Studio Cafe Co serves up French pastries and baked goods in Surfers.
Studio Cafe Co serves up French pastries and baked goods in Surfers.
Rise and shine, Surfers Paradise! There’s a new arrival that’s set to butter up your mornings and sugar-coat your afternoons in the best way possible.
Tucked beneath the Hilton in Cavill Lane, Studio Cafe Co is the latest venture by kitchen queen Janine Carampot, who brings her Filipino heritage and passion for pastries under one roof.
Janine’s path into pastry has been shaped firstly by the joy of baking for her family. She went on to whisk her way to success, from studying culinary arts and specialising in patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu to working in high-pressure hotel kitchens and opening her own venues.
Known for the spicy and bold flavours at her existing hotspots, USOK Filipino Grill and Noypi Halo Halo, Janine is taking Studio Café Co in a slightly different direction. The heart remains the same: delicious food that feels joyful when you devour it.
If first impressions count, this one’s already looking like the crème de la crème of the local cafe scene. Blue framed doors and windows invite you into a bright and airy space with globe lights doting the ceiling like clouds over a full patisserie lineup.
When is comes to the menu, it’s sure to please both traditionalists and trend-chasers. Janine blends her French patisserie training with Filipino flair, folding it together with a generous helping of Aussie cafe culture.
In the display cabinets, you’ll find flaky croissants, delicate choux buns, chocolate tarts, lemon meringues, vanilla slice and jewel-like petit gâteaux that look almost too pretty to eat (almost).
There’s also artisan sourdough loaves and gourmet breads, baked fresh and ready to be the star of a really good sandwich.
For those on the run, Studio Café Co has the grab-and-go crowd covered. Daily filled baguettes and quick bites will be on hand for commuters dashing for the tram, ensuring no one has to face the day on an empty stomach.
Already popular are the Bacon and Egg Croissant, Chicken Fajita Toastie and the Tuna Melt oozing with cheese.
If you’ve got time to linger, there is an à la carte breakfast and brunch menu that invites you to sit, sip and stay a while. While the menu is still evolving, you can expect all the classics.
To wash it all down, the Studio Cafe Co team will be pouring Campos espresso, alongside a lineup of iced drinks and a full range of matcha offerings. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a matcha fan, there’s something here to keep your cup full.
If you’re keen to roll up your sleeves and looking for a cute date or family fun activity, Studio Cafe Co invites you to decorate and customise your own cake too, no skills required!
Good luck leaving without taking something extra with you.
When: Friday–Monday 7am–2.30pm, Wednesday 7am–2.30pm, Thursday 9am–5pm
Where: G31, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
Fall into autumn at Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences.
We don’t want to alarm you, but autumn is already here! The crowds have drifted away and us locals can breathe a sigh of relief. It’s the season to settle in, and there’s no better excuse than Stay Where You’re Celebrated at Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences.
A day here begins slowly. Draw the curtains back and take in that iconic view of skyline meeting sea. Downstairs, buffet breakfast is already calling. Fresh fruit, warm pastries and eggs made your way set the tone for a day that’s equal parts indulgent and easy. Or linger a little longer and head to Ms Margot’s for the Autumn Breakfast Board for Two, a generous spread of croissants, smoked salmon, avocado, pikelets, ham and cheddar made for long, leisurely mornings.
By mid-morning, Surfers Paradise is yours to explore without the summer frenzy. The beach is just steps away, or you might wander through nearby cafes, browse boutique stores or simply follow the coastline until you feel like turning back. The beauty of staying central GC is returning to your room is a breeze.
Early afternoon is for retreating. Perhaps that’s a dip in the pool or stretching out on a day bed with a book you’ve been meaning to finish.
If your afternoon calls for something decadent, Ms Margot’s delivers cosy sophistication. The Nostalgic Autumn High Tea serves up a playful nod to the classics with freshly baked scones and jam, prawn and chipotle vol au vents, devilled eggs, pigs in blanket-style pancetta wrapped scallops and a line-up of sweet treats from vanilla slice to mini éclairs and banana cream pie. Pair it with The Bold Logie, a twist on the Old Fashioned, made with award-winning Australian Ben Buckler Whiskey owned by TV personality Larry Emdur, adding a dash of star power to every sip.
And then, of course, there’s the spa. The Autumn Wellness Ritual begins with a nurturing massage followed by a revitalising express facial and soothing scalp therapy. It’s the kind of treatment that makes you forget what day it is, in the best possible way.
Back upstairs, your suite offers space to truly settle in, with separate living areas, a full kitchen, laundry facilities and a generous balcony that makes staying in feel just as appealing as heading out.
As the day drifts towards evening, dinner is top priority. Catch Restaurant leans into the season with dishes designed to comfort. Dive into Baked Salmon paired with crushed sweet potato and dill mayo, or Seafood Spaghetti rich with prawns, calamari and chorizo, finished with squid ink vinaigrette. It’s refined but relaxed, and the perfect excuse to linger a little longer over dessert.
