And why you will too!
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
Mermaid’s new gelato shop will make you melt.
Gelato lovers, stay cool and listen up coz you’re about to live the ‘cream. The Gold Coast just got served – soft served, with a brand spanking new gelateria so good you’ll love it un-cone-ditionally.
Markeri Street in Mermaid is a whole lot sweeter after La Macelleria opened its doors and we could srsly ‘waffle’ on about this legenDAIRY place all day long.
Founded by dynamic duo and gelato buffs Steve and Carolyn OShea, their passion for their craft is palatable, we mean, palpable.
Delivering pure sensory bliss, they whip up their artisanal gelato daily using top-notch Italian gear right before your eyes.
To keep their gelato primo, it is stored the OG way, in a sleek Pozzetti.
This is widely regarded as the best way to preserve gelato, and anything that sounds like a fancy set of wheels is a-okay with us.
Firm believers that quality is determined by your taste buds, not your peepers, the authentic, fresh taste is the ‘cream’ of the crop.
Brought to life aesthetically by Carolyn and Jackson Emblem from Queensland Coast Constructions, walking into La Macelleria is like stepping into a Gelateria straight outta Bologna.
The intricate terrazzo benchtop, a work of art in itself, oozes elegance and style.
If you’re a fan of outdoor eating and duh, we’re Gold Coasters, there are four tables with comfy seating inviting you to chillax in the sunshine.
Or, if funky stools inside with the air-con blasting is more your cup of gelato shake (which they also serve), you ‘cone’ do that too!
Our vote goes to their signature flavours bacio and pistachio, which we prefer to eat like Reese – Witherspoon (bum bum tss).
The gelato shakes mentioned are also shout-out worthy, and their pure Italian espresso is a ‘cream come true’ for those in need of a caffeine kick.
Plus, if you’re feeling a bit DIY with your gelato, their upcoming workshops will teach the theoretical principles with practical exercises on machines in their unique Laboratorio Del Gelato. Cool!
With 23 years in the industry owning and running Italian restaurants, Steve certainly knows how his shiz about the biz.
And when it comes to location, Steve and Carolyn did their due diligence securing digs that place them firmly in the ‘cream team’ of GC hospitality power players.
The area boasts a bustling environment, making it the perfect melting pot for locals and visitors alike.
They’re all about community, excited to immerse themselves in the local scene, create new jobs, and support nearby clubs and schools through sponsorship activities.
Now BrisVegas peeps may recognise the La Macelleria name and rightly so, with two mates (both named Mateo) first bringing the concept to life with stores in Tenerife, West End, and Woolloongabba.
Lucky for us, the OShea’s decided to bring “‘the Mateos’” brainchild to our ‘hood, with plans to expand La Macelleria’s footprint in other GC burbs.
So let’s all say a big cone-gratulations to La Macelleria Mermaid Waters, which has us all chanting “you scream, I scream, we all scream GELATO”.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
When: Wednesday to Sunday 12pm – 9pm
Website: lamacelleriagelateria.com
Instagram: @lamacelleriagelateria
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
Six-Tricks Distilling Co. shakes things up in Mermaid Beach.
Hold onto your highball glasses Gold Coast, because the day of a new dawn has arrived! Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is set to redefine the GC distillery scene – one whisky, rum, or cocktail at time (okay maybe more than one).
Definitely more than one… This place is grand, intimate, moody, and cool AF, and if you’ve been longing for a rule-bending, forward-thinking newbie in its trending-yet-inviting era, #welcome.
Tucked away in a sneaky cul-de-sac, Six-Tricks is more than just a distillery; it’s a sonata of spirits, a dance of distillation, and a carnival of cocktails – served with a twist of Mermaid Beach magic.
Proudly local, the two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art in every way. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a second warehouse dedicated solely to aging barrels—because good things take time.
Step inside and you’ll find a spacious indoor bar, a sunset deck for those Instagrammable moments, and a private cask hall that’s more exclusive than Leo’s 49th bday soiree (and bonus, you’re totally invited if you’re a female over 25).
Up to 100 peeps can sip and dance the night away, in a setting rich in atmosphere where you’ll feel like you’re on cloud whisky-nine. Think rich emerald green velvet, luscious leather, exposed brick, moody wood, and don’t even get us started on the custom-built hybrid pot #woahnelly.
Move over multi-national corporations coz the indies are here to pour a new narrative! With a passion for the six core spirits, proud owners Chris Macklin and Teagan Peake spent two years concocting this all-around alcohol alchemy.
But they’re not just making spirits, they’re crafting experiences rich in innovation, eccentricity, thoughtfulness, and a dash of experimentation.
