Hello Kitty & Friends Cafe has landed at Pacific Fair.
Hello Kitty & Friends Cafe has landed at Pacific Fair.
Purr-lease remain calm, Gold Coast – something cat-astrophically cute (and tasty) has arrived at Pacific Fair. The rumours are true – the Hello Kitty & Friends Café is open meow and we can confirm that it’s a whimsical wonderland of pastels, pastries, and purr-sonality. Furr-real.
Dreamt up by owner Suzie Wong and backed by the global cuteness powerhouse that is Sanrio, Hello Kitty & Friends Café is what happens when Japanese kawaii culture collides with our insatiable appetite for carbs and content. Think pastel perfection, rounded everything, and interiors so cute you’ll purr with delight (yes, even if you’re a dog person). It’s basically what your inner child always wanted your bedroom to look like, but your parents insisted on “neutrals.” Rude.
But let’s not just paws and admire the décor – the meow-nu is equally on point. Expect adorable themed bento boxes, fluffy Japanese pastries, delicate high tea spreads, strawberry sandos that are almost too cute to eat (almost), and fresh salads for those pretending they didn’t just come here to take 47 photos of a sandwich. And yes, the coffee is brewed with as much love and attention as Hello Kitty puts into tying that iconic red bow.
Can’t stay? There’s a takeaway counter for that because Suzie thought of everything, including a gorgeous gift shop in-store so you can stock up on Hello Kitty merch, including special limited edition Gold Coast HK goodies.
It’s no accident that this pastel palace popped up at Pacific Fair. As one of Australia’s premier shopping destinations, it’s the purr-fect spot for a concept that blends food, fun, and photo ops creating a space so cute it makes Barbie’s Dreamhouse look minimalist. According to Suzie, Pac Fair’s family-friendly vibe, tourist pull, and high foot traffic made it the ideal playground for Hello Kitty and her snack-slinging squad.
As mentioned, this immersive café is opening its candy-coloured doors today, throwing a grand opening bash complete with free snacks, drinks, and giveaways. Oh, and did we mention the one and only Hello Kitty herself will be making a purr-sonal appearance from 4.30pm to 7pm? Get those selfie sticks at the ready – it’s not every day you have the chance to meet feline royalty.
So, whether you’re a lifelong Sanrio stan or just looking for somewhere new to sip a latte that’s as sweet as it is selfie-worthy, the Hello Kitty and Friends Café delivers on all fronts: food, fun, and full-blown nostalgia. And we’re not kitten around when we say it’s the cutest thing to hit the Gold Coast since, well… probably ever.
See you at Pac Fair – we’ll be the ones in line, ears on, phone out, and pastry in hand.
Where: Level 1 Food Court Pacific Fair, 32 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
When: 9am – 5:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. 9am – 9pm Thursday
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Kirra Smith
Fresh finds, major style.
Spring cleaning done? Well, now’s the perfect time to refresh! Pacific Fair is buzzing with new energy this season, and if your wardrobe, jewellery box or scent collection needs a lift, you’re in luck.
The Gold Coast’s premier shopping destination has welcomed a batch of new boutique stores, each bringing a unique style. From sun-kissed jewellery to playful fragrances, here’s a roundup of five must-visit openings that are guaranteed to add a little extra sparkle to your shopping spree.
Arms Of Eve is turning everyday styling into an luxe affair. This Australian jewellery and lifestyle brand is all about pieces that feel as free-spirited as a coastal breeze. Think handmade, 14k gold-plated jewellery that’s waterproof, tarnish-free and built to last, all backed with a one-year guarantee. Whether you’re hunting for stackable staples or a statement piece to steal the spotlight, Arms Of Eve nails it. Each design is created with gifting in mind, making it the perfect excuse to treat yourself… or someone special. And because these pieces are designed for everyday wear, you can go from surf to sundowner without a second thought.
For summer vibes all year round, step into Mister Zimi’s colourful world, where bold prints and relaxed silhouettes are always in season. Known for creating collections that scream holiday mood, this boutique makes race days, weddings, parties and even casual brunches feel effortlessly chic. The current Spring/Summer collection, Spritz, is alive with vibrant hues, while upcoming Resort and Summer launches promise even more sunshine. The Pacific Fair store is a modern, welcoming space where you can linger over every pattern and colour palette, soaking in personal styling advice that feels as relaxed as a weekend getaway. Destination? Definitely Zimi.
Rebecca Vallance fans, rejoice: the designer’s highly anticipated Resort 2025 collection has landed. Inspired by the sparkling waters and sunlit terraces of Lake Como, the collection brings Italian elegance to contemporary, wearable glamour. Think fluid silhouettes that move like water in a palette of deep navy, sun-kissed yellow, watermelon and vivid pinks, all designed with a luxe feel. The Cruise Capsule within the collection ensures you can glide seamlessly from a sun-soaked afternoon to an intimate evening soiree. And for those looking to push the glamour dial up a notch, the Holiday 2025 LUNARISELLE collection is a bold, celestial-inspired line featuring shimmering snakeskin motifs, luxurious velvets and sparkling sequins. Talk about a lunar eclipse.
