best of... gold coast coffee
28th February 2025
I recently made a best of the Gold Coast post, in which I included many cafes / coffee shop recommendations (read here) but now we’re going to get a bit more specific.
Where is the best coffee on the goldy? Is it as good as Melbourne? (I’ll save your time with this one by answering straight away with an affirmative no.) There are, however, still some very good places.
I would say one of the small things that brings me joy is hunting for a new coffee shop. And I do have several factors that determine one as ‘good'. Of course, the coffee, first and foremost is the most important aspect, but also price, the vibes, service, seating etc all come into play.
Considering I’ve spent far too many years slaving away serving and making coffee both in the UK and Australia, I would say one of the only benefits that has come from this is gaining a pretty solid knowledge of and taste for coffee - yes, maybe this makes me a little snobby, but what about it?
Anyway, enough of the yapping, let's get into it.
best cap - mylkwell
Who - https://www.instagram.com/mylkwell/?hl=en
Where - Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Mylkwell quickly became my local when I moved down to Palm Beach in 2024. Primarily speaking, it was because of their caps - see photo inserted to the right - nothing more needs to be said.
I genuinely don’t think I’ve had a Melbourne cappuccino that beats Mylkwells - and that’s a claim and a half.
The prices are always good, expect to pay around $5/5.50 for a standard small coffee with alt milk, it’s consistently quite busy and the staff are always lovely.
I have also had breakkie here a couple times also which has been delish. The chilli and feta scramble and eggs bene are both a must.
best on the beach - salt mill
Who - https://www.instagram.com/the_salt_mill_/?hl=en
Where - Pacific Parade, Currumbin
(also locations in Kingscliff and Brunswick Heads)
Salt Mill is a local favourite in Currumbin. A tiny hole-in-the-wall cafe facing the beach, but always packed. One of my close friends works here and when I tell you this place is always busy, it really is, but it’s for a good fucking reason.
You can’t sit in so it’s just takeaway vibes. The prices are very reasonable, with an iced latte only setting you back $6-6.50, tell me why I’ll sometimes be paying $8 at some cafes? Be so for real.
PSA, their carrot cake is amazing and they do one of the best açai on the Gold Coast, and it's also only around $13/14 - what a fucking steal.
Come here if you’re going for your hot girl walk on the beach and need a little pick-me-up.
best vibes - dust temple
Who - https://www.dusttemple.com.au/
Where - Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Dust Temple is a popular establishment in the Gold Coast.
Not only is it a cafe, but also an art gallery, bar, vintage shop and event space. Oh and they also host a rack sale every fortnight on Sunday! What does this place NOT do?
Dust Temple is arguably the most Melbourne-vibe cafe in the Gold Coast, think exposed brick, spacious, mismatched furniture, plants - you can pick up what I'm putting down.
Also on those rainy Gold Coast days (yes they do actually occur) it can be hard to feel warm and cosy, but this it's the best place definitely scratches that itch for you.
best for takeaway - vegepatch studios
Who - https://vegepatchstudios.com
Where - Fifth Ave, Palm Beach
Also another solid establishment in Palm Beach.
This small little shop is always busy, and more often than not has a queue, even though it has no indoor seating and only a few stools outside.
Their coffee (and especially their caps) are always top notch.
It's definitely a vibe and the staff are cool as fuck (not sure if it's a prerequisite to get hired there tbf.)
It's the best place to go for a quick cap and yap or to grab and go, as opposed to sitting in for hours.
best pastries - bam bam bakehouse
Who - https://www.bambambakehouse.com/
Where - Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Okay this was a very hard one to decide as the Gold Coast does actually do pastries very well.
I used to live down the road from bam bam so would go all the time. It's so cute inside, with loads of outdoor / indoor seating, mismatched tables and is always packed!!
Coffee is also very good from here but their pastries are delightful, have you seen the cruffins? Yes please.
- Some other honourable mentions - Custard Canteen, Tarte Bakery, Paddock Bakery are all very high on the pastry list.
best breakkie - elk
Who - https://elkespresso.net/
Where - Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Elk Espresso is a local favourite in Broadbeach and is a bit further up on the coast, if you're not situated south of Burleigh.
I used to live across the road from here and when I tell you every time I walked past there would be a queue - it's for good reason.
It's beachside, and has both outdoor / indoor seating, perfect for a beach day or after a quick morning dip.
The breakkie here is solid, they have changing winter / summer menus and there's always a lot of variety.
Best breakkie burger I've had that's all I'll say.
Two things to note: they do a boozy brunch for $49 and you can't book, it's just walk-in.
best to work in - the oxley
Who - https://www.buoycafe.com.au/
Where - Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
Considering I made a good part of this blog sat in various different coffee shops along the coast, I feel like I've gauged a good opinion on where's good to work from - without feeling like the staff hate you and want to kick you out.
(Having worked in hospo for far too many years, I do understand the frustration of having someone sit working for three hours whilst the cafe is full on a Sunday morning, so I'm not that person trust me.)
The Oxley is in Nobby Beach and has several stores inside, but the coffee shop itself is called Buoy. It's large, has lots of seating and natural light. It very much embodies the classic Gold Coast vibe as well.
