Oh baked goods, why do you taunt us so. Taste sensations, tick. Better with butter, tick. Comforting when cold, tick, tick, tick. They’re almost too good to be true but, as demonstrated below, they are true and there are Gold Coast bakeries galore which is just fine by us.

Here’s a list of the top 16 bakeries within which you’ll find said exceptional baked treats and happy carb loading Coasties.

Custard Canteen
From 5:30am-2:30pm daily, Custard Canteen is known for cranking out absolute next-level Portuguese custard tarts, almond croissants, loaded muffins, the gooiest of cookies and various breakfast and lunch goods. Wash it all down nicely with a cup of their exceptional coffee.
Where: Tallebudgera Recreation Centre, Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

The Pastry Emporium
Taking it up a notch from the good old-fashioned bakery, here you’ll find pastries baked to perfection with not a flake out of place by Adrian Graziloi. Think escargot pastries (aka, snail pastries) finished with apricot glaze, crushed pistachio and rock sugar and an array of pinky-raising single-serve cakesandtarts. The Pastry Emporium conjures up otherworldly cakes and desserts while also delivering necessities like delicious breads and coffee. If you moved in there, we wouldn’t judge you. Please invite us over.
Where: 4/28 Campbell St, Bundall

Bam Bam Bakehouse
Needing no introduction is Mermaid’s Bam Bam Bakehouse – creators of the most original baked treats the Gold Coast has ever seen and the absolute love of our lives if we’re honest. Known for creations such as Salted Caramel Eclairs and Ink Gin Choux Bomb, it’s another level of baked treat magic and everything tastes more delicious than you could possibly imagine.
Where: 2519 – 2521 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Paddock Bakery
Hidden amdist a little garden oasis is Paddock Bakery, a cafe/garden wonderland in Miami cranking out insane baked goods. How about a Matcha NY Baked Cheesecake? Yah. Milo Croissant Rings are also a thing and their oozing choc chip cookies are the real deal. They have an impressive and ever-changing doughnut selection, and there’s always something new to blow your dessert loving mind.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami

Fosters Bakery
Fosters is a Nobby’s institution that has been serving up legendary classics all day, every day, for many a year. Their pies are some of the best around; we may be known to indulge in them for breakfast, lunch and dinner for many days running. Their vanilla slice, custard tarts and doughnuts are always a good idea. It’d be wise to treat their pie and doughnut selection as a checklist to try them all.
Where: 1/2227 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Burleigh Baker
For the love of sourdough, this place is the goods. We’re partial to the olive sourdough because olives are life, but there are many varieties, all of which are the perfect addition to a warming soup and/or lathered with butter. Oh, and all their sourdough is of the organic and artisan varieties AND they make incredible cakes like a Raspberry and Pistachio with honey frosting and honey caramel drizzle. Two, please. Find them in Burleigh (obvs), but also Paradise Point!
Where: 13/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 7/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Fuel Bakehouse
Soooo many delicious things come out of this place you guys. We’re talking custard-filled, sprinkle-topped, meringue-crumbled, Nutella oozing (etc. etc.) doughnuts. Not just muffins, but cruffins. Your ol’reliable bacon and egg rolls, and some of the tastiest pies around town.  There are three Fuel Bakehouse locations (Currumbin, Burleigh and Cabarita), so you need not worry about missing out. And you absolutely don’t want to miss out.
Where: 44 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters, 39-45 Tweest Coast Rd, Cabarita and Shop 1/23 James St, Burleigh Heads

Coolangatta Pie Shop
Want to know what we pray for? Generously filled pies with flaky pastry that are available from an absolute institution 7 days a week. Turns out we don’t need to pray, as this already exists! The iconic Coolangatta Pie Shop has proudly served at the NSW and QLD border since 1964. There are also tasty sweet treats and we recommend the Macadamia Slice thingo because caramel is life.
Where: 50 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Dipcro Pastry
Dipcro (verb): means to dip a flaking-ly fabulous croissant into a silky smooth coffee. The result is usually a feeling of unadulterated pleasure. Not to state the obvious, but you find that feeling at Chevron Island’s Dipcro Pastry in endless supply. They’re a patisserie that specialises in the scrumptious art of all things pastry and puff. A Matcha Mochi Pastry Tart anyone? How about an Espresso Tiramisu Mille Feuille? Or the Hazelnut Praline Cromboloni?!! Okay, we have to stop there- we’re afraid you may die of a pastry-induced coma if we go on.
Where: 55 Thomas Dr, Chevron Island

