From the best breakfast in Burleigh Heads to hip cafes in Mermaid Beach, there is no shortage of breakfast classics and firm favourites down in south-east Queensland. Narrowing down the haunts that are serving some of the best breakfasts on the Gold Coast hasn’t been an easy task, yet here they are—our list of the best cafes on the Gold Coast that you need to try.
After a stroll along the sandy shoreline or carving up some waves down at Snapper Rocks at sunrise, reward your early exercise with brunch at the best cafes on the Gold Coast.
Paddock Bakery | Burleigh Heads
You can’t talk about breakfast on the Coast without talking about Paddock Bakery—Toad in a Hole, Dippy Eggs and Nutella Bots, to name a few. With its whimsical garden setting, this pretty-as-a-picture Miami cafe has iconic breakfast dishes and wood-fired baked goods that we turn to time and time again. Paddock Bakery is one Gold Coast cafe deserving of a spot on your breakfast bucket list.
Stable Coffee | Tugun
The beating heart of the Cornerstone Stones complex, Stable Coffee and Kitchen is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cafes in town, hands down. You’ll be crushing on Stable’s blush pink stone-top island table—the perfect Instagram backdrop for your breakfast plate—retractable floor-to-ceiling windows, courtyard seating, oak wood accents and artwork by local creative Claudio Kirac. While you’re there, tuck into some of the most wholesome and artistically-presented breakfast and lunch dishes around, best followed by a spot of retail therapy at the adjoining boutiques.
Espresso Moto | Palm Beach
Allpress coffee, a vibrant series of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes and laid-back vibes make Espresso Moto one of the southern end’s most popular spots for caffeine and daytime eats. You’ll need a few visits to work your way through the menu of favourites, and there are always a bunch of weekend-only specials to keep you intrigued. Mushroom and leeks with parmesan snow in a croissant, anyone?
Cross + Feather | Paradise Point
The many northern folk that tend to travel south for their coffee and brunch fix let out a sigh of relief when Cross + Feather opened its doors. Located in the heart of Paradise Point, the relaxed daytime hang features a tempting breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes, as well as a fun series of cocktails. That’s right – the idea of a boozy brunch is well and truly embraced here.
The Milkman’s Daughter | Mermaid Beach
Nourish, relax, be mindful and repeat is the The Milkman’s Daughter philosophy and we definitely don’t disagree. This vegetarian café makes the plant life look (and taste) divine. With an ‘eat consciously, live consciously’ philosophy, you’ll leave here belly-full of goodness whether you’re ordering from the breakfast or brunch menu.
Daymaker Espresso | Miami
This mouth-watering Miami hotspot dishes up a great breakfast from its grungy ex-workshop digs. Fresh, colourful presentation is the name of their game with brekky staples like corn fritters, hash and French toast – but not as you know them. Your furry friend can tag along to this breakfast date too.
Canteen Coffee | Burleigh Heads
Looking for a Middle Eastern-influenced brekky? Head to the cosy tables of Canteen at Burleigh Heads where you can feast on local seasonal produce prepared fresh each day. This Aladdin’s cave will satisfy all three of your breakfast wishes – great coffee, great food and a great atmosphere.