I just got back from a refreshing 24 hours on the Gold Coast with my boyfriend. He is not eating wheat or dairy at the moment and so eating out on the coast was looking like it was going to be a bit tricky – after all, healthy eating is hardly what springs to mind in the city that worships glitzy nightlife, showy restaurants, burger chains, a super-sized casino, the Hard Rock Cafe and Pancakes in Paradise. The Sunshine Coast boasts the healthy eating crown, but lucky for us there are two super healthy eateries shaking up the Gold Coast food scene.

I acknowledge the Yugambeh people as the First Nations owners of the lands now recognised as the Gold Coast. I pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. I recognise that these lands have always been places of great natural beauty, culture and community.

The Cardamom Pod, Broadbeach

Sitting pretty in one of the main dining strips in sophisticated Broadbeach, The Cardamom Pod packs a colourful punch. I wished we’d come with a group, so that I could sit in an awesome wicker throne at the head of one of the outdoor tables, but instead we settled on two super cute pink stools by a table covered with flowers. They don’t open till 12 on a Monday, so while I waited I eyed off the awesome smoothies and juices at the cute smoothie shack.

David was really hungry and despite being worried that he’d struggle to feel full on a restricted diet, he could hardly finish his meal! He had a delicious olive potato bake with rice, veggies and a spinach & ricotta parcel. I had a small bowl of the avocado & tomato salad, which was spicier than I expected, but still delicious. I also had the Chuck Berry smoothie, which was full of acai berries and other super foods.

I spent a LONG time eyeing off their raw dessert cabinet, which looks too good to be true. We have developed a bad habit of ordering way more food then we can actually eat and are trying to ditch this, so I didn’t get any dessert…this time.

Prices: Very reasonable! For my salad and David’s full plate it cost $21 for the two of us ( there was no price on the salad, but I’m guessing mine was about $5 or $6).

Mandala Organic Arts Cafe, Mermaid Beach

We went here for a late breakfast, as it opens at 11am on a Tuesday. It’s at the end of a long strip of various shops, near the more industrial (dingy-looking) part of Mermaid Beach but it is definitely worth a stop!

Less slick than The Cardamom Pod, Mandala is a huge, cavernous cafe that looks like it could seat over 100 people – it must be popular! It also has room for  a live band at the front of the cafe. It has a cute courtyard seating area, but unfortunately it was raining so we sat inside. The walls are covered in all sorts of artwork and the whole cafe has a very chilled out, communal vibe.

David got the Acai Bowl, I wish I had got it! It was AMAZING. For only $10, it is great value for a superfood breakfast that can fill up a hungry boy with a huge appetite. I ordered the pasta with Napoli sauce, which was as healthy as it was delicious. It was a shame that my meal was brought out after David had already finished eating his, but apart from that it was a great experience and I would definitely go back so I can have my own Acai Bowl!

Their entire extensive menu looks delicious, with plenty of raw, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. I wish I’d also got the kombucha or some of their cane juice, but I knew I wouldn’t have room! (See, I’m learning).

Want more Gold Coast info? Check out my other blog posts here or read my Gold Coast Foodie Guide on Gourmand & Gourmet.