A new coffee and cultural hub for Mermaid Beach.
A new coffee and cultural hub for Mermaid Beach.
Oh hey Mermaid, long time no see, missed you. Seriously though, it’s been awhile since we discussed the happenings of the suburb with the prettiest name in the world (biased) but here we go.
Morena Espresso quietly opened their colourful doors last week adding to the rapidly growing creative scene Mermaid has going on.
The space, on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Cronulla Ave (where Hula Girl Espresso once lived) is stunning, filled with locally made goodies you may purchase while patiently (haha) waiting for your cup of caffeine.
Made of two levels, there’s plenty of spots for relaxing, including a bright pink couch, a communal table set up down the centre of the space and some little tables set amongst said purchasable goodies. Brands on offer include Drift Trading Co. candles, Ecua Andino Hats, Rustic Peppermint and Kippy Skateboards to name a few local legends.
Outside, an eye-catching mural has been painted by local artists Fa Bio and Barbara Farias Lama and it’s all Spanish animals and palm trees and a pretty brunette drinking a tasty cuppa. It’s one of the prettiest on the Coast.
Morena Espresso is the kind of place you can pop in for a quick takeaway coffee or pull up a spot and spend all day working (slash making a list of all the pretty things you want to buy).
Obviously, takeaway coffee is the name of the game and the beans on offer are Byron Bay’s Marvell St.
At the moment, eats are limited to a few raw treats but in the next week there’ll be an array of tasty toasties on offer as well as smoothies, acai bowls and more raw treats. All perfect for feeding your hungry self on the go.
Not only eats and espresso, Morena will soon play host to creative workshops including song writing and salsa dancing. There’ll also be art exhibitions by local artists and all of those sounds like a very good time to us.
Pop down and say hello to the people bringing a little bit more colour, and a little bit more caffeine to your day.
What would we do without them.
LOCATION: 2550 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: 6am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 2pm Saturday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
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
Stone & Wood beer battered fish-n-chips washed down with a jug of pineapple margarita. If that isn't enough to get you in the door, find out what else Little Mermaid has to offer...
Out with the old and in with the new! With no trace of the old K-bar and Meze in sight, the newly renovated space, Little Mermaid brings a bright and beachy eatery to Mermaid Beach.
When the team from K-bar ripped out their coffee bean roasters, they knew this was the perfect time for a makeover. Co-owner Tobias Diamandopoulos explains that this time around they didn’t go for what was ‘on trend’, they went only with what they liked. I guess there is something to be said for going with your gut, because Little Mermaid has quickly become one of the hottest restaurants on the Gold Coast.
Although a play on words, Little Mermaid has nothing to do with Ariel (sorry Disney fans), but has been fitted in light colours and plenty of plants, giving the space a tropical vibe.
Co-owner Joe Hutchines l has used his background in design to make the most of the rectangular space. By use of partition, swings and elevations, Little Mermaid has at least six spaces with different different vibes all under 1 roof.
If there is one common thread running throughout the whole restaurant it’s the ‘as you’re ready’ theme. Although a wait staff is available, Tobias has told me they are aiming to have Little Mermaid feel like you are at home. Are you hungry? Hop up and order from the counter. Need a water? There are plenty of water stations situated around the restaurant. Booze? No problem, the friendly bartenders are ready and waiting. Nothing is forced, its a non-pretentious local hangout with delicious food and drink on offer for when you are ready. The boys at Little Mermaid aim to have locals and visitors alike flock to Little Mermaid for an experience they may not be able to get anywhere else on the coast. Not only are they hoping the laid back vibes will draw them in, they are hopeful the food will too.
Dishing up plates to please any palate, the Inside Gold Coast favourite was the Stone & Wood beer battered fish-n-chips because it has a twist, the chips are actually big delicious potato wedges! Served wrapped in butchers paper, it’s got that old school fish-shop feel that we all have come to know and love. We also had a taste of their two favourite salads pear & walnut salad and the crispy Asian salmon salad. Although each salad has a unique flavour of its own, both can be described as refreshing and tasty. An absolute must-have.
Another must have are the cocktails. There is a whole selection of tasty cocktails made with Sol cold pressed juices delivered fresh every few days. If you haven’t quite figured out what that means, it means drink all night and feel great the next day! No more sugary hangovers (however, we can’t guarantee that for the lushes)! Cocktails are available by the glass, but we bet you can’t have just one, so you might as well opt for the jug/watering canister (hey, it’s half healthy anyway!).
A new campaign they have introduced is ‘Street of the Week’. As an appreciation to their local clientele, Little Mermaid is giving away free coffee to anyone living on the ‘Street of the Week’ for an entire week! Talk about a morning pick me up!!
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week, head over and fall in love with this unique eatery like we did. We are dying to go back and try the Green Eggs and Ham, so if you try it before we do, make sure to tag us in your pic! #Inside Gold Coast
Located at 1a/2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
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By Marleigh Kelly