By the time you return to your room, night has fully arrived with the skyline sparkling around you.
To make your autumn escape even sweeter, Hilton’s Sweeten Your Stay accommodation offer may be available on selected dates when booking direct. Subject to availability, it can include added value such as breakfast, parking and seasonal savings, the little extras that elevate an already celebratory stay.
Book your stay at Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences and let autumn unfold exactly as it should.
Click here to book your stay now.
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Valid for stay dates until 31 May 2026
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY HILTON SURFERS PARADISE HOTEL & RESIDENCES
Because hunger has no curfew.
If the Gold Coast had a dating profile, it would absolutely list “early riser” under lifestyle choices. But for the night owls, shift workers, post‑show snack hunters, and anyone who simply refuses to eat dinner at 5.30pm like a pensioner on a cruise, there are glorious kitchens keeping the lights on. From tapas to truffle, Persian feasts to pan‑Asian perfection, here’s where to wine, dine, and stay out past your bedtime.
This moody, international-leaning nook serves late‑night energy with a side of sultry lighting and seriously good small plates. Think elegant tapas that flirt back, wines that whisper “one more?”, and a distinguished fit-out that feels like the GC briefly teleported to, well, old-school Brooklyn. Perfect for date nights, mate nights, or those evenings when dinner at 9pm calls for dim lights, deep reds, and zero regrets
Open: Tuesday to Thursday until 10pm and Friday & Saturday until 11pm
Where: 190 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
Bringing Latin heat to Nobby Beach, Norté is the moody, flame‑kissed sibling in the Oxley precinct. Inspired by Mexico City’s Roma Norte district, expect raw plates, masa dishes, slow‑cooked meats and seafood straight off the custom hearth. It’s bold architecture, open-kitchen theatre and flavours turn a late‑night dinner into a full-fledged fiesta without anyone noticing the time.
Open: Wednesday to Sunday until 11pm
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Little Truffle is the Gold Coast’s long‑standing temple of decadence, and yes, she’s open late enough to indulge your bougie cravings. Expect European‑inspired fine dining, truffle‑kissed everything, and the kind of service that makes you feel like you were born for white‑tablecloth moments. It’s romantic, refined, and ready to feed you well past the hour most GC kitchens call it a night.
Open: Monday to Saturday 10.30pm
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Perched right on the Burleigh Pavilion, The Tropic serves Mediterranean‑leaning dishes with ocean views so dreamy you’ll be mentally booking a yacht by entrée. Late‑night dining here feels like a holiday – wood‑fired seafood, bright flavours, and a breezy, sun‑kissed vibe that somehow still hits after dark. Perfect for those who like their dinners scenic, salty, and served with a spritz.
Open: Sunday to Thursday until 10pm, Friday & Saturday until 11.30pm
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
This multi-year AGFG Chef Hat winner brings modern Asian flavours with a punchy, personality‑packed menu that absolutely slaps. Think an array of modern and authentic dishes meticulously crafted to be 100% gluten-free and Coeliac Australia certified, and cocktails that go down easily. Very easily. It’s cosy, vibey, and open late enough to satisfy those “I need something delish at 9.30pm or I’ll combust” cravings. A must‑visit for flavour chasers.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday until 10:30pm
Where: 12/217-219 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Siblings is the kind of place that makes you want to stay out later than you planned and thanks to its late closing time, you can! With pastel‑coastal aesthetic, beachfront views, and a menu that blends nostalgia with modern flair, it’s perfect for long, lazy dinners that roll into dessert and another round. Late‑night dining here feels like a warm hug with a cocktail chaser and a side of sea breeze. Perfection.
Open: Daily until 11pm
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra
With a slew of awards to its name, Shiraz is the spot for a late‑night feast boasting generous portions (hello banquets!), aromatic spices, slow‑cooked meats, and dips so good you’ll want to lick the bowl. Famous for warm hospitality and a menu built for sharing, it’s made for big groups, big appetites, and big flavour energy. Persian cuisine hits different after dark, and Shiraz proves it.
Open: Sunday to Thursday until 10pm, Friday & Saturday until 10.30pm
Where: 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
YORU brings Japanese fine dining into the night with a sleek, moody atmosphere and a menu that blends tradition with modern flair. Think premium sashimi, delicate nigiri, wagyu that melts on sight, and cocktails crafted with precision. It’s intimate, elegant, and ideal for those nights when you want dinner to feel like an experience rather than a pit stop.
Open: Wednesday to Sunday until 12am
Where: Shop 1B 2249 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Moo Moo is the GC’s iconic steakhouse, and yes, it’s open late enough to satisfy your carnivorous cravings. With premium cuts, award‑winning sides, and a wine list that could make a sommelier weep, it’s the perfect spot for long dinners, celebrations, or spontaneous “I deserve a tomahawk” moments. Luxe, lively, and always delicious.