Franquette
With a name like Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket), a mind naturally conjures up images of all kinds of French-inspired splendour. And you’d be right on the baguette. Franquette is one of Mt Tamborine’s latest editions – a French bakery that was quickly beloved by locals and visitors alike. They’ve got more loaf varieties than you can poke a breadstick at and freshly prepared sandwiches and baguettes with THE most scrumptious fillings. Then there’s the sweet French pâtisserie- do we really need to convince you how good they are?
Where: 155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain

Tarte Bakery + Beach House
If you reside on the Gold Coast and haven’t yet experienced, or worse, heard of Tarte Bakery (or their sister venue, Tarte Beach House), then we’ve found you at a bittersweet juncture. You get to make up for lost time! Let us enlighten you on what awaits. Cue the song: ‘Strawberries on muffins and bacon on bagels. Brown butter cookies and truffle cheese toasties. Golden croissants dipped in pistachio cream – these are a few of our favourite things (at Tarte). Thanks, Julie Andrews, for putting that so melodiously into words.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads (Tarte Bakery) and Shop 1, 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin (Tarte Beach House)

Well Bread & Pastry
If you’re looking for a down-to-earth bakery where you can grab yourself a well-poured coffee, some incredible pastries and breads and a space where you can catch up with a friend, then say hello to Well Bread & Pastry. It’s a euro-infused bakery with two locations in Palm Beach and Miami. All their sourdough is made using sustainable stone ground flour (and lots of love), and their coffee is made with Paradox beans. And just like their pies, their cabinets are always filled to the brim with drool-worthy croissants, pain au chocolats and biscuits galore. Cappuccino cheers to that!
Where: 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach and 1934 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami

Bread Social
If you’re a fan of mouth-wateringly good, cooked-with-love baked treats (if you’re not, you’re lost in the wrong article), then you will have absolutely sampled the goods from The Bread Social – they’re an in-demand Northern NSW and Southern Queensland baked goods supply. If you’re visiting in person, you can find them at Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Currumbin and the Isle of Capri. And when you are visiting, here’s your hit list: the Reuben sandwich, an extra large Custard Tart and a Cinnamon Scroll made with crème patisserie and dusted with cinnamon sugar & pinch of salt. We’ll see you rollin…out the door.
Where: 12A Bay St, Tweed Heads; 2 Queensbury Ave Currumbin Waters; 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale and 15-21 Via Roma Isle of Capri

Rise Bakery
Picture your next Sunday morning; a fresh spread of French pastries behold you, and mimosas (plural) are in place of your water (H2O is taking a day off). Life is splendorous. That’s Rise Bakery for you; a sanctuary where butter, sugar and flour rise together and are served in the form of lunettes, pain suisse, baguettes and croissants. Your only complication is deciding what to have next coffee or champagne? Sweet or savoury? Life’s hard…
Where: Shop C/ 4 Masthead Way, The Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove

GLUTEN FREE

Sacre Coeur Pâtisserie
If you’re a big flan of baked goods, but your dietaries aren’t typically down with the likes of cakes, croissants, and flaky treats – doughnut worry! Serving a fresh-baked selection of specialty pastries, cakes, pies, coffees and more, Sacre Coeur Patisserie is a plant-based bakehouse that prides itself on a healthier approach to typical Parisian fare with a range of refined sugar-free creations. Think pistachio croissants, peanut butter caramel scrolls and Mint and Matcha New York-style cheesecake! It’s hard to imagine how such scrumptious goodies could be aftermath-free!
Where: 158 Scarborough Street, Southport

Made with Love
It’s not often that vegans and pastries can walk hand in hand, but thanks to this Southport bakery, they can finally be able to make it down the aisle together. Made with Love ( and zero harm) is a god-sent for the plant-based peeps and dietary-restricted alike. On offer are Nutella and custard-laden doughnuts, danishes that will quickly vanish, sausage rolls and ham and cheese croissants (don’t ask questions; just devour and appreciate the outright wizardry).
Where: 19 Alicia Street, Southport

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

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

Takeaway could well be the greatest thing ever invented and if wasn’t so bad for you, you’d probably get it every day right? WELL GUESS WHAT! According to this very article, takeaway food doesn’t have to be bad for you and that could be the greatest news ever not invented.

