Light bites: Where to eat along the Stage 3 light rail route

Well, Gold Coasters – we made it. After countless hours sitting in traffic, hundreds of back-road detours, endless debates in Facebook comment sections and more than a few promised launch dates, Stage 3 of the G:Link Light Rail project has finally opened. And suddenly, it all seems worth it.

For most of us, the inconvenience of the last four years feels like a small price to pay for a more connected city – one where you can beach hop (or bar hop) from suburb to suburb, without battling the Nobby’s parking situation or paying the price of an Uber into Burleigh.

But for others – like many of the business owners within the construction zone – the price of the light rail was more than just inconvenience. It was their livelihoods.

Now that the light rail is operating from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, it’s time to show love to the businesses that felt its impacts the most. Read on for our guide to the best eats and drinks along the newly-opened Stage 3 Light Rail route, from breakfast through to dinner.

Broadbeach South Station

Breakfast: Paradox Coffee Roasters is worth the walk, serving up proper coffee and a menu that doesn’t cut corners. Just around the corner, Elk Espresso is a Broadbeach breakfast staple for a reason.

Lunch: Cora’s brunch menu happily stretches into lunch territory. For a browse-and-bite combo, Joe’s Deli at Pacific Fair pairs a filling feed with some retail therapy.

Dinner: Kōst Bar & Grill and Gemelli Italian both deliver a solid sit-down dinner, while Nineteen at The Star is the move for drinks with a view.

Paradox Coffee Roasters

Mermaid Beach Station

Breakfast: Bam Bam Bakehouse couldn’t be closer to the stop, with Little Mermaid a short stroll north and House of Halsa just south. After a post-surf coffee? Sunnyboy Espresso has it covered.

Lunch: Go classic with a surf club feed at Mermaid Beach Surf Club, or switch it up with a Mexican feast at Cantina.

Dinner: Bonita Bonita brings the fun, funky Mexican energy, while neighbouring Glenelg Public House is the more relaxed, casual option.

Bonita Bonita

Mermaid Beach South Station

Breakfast: Take your pick between Milkman’s Daughter or Chut and Co. – both are solid (and delicious) ways to start the day.

Lunch: J’s Brunchette is the standout here, but don’t sleep on See Yö Cafe & Bakery (they specialise in delicious, coeliac-safe breakfast and brunch). And keep an eye out – there’s a large development underway where Mermaid Beach Village (formerly home to Background Barista, Poke Poke and D’La Rosa) used to be.

Dinner: Etsu Izakaya is the obvious choice, sitting equal distance from Mermaid Beach and Mermaid Beach South stations. For something more special, Little Truffle holds a hat.

J’s Brunchette

Nobby Beach Station

Breakfast: BSKT and Buoy inside The Oxley 1823 are worth the visit, or head further north to The Holliday. Meanwhile, Sueño is built for a boozy brunch.

Lunch: With free-flowing margs and live DJs, Mexicali is always a good idea, while Yorkie Rippa suits a casual bite. Salty’s is the newest addition to the strip – swing by for lunch, or stay on once the sun starts to dip.

Dinner: Moustache and Bine are both made for a drink and a light bite, while Lars and Norte cater to something more special-occasion.

Buoy

Miami North Station

Breakfast: Red Horse Coffee Co., the new café attached to The Henchman, and Velvet Café & Lounge are both easy picks.

Lunch: Padre and SPEC both do drinks well, but it’s their genuinely good bar food that will keep you there all afternoon.

Dinner: The Henchman is a fun one, especially if you time your visit with their weekly trivia or raffle night. Miami Marketta never fails to deliver a good night out.

Padre Brewing Co.

Christine Avenue Station

Breakfast: While Palm Springs and Paddock Bakery suit a slower, sit-down start, the all-new Ace’s Coffee is worth the short walk north. On Christine Avenue itself, Pretty Handsome is the pick for a quick one on the go.

Lunch: Precinct Brewery is a solid shout, or head beachside to The Miami or North Burleigh Surf Club – Sandfire’s new brunch is worth checking out.

Dinner: Bar Monte is the destination, with drinks at Granddad Jack’s beforehand setting the tone. If you’re not feeling Italian, Tide Bar & Kitchen is another good option.

Bar Monte

Second Avenue Station

Breakfast: For a great café away from the hustle and bustle, Commune and Street Corner Espresso both do the job nicely. Meanwhile, the new Kostel Milk Bar has tongues wagging.

Lunch: Ask any Burleigh local and they’ll tell you: if you’re after a delicious lunch spot, Light Years is the place to go.

Dinner: Enjoy a family-style Italian feast at Crispy, then make the short stroll around the corner to Al Bacio Gelato to finish the night on a sweet note.

Light Years

Burleigh Heads Station

Breakfast: Depending on what you’re craving, Tarte (French pastries), Two Yolks (classic egg burgers) and Quest Coffee Roasters (your neighbourhood espresso bar) all make for a strong start.

Lunch: Haven at The Mondrian brings the polish, while Piada Co. and Justin Lane keep it a little more casual. Of course, it’s always a good day to grab a classic surf club feed at The Crab Pot (Burleigh Heads SLSC).

Dinner: Labart, Limlay Thai, Jimmy Wah’s, Apres Surf and Manny’s Wine & Fish round out a suburb that could keep you busy for a week of dinners on its own.

Haven