Drowned eggs & brekkie burritos await at Mercado.
Drowned eggs & brekkie burritos await at Mercado.
Taco-bout the next big thing on the Gold Coast! Matt and Nick Stanley, the masterminds behind Costa Taco, are turning up the heat with their latest concept, Mercado. This all-day café is a burrito-sized bundle of bold flavours and coastal community vibes in Mermaid Waters.
Four years ago, these hermanos were slinging tacos at Currumbin Community Markets, dreaming big while keeping it humble. Fast forward to today, and their taco empire now stretches from Broadbeach to Byron Bay, with their third Costa Taco opening mere months ago. But Mercado isn’t just another notch on their tortilla belt – it’s a whole new flavour fiesta that supports local hospitality innovators too.
Taking over the former Espresso Motto spot in Mermaid Waters, Mercado’s coastal-inspired interior seamlessly blends laid-back beach vibes and modern sophistication. The airy space and timber accents create a clean aesthetic, while vibrant photos of local beaches complete the relaxed, coastal ambiance. Designed to feel welcoming and effortless, Mercado’s decor perfectly complements its fresh menu.
The Stanley brothers, along with their talented Mexican and Latino kitchen team, have infused every dish with authenticity and that signature SoCal vibe. It’s a menu as dynamic as the much-loved Costa Taco offerings, with a breakfast twist. Think brekkie burritos, zingy Mexican plates and a star attraction: drowned eggs floating in a vibrant green shakshuka sauce.
The classic fruit bowl takes on a whole new meaning with the papaya bowl of creamy vanilla yogurt and vibrant seasonal fruits served in a locally-sourced hollowed-out papaya. Even the chilaquiles have got a breakfast remix. The Mexico City-style wet nachos are drenched in a vibrant salsa, sprinkled with a ricotta-style cheese and topped with fried eggs. Delivering on tangy and spicy flavours we know and love, with Allpress Espresso coffee to wash it all down, the menu is a Mexican treat that will certainly kickstart your morning!
Whether it’s the Pollo Milanese (a schnitzel with swagger), a juicy birria or chorizo and cheese sandwiches, there’s something to make every taste bud salsa dance.
Having begun their journey in community markets, the Stanley brothers have been looking for an opportunity to give back, and this new venture allows them to do just that. Mercado is more than just a café – it’s a celebration of the Gold Coast’s growing food scene, one delicious bite at a time.
Outside café hours, Mercado will transform into a pop-up space that will support emerging food vendors, keeping the Gold Coast’s culinary scene fresher than a squeeze of lime. As Nick Stanley puts it, “Having experienced the journey from market stall to multiple venues, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of hospitality innovators. This space lets us do both – run a great café while helping emerging hospitality brands share their creations with our community.”
So guac this way to Mercado for an all-day Mexican fiesta.
Where: 1/88 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters
When: 6am to 2pm daily
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
Enjoy strawberry tarts and tiramisu lattes at J's Brunchette.
If buttery pastries and cute brekkie dates surrounded by fresh posies is your idea of bliss, get ready for the brand new triple-threat cafe in town to feel like paradise found. How do you bloom, J’s Brunchette – the pleasure is allll ours!
Patisserie, brunch haunt and florist all rolled into one, J’s Brunchette brings together some of the very best things in life under one bountiful roof (did we mention it’s dog friendly?!). Bolstering morning coffee runs with flaky, baked-daily croissants and colourful bouquets; Mermaid’s most ravenous can now get amongst golden halloumi and hash filled brekkie feasts and lunch bites like Tiger Prawn and squid ink pasta. We’re really dating ourselves here, but to quote the 00’s club circuit banger – #I’mInHeaven.
Located a stone’s throw from the iconic Hedges beachfront, you can find Mermaid’s latest lurking on the corner of Seabeach Ave and the Gold Coast Highway. The culmination of several months of reno’s, the newly-polished, Parisian-inspired addition has delivered a crisp white facade, pops of pink, and French bistro seating all tucked under a sunny, all-weather terrace. Exactly the kind of aesthetic that twists our arm into falling inside for a little treaty-treat, no?
A spot as cute as a boutonniere right down to the name – Brunchette, the French word for brunch, will forevermore be our favourite way of referring to the best meal of the day; while the J is a nod to owner, Jasmine Chen. Implicitly aware that pastries taste better by the sea, it comes as no surprise that Jasmine chose this site for its breezy, beachy proximity.
Joined by a pastry chef with more than 20 years of experience; Chef Ming is the veritable choux master charged with whipping up flaky goodies like glossy Strawberry Tarts and Vanilla Crème Croissants on the daily (six days a week, if we’re getting technical – yet another reason Monday should get in the bin already #boo).
Along with the seductive selection of house-made patisserie, J’s Brunchette is pumping out cafe-style breakfast and lunch classics, with a stacked menu of specialty beverages to shake up your usual Long Black or Latte. Like the summery Strawberry Jasmine Tea, and the velvety espresso and mascarpone-topped Tiramisu Latte, which are truly treats in their own right!
