Best Cafes & Bars in Currumbin

From the Alley to the valley, Currumbin is a Gold Coast jewel, with its crystal-clear water extending from the iconic Currumbin Vikings Surf Club at Elephant Rock lookout, north to Currumbin Alley and the Currumbin Creek Estuary upstream to the deep-green rock pools of Currumbin Valley. It is no surprise that Currumbin is also home to some of the coast's best water-front cafés and a wonderful diversity of cool and quirky cuisine all within a stone’s throw of the water:

The Beach Shack

On the beachfront, closest to the Alley, you'll find The Beach Shack, a laid-back hangout which serves up serious coffee, signature brekkies and modern Australian meals with ocean views. This popular seaside café serves breakfast all day, lunch from 11am, and has options for kids. Come in early for a healthy Acai Bowl or the signature Brekkie Burrito, or you could break up your day with a seriously yummy Shack Burger, a Super Food Bowl, or perhaps the beautiful Barramundi

On the same block you’ll find The Salt Mill - a hole in the wall coffee shop that serves great coffee, fresh juices and tasty breakfast and lunch options. Step through the cool industrial door and the friendly crew will serve you latte froth as smooth as silk, smoothies as nutritious as they are delicious, and acai and pitaya bowls as tasty as they are healthy

Perched next to the famous Elephant Rock lookout, at the south end of the Beach, is the iconic Currumbin Beach Vikings, where you can enjoy a cold beverage and a delicious meal while you watch the waves crash on the rocks. The Norsemen may be scarce, but the view is spectacular, and the menu is plentiful - offering everything from the signature Vikings Big Breakfast, Eggs Bene and Belgian Waffles, to a blend of bistro favourites and contemporary Australian cuisine

Bridges MD - Belgian Dining is an authentic little slice of Belgium in a charmingly converted shop opposite Currumbin Creek. The only Belgian restaurant and bar in the Gold Coast, this hidden gem is well worth a visit. Helmed by Belgian chef/owner and her Czech partner and owner, both of whom have created a warm and convivial European venue which feels like you are guests in their home

In between Currumbin Alley and the magic of its valley you can find the cool and quirky reclaimed warehouse that is Dust Temple. If you are looking for a simple and honest menu where the difference is in the detail, this is the place. Enjoy an impossible choice between the fresh and loaded “Dusty” croissants and the delicious sourdough crumpets with honeycomb, macadamia butter w lemon myrtle or passionfruit curd. Get stuck on the humble toasted Mediterranean roast sandwich or the Dusty salad bowl with Dukkah, Balsamic and Danish feta. The food art and liquid love is served alongside a gallery of artists, musicians and poets, making this arty space unlike any other on the coast

For an early morning cup of joe and unique locally inspired menu, visit the reclaimed industrial space known as The Iron & Resin Garage, and browse the entire range of the I&R riding gear before hitting some of the best riding roads in the country. This built-for-riders destination offers all day breakfast with such delights as the Numinbah Bacon & Egg Roll, Duranbah Smashed Avo and Binna Burra Breaky Burrito. The fun geographically inspired lunch menu features the Chillingham Toasted Sanga, Tallebudgera BLT and the Kyogle Kransky. And if you’re craving a burger there’s a tough choice with the Bangalow Pork Burger, the Bilambil Buttermilk Chicken Burger, or the Burringbar Cheeseburger. Don’t forget the I&Rs famous Sunday Sessions, with live music happening every Sunday till noon

Nestled within the grounds of Currumbin Valley’s community known as the Ecovillage, you'll find Pasture & Co. Café. Reflecting a passion for using local, fresh, in season and where possible organic produce and ingredients, this delightful venue offers a surprising and contemporary menu with vegetarian and vegan, allergy and child-friendly, paleo and gluten-free options. And to top it off, you simply cannot go past a sweet treat, served in a beautiful garden setting, under 100-year-old fig trees, alongside happily grazing kangaroos

Directly opposite the Currumbin Valley Rock Pools, is the quirky Om Cafe & Convenience Store, offering good company, good food and good vibes, surrounded by nature. Om welcomes you through its terracotta courtyard into a space speckled with quotes from Yogi’s past and present, prayer flags and comfortable pillows. Om invites you to pop in for a quick Kombucha or house-made Chai, a nourishing meal or a even a yoga class in the purpose built studio. If you’re after a beverage, the Cats Pyjamas Coffee, Lovely Soy Dandy, Rooibos Tea and the Byron brewed Mayde Tea serve you nature’s finest herbal constituents for healing the body. If you’re in need of a wholesome snack, the OMriginal Organic Açai bowl, Dahl thali, Om Balls and Boscastle pies are must-try specialties

By Michaela Lyons