Kick off the New Year with extraordinary breakfast experiences on the Gold Coast. Discover the city’s top breakfast havens, where every bite is a step towards making 2024 your most flavorful and fulfilling year yet.
Daark Espresso (Chirn Park)
Renowned for its energizing brews, artfully presented breakfasts, and perpetually cheerful staff, Daark Espresso stands out as the busiest café in Chirn Park. A trendsetter for smooth coffee in the northern region, once you savour the diverse blends and brunch offerings at Daark Espresso, we predict it will swiftly become a staple on your list of the Gold Coast’s best cafes.
Elk Espresso (Broadbeach)
Elk Espresso is a long-standing favourite among the top breakfast spots on the Gold Coast. It offers a warm and inviting start to your morning. Boasting one of the most creative menus in town, which changes seasonally, their current highlights include fried chicken waffles and raspberry panna cotta. If you’re undecided, Elk’s renowned potato dish with rocket, avocado, poached eggs, double-smoked bacon, and hollandaise is a surefire winner.
Cardamon Pod (Southport)
Situated on Ferry Road, Cardamom Pod holds the title of the original vegetarian hotspot on the Gold Coast. Indulge in a breakfast and lunch selection featuring Insta-worthy delights such as waffles, mermaid, acai bowls, and pancakes. Crafted by Chef Vijay Krsna, their special menu puts a unique spin on traditional non-vegan dishes, like the healthy benny with avocado on sweet potato discs, cashew hollandaise sauce, sautéed baby spinach, tempe, field mushroom, and grilled tomato.
And, of course, save room for dessert—delight in a range of vegan treats, including vegan ice cream, chai cheesecake, tiramisu, snickers, brownie bars, and banoffee pie. Not only is it all delicious, but it’s also good for you and the planet.
Paradox Coffee Roasters (Surfers Paradise)
As appealing as it looks, Paradox Coffee Roasters is a sleek cafe in Surfers Paradise’s The 4217 complex that’s hard to overlook. Paradox appeals to those with a penchant for warehouses and contemporary design with its cavernous space, vaulted ceilings, red brick, moody lighting, and industrial finishes.
What else sets Paradox apart? It’s the coffee, of course. The dedicated team roasts daily at their onsite commercial roastery, spreading caffeinated joy to cafes across eastern Australia. The bespoke blends and single-origin coffees are genuinely exceptional and warrant a visit.
Terrarium (Oxenford)
Exemplifying the term ‘hidden gem,’ Terrarium in Oxenford is tucked away in the Maudsland bush and exudes a charming simplicity. Expect uncomplicated yet hearty breakfast options and house-baked sweets, including the renowned lemon cheesecake. This cafe is a must-visit on the Northern Gold Coast.
Hot Shott (Main Beach)
At Hot Shott Main Beach, the ever-friendly team allows you to order anything on the menu at any time of day. Whether you crave something light like granny’s bircher or chia pudding or a heartier breakfast like the three breakfast sliders featuring bacon, hash cake BLT, egg and tomato relish, and beef patty with onion jam and cheddar cheese, you’re in for a triple dose of deliciousness.
The Winey Cow (Main Beach)
The Winey Cow quickly established itself as one of Victoria’s most celebrated brunch spots before expanding to Queensland. Their extensive menu showcases classic breakfast and all-day favourites with innovative twists.
Imagine coconut waffles with passionfruit jelly, limoncello and stuffed mushrooms with salty ricotta and walnut crumble, and a tempting $49 bottomless mimosa deal. The cherry on top is the dog-friendly menu featuring Peking duck wing and lamb shank bone.
Bam Bam Bakehouse (Mermaid Beach)
The skilled team at Bam Bam works wonders with every dish, from flavorful breakfast options to buttery home-baked treats and desserts. Coupled with a chic interior ranking among the Coast’s most beautiful cafes, Bam Bam is undeniably among the best breakfast spots on the Gold Coast in 2024.
The Milkman’s Daughter (Mermaid Beach)
Catering to vegetarians, vegans, and breakfast enthusiasts alike, The Milkman’s Daughter in Mermaid Beach sets the stage for a healthy start to the day. With whitewashed walls, cozy alcoves adorned with cushions, and hints of live greenery, indulge in lemon ricotta pancakes and breakfast bruschetta that warm your soul.
Espresso Moto (Palm Beach & Mermaid Beach)
Embraced by Palm Beach and Mermaid Beach locals, Espresso Moto is a beloved breakfast and brunch destination. This Gold Coast cafe consistently delivers exceptionally friendly and efficient service, with its take on the classic eggs benedict standing out as a perennial favourite.
Social Brew (Burleigh Heads)
Nestled on the bustling James Street, Social Brew delivers top-notch coffee and delectable breakfasts weekly. The inviting interior, adorned with hanging greenery, twinkling lights, and an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, ensures a return visit.
