Don’t you just love the smell of roasted coffee beans in the morning? I love getting my mornings off to a fast start with an energy boost, and nothing beats a warm cuppa. However, it doesn’t matter whether you like to indulge early or late in the day. If you’re a caffeine lover, Australia’s coffee scene–particularly the best cafes in Gold Coast –is definitely for you!
Where to find the best cafes and coffee shops on Gold Coast? In the Northern end of the Gold Coast is Bear Boy Espresso, others are Lot 1 Coffee and ESPL, Coffee Brewers of Surfers Paradise, No Name Lane Broadbeach, Paddock Bakery, Daark Espresso, Common Ground, etc.
Let me take you on a tour of the best Gold Coast cafes and coffee shops below.
Best Cafes in Gold Coast
Bear Boy Espresso
Bear Boy is the fulfillment of your Scandinavian fantasy! No matter when you stop by, you can be sure you’ll always delight your taste buds because the cuisine changes with the seasons. A pour-over is worth the trouble, so don’t forget to ask the baristas what rotation of single origin beans they have on for the week. Get more information on their site: https://bearboy.com.au/
Bear Boy is located at Shop 66/502 Hope Island Rd, Helensvale QLD
Daark Espresso
Make a beeline for Daark Espresso if you find yourself in need of a caffeine boost on the Northern Gold Coast. You may sip on their assortment of coffees made from single origin beans and distinctive beers outside, thanks to a sizable wraparound deck. Their iced coffee, poured over ice and covered with vanilla bean ice cream, is locally sourced and lovingly made.
Daark Espresso is located at 2/41 Musgrave Ave, Labrador QLD
Lot 1 Coffee
The best natural wake-up call may be a morning surf, but a cup of coffee from Lot 1 afterward will keep you motivated all day. At this hip café two blocks from the Surfers Paradise sign, Gary Atkinson, the chief bean brewer, serves coffee brewed from Arabica beans with 5% Robusta. Superb acai bowls are available as well. Check them out on their website: http://lot1coffee.com.au/
Lot 1 Coffee is located at 1/40-42 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise QLD
No Name Lane
Follow the opulent walkways of The Oracle Boulevard down to this monochromatic jewel if you’re looking for a more urban experience. No matter what you choose, you’ll feel prepared and pampered for the day ahead. Try their savory chorizo shakshuka, or take time to relax with a steaming cup of coffee using their single origin blend or brew for the week.
No Name Lane is located at 17-19 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach QLD
Paddock Bakery
Another one of the best cafes in Gold Coast is Paddock Bakery. This gorgeous sanctuary offers a variety of flaky pastries to go with its coffees, as its name implies. A Reservoir Blend from Single O Roasters is available with dairy, and non-dairy variations starting at 6:30 am. For individuals who are sensitive to caffeine, there are a few non-caffeinated options as well as a rotating selection of filter coffee.
Paddock Bakery is located at 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD
Common Ground
Too lovely to be true, but picture exposed wood and a colorful front-yard filled with lush greenery and blooming flowers. The essence of neighborhood peace is Common Ground. Try their huge avocado smash or enormous hot smoked salmon bagel while you grab one of their specialty coffees! In this sea of GC café destinations, Common Ground stands out as being young, straightforward, and unobtrusive. Find out more here: https://www.cgcafe.com.au/
Common Ground is located at 2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD
ESPL. Coffee Brewers
You may experience million-dollar vistas for the price of your morning macchiato at this chic tiny café at the base of Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise. It’s only a few steps away from the beach’s beachfront. The mix of their specialized blend of ESPL gives this coffee a distinctive flavor (which you may buy to take home) and MILKLAB milk, which was created by Australian baristas to enhance your espresso shot.
