Meet the newest little café gem on the Southport block. She’s neon, she’s peachy, and she goes by the name of Cheek Café (yes, the name is fully intentional, but more on that later). Think wholesome food, astounding coffee and good company. What more could we ask for? A cheeky personality? Oh, they have that too!

From the moment you wander through the door of Cheek Café, you’re greeted by a playful vibe: orange and pink colourways, bright ceramics, pastel walls, and a team that clearly doesn’t take itself too seriously — but takes their coffee very seriously. You’re grounded by earthy colours and natural fibres from the timber floor to rattan pendant lights and an abundance of lush greenery softening every corner. The space feels open, airy, and instantly welcoming.

Perched on a sunny corner surrounded by trees and the Broadwater, with high ceilings, lots of glass and sunlight, and an authentic pizza oven that only adds to the charm (and hints as to what will be on their full menu!!), Cheek Café has landed in the perfect spot — right next to the Broadwater Parklands tram stop.

After graduating with a double degree in Business and Law, owner Natalie Yiannakopoulos (you’ll fall in love with her) quickly realised the legal world wasn’t for her. Her true passion was bringing people together through genuine hospitality and creative experiences. Having worked for the previous tenant in the same space, the opportunity to take it over fell into her lap- and she jumped at it.

With five years of hands-on hospo experience, she poured her heart (and plenty of cheek) into building a café that’s warm, authentic and full of personality. From designing the interiors and branding herself to sketching the logo that would become Cheek’s signature, Natalie infused every detail with meaning- celebrating real, wholesome food, feminine energy, and a sense of community that feels as nurturing as it does cheeky.

Let’s talk food. The menu is a fusion of global flavours, with particular inspiration from the team’s Greek and Italian heritage and Aussie roots. It celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients sourced from local Aussie farmers, from pasture-raised Queensland eggs to grass-fed beef and golden olive oil. They steer clear of over-processed fats- just getting their fat sources from all the right places, as they say.

How does brunch served by a globe-trotting, Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded chef sound? Pretty damn exciting to us! Alongside Natalie, Cheek’s Head Chef Anjelika Arnaiz brings a worldly flair to your usual brunch favourites. Originally from the Philippines, Anjelika worked her way up from kitchen hand to Head Chef before earning her stripes at the Michelin Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant ‘Bancone’ in London. She’s since eaten and explored her way across Europe in the name of “flavour research”, and now, she’s channelling all that inspiration into Cheek!

They’ve got everything a good brunch should, with a side of cheek. Take their Cheeked Up Benny, for example — a spin on the classic egg benny featuring slow-braised beef cheek (emphasis on the cheek), a perfectly golden house-made hash brown, and finished with cheeky hollandaise. Then there’s the Peachy Pannacotta, that feels almost too pretty to eat: a silky Greek yoghurt peach pannacotta topped with strawberry compote, house-made macadamia oat granola, and seasonal fruit. Divine.

And the drinks? Your order isn’t complete without a signature Mz Cheek’s Matcha with peach, finished with a gloriously sweet and tarty strawberry cold foam. Permission to order two drinks on this occasion, because their coffee is wayyyy too good not to try. Consider yourself caffeinated.

When: 7:00am-3:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
Where: 412/1 Como Crescent, Southport

Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Images by Liam McDonald

Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?

All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more doing! (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!

The all-in-ones

The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie boards, to Cardamom Pod, bring those ‘gram-worthy acai bowls and a brunch menu that will have you coming back for more.

Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway, so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from The Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.

Now, did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot, along with our biggest vice Kmart, on the store list, say goodbye to your savings, but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped till you dropped, it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.

For Bakery Treats

No man is left behind at Made With Love who delivers on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries– because you know what they say, a doughnut a day keeps the doctor away…or something like that. And why should our vegans not be part of the action?!

Keeping the Euro-bakery vibes rolling is 5B2F Ciabatta, the Southport spin-off from the cult-fave Chirn Park bakehouse, slinging everything from flaky croissants and glossy danishes to ciabatta sandwiches stuffed with all the good things (hello truffle ham and cheese toastie). It’s a grab-and-go carb paradise where sourdough, dreamy pastries and show-stopping cakes are baked fresh daily – basically your daily bread, but make it boujee.

For A Coffee

Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.

For the more traditional café vibe, Humble Café might be humble by name, but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.

Joining the caffeine crew, but with a twist, is Yellow & Butter. Tucked neatly inside Cloud 9 Car Wash, they’ve officially upgraded your car washing experience with a side of brunch. Our advice is to start with the cheesecake!

