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There’s something quietly magnetic about Sunnyboy Espresso — a Gold Coast cafe that has mastered the art of laid-back charm. Sliding into a seat here, you get a sense this is Mermaid Beach at its best: sun, surf, and a proper punch of caffeine just steps from the sand. Even before your first sip, the breezy mood is set by the white-walled interior, greenery dripping from shelves, and the gentle clatter of locals rolling in after the morning surf. The traffic of the Gold Coast Highway melts into background noise, replaced by laughter and the sound of steaming milk.

AMBIENCE >

Sunnyboy’s location channels the quintessential coastal coffee ritual. You’re never far from swimmers in towels, kids with sandy feet, or the odd local sharing gossip over a ‘magic’ or an almond piccollo. The cafe’s corner space makes good use of the Queensland light: sun dapples the communal tables and alfresco bench seats, while the minimalist design keeps things casual but chic. Weekend mornings are bustling, yet staff remain unflappable—familiar faces who seem to know half the clientele by name, and who’ll navigate crowded orders without missing a beat.

EAT & DRINK >

This isn’t a kitchen trying to reinvent breakfast; Sunnyboy leans into classic Gold Coast flavours with skill. The acai bowls come stacked with fresh fruits and toasted coconut, while sourdough toasties get a bump from local cheese and herbs. You’ll find generously spiced scrambled eggs and a crowd-favourite potato hash that pairs perfectly with their bracing espresso. The Bennie is eggs poached on a slice of brioche with hollandaise sauce, chilli and double smoked bacon, it is quite something!

Beans are reliably well-sourced, roasted locally for a brew that’s rich but never bitter; the flat white is textbook, and the batch brew is honest enough for black coffee loyalists. I settled for the filter coffee (unlimited refills) which made me feel a little bit like Jack Reacher.

There’s kombucha on tap (for those who know what that means), fresh OJ, and a rotating menu of pastries and sweets—think tangy lemon slice and thick, chewy brownies.

SERVICE >

Sunnyboy’s crew keep things cheerful and running smoothly, even in the crush of a Sunday breakfast rush. Orders land quickly, coffee arrives hot, and the atmosphere encourages lingering—whether you’re reading the paper, catching up with friends, or taking a beach break.

Sunnyboy Espresso is the kind of Gold Coast cafe that makes good days better: not trying to be the next big thing, just doing the coffee ritual right, with a solid breakfast offering baked in. It’s proof that sometimes, a dash of sunshine and a proper cup of coffee is precisely what Queensland mornings require.

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