The Daily Brew
BREW AND GRIND
Brew and Grind at Arundel Plaza - The localiest local that ever localled.
New Favorite Happy Place! ☕✨
Oh my gosh, you guys! If you haven’t met Brew and Grind inside Arundel Plaza yet, what are you even doing? 😍 This little cafe is pure sunshine in a cup (and on a plate!). They never get it wrong.
I popped in for a quick coffee and ended up staying way longer than planned because the vibe is just that cozy and welcoming. The baristas are absolute sweethearts. They chat with you like old friends while whipping up the most velvety, perfectly balanced flat white I’ve had in ages. It’s like they put a little sprinkle of magic in every shot. ✨
The drinks menu is a total delight! Their Tropical Trio juice is a bright, zingy burst of apple, orange, and pineapple that tastes like a mini vacation in a glass. It’s so fresh and refreshing, especially on a warm Gold Coast day. And don’t even get me started on the caramel milkshake… thick, creamy, and swirled with sweet caramel goodness. It’s basically a hug in dessert form! 🥤💕 They’ve also got a bunch of other winners like iced chocolates, matcha lattes, and classic long blacks that keep the locals coming back.
The food? Chef’s kiss! Their brekkie options are fresh, generous, and made with so much love. Fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon that actually snaps, avo toast that tastes like it was picked from the garden that morning, plus hearty classics like savoury mince on toast, eggs benedict, and even lambs fry for the adventurous eaters. Burgers are fantastic too. Super juicy and satisfying. And the pastries? Moist, decadent, and impossible to resist.
Whether you’re rushing through the plaza or settling in with your laptop for a cozy work sesh, this spot just hits different. Comfy seating, delightful smells of fresh coffee and baked goodies, and that warm community energy. It’s basically a warm hug for your soul.
Brew and Grind, you’ve stolen my heart (and my morning routine). 10/10 would recommend to everyone I know! 💖
Go visit them at Shop 23, Arundel Plaza. You’ll thank me later! 🥐☕
THE FRESH PANTRY
The Fresh Pantry in Oxenford is a true hidden gem on the Gold Coast. Tucked away at 100-106 Old Pacific Highway (Unit 5A), this family run cafe punches well above its weight for quality coffee, fresh food, and welcoming vibes. Whether you’re grabbing a quick brekkie before hitting the theme parks or lingering over brunch, it’s consistently rated one of the top spots in Oxenford.
Coffee
The coffee here gets rave reviews across the board. Many locals call it some of the best on the Gold Coast. It’s organic, bold, and perfectly extracted. My flat white cappuccino was smooth with great crema and that ideal balance of strength without bitterness. Even on busy mornings, it arrives hot and well made. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, this place won’t disappoint.
Food
Everything feels made with care and fresh ingredients, with plenty baked or cooked onsite.
Standouts include:
• Big Breakfast: Generous portions that satisfy big appetites. Expect eggs, bacon, toast, and all the trimmings done right. Reviewers often say it’s one of the best around and from our experience that’s the truth.
• Eggs Benedict. Classic and delicious, with well-poached eggs and tasty hollandaise.
• Waffles or Sweet Treats. Rotating flavours (like caramel choc fudge) and homemade cakes or slices that hit the spot. Passionfruit and coconut cheesecake got special mentions across our table.
• Other favourites: Breakfast tacos, pumpkin zucchini fritters, breaky burgers, avocado/haloumi toast, and lunch options like Japanese honey chicken or Asian salads. They cater well for vegetarians, vegans, and GF diets too.
Portions are hearty and prices reasonable for the quality. The menu has good variety for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Atmosphere & Service
It’s a cosy, unpretentious spot with indoor and outdoor seating (shaded and pleasant). The shopping centre location is low key, but the parking is easy and it’s only minutes from Movie World and other attractions. Staff are friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Family-run warmth shines through. It can get busy on weekends, so expect a short wait, but it’s worth it.
