Look for the cactus garden and peach umbrellas.
Look for the cactus garden and peach umbrellas.
Nobody needs to tell you that summer has absolutely arrived on the Gold Coast in the last few days but since we have the floor, let us make it known, these stifling days are here to stay.
And since there’s no way to escape to say Southern California for a sweet little sojourn, a few clever local lads have brought Southern California to you via a sweet new eatery that’ll make you forget you’re melting every time you step outside.
It’s called Palm Springs Café and it is indeed reminiscent of the city found with the Coachella Valley, dotted with palm trees and known for it’s pastel hues and lowset mid-century modern architecture. It’s one of our absolute fave places in the world and so we are absolutely thrilled to introduce you to this newbie.
Found on a corner block between Burleigh Heads and Miami (a Queenslander previously occupied by Siam Orchid), Palm Springs Café is a fresh, double storey space all rendered whites with a cactus garden and peach umbrellas throughout the street-facing outdoor space.
Inside it’s an Insta-dream come true with arched windows, white tiled floors, terrazzo tabletops and splashes of pastel green. Famed photographer Slim Aarons’ poolside snaps line the walls and you’ll find a few more cacti throughout.
The coffee bar is a round-edged masterpiece, all layered and beautiful and begging to be touched. Round pendant lights hang in clusters from the ceiling and look, it’s aesthetically perfect if you ask us.
The idea behind the café is a little different from the norm, with said Southern Cali vibes taking over the menu too. Excitingly, there’ll be brunch cocktails on offer at all times and see, it won’t take much to forget that heat.
To eat, you’ll probably want to get involved in everything but let’s chat about a couple of dishes. The Cali Breakfast Burrito is a must with chorizo sausage, egg, cheddar cheese, avocado salsa, black beans and pickled jalapeno. Three please.
There’s also a Bacon and Egg Burger but not as you know it; with American bacon, fried egg, provolone cheese, potato hash and chipotle mayo on a milk bun. Yep. If bacons’ not your thing, there’s a halloumi version too.
Nourish Bowls are a good time too – there’s the Palms Wholesome Bowl with black bean hummus, brown rice, tomato salsa, house pickles, charred corn, avocado, a soft-boiled egg and mojo dressing. You can add teriyaki salmon to that too.
To drink, there’s Therefore Coffee, out of Tweed Heads (a very good drop), all of the alternative latte varieties, cold-pressed juices and of course, cocktails. Bloody Mary’s, an array of Margaritas and an Espresso Martini grace the menu, as well as pink gin and soda cans.
It’s perfect for a Sunday (or any) morning sip and honestly, it’s everything we Gold Coasters have been waiting for.
Palm Springs Café opens Friday 20th November and you should be very happy about it.
LOCATION: Cnr Gardenia Grove and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 6.30am until 2.30pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
A fresh new Japanese eatery for Burleigh Heads.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Japanese food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. So when a new, perfectly curated eatery bringing the traditional tastes of Japan to Burleigh Heads opens up, we are obviously all about it.
The newbie, Oi Izakaya can be found in the little alleyway off James Street where the Mexi-goodness that is Hail Mary also resides.
It’s the work of local lads Troy Olsen and Stephen Thompson who, along with renowned Gold Coast design genius OJ Thompson (of Ally Chow and Etsu fame), have created something the Gold Coast is going to absolutely love.
The newbie is a low-lit, moody space reminiscent of back alley, Tokyo-style Izakayas with all burnt wood paneling, dark intimate corners and an open-style kitchen, so you can watch the magic unfold.
The bar, at one end fits snugly into the corner and is jam-packed with an impressive array of whisky’s (love you), sake and Japanese beers. Tiny samurai fight for attention on one wall, while a (really quite magical) golden orb shines out from another.
The vibe is the perfect combination of old school Japanese and modern sophistication and we’re big fans.
Menu-wise the eats are refined and authentic, infusing mind-blowing flavours into dishes you’ll never want to stop eating.
