Good coffee, great food and city vibes.
Good coffee, great food and city vibes.
Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?
All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more doing! (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!
The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie boards, to Cardamom Pod, bring those ‘gram-worthy acai bowls and a brunch menu that will have you coming back for more.
Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway, so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from The Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.
Now, did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot, along with our biggest vice Kmart, on the store list, say goodbye to your savings, but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped till you dropped, it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.
No man is left behind at Made With Love who delivers on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries– because you know what they say, a doughnut a day keeps the doctor away…or something like that. And why should our vegans not be part of the action?!
Keeping the Euro-bakery vibes rolling is 5B2F Ciabatta, the Southport spin-off from the cult-fave Chirn Park bakehouse, slinging everything from flaky croissants and glossy danishes to ciabatta sandwiches stuffed with all the good things (hello truffle ham and cheese toastie). It’s a grab-and-go carb paradise where sourdough, dreamy pastries and show-stopping cakes are baked fresh daily – basically your daily bread, but make it boujee.
Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.
For the more traditional café vibe, Humble Café might be humble by name, but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.
Joining the caffeine crew, but with a twist, is Yellow & Butter. Tucked neatly inside Cloud 9 Car Wash, they’ve officially upgraded your car washing experience with a side of brunch. Our advice is to start with the cheesecake!
Cheek Café serves up wholesome bites, knockout coffee and top-tier banter, all wrapped in a peachy-pink, personality-packed space. While Broadwater Café is a local fave for its stellar brews and arguably the most scenic sip spot in Southport. Coffee with a side of waterfront wow.
If you prefer your coffee topped with cold foam, or paired with a sweet treat on the side (hello, Dubai Mochi Cookie) Milestone should be at the top of your hit list.
You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day, but if you’re after a side of live music with that, then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice-cold brew all in one.
Just across the tram line, nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch till your heart’s content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game, and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.
Also at Southport Sharks, Kaktus Bar is your go-to for a vibrant cocktail. Yep, this place delivers a thirst-quenching margarita as you’ve never tasted. One of those (or a few), paired with live music and a lineup of tacos, and you have yourself a fiesta!
Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices, plus a unique menu of sharing boards.
Hello foodies, thought we forgot about you? We could never! Kicking us off is the Japanese eatery, KatsuCo which churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.
For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get you fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.
River House brings waterfront dining to the table with relaxed Broadwater views and a modern menu that works just as well for long lunches as it does for sunset dinners.
A bit of a two-in-one is Fire Baby & Ember. Upstairs, Fire Baby serves up comfort by the slice; wood-fired pizzas crafted from premium ingredients. Downstairs, Ember is where you can get flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood.
Since we’re on a food journey around the world, you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.
So, you’ve got your coffee fix and tum full- now you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone, whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.
Fancy a bit more adventure, we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water, then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic-length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.
If you’re keen to try something a little different, the Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre and The Shooting Centre both deliver a high-adrenaline experience with a strong focus on safety and guidance, making them approachable for first-timers and seasoned shooters alike.
If switching off and resetting is more your vibe, Vikasati Bathhouse is Southport’s answer to full-body bliss, offering hot and cold pools, saunas and spa-style experiences designed to melt stress away without ever leaving the city.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Cheek Café brings big flavours and a whole lot of personality.
Meet the newest little café gem on the Southport block. She’s neon, she’s peachy, and she goes by the name of Cheek Café (yes, the name is fully intentional, but more on that later). Think wholesome food, astounding coffee and good company. What more could we ask for? A cheeky personality? Oh, they have that too!
From the moment you wander through the door of Cheek Café, you’re greeted by a playful vibe: orange and pink colourways, bright ceramics, pastel walls, and a team that clearly doesn’t take itself too seriously — but takes their coffee very seriously. You’re grounded by earthy colours and natural fibres from the timber floor to rattan pendant lights and an abundance of lush greenery softening every corner. The space feels open, airy, and instantly welcoming.