Chris boasts 25 years in the hospitality industry, eight of which include honing his craft in his private distillery #noice. But for this ‘spirited’ gent, distilling isn’t just a job; it’s hereditary. Literally. He’s a direct descendant of Josef Seppelt, the OG of winemaking who founded Seppeltsfield Winery in the Barossa Valley and famously pioneered the industrialisation of the wine-making industry over a century ago.
This was clearly in his DNA and why the bleep don’t we have a sixth-great-grandfather with such a gloat-worthy legacy #frownyface.
Naturally, he and Teagan recruited a head bartender and mixologist of the highest caliber in the form of James. Bringing over 14 years of experience to the table, he’s a far cry from your average drink-slinger; he’s the Harry Houdini of the bar scene.
James has worked across a diverse portfolio of live music venues, high-energy dive bars, restaurants featuring outstanding drink programs, and cozy, specialised cocktail bars, and wine locales.
He’s seen it all, and now he’s here to shake, stir, and sprinkle a little magic over your glass #cheers #cheersagain.
The Six-Tricks team isn’t just aiming for local fame; they’re setting their sights on global disruption. With the Australian spirits scene in revolution-mode, they’re ready to conquer the GC one sip at a time.
One thing’s for sure, this place will whisk you off your feet and you’ll be left shaken and stirred – in the best possible way.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
When: Grand Opening November 18
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Reignite the love affair with Little Truffle 2.0.
We’ve all been there: one minute we’re minding your own business, the next, our heart skips a beat at the sight of our screen alight with “the name” we’d done our very best to forget. Well, good news Gold Coasters, because today we can rekindle our love affair with an old flame (sans regret), because this is one instance where answering the allure of that proverbial ‘u up’ call doesn’t spell big trouble truffle.
Oh yes, friends – if you haven’t yet heard the whispers (good news truffles fast) Mermaid’s beloved Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar is back.. and looking finer than ever #lickslips
Ever since we copped the dreaded ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ when they temporarily shut up shop for renovations late last year, southern Gold Coasters have been nursing the heartbreak of a big ol’ Little Truffle shaped hole in their eats scene.
Local hospo power couple Daniel and Reggie Ridgeway this week unveiled the fresh new facelift for Little Truffle – and it’s every bit as jaw-droppingly good as you’d expect. While at heart, thankfully it’s the same signature cuisine the GC’s fine dining fans have been smitten (some might say obsessed) with for some 13 years now.
Among the impressive culinary empire the duo has since built – BiN 232 Pacific Fair, Palm Beach Avenue and now Kwila Lodge, though for many – much like owner and chef Daniel, our secret soft spot for his OG venture has endured.
The intermission has been hard on all involved, none moreso than Daniel, musing that the 11-month wait has been far too long, “our loyal customers have missed us and we have certainly missed them.”
He adds “but the wait is finally over… We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to see what we have created.”
And with those dark days officially behind us, it is safe to say it was every bit worth the wait.
Little Truffle 2.0 has been treated to a grown-up glow-up to match its refined eats, combining moody Hollywood Glam elements with Jazz Bar vibes for an aesthetic that we’ve officially dubbed ‘Gold Coast Grandeur’.
The suave new space is just about as opulent as our eateries on the GC get – bedecked with opulent baroque mirrors, chandeliers, luxe herringbone floors, strategically draped velvet curtains and two private dining rooms. The second of which remains shrouded in mystery, as a very exclusive vault-vibing space for 20 guests with its own private entry (in sad news for our star spotting ops).
The dream team went to just a little truffle for the revamp – the timing of the massive million-dollar renovation being a tactical move to coincide with light rail works in the area. Stopping just short of a knock-down rebuild, the head-to-toe spruce up features a complete change of layout, new kitchen and a generous, marble bar ample plush seating for the most boujee ‘bar food’ we might ever encounter.
Fans of the signature amuse bouche starter will be relieved to find it has retained its rightful place, so we can pick off exactly where we left off… One taste, and it’s like we were never apart.
With the palette very pleased, move on to entrees such as beef tartare, confit tuna or heirloom beetroot salad, though the pillowy, wood fired focaccia, mozzarella, balsamic appetiser is a little slice of culinary cloud 9.
For the main event, the selection between main and grill & wood fired is every bit as sumptuous as you’d expect. Our flaming hot tip? Don’t make the ‘misteak’ of skipping the beef rib eye on the bone, for 1kg of Cape Grimm and mustard goodness in all its glory.
Though for seafoodies there’s little ‘trout’ the ocean trout made with crustacean mousse line encased in zucchini flowers, all finished in champagne sauce will have you hook, line and sinker.
Finish by diving into the dessert developed by angels themselves, with a raspberry souffle served with white chocolate sauce – though, the strawberries Romanoff also had us under their spell.
Which, fittingly, is exactly what we would say about the new Little Truffle 2.0 experience across the board, tbh.
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Lunch: Friday & Saturday 12pm till 3pm, Dinner: Monday – Saturday 5.30pm till late.
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
