and great food.
Whether you’re deeply loved up, flying solo or somewhere in between, Lovi has a way of making everyone feel special. If the way to the heart is through the stomach, then consider Lovi the scenic route.
Lovi is the passion project of owner Negin Shahani and her partner, who quite literally built the space with love. Before settling on the sunny shores of the Gold Coast, the pair spent three years running a much larger operation, the 400-seat Paulownia Lounge in their homeland of Iran. But when Australia captured their hearts, they knew they wanted to create something more intimate here. This new cafe is shaped by the love Negin has felt while making Australia home.
The design reflects that vibe perfectly. Think minimal coastal cool infused with simple luxury of rich red accents and handcrafted details that invites you to linger. There’s indoor seating plus the cosy Lovi Corner alfresco area, with capacity currently at 40 seats and plans to grow to 100 in the near future.
The food is Italian and Mediterranean at heart, with every dish made fresh and served with care. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to be easy to choose from (no commitment issues here!), filled with dishes everyone loves and flavours that will make you smile.
Breakfast brings all the classics: Eggs Benedict, Chilli Scramble and Smashed Avo, alongside nourishing favourites like the Smoky Cauliflower & Lentil featuring slow-cooked house-made lentils, smoky baked cauliflower, roasted pepitas, fresh herbs and lemon. The Mediterranean Tortilla wraps roasted chickpeas, house-made feta yoghurt, herbs and fresh veggies in a flour tortilla that’s love at first bite.
Sweethearts will swoon over the Lovi Pancakes – fluffy vanilla stacks topped with seasonal fruits, whipped cream and maple syrup — while savoury fans can fall hard for the Bruschetta with marinated cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil and parmesan on sourdough.
Lunch and dinner leans into indulgent dishes like Mezze Maniche served lovingly in a bath of Vodka Sauce with Stracciatella. Skewers of Eye Fillet, Salmon and Chicken are all delightful bites of happiness, or for something heartier, order a standout steak pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, beef fillet, roasted red pepper, rocket and parmesan. Perfect for sharing… or not.
Coffee comes courtesy of Seven Miles Coffee Roasters, but nothing says girls’ brunch (or date night) like cocktails. Order the signature Lovi Sunset and toast to a cafe that truly wears its heart on its plate.
Where: 133 Laver Drive, Robina
When: Breakfast & Lunch 7am-2pm Monday to Sunday and Dinner 5pm-9pm Tuesday to Sunday
Words by Lisette Drew
Image by Kirra Smith
This ‘burb has all the bells and whistles.
Pop quiz! Where’s one place on the Gold Coast, where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, wander amongst stunning natural parklands and more? It’s Robina! There’s also a hospital and train station, but unfortunately, they’re not exciting enough to make our list.
Here are 18 things that are exciting enough to make our list.
Say ciao to Robina’s (perhaps, Gold Coast’s) most authentic and downright delicious pasta joint! The artisan pasta boutique store is brought to us by a European mother and daughter duo – how could it not be? Made with high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B, and also digestion-friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of their no-nasties, slow-cooked sauces. The best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina
The Euro food tour continues at My French Pastries- a slice of Paris right in Robina. They deliver made-from-scratch croissants, tarts, and decadent desserts, with each pastry crafted with high-quality ingredients that keep locals coming back for more (and more and more). Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Where: Shop 5, 4226/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina
An intimate 24-seat Asian bar and restaurant offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu showcases creative dishes from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, inspired by vibrant street food flavours and regional classics. With its cosy setting, flavour-packed plates and a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide for 2025, it’s a top pick for both date nights and group dining.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina
She’s smart, she’s stunning- she’s Bond University. Yes, Robina is home to the prestigious and world-class institution that helps current and future generations reach their biggest goals! Bond combines innovative teaching, a supportive campus community, and beautiful surroundings to create an inspiring study environment.
Where: 14 University Drive, Robina
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Calling all dog lovers! This expansive dog park is the perfect place for your furry friend to run, play, and socialise safely. With plenty of open space and shaded areas, it’s ideal for a weekend outing with your four-legged family members.
Where: Lot 21 Robina Pkwy, Clear Island Waters
A vibrant café serving wholesome, flavour-packed meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Harvest Foodhouse is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, with mouthwatering options like lamb shoulder tacos, cauliflower steak with a white bean hummus, loaded savoury croissants and triple-choc waffles. You’re gonna need to make a few trips.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
The playground to end all playgrounds! Greenheart Robina Parklands is a 22.5-hectare wonderland with towering slides, net bridges, trampolines, swings, water play, and a toddler zone, all fully fenced with an onsite café (hallelujah). Kids can pedal off to the bike track with humps, bumps, and traffic signs, while parents chill under shady umbrellas. Add in walking paths, a boardwalk, half basketball court and a dog park, and you’ve got the ultimate family day out.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
A modern Australian rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields serves up flavour-packed dishes with a focus on quality produce and sustainability. The stylish rooftop setting makes it ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the Robina skyline.
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
A yakitori-focused Japanese-Korean grill in Robina, known for its smoky binchotan charcoal skewers. The menu features wagyu beef, free-range chicken, veggie options, and fresh seafood, paired with Japanese whisky, beer, and wine. Perfect for casual dinners or a night out.
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina
Cocoflufferia by Goji is the all-new dessert wonderland, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings! Grab a bowl of their light and fluffy vegan soft serve, then go crazy with a line-up of delicious toppings like pistachio kanufa, Bueno, pistachio and Nutella sauce, Biscoff crumbs, mini mochi, M&Ms and fresh fruits!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Step into a world of optical illusions and interactive 3D art. Artvo is not only visually stunning but also a playground for your imagination, offering endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
Where: Ground Floor, Near the Kitchens, next to Lush, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Riva is the home of sleek and stylish premium workspaces that make the 9-to-5 grind feel…well, less grindy. They’re designed to foster productivity and creativity by combining comfort, style, and convenience, with both private and co-working options.
Where: 2/14 Edgewater Court, Robina
Small Fry offers a modern twist on classic Australian seafood. One of their signature dishes is the Bug Bao– lightly battered bug meat in a steamed bun with coleslaw, chilli, shallots, lime, and sriracha mayo. Don’t walk, run! Pair that with a serve of their Family Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and damnnnnn!
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
Your most Instagrammable matcha moments await at Matcha Therapy- where everything is made with ceremonial grade matcha powder from Uji, Japan. Sit, sip and shop your way through matcha heaven.
Where: 129 Laver Drive, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
