Best Eats at GCA
You’ve checked in, breezed through security, and now, it’s time to treat your tastebuds. Lucky you—because Gold Coast Airport’s got a lineup of mouthwatering bites and bevvies that’ll have you arriving early just for the food.
Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up some must-try foodie delights to savour before you fly. Let’s dig in!
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Pastry lover’s, rejoice
Merlo’s round croissants
Nothing screams “I’m on holiday” like starting your morning with a buttery croissant, and Merlo’s round croissants are here to serve up all the goodness. Choose from Tomato & Whipped Feta, Ham & Cheese, Prosciutto, or Smoked Salmon. Pair it with a coffee for the perfect pick-me-up.
Artisan Kitchen and Bakery’s Nutella cruffin
Meet the pastry that dreams are made of: the Nutella cruffin. It’s part croissant, part muffin, and 100% delicious. Flaky, chocolatey, and downright irresistible, it’s the perfect way to kick off your travels on a sweet note.
Feel-good bites for happy travels
Social Espresso’s bowls and smoothies
Healthy and tasty? Yes, please! Social Espresso’s acai and smoothie bowls are loaded with all the good stuff to keep you energised for your trip. Go classic with The OG Acai (strawberry, banana, chia, coconut), or get your greens with The Coconut Green (banana, coconut, spinach). If you’re short on time, grab a smoothie instead. We love The Detox, with its revitalising blend of blueberries, bananas, dates and boysenberries.
Paradox’s gluten-free bagels
Can’t do gluten? Then Paradox Coffee Roaster and Bar needs to be on your radar. Their gluten-free bagels are fresh, delish and totally satisfying. The Smoked Salmon Bagel is a go-to choice—it’s a hole-in-one for flavour if you ask us!
FRESH’s juices
Quench your thirst with a fresh juice that’s as good for your body as it is for your tastebuds. Our top picks? The Liquid Sunshine, with pineapple, apple and lemon for a zesty sip. Or try The Fruit Ninja, which blends watermelon, apple, berries, and pineapple. Hello, daily vitamin intake.
Lunchtime feeds
Beach Shack’s souvlaki
Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Sashay over to Beach Shack for your souvlaki fix, located just outside Domestic Departure’s check ins. The D-Bah is a finger-licking flavour bomb with tender lamb, halloumi, hummus, fresh rocket and mint. Our vego friends will love The Burleigh, with tempura veg, chickpeas, and za’atar spice wrapped in a warm pita. And don’t forget The Alley, packed with juicy chicken, oregano fries and creamy tzatziki. (We’re so hungry writing this.)
Asia Street Cooking’s bahn mi
Bahn mi for the win! Fresh veggies, crispy bread and succulent meat—Asia Street Cooking knows how to do this classic right. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, with rave reviews as one of the most popular choices! Or, try their Sticky Korean fried chicken bites, which are just the right mix of sweet, spicy and oh-so-crispy.
It’s 5 o'clock somewhere…
Beach Shack’s frozen margies
Margaritas are another must to help you switch into holiday mode. At Beach Shack, their frozen margies are nothing short of drool-worthy. Choose the classic Lime for that refreshing zing, or spice things up with the Chilli Mango. And better yet—pair it with their souvlaki we mentioned earlier, and you’re officially on holiday.
The Sand Bar’s cocktails
Is there any better way to kick off your trip than with a pre-flight cocktail? Head to The Sand Bar and sip on their signature Barbie Blush—a fun and fab mix of Papa Salt Gin, strawberry liqueur and grapefruit juice. Or, if you’re in the mood for something tropical, The Sunset Bliss combines local coconut rum and pineapple juice to whisk you away to a beach holiday in a taste.
So many choices, so little time
With so many delicious options to discover, you’ll have no trouble finding something that tickles your fancy at GCA.