If it’s brekkie you’re in the market for, J’s has got you covered – Scramble, Smashed Avo Sourdough and Shakshuka served with chorizo – the gang’s all here.
Continuing the savoury smash hits well into lunch, bun-based fare, the Buttermilk fried chicken or Beef burgers, served with beer battered fries are both worthy contenders for refuelling post beach. Or if you’re feeling something fresh and zesty, the Salmon yuzu soba noodle, made with slaw, edamame avo and heirloom tomato, has gotchu.
But whatever you do, just don’t leave without a Waterfall Tiramisu For Two (serving suggestions never have been our forte… #ServingSizeSchmervingSchmize).
Heck, while you’re treating yourself, why not brighten your whole damn week and pick up some fresh blooms while you’re at it!
Where: 2395 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 6:30am-2:30pm
Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby
Costa Taco spices up Broadbeach.
It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for, much-loved Palm Beach Mexican eatery Costa Taco has opened a third space in Broadbeach and we couldn’t be happier.
Brothers Nick and Matt Stanley started their foray into the local foodie scene at Currumbin Community Markets in 2020 before moving into Palmy and (probably) not enjoying a single second of sleep since. We Gold Coasters very quickly fell in love with the laidback venue serving up authentic, flavour-filled eats the likes of which you don’t often see outside of Mexico.
The pair set out with the idea of creating a menu filled with real Mexican dishes that aren’t adapted to suit Aussie palates and the result has been an outstanding success. So much so they have now expanded to Byron Bay and most recently of course, the little house on the corner of Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach.
As was the case in Palm Beach, Costa Taco has introduced a space where the energy of Mexico fuses with the Aussie beach culture perfectly. The fitout is relaxed and filled with colour offering both indoor and outdoor seating that is both welcoming and the kind of spot that gives that roll-in-off-the-beach vibe.
The dishes boast locally sourced ingredients, of the very best quality that come together in traditional recipes, and it is without a doubt, some of the most exceptional Mexican food you’ll ever sample. The actual menu comes complete with a map on the back, marking the exact locations the dishes originate.
Let’s begin with the tacos. The Beer Battered Local Snapper Taco alights from Baja, the coastal peninsula almost entirely surrounded by the ocean. The Snapper is caught locally on the Coast, battered with Mexican beer and served with a cashew salsa made with European-style flavours. The Guerrero Chicken Taco is a product of the Guerrero region and that little beauty is marinated in citruses, sour grape juice and three types of chillies and comes with Costa’s secret sauce, Pico de Gallo and Cashew Salsa Verde.
The Specials menu is one of our favourite sections (also the Marg section) and there are so many must-try’s here. The Chilaquiles are Mexi-style wet nachos and are the kind you’ll find if you visit Mexico City. Salsa made with green tomatoes and a ricotta-style cheese is poured over the top to allow for a varied texture and the flavour is tangy and so very tasty.
The Quesabirrias is traditionally a Mexican hangover cure in the Guadalajara region, and we’d likely induce a hangover just to eat it every day. Made up of two cheesy Birria (stewed meat) tacos that are grilled until they’re crispy and served with Costa Tacos’ famous dipping sauce, these are one (of many) dishes you will order again and again.
Our third highlight is the Ceviche Tostadas. In case you’ve never had the pleasure, ceviche is fish cooked in lime juice and in this case, served on crispy tostadas with fresh tomato, cucumber, onion, chilli and avocado. They hail from the Sinaloa region of Mexico, found on the Coast.
To drink there are both local and Mexican beers, Mexican soft drinks and of course, Margaritas – chilli, coconut and a special guy you should absolutely order several of.
It’s no surprise to those of you who have sampled Costa Taco previously that the Broadbeach venue is perfection in the form of traditional Mexican-eats but if you haven’t yet, do yourself a favour and head down immediately. It’s an eating experience you won’t soon forget.
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
When: 12pm to 9pm daily
On your marg, get set, GO!
It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures; eating Mexican and drinking margis – sounds a bit corny but we stand by it. So it’s pretty darn lucky the Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to Mexican meals, mmm there’s a little Mariachi band playing in our head just thinking about it.
And if you don’t like Mexican then this is guac-ward, because we’ve done the heavy lifting – aka eating – so you can pick your taco joint of choice and put your taco where your mouth is. Come on, don’t be salty – unless you’re a margarita of course.
So here’s our round up of the Coast’s best spots to get your Mexican fix, but before you go don’t forget the rules – first we fiesta, then we siesta. We’ll be there faster than you can say “extra guac, please”.
Street Taco Bar & Taqueria brings bold, flavour-packed Mexican eats to Paradise Point, and locals are absolutely here for it. Blending authentic flavours with a laidback coastal vibe, this colourful spot serves up all the classics with serious heart. On the menu, think punchy tacos, loaded nachos, slow-cooked meats and churros worth saving room for, all made fresh and gluten-free without missing a beat. The margaritas are flowing, the energy is warm and welcoming, and it’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself coming back to on repeat.
