Beyond its beautiful golden beaches and booming surf breaks, the GC is a sophisticated city with a smorgasbord of superb eateries. Fuel your vacay escapades with a hearty mid-morning meal at our favourite Gold Coast cafes for brunch.

From chic So-Cal-inspired digs to wellness-centric vegetarian haunts, these six stylish cafes offer the ideal way to start the day.

Paddock Bakery

A trendsetter’s mecca on Miami Beach, this charming weatherboard cottage has a lovely leafy garden for extended alfresco meals. Paddock’s famous wood-fired sourdough underpins the breakfast menu, with delicacies like benny bagels and doughnut French toast to fill the belly.

It’s also a top spot to stock up on top-notch baked goods, with a decadent array of sweet and savoury treats to peruse. Swing by the adjacent Milk Bar for freshly squeezed smoothies and shakes.

BSKT Café

On a corner opposite Nobby’s Beach, this hip, health-conscious café offers an array of wholesome vegetarian eats. From granola bowls to vegan huevos ranchos, these waistline-friendly meals hit the spot.

The chic industrial venue became famous when its innovative chefs invented the world’s first vegan ice cream:  CocoWhip. Grab a cup for a naughty post-brunch treat—it’s never too early for ice cream.

Palm Springs Burleigh

Palm Springs brings South Cali vibes to the bustling beachfront neighbourhood of Burleigh. The whitewashed venue features smooth minty hues and a cactus-clad garden—this gorgeous décor would make a So-Cal socialite swoon.

On the brunch menu, the breakfast burrito and pico de gallo avocado toast both go down a treat. Fancy something light and easy? Give the bowls a go—the teriyaki salmon bowl gets rave reviews for its crispy skin.

Commune Café

Also in Burleigh, this quirky vintage-style café is popular among locals seeking a hearty but healthy meal. The all-day breakfast menu spans the usual suspects, from acai bowls to banana pancakes and a creamy eggs benny. 

Each delicious dish focuses on quality organic ingredients. Furthermore, there’s a solid selection of fresh smoothies to wash them down.

Bam Bam Bakehouse

A mainstay on Miami Beach, Bam Bam lures locals from all over the city for its legendary house-baked pastries. Standout treats include the Nutella choux buns, cinnamon cruffins, and almond croissants—get in early because they sell out quick.

If you’re craving savoury, the hearty breakfast menu spans all the classics. Give the sweet corn jalapeno fritters a try for something a little different.

The Milkman’s Daughter

You don’t need to be vegetarian to indulge your tastebuds at this fabulous plant-based café. Located in Mermaid Beach, the healthy-eating venue sources fresh organic produce from local hinterland farmers to compose its delicious meat-free delights.

From juicy mango tacos to wafer-light lemon ricotta pancakes and delectable fritter stacks, every brekky dish is divine. In addition, the presentation is impeccable—perfect for envy-inducing pics on the Gram.

Visit the Gold Coast’s Best Restaurants & Breweries with Kiff & Culture

After you’ve ticked off your favourite Gold Coast Cafes for brunch, why not keep the indulgence going with a decadent food and drink tour?

We visit the Gold Coast’s top culinary venues and artisanal booze producers in one action-packed epicurean’s day out.

Image Credit: Paddock Bakery via Instagram, BSKT Wholefoods via Instagram, Palm Springs Burleigh via Instagram, Commune Espresso via Instagram, Bam Bam Bakehouse via Instagram, The Milkman’s Daughter via Instagram