Piada Co, Burleigh Heads
The Deli by Pepe and Burleigh Gelato Co. are both highly regarded in their respective culinary corners, so when they partnered up for a new Italian noshery in a pocket of Burleigh Heads, we knew it would be amazing. Although the obvious choice given the group’s pedigree would have been a pizza, pasta and gelato offering, Piada Co has leaned into Italian street food with the likes of piadinas, suppli, which are like giant arancini balls filled with gooey cheese, and burrata bowls. The frappes have become legendary. Tinned to order, the frappes are made using Japanese soft serve flavoured with the likes of chocolate, coffee, matcha and Biscoff. Just be sure to shake vigorously before you crack the tin.

The Yorkie Rippa, Nobby Beach
If there’s one thing the Brits have truly mastered, it’s the humble Sunday roast. We’re talking about perfectly roasted meat, crispy-on-the-outside-fluffy-on-the-inside potatoes, vibrant veggies, and, of course, the non-negotiable Yorkshire pudding, all swimming in rich, indulgent gravy. It’s more than just a meal – it’s practically a love language. At The Yorkie Rippa, the humble Yorkshire pudding is no longer just a side dish – it’s the star. Owners Dennis and Leigh Duncanson, who moved from London to the Gold Coast a decade ago, have taken the iconic elements of a Sunday roast and wrapped them all up in a soft, golden Yorkshire pudding. Yes, you read that right, the pudding is the wrap. If you’re yet to wrap your mitts around a Yorkie, do yourself a favour.

The Bread Social, Currumbin
After almost a decade baking from The Farm Byron Bay, mates Tom Scott, Sam Saulwick and Paul Giddings embarked upon their most ambitious project to date – an enormous 1259-sqm space in Currumbin Waters. The plan was to create The Bread Social’s new production facility and reimagine the entire baking process from start to finish, removing some of the more physically demanding elements to the job, in the process. While it may have sounded like a lofty goal, in July of this year, the trio opened the barn doors, revealing what is widely regarded as the East Coast’s most technologically advanced sourdough bakery. While commercial bakeries are, by nature, quite soulless with stark white walls and fluorescent lighting, The Bread Social is the antithesis of that, with natural light and enormous glass windows that invite customers to peer into the engine room and watch the team rolling and shaping the loaves that will fill the ovens the following morning. Along with the impressive production side of things, the crew also gifted us an onsite cafe where you can indulge straight from the source. We’re talking custard tarts, fruit-topped danishes, almond croissants, pies, sandwiches and, of course, its famous sourdough. There’s indoor and outdoor seating available.

FARINA &. Co, Southport
Having nailed coastal cuisine with Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar and won over the pizza-loving populace with Luna’s Pizza & Wine, Henry Hunt, who heads The Amore Collection hospitality group, opened the doors to a brand-new European-style bakery called FARINA & Co. The striking new daytime venue sprung to life in July, delivering a winning trifecta of pastry, paninis and fresh pasta. When it comes to the menu, Henry, alongside The Amore Collection’s executive chef Daniil Paulman, embraced the shift from restaurant to cafe, bringing restaurant-level quality and service to a cafe environment. The all-day menu adds a little Italian flavour to much-loved classics, so instead of eggs Benny, for example, you’ll find cacio pepe eggs, drenched in parmesan sauce (from the famous parmesan wheel) and cracked pepper. FARINA’s specialty, however, is fresh handmade pasta. The Moreton Bay bug linguine with house-made fettuccine and pan-kissed tomatoes is a true standout. Rounding out the offering is prosciutto-topped focaccia, mortadella paninis, salads and a rotating soup of the day.

Franc Jrs, Nobby Beach
Getting the year off to a delicious start was the news that Coolangatta’s Franc Jrs has made its way to Lavarack Road in Nobby Beach. Carb connoisseurs were quick to embrace the new slice slinger, with the pizza box at the door regularly sporting a long list of folks waiting for tables. While the original Franc Jrs in Cooly adopts a more casual, takeaway-focused, order-at-the-counter vibe, the all-indoors Nobby Beach location offers fast-and-fun table service, so you can settle in and really commit to the food coma. As for the menu, you’ll find all of your Franc faves including the Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, known here as Sicilian Squares.

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Home, Currumbin
When the chance to take over Portside Coffee in Currumbin Waters popped up, long-time Currumbin locals Sam Chilcott and Wade Brenchley didn’t immediately jump at the opportunity. With the Currumbin Alley Surf School keeping them busy, the idea of jumping into the cafe game with no hospitality experience felt like a tall order. Still, the idea kept niggling at Sam. When Nic Philip, who owns The Bakers Bistro in Bali, saw potential in the space and jumped at the opportunity, the final piece was in place. Home’s menu features simple-yet-flavourful dishes, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Everything on the menu is homemade, from the baked goods to the sambal, with the cafe striking a balance between quick, grab-and-go meals and lingering brunches. The classic avocado toast has been levelled-up with zingy addition of charred red peppers and sesame sambal. The humble potato hash hits the high notes with walnut parmesan and a romesco sauce made in-house. For the sweet tooth, the French toast has been soaked overnight, and is served with dark chocolate cremeaux, chocolate hazelnut crumble and raspberry semifreddo. It’s comfort food that keeps you coming back for more.