To start, sashimi, always. The freshest of tuna and salmon for your tasting pleasure. But also Edamame Cheese Chips, a thing we have never before had the pleasure of sampling but will now order at any and every opportunity. Don’t ask, just order.
The Squashed Cucumber is not only one of the great dish names, it is a great dish. Basically it’s cucumber in plum sauce but the flavours defy that overly simplistic description. Eat it.
Oi Izakaya also have a Sushi Burger on the menu and yes it is indeed stacked like your run-of-the-mill burger but made with sushi. Genius and so very tasty.
Of course, the menus’ pièce de résistance is Okonomiyaki, the dish that made Troy and Stephen fall in love with Japanese eats and the reason we now get to spend all our time at Oi Izakaya.
If you’ve not yet had the pleasure Okonomiyaki is made up of many things including egg, cabbage, flour, Japanese spices and your choice of meat. The dish we sampled was Hiroshima-style (with noodles) and it was the very best variety we’ve ever tasted.
We ate the entire thing and you should order it and subsequently be impressed by how good we are at eating.
To drink, we suggest getting involved in one of the MANY Japanese whisky’s on offer but if straight up isn’t your thing, the Brown Rice Old Fashioned is as good as it gets.
All in all, Oi Izakaya is quite a treat and the perfect addition to Burleigh’s foodie scene and we suggest you get down there at the earliest available opportunity and give the boys some love.
And if you need someone to mentor you in the art of whisky drinking, you know where to find us.
LOCATION: Shop 4-6, 30 James Street, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: Wednesday and Thursday 4.30pm until late, Friday to Sunday 12pm until late
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Burleigh’s buzzing, and it’s not hard to guess why.
Let’s be real: coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle. Without that first cup of liquid gold, productivity would probably collapse faster than a popped balloon. Honestly, how do people function without coffee? Because we couldn’t tell you.
In Burleigh, the rich aroma of fresh brews flows with the sea breeze, creating the ultimate feel-good combo. We’ve taken one for the team (you’re welcome) and hit the streets to track down the very best coffee Burleigh has to offer.
Needing no introduction, word has got around that Tarte is the place to be in Burleigh. The coffee is Parallel Roasters Exclusive Tarte House Blend so you know it’s going to be goooood. You can order it however you like to sip, from velvety flat whites to a rich filter. Pair your caffeine fix with a loaded bagel (the Bullseye Bang is a cult fave) or go light and sweet with a strawberry muffin top. Whether you’re a morning regular or just passing through, skipping a visit to Tarte is practically a crime.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
When it comes to coffee culture in Burleigh, Commune is the OG. This laid-back cafe has been fuelling locals with smooth, strong brews since day dot, and under the Blackboard crew, the espresso game is as sharp as ever. Grab a quick latte on the run or linger over a long black with friends, Commune’s coffee is the kind that keeps you coming back. Pair it with their famous rosti-stacked Eggs Florentine or a chorizo burrito if you’re hungry, and stay for the community vibes.
Where: 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
If you’ve cruised the GC Highway, you’ve definitely spotted Palm Springs, the pastel-hued cafe serving up serious Cali desert vibes. But behind the breezy facade is a coffee club that locals rave about. Smooth espresso, perfectly poured lattes and iced coffees made for sunny mornings. The Therefore Coffee Roasters brew feels right at home under the Burleigh palms. Of course, the eats are on point too. Breakfast tacos, anyone?
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Next Door Espresso in Burleigh is a coffee lover’s dream tucked inside the stylish St Barts space. With crisp white Besser block walls, timber tables and a sleek concrete bar, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to linger. The coffee? Organic, roasted by Federal brewers Moonshine. Want to treat yourself? Try a speciality bev like a Banana Pudding Matcha or Dirty Chai Cloud. Pair your cup with wholesome brunch bites or a sweet treat, then browse St Barts’ dreamy homewares. Shopping, sipping, smiling – your day in Burleigh is sorted.
