Le Cafe Gourmand

Forget the long-haul flight. Down on the Gold Coast Highway, Francophiles and discerning brunchers are staking out tables at this breezy Mermaid Beach outpost. Authentic French savoir-faire meets laid-back coastal energy. Helmed by a proper French chef—expect rich, nine-hour sous-vide confit de canard, traditional oeuf cocotte, and buckwheat galettes executed with serious culinary precision. The absolute must-order? A crisp Le Classic baguette stuffed with traditional ham and cheese. Morning crowds happily shell out a premium for the exceptionally consistent espresso, inventive drink specials, and fresh pastries. Spacious. Utterly calm. Intensely dog-friendly—they even dish out doggy ice cream. Pure coastal joie de vivre.