Here’s a list of the top 9 restaurants offering healthy takeaway options. Happy days.

Raw Energy, Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads
Located on the corner of Marine Parade in Coolangatta is Raw Energy, a healthy food and lifestyle café that started on the Sunshine Coast. Their focus is on fresh food, served fast in a funky environment. Raw Energy’s got you covered, offering anything from healthy smoothies or juices to macadamia and lentil burgers, YUMM!
Where: 110 Marine Pde, Coolangatta 

The Pocket
If you haven’t been there yet, put this one on your ‘to do’ list! The Pocket in Burleigh’s Connor Street is an absolute favourite amongst locals and offers a great range of healthy take away options (with an extensive vegetarian/gluten free menu). The Pocket aims to be a conscientious restaurant serving locally sourced, wholesome food, often using produce grown by owners David and Michelle.
Where: 13 Connor St, Burleigh Heads

Marie Anita’s Gluten Free Health Cafe
Marie Anita’s offers a solely gluten free and sugar free menu designed to provide dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and raw alternatives. With the aim to source from local suppliers and to use as much organic produce as possible, Marie Anita’s challenges the image of healthy eating.
Where: 2364 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Greenhouse Canteen & Bar
A personal favorite is Greenhouse Canteen & Bar, the holy grail of all healthy food. With the motto ‘anything you can do, we can do vegan’ they’re onto something, because they are busy every day of the week. But not to worry, they do take away, too! All produce are sourced from trusted suppliers and farmer’s markets – food is medicine and it should nourish the mind, body and soul. Amen!
Where: 1916 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami and 1/140 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

BSKT Cafe
BSKT Cafe (Biscuit) was founded with the belief that people care about their health. They just needed the right place to deliver these health options in an indulgent and accessible manner.
All products are designed to inspire through nutritional quality, taste and a global conscious. Made from high quality plants and free from refined sugar and anything artificial. All products are hand crafted with love using traditional methods busting the myth Vegan and Paleo products can’t be delicious as well as nutritious.
Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

The Shack Superfood Cafe
The name says it all, the Shack Superfood Café in Nobby’s is a health freaks paradise with real and fresh food that tastes great and is nutritious! On offer is quinoa, acai, smoothies and juices, breakfast, takeaway lunch and dinner boxes, plus tea and coffee. If you are looking for a hassle free, convenient and easy takeaway option look no further and go give the team at the Shack a visit.
Where: 2221 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach 

Cardamom Pod
Cardamom Pod in Broadbeach is a vegetarian and plant-based restaurant inspired by the art of creative and tasty cuisine. With an extensive salad bar and delicious hot meal options such as curries or lasagne, Cardamom Pod is the perfect place to get some tasty and healthy takeaway, and word on the street is there are opening one in Brickworks! But be warned, their desserts are out of this world, especially the raw peanut butter cups.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 

Govindas
Govindas is without a doubt one of the most popular vegetarian, eco-friendly take-away restaurants on the Gold Coast. They offer a variety of pure vegetarian foods (vegan and gluten free options available) including vegetable dishes, basmati rice, dhal, potato bake, samosas and a variety of salads, desserts and drinks. Veggies are sourced locally and all dishes are prepared daily using the freshest produce. The buffet style approach lets customer create their own meal at reasonable prices. YUM.
Where: James St, Burleigh Heads

Giri Kana Cafe
The Giri Kana Cafe is a fresh take on vegan and vegetarian food, with a wide selection of freshly made vegan / vegetarian items (many organic and gluten free options also), including an extensive dessert menu. Their emphasis is on fresh and wholesome foods, which are good for the body, as well as the mind and spirit – and to this end, food is cooked with love and devotion. Try one of their signature tofu or vegie burgers served on turkish bread or as a gluten free option the Open Burger on rice. All so good!
Where: Cnr of Nind St and Gold Coast Highway, Southport 

Words by Kirra Smith