Where: 24 Junction Road, Burleigh
Social Espresso has been fuelling the Gold Coast caffeine scene for over a decade, roasting beans that power many of your favourite cafes. Their Burleigh HQ is a sleek space in the industrial area of Burleigh where the coffee truly shines with three signature blends, rotating single origins and smooth cold brew. Owners Mitch and Hayley have built a hub for coffee lovers and locals alike. Whether it’s a takeaway or a sit-down sip, this is specialty coffee done right.
Factory 1/9-11 Fremantle St, Burleigh Heads
Tucked inside the Big B Arcade, Social Brew is where Burleigh’s coffee culture comes alive. From early morning espressos to mid-morning cappuccinos, this buzzing cafe is fuel for brekky dates, work catch-ups and everything in between. The people-watching is as good as their signature house blend, and the vibe makes it easy to linger as breakfast drifts into lunch. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a little oasis in the heart of James Street.
Where: 34-36 James Street, Burleigh Heads
When it comes to cafes locals love, Canteen is the name on everyone’s lips. Crowned Best Coffee in Burleigh in last year’s Love My Cafe awards, their brews have earned a true cult following. Perched on the Park Ave side of the Burleigh buzz, the timber fit-out adds rustic charm, while friendly smiles greet you from kitchen to counter. Serving their signature Cleanskin Coffee Co. roast, Canteen feels like the perfect pause in busy Burleigh.
Where: 23 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads
Re-firing the coffee machine last year, Pretty Handsome has made a pretty epic comeback. Pouring Allpress beans, every shot is carefully weighed and extracted for consistently smooth, rich flavour, from your morning flat white to a cheeky espresso martini in the afternoon. Pair your cup with a breaky wrap, tacos, or ribs, and you’ll be fuelled up for the rest of the day..
Where: 18 Christine Avenue, Burleigh Heads
At LiTO, coffee takes centre stage in true Italian style, beginning with smooth Allpress brews that pair perfectly with breakfast favourites like Sicilian Poached Eggs or Spiced Avocado Bruschetta. Mondrian Gold Coast’s all-day eatery is the kind of spot where a quiet morning espresso naturally stretches into lunch and beyond, with every cup keeping the la dolce vita flowing. From that first sip post-surf to a final flourish of Tiramisu with coffee mascarpone cream and syrup, LiTO proves life really is better with coffee.
Where: Ground Level, 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Coffee is at the heart of Common Ground, with Burleigh locals raving about their expertly poured Social Espresso brews. Whether you’re after a silky flat white, a refreshing cold brew or something a little spiced like their chai, every sip is designed to complement the sunlit garden setting. The sleek machine on the counter hums from morning to afternoon, fuelling long brunches and catch-ups. Pair your cup with one of their seasonal plates and you’ve found your new daily ritual.
2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh.
If you’ve seen a classic red Jeep humming around town, you might have seen Willy’s Beans delivering signature roasts to many of your favourite caffeine hubs on the GC. Willy’s Beans takes you on a coffee journey from crop to cup. The warehouse cafe is decked with nods to Colombian coffee culture which captured the heart of owner Jayson to open Willy’s Beans. On the menu, you’ll find an impressive lineup of single-origin beans and rare specialties like the Summer Gesha, crafted for those chasing something extra. For an even deeper dive, Willy’s Beans hosts private tastings, giving coffee lovers an immersive experience that goes far beyond the everyday brew.
Where: 1/4 Ramly Drive, Burleigh Heads
Tucked just off Reedy Creek Road, Dover’s Drop is the kind of pit stop that turns into a daily ritual. Serving up fantastic brews from carbon-neutral roasters Locale Espresso, every cup is smooth, rich, and full of flavour that’ll keep you powering through the day. Swing by for locally sourced baked goods, fresh sandwiches and healthy bites that pair perfectly with your caffeine fix. Industrial district coffee never looked (or tasted) so good.
