I don’t know about you, but when I think about the Gold Coast I think about incredible beaches and drinking just a *little* too much at Schoolies… BUT it has so much more to offer.

And with domestic travel opening back up in the midst of winter, where better to road-trip to than sunny Southeast Queensland? (…sorry, Victorians, you might have to sit this one out).

And of course, while you’re there, you’re going to want to eat at THE best breakky, lunch and dinner places the Goldy has to offer – which is where we come in.

We did the hard yards – we ate at the good, the not-so-good, and the amazing places that the Gold Coast has to offer – and we did it all for you.

So, without further ado, here are our top LGBTIQ-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots that you have to find yourself at the next time you’re on the Gold Coast.

For Breakfast: Metro Coffee, Broadbeach

Metro Coffee is the most unassuming café that we almost walked straight past, but we’re so glad we didn’t. This café is smaller than your average breakky joint, but what they lack in size, they make up for in flavour (now get your head out of the gutter, thanks). They have a little something for everyone – from a full-blown Eggs Benny option (which we can’t pass up), to a few stellar vegetarian options, and even breakfast burritos.

We seriously had to count our lucky stars that (a) we stumbled across this little café, and (b) they had space for us. So, if you’re planning on heading there (especially on the weekend), it might be wise to book in advance!

For Lunch (or Brunch): Cardamom Pod Brickworks, Southport

If it were a competition (which it’s totally not), Cardamom Pod Brickworks would be our number one any day of the week. Their entire menu is vegetarian (and insta-worthy as hell), which boasts the stock-standard options like Acai Bowls, Avo on Toast and Banana Pancakes, but also has some wildcards like Pumpkin Pie Pancakes, Gourmet Toasties, and Authentic Thai Laksa.

To drink they offer the tastiest range of plant-based “mylk” smoothies (our personal fave was the Arnie Protein Hit), but if you prefer something a little more traditional, Barista Bianca is an absolute angel on the coffee machine.

However, there’s just one thing we need to warn you of: we left Cardamom Pod Brickworks incredibly full and in serious need of a midday nap – so make sure you plan accordingly 😉

For Dinner: Pink Monkey, Burleigh Heads

This one’s a little further south than you might associate with the Gold Coast, but oh boy is it worth it. Their whole vibe is a New York-inspired Italian pizzeria, with a massive floor space and an impressive upstairs indoor/outdoor area complete with a fully-stocked bar.

We can attest that Pink Monkey does Italian pizza like no other restaurant on the Gold Coast, with authentic options like Margherita, Capricciosa, and Four Cheeses – which are all to die for, btw.

Their staff are also super accommodating, and more than happy to make sure that your experience is the best it can be.

But the thing we loved most about Pink Monkey is that nowhere on their menu can you find pineapple – and that’s that on that.

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