Gold Coast Airport’s impressive new look doesn’t stop at aesthetics and world-class facilities – its food and beverage offering has also had a significant transformation. The airport has teamed up with Matt Jefferson of beloved Gold Coast venues Social Eating House and Orzo as its Food Ambassador, with Matt contributing some of his crowd-favourite recipes to the airport’s culinary offering. The miscellaneous packaged sandwiches of yesteryear are a thing of the past – take your pre-flight coffee experience sky-high with esteemed brands such as Social Espresso, Merlo Coffee Roasters and Paradox Coffee Roasters.
Want to share a meal before you say goodbye to loved ones? Grab a brew and a bite before you even go through security at Merlo Coffee Roasters. Welcoming you at the departures entrance, Merlo Coffee Roasters has all the Queensland creature comforts you need before you jet off. With Social Eating House’s lamb empanadas and lobster rolls on the menu, you’ll forget that you’re at the airport. Just don’t forget to catch your flight!
Inside the domestic terminal, you can forget about sad burnt coffee and soggy ham and cheese sandwiches. Surfers Paradise’s Paradox Coffee Roasters is now serving up its award-winning coffee (including its signature batch brew) at the Gold Coast Airport, which pairs perfectly with its delicious selection sweet and savoury treats, including an entire cabinet of gluten-free options. If you’ve got plenty of time to spare, we recommend settling into one of Paradox’s cushy leather booths to slowly sip your coffee as you devour a decadent plate of fluffy Nutella hotcakes.
For those in a hurry, an ooey-gooey gourmet four-cheese toastie or fresh smoked-salmon bagel from Artisan Kitchen & Bakery will melt your worries away. For the ultimate sweet treat, we recommend ordering a Nutella cruffin and choc-topped cappuccino to go.
Fancy a harder caffeine hit before your flight? Seek out The Sand Bar – a greenery-filled oasis that has recently opened in the domestic terminal. When you can peel your eyes away from the exquisitely designed fit-out, cast them over the extensive list of tasty sips for your pre-flight pleasure – featuring everything from classic espressos to espresso martinis. Pair your beverage of choice with The Sand Bar’s brulee French crumpet or signature bacon and egg burger with sriracha mayo, and you’ll be one happy traveller when it comes time to board.
If you’re going overseas (lucky you!), you can start the adventure in the international terminal by dining at Wollumbin. The eatery celebrates local farmers and producers, so you can have a taste of home immediately before boarding. Dip into truffled mac and cheese croquetas or munch flaky filled croissants while you sip your iced long black, overlooking the planes taking off from the tarmac below. You’ll want to book an international flight just to try it for yourself.
For those who are flying from April onwards, you have more than just a trip to look forward to! Burleigh favourite Social Espresso is opening a new cafe on Thursday April 4, directly out the front of Gold Coast Airport’s international terminal. Its brew bar is sure to perk you up for any long haul flight.
This article was written in partnership with the Gold Coast Airport. To see a full list of shopping and dining, click here.