Where: 9 Dover Drive, Burleigh Heads
Paddock may have first won us over with donuts and sweet treats, but it’s their coffee that keeps locals lining up day after day. Tucked inside the charming weatherboard cottage, the team pours smooth, perfectly balanced brews that pair effortlessly with their fresh-baked goods. Whether you’re grabbing a latte to go, sipping a flat white in the garden, or settling in for a long breakfast, the coffee is always flowing. And yes, you should take home their signature sourdough or that Almond Croissant Cookie for later.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Just steps from the beach, Memento is the perfect spot to grab your morning flat white before a seaside stroll or settle in with friends (and furry companions) over a leisurely breakfast. The Supreme Coffee brews are smooth, the space is warm, and the vibe is carefree. But the best thing? It’s open at 5am, making it the ultimate pit stop for a pre-surf caffeine hit or a post-run club refuel.
Where: 16 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
At MC’s Sandwich House, the coffee is as carefully considered as the sangas. They’ve teamed up with Coffee Supreme, ensuring every cup is bold, balanced and smooth enough to stand alongside their globally inspired creations. Grab a flat white to go with a Hot Chicken sanga or sip a long black while you people-watch from the front window, MC’s keeps your sandwich game and your caffeine levels strong.
Where: 83 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Long before Burleigh became a cafe hub, Nook Espresso was already shaping the Coast’s coffee culture. Now the beloved local keeps serving the smooth, perfectly balanced brews that built its cult following. Using the same Byron Bay beans for over a decade, Nook proves consistency is key and every cup hits just right. With friendly faces behind the counter and a breezy, plant-filled setting, it’s the perfect stop for your daily caffeine hit.
Where: Stockland Burleigh Heads, West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads
Words by Lisette Drew
With signature sips and plant-based eats.
Miami is quickly becoming a thriving little cultural hub known for its all-inclusive community vibes, a couple of exceptional eateries, a five-star gin distillery and plenty of creativity thrown in for good measure.
Now we can add a hidden laneway bar to the list thanks to the opening of The Hidden Cherub on Lemana Lane. Find it in the building where Heartfill Store also lives.
Boasting a laidback neighbourhood feel perfect for Friday after work drinks or a weekend sip fest, the new venue is decked out with a sleek, industrial-esque look, greenery dripping from the walls and black and white striped bench seating. Sit inside if you’re keen to hide away from the world or outside in the laneway should the weather permit sometime soon.
The bar is the main event at The Hidden Cherub and there are plenty of tipples to keep you entertained.
Starting with cocktails of course. Classic sips like Mojitos (three ways), Margaritas, Spritzes, Martinis, Old Fashioned’s and the like are on offer so all your needs are covered there.
Then there are the signature sips and you can expect treats like The Cherubs Cloud with vodka, elderflower liqueur, strawberries and apple juice, the Lil Frankie with tequila, mango chilli and lime and The Angeles with gin, Chambord, grapefruit juice, lemon and bitters.
You may also treat yourself to a dessert cocktail like Honeycomb Heaven with vodka, butterscotch, coconut cream and chocolate powder.
There’s a selection of local craft beers on tap and in a can variety and a few wines too.
Eats-wise there’s a packed menu filled with share plates, burgers, tacos, salads and sides.
Seasoned Charred Corn with cheese sauce, cashew parmesan and lime aioli, Crispy Mac ‘N’ Cheese Balls and Mozarella Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are a few of the dishes on offer.
In terms of burgers there’s a Spicy Southern, The Hawaiian and The Classic and tacos come in combos like Tempura Avocado, Chipotle Chicken and Three Bean.
Oh and all the eats are plant-based.
Sunday’s are live music day and happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday with $10 cocktails, $7 schooners, $4 pots and $5 basics.
So that’s what’s up in Miami friends, pop in and experience the collective goodness for yourself some time. There’s a bit on.
LOCATION: 2/29 Lemana Lane, Miami
HOURS: From 12pm until late Friday to Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