Perched on a sunny corner surrounded by trees and the Broadwater, with high ceilings, lots of glass and sunlight, and an authentic pizza oven that only adds to the charm (and hints as to what will be on their full menu!!), Cheek Café has landed in the perfect spot — right next to the Broadwater Parklands tram stop.
After graduating with a double degree in Business and Law, owner Natalie Yiannakopoulos (you’ll fall in love with her) quickly realised the legal world wasn’t for her. Her true passion was bringing people together through genuine hospitality and creative experiences. Having worked for the previous tenant in the same space, the opportunity to take it over fell into her lap- and she jumped at it.
With five years of hands-on hospo experience, she poured her heart (and plenty of cheek) into building a café that’s warm, authentic and full of personality. From designing the interiors and branding herself to sketching the logo that would become Cheek’s signature, Natalie infused every detail with meaning- celebrating real, wholesome food, feminine energy, and a sense of community that feels as nurturing as it does cheeky.
Let’s talk food. The menu is a fusion of global flavours, with particular inspiration from the team’s Greek and Italian heritage and Aussie roots. It celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients sourced from local Aussie farmers, from pasture-raised Queensland eggs to grass-fed beef and golden olive oil. They steer clear of over-processed fats- just getting their fat sources from all the right places, as they say.
How does brunch served by a globe-trotting, Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded chef sound? Pretty damn exciting to us! Alongside Natalie, Cheek’s Head Chef Anjelika Arnaiz brings a worldly flair to your usual brunch favourites. Originally from the Philippines, Anjelika worked her way up from kitchen hand to Head Chef before earning her stripes at the Michelin Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant ‘Bancone’ in London. She’s since eaten and explored her way across Europe in the name of “flavour research”, and now, she’s channelling all that inspiration into Cheek!
They’ve got everything a good brunch should, with a side of cheek. Take their Cheeked Up Benny, for example — a spin on the classic egg benny featuring slow-braised beef cheek (emphasis on the cheek), a perfectly golden house-made hash brown, and finished with cheeky hollandaise. Then there’s the Peachy Pannacotta, that feels almost too pretty to eat: a silky Greek yoghurt peach pannacotta topped with strawberry compote, house-made macadamia oat granola, and seasonal fruit. Divine.
And the drinks? Your order isn’t complete without a signature Mz Cheek’s Matcha with peach, finished with a gloriously sweet and tarty strawberry cold foam. Permission to order two drinks on this occasion, because their coffee is wayyyy too good not to try. Consider yourself caffeinated.
When: 7:00am-3:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
Where: 412/1 Como Crescent, Southport
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Images by Liam McDonald
Southport’s new Yellow & Butter serves up cheesecake in a car wash.
We’ve all heard (or sung) about working at the car wash, but how about brunching there?
Yellow & Butter is a new cafe tucked neatly inside Cloud 9 Car Wash in Southport that has just upgraded your car wash experience. That’s right, while your car is getting a deep clean, you can devour something delicious.
Owned and run by chef Hayley Namgung, Yellow & Butter makes you wonder why all car washes haven’t cottoned on to this idea already. Hayley was travelling around the world working in hospitality and cake shops in New Zealand and Korea before a family friend’s offer of a location here on the Gold Coast sparked something unexpected. The space happened to be attached to a car wash, and instead of seeing a limitation, Hayley saw an opportunity. Why not turn the car wash into a nosh hotspot?
The result is a grab-and-go cafe designed to make time fly. The yellow awning out front welcomes you in, while indoor and outdoor seating invites you to linger. There are of course takeaway options if you’re just here for a quick pit stop. You arrive thinking you’re ticking off a chore and leave feeling like you’ve treated yourself. Clean car, clean plate, no crumbs on the seats (hopefully).
Hayley said, “We wanted to add something warm and satisfying to an otherwise ordinary moment.”
The name Yellow & Butter is a nod to exactly that feeling. It captures the creamy, buttery textures at the heart of the menu. The menu is simple, with satisfying food designed to slot seamlessly into everyday life. Or, more specifically, into the time it takes to rinse, foam and polish a hatchback.
