17 Aesthetic Brunch Spots That Prove The Gold Coast Isn't Just Party Central

Sun, surf and smashed avocado — what else could be better than that?

1. The Cardamom Pod, Southport

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Just look at how STUNNING the food looks at The Cardamom Pod! This place boasts a menu that's 100% vegetarian, with each dish as Instagram-worthy as the next. You need to check out the works of art that are their acai bowls — they’re guaranteed to be a show stopper.

2. Burleigh Co-Op, Burleigh

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When Burleigh’s Co-Op says it’s a community cafe run by the people, for the people, they weren’t kidding. This spot is all about sharing produce! Bring a fresh bunch of rosemary and trade it for a free coffee, or pay for your avocado toast by supplying a dozen eggs for the kitchen. But if you’re just passing through, be sure to enjoy the zucchini waffles with chilli sour cream, as well as the laid-back vibe.

3. Little Mermaid, Mermaid Beach

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Screw falling in love with Prince Eric! Ariel should have used her new legs to walk right into this cafe located just metres from the surf at Mermaid Beach. This tropical spot has coffee, brunches, cocktails, tapas AND live music.

4. Niche & Co, Tugun

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For healthy meals and good vibes, head to Niche & Co at Tugun. This superfood cafe serves up dishes that are just as photogenic as they are nourishing. Being just a short walk from the beach, it's the perfect place to eat after working up an appetite in the water.

5. Bam Bam Bakehouse, Mermaid Beach

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Dine where Aussie actress Margot Robbie brought her besties for her hen’s and make your way to Bam Bam Bakehouse. The folks here have done their research and serve up traditional French-style baguettes that don’t sit on the shelf for longer than two hours. Order yourself a purple Ink Gin like Margot and you’ve got yourself a morning fit for a movie star.

6. Elk Espresso, Broadbeach

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Situated right on the beachfront of the Oasis Shopping Centre is Elk Espresso. Serving up specialty dishes that showcase the best of what the season has to offer, it's the perfect place to stop for brunch, whether you're coming from the beach or the shops.

7. Commune, Burleigh

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For a lively venue with a quirky attitude, head straight to Commune. This place serves up classic brunch dishes with wholesome ingredients, which makes it a favourite for catch ups with friends over coffee.

8. Espresso Moto, Palm Beach

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With a cafe out front and a motorbike shop out back, Espresso Moto definitely kicks things up a gear. Its open kitchen means you can sit back with a good cuppa and watch their all day breakfast and lunch menu being cooked up. Oh, and four legged friends are welcome too!

9. Sandbar, Surfers Paradise

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Beachfront restaurant Sandbar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Serving up classics and new dishes, from smashed avocado to chilli and crab scrambled eggs, ricotta hotcakes to nasi goring, this family owned business has been kicking it for 20 years and isn’t looking to stop anytime soon.

10. Daymaker Espresso, Miami

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If you love a sweet breakfast, this sleek coffee joint might be your new go-to. They serve up croissant French toast with wild berries, maple syrup and vanilla whipped cream, as well as acai bowls with pickled apple, watermelon bites, mixed berries, bananas and sweet passionfruit. Don’t forget to take your pooch to Daymaker Espresso — they’re pet friendly!

11. No Name Lane, Broadbeach

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Located on Oracle Boulevard is No Name Lane, a chic Melbourne-esque style cafe. During the day, their table service produces brunch classics like eggs benedict with piping hot hash cakes. But when the sun starts to set, it turns into a cool cocktail bar with heaps of attitude. Their espresso martinis are made with award-winning beans and are just $10 all day, every day.

12. Cafe Dbar, Coolangatta

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Standing proudly at the top of Point Danger is Cafe Dbar, a brunching spot that has INCREDIBLE views of the ocean. Their menu showcases fresh, local ingredients from the Gold Coast Hinterland, while out the back is a super sweet boutique shop and gallery space.

13. Paddock Bakery, Miami

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Housed in a charming 70-year-old Queenslander that’s been transported from Redcliffe near Brisbane is Paddock Bakery. With its white picket fence, huge communal table and wood fired oven that makes the best sourdough around, this place has so much heart and is an absolute must-do.

14. The Milkman's Daughter, Mermaid Beach

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Look at how freaking cute these alcoves are at The Milkman’s Daughter! These igloos can fit up to six people, so settle in for the morning with your squad and enjoy a menu that’s 100% vegetarian.

15. Stable Coffee Kitchen, Gold Coast Highway

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Stable Coffee Kitchen has PINK marble table tops, which should be enough to win anyone over. But if you’re not convinced yet, their menu is predominantly plant-based, with local seasonal produce at its heart. Plus, not only do they serve up a quality cup of coffee with a very cute message waiting for you at the end, but they’re also licensed, meaning it’s Ink Gin and tonics all round.

16. Social Brew, Burleigh

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You'd be forgiven for thinking Social Brew was a tropical rainforest before it was a cafe. This leafy paradise serves up an Asian-inspired menu, with dishes like duck and plum spring rolls and Vietnamese pork belly salad pairing perfectly with their cold press juices and specialty cocktails.

17. Little Mali, Rainbow Bay

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When a cafe has had to renovate and DOUBLE in size to accomodate the amount of customers lining up each morning, you know you're in for a good feed. With vegan, gluten and dairy-free options on offer that are both healthy and indulgent, Little Mali will definitely have you coming back for more.