Niche & Co. (Tugun)
Acai bowls are a dime a dozen these days. Niche & Co.’s infectious passion for the Brazilian super berry sets them apart. For these aficionados, acai is not a passing trend; it’s a way of life. Explore acai bowls with salted caramel, peanut butter, espresso, and more—every variation is carefully considered and crafted.
Commune (Burleigh Heads)
Burleigh’s cherished and original cafe, Commune, remains a perennial favourite. Whether you’re sinking into retro lounge chairs, savoring the signature corn fritters with house-made chili jam, or deciphering the latest event posters, there’s much to adore about this spot.
BSKT (Nobby Beach)
Nobby Beach’s institution, BSKT, brings health-conscious food to the masses. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, or anything in between, the BSKT menu has something to tickle your taste buds. Conclude your visit with a dip in the ocean just meters away from this stunning breakfast spot for a perfect weekend plan.
Blackboard Coffee (Varsity Lakes)
Blackboard Coffee has sprinkled its magical coffee-roasting touch-up and down the Coast. This makes it a star on many local coffee menus. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or not, the flagship Varsity Lakes cafe will surely win you over. Especially with its haloumi eggs benedict, a delightful selection of doughnuts and cronuts, and maple bacon burger.
Palm Springs (Burleigh Heads)
For a touch of Cali-luxe and whitewashed interiors, visit Palm Springs in Burleigh Heads. Run by three adventurous Burleigh locals, Palm Springs stands out as among the coolest breakfast spots on the Gold Coast. With a Cali-cool twist on breakfast and lunch favourites, complemented by top-notch coffee and a vast array of cold-pressed juices, it’s an experience worth savouring.
Tarte Bakery & Cafe (Burleigh Heads)
Prepare for food envy at the French-inspired Tarte Bakery & Cafe, where brunch becomes an art. Indulge in miso scrambled eggs with fine-grated parmesan and togarashi. Or, the Bullseye Benny featuring bacon, house hollandaise, poached eggs, and rocket atop Tarte’s NYC Everything bagels. Drawing crowds from all corners of the Coast, Tarte’s offerings are a feast for the mouth and the eyes.
Paddock Bakery (Miami)
No conversation about breakfast on the Coast is complete without mentioning Paddock Bakery. With whimsical garden settings, iconic breakfast dishes and wood-fired baked goods, Paddock Bakery has earned its place as a Gold Coast cafe worthy of a spot on your breakfast bucket list.
Magnolia Lane (Burleigh Heads)
Imagine being captivated by an eye-catching feature wall. Then, step into a whitewashed outdoor space, and instantly feeling like you’ve found your new local. That’s the essence of visiting Magnolia Lane. With an all-day menu centred around wholesome and delicious food, along with a serious dedication to quality coffee from Melbourne-based Inglewood Coffee Roasters, Magnolia Lane is a must-visit cafe in Burleigh Heads.
Barefoot Barista (Palm Beach & Currumbin)
The adoration for Barefoot Barista is undeniable, evidenced by their operation of two bustling venues. Both cafes feature sleek, pared-back designs, transporting patrons to a Melbourne-style neighbourhood cafe. With polished concrete floors, industrial accents, bustling barista bars, and kitchens serving some of the Gold Coast’s finest breakfasts, Barefoot Barista has rightfully earned its place as a local favourite.
Stable at Cornerstone (Tugun)
In Cornerstone Stones complex, Stable at Cornerstone stands out as one of the most aesthetically pleasing cafes in town. Admire the blush pink stone-top island table and the perfect Instagram backdrop for your breakfast plate. In addition, enjoy the retractable floor-to-ceiling windows, oak wood accents, courtyard seating, and artworks by local creative Claudio Kirac.
While savouring some of the most artistically presented and wholesome breakfast and lunch dishes, indulge in retail therapy at the adjoining boutiques.
Custard Canteen (Palm Beach)
The aroma of Custard Canteen’s baked buttery goodness greets you the moment you step out of your car. It is carried by salty sea breezes next to Tallebudgera Creek. Custard Canteen is specializing in authentic, buttery Portuguese tarts. In addition, their all-day menu encourages eating with your hands—perfect for takeaway enjoyment by the creek or in the outdoor, picnic-style ambience at the cafe.
Refinery Coffee (Currumbin)
In the Currumbin industrial estate, Refinery Coffee offers breakfast dates and caffeinated delights. Moreover, they offer relaxed yet attentive service in a sun-drenched, beachy setting. Feast on healthy green bowls laden with quinoa, avocado, hummus, sauerkraut, poached egg, and more. Or, opt for roasted field mushrooms and avocado on sourdough. Licensed from 10 AM, feel free to pair your baked chai apple buckwheat waffles with local beer or a glass of vino because it’s 5 PM somewhere.
Culinary Delights to Set the Tone for a New Year
In conclusion, embracing the dawn of the New Year becomes an even more delightful experience. It is especially when you embark on a culinary journey through the Gold Coast’s finest breakfast spots. So, let the flavours of the Gold Coast become an integral part of your morning routine, ensuring a delicious and fulfilling start to the exciting journey ahead in the coming year.