Let’s start with the cheesecake. Hayley Namgung whips up the most rich, creamy Basque cheesecakes, the kind with that perfectly burnished top and melt-in-the-middle magic. These are not dainty desserts. They’re bold and unapologetically indulgent.
Try the OG classic, a rich and dreamy Chocolate, a Thai Milk Tea infused version or a deep, earthy Matcha with a oozy soft centre. Oh and…they are all gluten free!
For something heartier, and more savoury, there’s the All-Day Butter Brioche , packed with fillings like hot honey grilled halloumi, tomato, egg, spinach, caramelised onion and chilli aioli.
Or delight in a Truffle Bulgogi, a toasted butter brioche bun layered with Korean bulgogi beef, grilled cheese, soft scrambled or fried egg, spinach, truffle aioli, with sriracha mayo optional.
There are also toasties, croissants and muffins to fuel those on the run.
Yellow & Butter are on trend with specialty drinks too. Matcha Coconut Cloud, Black Cloud and Milk Cloud made with white coffee and vanilla cream are all cute nods to the Cloud 9 Car Wash.
Who said errands need to be boring? If you’re anything like us, you’ll be soon making excuses to clean your car more often.
Where: 92 Ferry Road, Southport
When: Mon-Sat 8am-4:30pm, Sun 8am-3pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Kirra Smith
Ember by Fire Baby is putting the sizzle in Southport.
If you’ve been wandering around Southport lately thinking something might actually be on fire, don’t panic. Chances are you’ve just walked past Fire Baby, where it’s second dining space has just burst into life.
Fire Baby opened up in August with plenty of heat, and now Ember is set to fan the flames even further. Owner and founder Michael Read, alongside Donna Read, have dreamed up their ideal restaurant, a place for pizza, steak and all the smoky bits in between.
Split across two levels, the venue burns bright with two distinct personalities. Upstairs, Fire Baby serves up comfort by the slice thanks to the Italian-born dough whisperer Vincenzo Quaranta. Downstairs is their latest offering, Ember, where flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood take centre stage.
Step into the lower-level den and you’ll feel the temperature shift. Ember is moody and sultry thanks to that unmistakable smoky aroma. Think char, think sizzle, think cooking and conversations around a campfire, without having to leave the city.
Ember’s culinary team have been deep in experimentation mode ahead of the opening. Executive Chef Bradley Davids, with roots in South Africa and a lifelong love of cooking over open flames, and Head Chef Lee de Vry, whose journey spans award-winning seafood and modern Vietnamese cuisine, bring bold flavours, precision, and a spark of creativity to every Ember dish. Alongside Junior Sous-chef Jared, they are the beating heart of the Ember experience, every plate fuelled by fire, technique, and a touch of magic.
Start fresh with Pacific Oysters dressed in Champagne mignonette, then dive straight into silky ocean Trout Sashimi with tamarind and shallot. The perfect contrast to the charred flavours to come.
Some mains give the embers a gentle poke like Rigatoni Arrabbiata loaded with basil, olives and stracciatella. But if you like to see flavour seared onto your food, order the BBQ Lamb Ribs with house sauce and chives and BBQ Pork Cutlets with hot honey and pickles.
The true showstoppers at Ember are the premium-cut steaks. The O’Connors Superior MB 5+ Rump Cap is flame-grilled to perfection that you can almost hear it sizzling as it lands on the table. Add Duck Fat Potatoes with smoked salt, seasonal leaves with lemon myrtle dressing and housemade chimichurri, and you’ve got yourself a flaming good time.
To cool off, a curated wine list, standout cocktails and desserts like a vanilla crème brûlée with popcorn ice cream will do the trick.
If, like us, you find it hard to make decisions, especially around food, Ember offers two set menus – the Ember Stone and the Ember Experience. With a starter, middle, main and dessert all planned out for you, there’s nothing to do but enjoy the glow.
Fire Baby and Ember offer Southport something rare, one venue where you don’t have to choose between cheesy comfort food or flame-driven dining, you can have both. A one-stop haven for every flavour mood and late-night whim.
Where: 10 Welch Street, Southport
When: Fri to Sun 12pm – 3pm, Wed to Sun 5pm –8:30pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