Where: Shop 5, 46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point
With shops across the country, we’re lucky to have ourselves one of these spicy little dens of Mexican magic here on the Goldy. Slip in and slip on a sombrero and let the endless fantastic food and de-lish cocktails flow. Overlooking one of the Gold Coast’s best known beaches – Surfers Paradise – it’s big on size, vibes and margs… No really, the margs are giant and nothing gets us going like a cocktail as big as our sombrero.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Kicking around since 1995, The Aztec Broadbeach…along with The Aztec Coolangatta…is a hit with the whole fam, boasting a fun-loving mixture of cosy booths, ultra-modern furnishings, neon lights and an epic fluoro bar. A colourful and upbeat venue, you’re spoilt for choice with all the Mexican goodies you’d hope to find and half price lunches Friday through Sunday in case you needed any more convincing.
Where: The Aria Building, Shop 11/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach & 152 Griffith Street (Twin Towns end), Coolangatta
We briefly considered gatekeeping Costa Taco to keep those highly coveted tables to ourselves, but a list of epic Mexican eats without it just wouldn’t sit right. Especially now they’ve expanded with a Broadbeach outpost and their biggest venue yet in Burleigh. Serving up seriously authentic Mexican fare, the menu is short, sharp and all about doing a few things exceptionally well, with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Now, stop reading and order the fish tacos.
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach and 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Grab your (fully clothed) amigos and head on down to Cancun – okay fine, Broadbeach – because Nude Amigos might be cheeky in name, but its flavours are seriously bold. The space is light, breezy and effortlessly chic, basically calling your name for a long, leisurely sip of one of the exotic (read: very fancy) tequilas lining the bar.
And the good times don’t stop there – Nude Amigos has spread the fiesta across three locations, with venues in Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Kingscliff, so you’re never too far from a margarita moment.
Where: Lot 1, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, The Strand Shopping Centre, Coolangatta and 60 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
Eats institution Bonita Bonita, along with little sister Bon Bon (pouring mezcals and tequilas for your pre or post-dinner festivities), is a long-standing fave for good reason. The dimly lit, moody and ornate interiors set the scene for an intimate dining experience, while the menu delivers every single time. Once a dinner-only darling, the Mexican gods have answered our prayers, with lunch now firmly in the mix alongside their iconic evening service. Settle in for seriously mouth-watering eats, the grilled corn is a must, and the cocktails? Just as iconic.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Always buzzing, Mexicali brings those laidback Cali meets Mexico vibes we just can’t quit. If you’re rolling deep, do yourself a favour and lock in a banquet so you can spend less time deciding and more time focused on the margaritas. Sunset sips on the balcony are a non-negotiable, and don’t even think about leaving without a cheeky snap under the ever-changing lightbox message on the stairs.
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Who said the beachside burbs should be having all the fun? Not us, so if you’ve been having a siesta on our humble Hinterland’s worst kept secret and Gold Coast institution, Hotel Panchos, then this is the sign you need to get on out to Mudgeeraba so they can guac your world. With splashes of colour from wall to wall plus enchiladas, margs and tinnies at the ready you’re set for a spec-taco-lar feed.
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba
If you haven’t been to Hail Mary, have you even done Burleigh? Tucked down a James Street laneway, this pink-hued gem is easy to miss – but trust, it’s worth finding. She’s not just a pretty face either, dishing up some of the freshest, most flavour-packed Mexican going around. Swing by for lunch or dinner and you’ll quickly see why it’s a local fave.
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Frida Sol is one of those institutions that locals quietly rave about. Looking out over the Gold Coast Highway, it opens into a vibey little taqueria serving up fresh, modern Mexican. Order the prawn tacos, they’re a crowd fave for a reason, or dive into the loaded nachos piled high with all the good stuff. It’s also a winner for families thanks to a top-notch kids menu.
When: 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
This vibrant spot has well and truly settled into its Mexican era, serving up a punchy, flavour-packed menu alongside a laidback, come-as-you-are vibe. Expect all the good stuff done right, think crispy fish tacos, slow-cooked pork numbers and quesabirria that’ll have you planning your next visit mid-bite. The bar is stacked with tequila and mezcal, the margaritas go hard, and Taco Tuesday is your weekly excuse sorted.
Where: 140 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Fresh, flavour-packed dishes with a cheeky hit of oriental flair (go on, try saying that after a margarita or two) are the name of the game at Agave Rosa. It’s vibrant, a little bit funky and seriously welcoming, with a menu that fuses two absolute fave cuisines in all the right ways. And because no Mexican spot worth its salt skimps on the good stuff, the cocktails and margaritas here absolutely go off.
Where: Shop 2/74 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski and Belinda Symons