Overall: The Fresh Pantry delivers consistent, heartfelt cafe fare in a convenient location. Perfect for locals and visitors alike. Highly recommended for a relaxed meal with excellent coffee. Open most days from around 7:30 AM (closed Tuesdays. Always check current hours). Arrive hungry! ☕🍳
CAFE TAHBELLA
Cafe Tahbella in Oxenford is a solid local gem that’s been part of the community since 2013. It’s a family friendly cafe with a warm, welcoming vibe, outdoor seating, and a play area that makes it especially popular with parents and kids.
Food
The menu offers a good range of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options with plenty of variety, including paleo, keto, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices alongside classic Aussie Cafe fare. We praise the fresh, home cooked style. The standouts include the Chicken Caesar Salad (fresh ingredients, moist poached chicken, house-made dressing), steak sandwich, club sandwich and BLT, and specials like chorizo and prawn risotto or paleo chicken schnitzel.
Breakfast items like the big breakfast, eggs Benedict, avocado smash, and corn fritter stack get multiple mentions in conversation. Sweets like homemade scones, paleo cookies, acai bowls, and cabinet desserts (e.g., mulberry pie or coconut cream pie) are highlights. Portions are generous and reasonably priced, with value deals like $15 lunches often including a free drink.
Overall, the food is consistently delicious, fresh, and satisfying, with strong family appeal.
Coffee
Coffee is a big strength here. Many locals and visitors call it amazing or one of their favourites, with smooth flavours. It’s a reliable pick whether you’re after a flat white, piccolo, or something simple with cake.
Service
Service is generally friendly and efficient, with owners Rod and family often hands on, creating a personal, community feel. Staff remember regulars and go out of their way to make diners feel welcome; like part of the “Tahbella family.” It’s efficient even on busier days.
Overall Verdict
Cafe Tahbella earns its strong reputation as a reliable, no fuss spot for quality food and coffee in a relaxed setting. Perfect for families, quick lunches, or a leisurely brekkie. If you’re in Oxenford (Shop 11, 3 Cottonwood Place), it’s well worth a visit. Especially if you have dietary needs or little ones in tow. Highly recommended for locals and passers by alike!
Would visit again for that coffee and Caesar salad.
HUMBLE CAFE
Humble Cafe in Southport, QLD (1/9 Nesbit Street) is a bright, welcoming hidden gem that delivers on its name with humble, heartfelt vibes and standout brunch fare. It’s a sun soaked spot with a cosy, airy interior that’s perfect for a relaxed morning or lunch.
Food
The menu shines with creative, fresh dishes that blend classic brunch with bold flavours. Standouts include the Panko Soft Shell Crab Benedict (deep-fried panko crab, smashed avocado, poached eggs, chilli hollandaise on brioche; a signature favourite), Potato Pave with poached eggs and hollandaise, Chilli Crab Scrambled Eggs, and the Smashed Avoloumi (romesco sauce, halloumi, salsa, dukkah on multigrain).
Other highlights: Miso Pumpkin Salad Bowl, Veggie options, Pulled Pork Croquettes, and sweet treats like Croffles (croissant waffles in flavours such as Cinnamon Apple or Choco Brownie). Portions are generous, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. The food is stunning, delicious and a step above standard cafe fare. Great for sharing or dietary preferences (vegetarian/veggie forward options available).
Coffee (and Drinks)
Coffee is excellent; smooth, well-made, and a perfect match for the food. The drink menu also features creative signatures like Water Lilies (purple sweet potato & taro crushed ice), Matcha, Hojicha, Turmeric Spiced Chai, and refreshing cold options. It’s the kind of place where every sip complements the meal.
Service
Service feels warm and personal, like you’re part of a small neighbourhood favourite. Staff are friendly and efficient in the compact space, contributing to the inviting, family like atmosphere. It’s walk in only, so expect a casual, no fuss experience.
Overall Verdict
Humble Cafe earns its perfect 5/5 ratings for a reason. It’s a consistent performer with high quality, inventive food, great coffee, and a welcoming vibe in Southport. Ideal for locals, families, or anyone wanting more than basic brekkie. Open early (7 AM weekdays/weekends, closed Tuesdays). Highly recommended if you’re in the area. You’ll likely leave planning your next visit!