Cheek Café serves up wholesome bites, knockout coffee and top-tier banter, all wrapped in a peachy-pink, personality-packed space. While Broadwater Café is a local fave for its stellar brews and arguably the most scenic sip spot in Southport. Coffee with a side of waterfront wow.

If you prefer your coffee topped with cold foam, or paired with a sweet treat on the side (hello, Dubai Mochi Cookie) Milestone should be at the top of your hit list.

For A Drink

You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day, but if you’re after a side of live music with that, then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice-cold brew all in one.

Just across the tram line, nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch till your heart’s content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game, and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.

Also at Southport Sharks, Kaktus Bar is your go-to for a vibrant cocktail. Yep, this place delivers a thirst-quenching margarita as you’ve never tasted. One of those (or a few), paired with live music and a lineup of tacos, and you have yourself a fiesta!

Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices, plus a unique menu of sharing boards.

For Good Eats

Hello foodies, thought we forgot about you? We could never! Kicking us off is the Japanese eatery, KatsuCo which churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.

For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get you fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.

River House brings waterfront dining to the table with relaxed Broadwater views and a modern menu that works just as well for long lunches as it does for sunset dinners.

A bit of a two-in-one is Fire Baby & Ember. Upstairs, Fire Baby serves up comfort by the slice; wood-fired pizzas crafted from premium ingredients. Downstairs, Ember is where you can get flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood.

Since we’re on a food journey around the world, you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.

Local Attractions

So, you’ve got your coffee fix and tum full- now you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone, whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.

Fancy a bit more adventure, we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water, then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic-length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.

If you’re keen to try something a little different, the Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre and The Shooting Centre both deliver a high-adrenaline experience with a strong focus on safety and guidance, making them approachable for first-timers and seasoned shooters alike.

If switching off and resetting is more your vibe, Vikasati Bathhouse is Southport’s answer to full-body bliss, offering hot and cold pools, saunas and spa-style experiences designed to melt stress away without ever leaving the city.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Summer is coming in hot, and all we want to do is be in and around the water, preferably with a cocktail in hand. River House in Southport is one spot we’ll be spending plenty of time at as we sail into the warmer months.

This new water side restaurant perched on the northside of the Nerang River, offers stunning views and sumptuous food in equal measure.

With more than 40 years in the culinary game, Chef Grant Madgwick knows his way around fine food. From luxury hotels and superyachts to his own award-winning venues, Artichoke at Ephraim Island and Sanctuary Cove, Grant believes good food should be enjoyed anywhere and anytime, especially by the water. We couldn’t agree more.

The River House itself is designed for long, lazy lunches that drift into dinner and maybe (definitely) more cocktails, with three levels of dining to suit your mood. Step out onto the breezy deck and soak in panoramic views that catch the light just right as the sun dips behind the skyline. The outside is brought into the dining room with the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and natural finishes, creating a luxe yet laid-back dining experience. Then, slip into the lounge and wine nooks where you’ll find low light, high charm and a martini with your name on it.

Grant’s menu is seasonal and sensory balanced, using the best Australian produce, weaving Asian and European influences throughout.

When you’re sitting this close to the water, seafood is the natural place to start. Fresh oysters are celebrated and adorned with bold pairings like Wasabi and Wakame Sorbet, Light Soy and Wakame Salad or Aperol, Campari, Limoncello Sorbet and Cucumber Vinaigrette.

Dive right into Strawberry Carpaccio served with Australian prosciutto ribbons, Persian feta, macadamia and pine nuts, pickled spanish onion. 

Mains will take you on a world tour. You can’t go wrong with XL BBQ Moreton Bay Bugs with hollandaise, au gratin with duck fat potato bakes. The Duck Confit XO is another standout, with duck Maryland glazed in xo black cherry sauce served with pickled red cabbage, red currants fondant and caulilini.

Dessert is just as decadent, like the Black Cherry and Pear Clafouti with white chocolate shavings, vanilla bean ice cream, black cherry coulis and petite pomme.

If you like your culinary adventures uncharted, take the plunge with the Trust the Chef menu – a tasting journey where Grant steers the ship and you just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Of course, no river escape is complete without the right drink in hand. If you’re looking for the perfect bev to sip in the sun, River House is sure to have it, with boutique Australian and international wines, as well as bespoke cocktails like the Deconstructed Lychee Martini. Featuring Novvay Vodka, Paraiso Lychee Liqueur, Cinzano Bianco, lychee juice and a splash of apple juice, it’s made for sipping riverside.

Where: 2 Barney Street, Southport
When: Thurs 5pm-late, Fri–Sun, 11.30am-late

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Belinda Symons