The recap: the best new Gold Coast restaurants, bars and cafes that opened in July
The Gold Coast dining scene is on fire right now, with a wave of fresh openings bringing everything from vibrant street eats to waterfront brunch spots and moody wine bars. Whether you’re craving a soul-warming bowl of pho, arancini with a side of hip-hop, or brunch overlooking the river, July’s new arrivals have you covered. Here’s where you’ll want to book a table, stat.
Luna’s Deli, Coolangatta
Luna’s Deli in Coolangatta is the kind of place you’ll want to visit morning, noon and late afternoon – buttery croissants for breakfast followed by pillowy focaccia sandwiches for lunch and a scoop (or two) of silky, house-made gelato to finish the day. Run by French pastry chef Loic and Argentinian-Italian chef Yazmin, this sun-drenched, Riviera-inspired deli brings world-class culinary skills to a casual coastal setting. Every detail is crafted from scratch – from the three-day laminated pastries to authentic focaccia and gelato made without premixes – ensuring everything tastes as good as it looks. Whether you’re perched by the window with ocean views, watching the open kitchen in action or stocking up on treats for later, Luna’s Deli is a slice of European culinary culture on Marine Parade.
Little Quán 55, Burleigh Heads
Little Quán 55 has landed in Burleigh Heads, and it’s already winning hearts (and lunch breaks) with its authentic Vietnamese flavours. From the duo behind Chirn Park favourite Quán 55, this bright-yellow James Street pit stop is all about banh mi done right – think golden, crackling-topped roast-pork belly, house-made pate, fresh herbs and pickled veg stacked high in a crusty baguette. The tiny takeaway shop buzzes with energy as baguettes are filled, pork is sliced to order and fragrant pho broth bubbles away for steaming bowls topped with rare beef, brisket and piles of fresh herbs. Add crispy spring rolls, rice-paper rolls, noodle salads and strong, sweet Vietnamese coffee to the mix, and you’ve got the ultimate grab-and-go lunch spot with serious satisfaction guaranteed.
Rice N Rice N Rhymes, Palm Beach
From the outside, Rice N Rhymes in Palm Beach looks like a tiny arancini takeaway window, but slip through its hidden door and you’ll discover a wine and arancini bar with a whole lot of attitude. Inside, the space hums with hip-hop beats, vinyl-covered floors and house-party vibes, while chef Joel Bryant serves up giant 180-g arancini that put dinner-sized portions of flavour front and centre. Each golden globe is named after a rapper – think cheeseburger-inspired Travis Scott, barbecue-laden Ice Cube and butter-pecan-pie-filled Nicki Minaj – and paired with a tight, handpicked wine list designed to spark conversation. With zero cocktails, no fussy signage and a rebellious energy that’s all about good food and killer beats, Rice N Rhymes is one of the Gold Coast’s most exciting hidden gems – and you’ll want in before everyone else finds out.
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Dayo Cafe, Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads has a new waterfront brunch star with the arrival of Dayo Cafe, the latest offering from the team behind George’s Deli in Kingscliff. Set in the sprawling former Baked at Ancora site, the 120-seat venue has been transformed into a pastel-hued, picnic-table-strewn, open-air haven overlooking the river, complete with nostalgic design touches inspired by 90s Filipino homes. The menu draws on Southeast Asian flavours with a modern twist, featuring standouts like the spicy Longganisa scramble with house-made sausage, K-Pop chicken waffles with spicy maple and tomato mascarpone, and the comforting beef omurice with curry sauce and a fluffy egg tornado. With Ground Control coffee on pour, vibrant French toast, mushroom rice bowls, burgers and brunch rolls rounding out the menu, Dayo delivers hearty dishes designed for lingering. Warm, welcoming and brimming with personality, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to settle into for the morning.
Toucan Tango, Nobby Beach
Sure, frozen yoghurt is good and all, but have you tried frozen custard? If you’re shaking your head right now, say hello to Toucan Tango, Nobby Beach’s colourful new dessert destination. Taking over the old Sparrow Coffee site, the Adelaide-born brand is serving up its signature ultra-creamy, gluten-free soft-serve-style treat imported straight from Italy. Build your own bowl with layers of house-made granola, fresh fruit, gooey sauces (hello, Bueno drizzle) and even hot-fudge brownie chunks, or go for the decadent Dubai chocolate-inspired strawberry cups layered with pastry crumble and coffee cream. With late-night hours, smoothie and juice options and caffeine hits from Blackboard Coffee Roasters, Toucan Tango has quickly become the coast’s go-to spot for a post-dinner sugar fix.
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