Mercado, Mermaid Waters
With the lunch and dinner box firmly ticked with Costa Taco, the Stanley brothers have turned their attention to mornings for their latest venture, Mercado. Transforming the former Espresso Moto in Mermaid Waters, Mercado melds Southern California’s vibrant food culture with laid-back GC vibes to deliver a Mexican-leaning cafe concept that goes well beyond breakfast burritos. While nachos topped with fried eggs might feel a little outside of your culinary comfort zone, it’s actually really common in Mexico, co-owner Nick tells us, and honestly, we’re here for it. Joining the chilaquiles are the likes of three breakfast burritos, papaya bowls and its signature ‘drowned eggs’ – a Mexican-style green shakshuka. Add this one to your hit list, stat!

Cafe Junie, Carrara
Proof that sometimes, the best places can be found off the beaten track is Cafe Junie. The open-air caffeination station is the latest offering from Brendan Hill and Gabrielle Hows, who also own Refinery Coffee in Currumbin and can be found nestled in the industrial estate, right next door to ABI Interiors’ HQ. With striking white arches, a beautifully neutral palette and pops of green, the 60-seater provides the perfect perch to while away a morning sipping coffee in the sunshine. The Asian-leaning menu delivers delightful takes on breakfast and brunch classics, such as the chilli scram with whipped goats cheese and roasted peanuts. If you’re in the mood for lunch, stick a fork into the Bang Bang chicken salad (poached chicken, seven-minute egg, slaw, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, coriander and roasted peanuts with fiery chilli dressing), or wrap your mitts around the wagyu-ragu cheese burger, which is delightfully messy but oh-so-tasty.

Lobby, Currumbin
When DJ Swan sold Good Day Coffee in Tugun, he thought he was stepping out of hospitality for good. But, as anyone who has worked in the industry knows, there’s an undeniable pull that drew him back in. “The energy of it is hard to escape,” he says. Like a moth to a flame, DJ is back behind the coffee machine at Lobby, the new coffee nook that has opened at the entrance of The Warehouses in Currumbin. Determined to do things differently this time around, DJ has gone against the typical cafe model and instead opted for a simplified offering of excellent coffee, a short list of menu items and an intentionally small space. The menu features two jaffles, including the most delicious curried eggplant we’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring, alongside cookies and pastries.

Costa Taco, Broadbeach
2024 was a massive year for brothers Nick and Matt Stanley, who also brought us Mercado in Mermaid Waters. Since their debut at the Currumbin Community Markets in October 2020, the pair have built a loyal following with their take on authentic Mexican cuisine made using locally sourced ingredients. From pop-ups at Dust Temple and Alfred’s Apartment to established ‘fast casual’ taquerias in Palm Beach and Byron Bay, in August, Costa Taco embarked upon its most ambitious project to date, boasting twice the capacity of its predecessors. Although there’s seating for roughly 90 inside and out, the latest addition has already struck a chord with locals, becoming an overnight success. In terms of the menu, it’s largely the same as what we’ve come to know and love from the Palm Beach outpost, with the likes of sinaloa-chicken tacos, beef birria and crisp Baja-style fish. Diners can also munch on ceviche tostadas, street corn and the beloved quesabirria tacos, best washed down with a freshly made margarita featuring top-tier Mexican tequila.

Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato, Broadbeach
Redefining pizza with unexpected toppings and a contemporary, ultra-light crust, this 60-seat Broadbeach gem is brought to life by Sicilian pizza expert Emanuele Malara and business partner Enzo Marturano. Showcasing bold creations like sushi-inspired Tonnara with tuna, shallots and honey, and the vibrant Purple Rain with Italian sausage atop a purple potato base, the menu spans from classic to curious. Ciccio’s signature featuring a carrot base, pulled beef, cherries and stracciatella has been an early stand-out, but don’t take our word for it. Just be sure to leave room for dessert! With fresh Italian gelato, including Emanuele’s specialty Zuppa inglese, and optional Sicilian-style brioche buns, this is a must-visit for pizza adventurers and gelato lovers alike.

Harahetta Ramen, Coolangatta
Harahetta Ramen has already carved out its place in the southern Gold Coast’s vibrant food scene, thanks to a captivating mix of Japanese street food, slurp-worthy bowls and laid-back charm. Harahetta, which is Japanese slang for ‘I’m hungry,’ is the brainchild of the husband-wife duo previously behind Goukai Ramen. The pair opted to head south, leaving behind their beloved Burleigh ramen spot to give Tweed a new home of hearty bowls of ramen, golden karaage and icy-cold beer. With house-made tonkotsu ramen as the main event, the restaurant is an ode to the vibrant back alleys of Tokyo’s Kabukicho district.