ESPL. Coffee Brewers is located at Soul Boardwalk, 4 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD
Palm Springs Burleigh
Palm Springs Burleigh is undoubtedly among the best cafes in Gold Coast. It’s perfect for a short catch-up or merely taking a visually appealing Instagram photo. This two-story café, inspired by Southern California’s desert terrain, truly evokes the feeling of eternal summer all year long. It also showcases their years of experience in the café business by consistently serving up delicious coffee and breakfast fare. Find out more on their website: https://www.palmspringsburleigh.com/
Palm Springs Burleigh is located at 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD
Blackboard Coffee
This small coffee roaster, which specializes in brunch, is dedicated to offering high-quality coffee to the people of the coast. This establishment includes its wholesale distribution line (and biodegradable Nespresso pods). It also has a café school where customers may learn barista basics and other coffee-related talents like latte art. A coffee truck is also available for reservation for those planning a special event.
Blackboard Coffee is located at 2b/12 Hampton Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD
Dust Temple
One for the edgy creative types and ardent coffee drinkers. Dust Temple is located in the thriving and bustling Currumbin artistic community in a super-cool and gritty renovated warehouse. You might ignore that text message, log off, and check in with your creativity at this café for various reasons. A hot croissant, a strong cup of coffee, stimulating intellectual discussions, the sound of a local guitarist, and more!
Dust Temple is located at 54 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD
Elk Espresso
Ask any local, and they will most likely mention Elk as the best coffee shop on the Gold Coast. Its design is of industrial vintage meets coastal greenhouse interior and location next to the beach. This neighborhood coffee spot is the ideal place to read a newspaper, observe daily life, or take in the view of the surf line. You can get more info here on their website, https://elkespresso.net/.
Elk Espresso is located at Shop G044 Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD
Best Cafes in Gold Coast With Vegetarian and Organic Drink
Pasture & Co
Gluten-free, paleo, omnivore, vegan, or vegetarian? You are taken care of here, don’t worry! Ecovillage, Pasture, and Co. have made it their top goal to put your wellbeing first. They even have an organic drink and breakfast menu. The setting, though, makes this beautiful place the finest. Consider acres of lush vegetation, 100-year-old colossal fig trees, and, of course, chance encounters with kangaroos in the area!
Pasture & Co is located at 2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley QLD
The Milkman’s Daughter (Best Vegetarian Cafe in Gold Coast)
Looking for a coffee shop that is socially and ethically responsible? The Milkman’s Daughter is for you. This entirely vegetarian café’s guiding principle is “eat consciously, live consciously,” and its focus is on being awake and alert. This is the ideal place to stop and reflect while sipping ethically produced coffee in a rich urban jungle.
The Milkman’s Daughter is located at 2/43 Alfred St, Mermaid Beach QLD
No Single Plastic Use Best Cafe in Gold Coast
Ocean 4218
This coffee spot brings attention to the deterioration of our marine life’s habitats. These heroes are dedicated to reducing the amount of plastic waste that affects our oceans (5.25 trillion pieces, FYI). As a result, there is no single plastic in everything they use. Ocean 4218 is the place to go if you want a great cup of coffee that won’t harm the environment. Indeed one of the best cafes in Gold Coast.
Ocean 4218 is located at 1a/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD
Best Cafe in Gold Coast With Lactose-Free Milk
Stairwell Coffee
Visitors and locals alike can’t get enough of this hidden gem serving top-notch coffee daily in the center of Surfers Paradise. Every type of milk you can imagine is available at Stairwell Coffee. They have lactose-free, macadamia, almond, coconut, and great local roasts for everyone to enjoy. All you need to complete your breakfast is one of their delectable toasties. Check them out here on their site: https://www.stairwellcoffee.com.au/
Stairwell Coffee is located at Shop 67/3131 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD
Let’s Regrind The Best Cafes in Gold Coast
Now that you have a list of some of the best cafes in Gold Coast, you won’t need to think long and hard about where to get your next cuppa! Perhaps you should first decide if you want organic coffee, single-origin beans, a shop dedicated to saving the environment, or my favorite, which is to just sit under a 100-year-old fig tree while you have the brew.
If you’re still unsure where to start, why not start at one end of the coast and try all of them to see which one suits you best–go and explore!