The scout six: The best acai bowls on the Gold Coast
As we head into the warmer months, there are three things we’re looking forward to: eating fresh produce, cooling off with frozen treats and enjoying breakfast on the beach after a morning dip. These acai bowl spots tick all the boxes. Here are the six best acai bowls on the Gold Coast, as chosen by our readers.
Disclaimer: For consistency’s sake, these venues have been selected based on their standard acai bowls.
The Salt Mill, Currumbin
The seemingly constant line out the door of this hole-in-the-wall café tells you everything you need to know about the quality of their acai bowls (say nothing of the coffee and baked treats). The balance of sweet strawberries and bananas, crunchy granola and chewy coconut is what summer dreams are made of – though we usually skip the cacao nibs.
P.S. Found yourself south of the border? The Salt Mill also has locations in Brunswick Heads and Kingscliff.
Cardamom Pod, Southport
The Gold Coast’s OG vegetarian café, Cardamom Pod’s longevity is testament to its menu – it’s ‘standard’ pod acai bowl includes a mermaid tail, for crying out loud. Though the carefully cut fruits and blue and pink swirl are undeniably beautiful, it’s the addition of coconut water and mango mousse that makes us love this acai bowl so.
Nobbys Shack, Nobby
Whether you stop by en route to the beach or pull up a chair in their sunny courtyard, no visit to Nobby’s Shack is complete without picking up one of their acai bowls. Being home to some of the best smoothies on the Gold Coast, they’re experts in blending – the granola, desiccated coconut and fresh fruits are just the cherries on top.
Tugun Fruit and Flowers, Tugun
They may only do two things, but man – they do them well. Tugun Fruit and Flowers is the ultimate spring pit-stop: strolling out with a fresh bunch of flowers in one hand and a fresh acai bowl in the other is our idea of the perfect morning. We especially love how they top their bowls with whatever fruits are in season, so two visits are rarely the same.
Yo-Chi, various locations
Did you know the Gold Coast’s favourite fro-yo also serves up acai? Though acai bowl purists will protest that the best bases come straight from the blender, we think the ability to choose your own toppings – from dozens of options – makes Yo-Chi worthy of a mention.
Little Mermaid, Mermaid Beach
Last but certainly not least, Little Mermaid has been a staple on the Mermaid food scene for years now – which, in a suburb with no shortage of breakfast stops, is really saying something. They’re particularly beloved for their acai bowls. They have three to choose from, so there’s something for every acai lover. Oh, and they all come served in a coconut bowl, of course.
Love this series? Check out the six best tacos on the Gold Coast next.