Open: Daily until 11.30pm
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Part brewery, part restaurant, part late‑night legend, The Lucky Squire serves hearty, modern Australian fare with craft beers brewed on site. It’s spacious, energetic, and ideal for nights when you want good food, good drinks, and good vibes without overthinking it. From burgers to brisket to beer‑friendly bites, it’s a crowd‑pleaser that keeps the kitchen going later than most.
Open: Monday & Tuesday until 10pm, Wednesday & Thursday until 11pm, Saturday until 1am and Sunday until 11pm.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Cooler nights and new season delights.
Autumn arrived and with it came cooler evenings and exciting new hot spots! From a new pizza slinger in Byron Bay and frozen sips in Southport, to tasty tapas in Casuarina and dreamy matcha on Tamborine Mountain, here’s your inside scoop on the latest openings from last month.
If Euro summer isn’t on your calendar this year, don’t stress! La Stradina has you covered. Tucked down a Cooly laneway, La Stradina lets candlelit tables and spinning vinyl set the tone. Mediterranean morsels like Moreton Bay bug skewers, Blue Fin tuna rice cakes, and homemade rigatoni are just the beginning of a moreish menu. Settle in with a signature cocktail and you’ll be saying “Euro, who?”
Where: 16 Griffith St, Coolangatta
What started as a tiny tram-stop coffee spot has now grown into a new neighbourhood hangout. Run by husband-and-wife duo Alberto and Leanne, Origin Cafe’s Broadbeach Waters outpost feels less like a cafe and more like being welcomed into a friend’s house (if your friend made amazing lasagne, tiramisu and really good coffee). Come for a flat white and smashed avo in the morning, come back with the whole fam for pasta night in the evening.
Where: 11/1 Kalimna Drive Broadbeach Waters
Looking for somewhere to curb those late night dessert cravings? Look no further than The Petite Crepe! By day it’s My French Pastries, serving up flaky croissants and buttery cakes, but by night it turns into The Petite Crepe where paper-thin crêpes take centre stage. With sweet or savoury toppings like Nutella, strawberries, chocolate, chestnut, mushroom or cheese, there’s something for every after-dark desire. It’s a little bit of Paris, right here in Robina.
Where: Shop 5, 361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Day Off in Southport is serving up the coolest coffee in the city, literally. Drinks are poured into frozen glasses (chilled to -86°C to be exact) so your coffee or matcha turns into a soft and creamy dessert-like situation as you stir it. Couple your sip with a loaded sourdough slab like the Steak and Cheese or Peach and Honey, and you’ll be asking your boss for an RDO.
Where: 2 Short Street, Southport
Hidden in Byron Bays’s industrial estate, Attaboy Pizza is all about really good pizza without needing to venture into the busy town centre. The brainchild of the crew behind Ciao Mate! and You Beauty, this casual takeaway joint is slinging New York slices for lunch, and full 13-inch rounds and Detroit deep dish for dinner with three-day fermented dough and toppings like Byron Hawaiian and Spicy Pepperoni that don’t mess around. It’s pizza night done right.
Where: 4/20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Carb lovers rejoice! Sicily by Fratello is serving pasta, pizza and all the Italian comfort your stretchy pants can handle. Think fresh handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, Aperol spritzes and Nutella gnocchi that should probably be illegal. It’s warm, welcoming and made for long lunches that turn into dinners. Arrive hungry, order too much and roll out happily planning your next visit.
Where: 193 Gemvale Road, Mudgeeraba
Sunset sips just got a upgrade at Bar Bruto in Casuarina. This Euro-style wine bar is made for date night, girls night or any night that starts with one glass and ends with a bottle. The menu celebrates Spanish tapas and Euro-inspired small plates designed for sharing while the wine list is small but mighty too, with a focus on natural drops. It’s late-night Barcelona vibes just over the border.
Where: Shop 3/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina
There’s a dream combo waiting for you up on Tamborine Mountain. Clay Temple Co. and Muddy Matcha have teamed up where pottery wheels spin and matcha is whisked for the ultimate day out. Get your hands muddy, make something wonderful, then reward yourself with a perfectly frothy sip of green goodness. It’s creative and calming, especially as you soak up the mountain vibes.
Where: Shop 2-3 / 161 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
Note-worthy brews are hitting all the right chords at Coffee Note in Robina. This micro roastery is all about small-batch beans and flavour-packed coffee that feels a little bit like a science experiment. Sip, savour and maybe learn a thing or two about your brews while you’re at it. Add house-baked treats like Banana Bread or Chilli Mushroom Omelette, and suddenly your quick caffeine fix turns into a full-blown brunch. Consider this your new go-to for seriously good sips.
Where: 1 Parnell Boulevard, Robina
Words by Lisette Drew