If diamonds are a girls best friend, consider Calleija your new bestie. The international design house, helmed by John Calleija, is synonymous with innovation and elegance, producing creations that blend age-old techniques with contemporary artistry. From bespoke masterpieces to the Glacier® Diamond exclusive to Calleija, the boutique offers a one-of-a-kind jewellery experience. With global recognition and collaborations like the Zara Tindall Collection, stepping into Calleija is like stepping into a world where diamonds don’t just sparkle, they share stories, just like a bestie does.
Mask Co
Rounding out the list is Mask Co, Australia’s playful fragrance brand that has just opened its first-ever retail store at Pacific Fair. If you’ve ever dreamed of a scent playground, this is it. With nostalgic fragrances inspired by childhood favourites like musk sticks, red frogs and fairy floss, Mask Co makes exploring perfume seriously fun. The interactive Scent Bar lets you sample 30 fragrances, while limited-edition collaborations like the Wizz Fizz Original Sherbet collection add a sweet twist. And the best part? Mask Co is proudly Aussie-made, family and pet-friendly and socially conscious, having raised over $74,000 for The Pyjama Foundation through children-designed collections. Let your inner child run wild at Mask Co.
Whether you’re treating yourself, gifting someone special or simply hunting for that little spark of magic for the silly season, these stores are ready to welcome you with open arms… and plenty of style.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
When: Times vary depending on outlet
Website: www.pacificfair.com.au
Instagram: @pacificfair
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY PACIFIC FAIR SHOPPING CENTRE
Swipe right on these delicious treats!
If retail therapy is your cardio, then a trip to Pacific Fair simply must include some sort of edible reward to fuel you up for a day of dazzling designer deals. Lucky for us, our favourite GC shopping haunt is choc-a-block (pun intended) with drool-worthy sweet treats. Whether you’re a sucker for sprinkles, bananas for Biscoff, or fanging for froyo, this sugar-loaded lineup will hit you right in the molars (apologies to your dentist).
First up, the TikTok-famous Brooke Bellamy’s Brooki Bakehouse has finally dropped into Pac Fair, and yep – the cookies are just as chunky and gooey as they look online. Baked in Brisbane, delivered daily, and devoured in minutes, think NYC-style cookies, cupcakes, brownies and other utterly irresistible buttery bites. For us, it’s all about the Red Velvet Cookie and we’re also snagging a Brooki apron for a pop of pink and the illusion that we actually know what we’re doing in the kitchen!
Next, it’s time to swirl into YOMG (Yo My Goodness) for a self-serve froyo fantasy – we’re talking handcrafted, creamy, artisan soft serve made with real milk, proper yoghurt, and unique flavour combos that will make even the most discerning sweet tooth drool. Their current showstopper? The Biscoff Ripple with Oreo – a vegan-friendly swirl of caramelised biscuit glory and don’t forget to go your hardest at the toppings bar (no judgement).
Joe’s Deli might look like it specialises in sandwiches (which it does – and they’re the business), but behind the pastrami lies a cheesecake that’ll send your chats into a chokehold. The Two-Tone Hollywood Cheesecake is decadence 101, drizzled in Nutella and topped with brûléed marshmallow. Based on a family recipe, it’s sweet, sentimental and utterly irresistible – like a rom-com in dessert form.
If you prefer your treats with a side of European flair, Gelatissimo is your go-to. These gelato geniuses churn out scrumptious small-batch scoops using traditional techniques and not-so-traditional combos. Mango Tango? Brownie Explosion? Dubai Chocolate? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes. Bonus points for their vegan and dairy-free options, because everyone deserves a scoop of the good stuff.
Feeling like being a little bit healthy while still smashing dessert? Oakberry has you covered. These açaí bowls are antioxidant-rich, fibre-filled, and topped to high heaven with whatever your sweet little heart (or tooth) desires. Perhaps fresh fruit, chia pudding, coconut, or our fave, vegan granola? Oh and PS, did we mention said toppings are unlimited (yes, really), so make this all-you-can-eat buffet of wellness a must next time you’re shopping up a storm.
Want to tuck into the chocolate strawberry cup that broke the internet harder than Kimmy K and ‘very mindful, very demure’ combined? Then you need to experience Choco Drip’s chocolate-covered fruit cups which are almost too pretty to eat (almost). Think glossy strawberries, premium chocolate, crunchy kataifi and Middle Eastern flair with names like Dubai Pistachio Knafeh. It’s luxury in a cup. BYO stretchy pants.
Last but certainly not least, you simply can’t miss the açaí OGs turned dessert icons at Blessed Bowls. The new range is as bold as it is bougee, with their Blessed Dubai Knafeh Cup stealing the show. Think strawberries, Pistachio Papi, milk chocolate, chopped pistachios and their signature knafeh crunch. Want to dip instead? The Strawberry Fondue Cups come with your choice of Nutella, Biscoff, white or milk choc, plus brownie bites and knafeh crunch extras. Amen!
So, consider this your official permission slip to skip lunch, shop hard, and dessert harder at Pac Fair.
What are you waiting for? Make like a cookie and crumble!
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
When: Times vary depending on outlet
Website: www.pacificfair.com.au
Instagram: @pacificfair
Words by Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY PACIFIC FAIR SHOPPING CENTRE
Blues, brews and bites.
If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.
There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
