Down at the quieter, southern end of the Gold Coast, Palm Beach and Currumbin have built their own relaxed, health-conscious food culture — a little slower-paced than Surfers Paradise, but every bit as good for plant-based eating.
This guide covers where to eat well in both suburbs, from fresh salad bars to plant-based Mexican and the kind of juice bars that fit right into the area’s laid-back, surf-adjacent lifestyle.
Why this stretch of coast suits plant-based eating
Palm Beach and Currumbin share a culture built around the outdoors — surfing, the beach, and a generally health-conscious, unpretentious way of life.
That translates naturally into food. Fresh, simple, vegetable-forward meals fit the vibe here far better than heavy, indulgent plates, which is part of why the plant-based scene has thrived in this part of the coast.
It is also a noticeably less touristy stretch of the Gold Coast than Surfers Paradise, which shows up in the food too — venues here tend to feel more like genuine local institutions than spots built for passing visitors.
Dalas Kitchen: fresh, sustainable salads
Dalas Kitchen, with locations in both Palm Beach and nearby Nobby Beach, is a genuine local institution for plant-based eating.
The largely vegan menu celebrates local, sustainably sourced produce, with standout dishes like the Mexican-inspired salad bowl (roasted sweet potato, black beans, charred corn and a citrus dressing) and the satay-style “So Sataysfying” bowl. Cold-pressed juices and raw, gluten-free sweet treats round out the menu.
Goodness Gracias: plant-based Mexican
For something heartier, Goodness Gracias has been a beloved fixture of the Palm Beach food scene for years, serving genuinely good plant-based Mexican food.
Burritos, tacos, nachos and a range of tasty sides make it an easy, satisfying choice, whether you are eating in or grabbing takeaway to enjoy at the beach. It is proof that plant-based Mexican food can be every bit as indulgent as the traditional version.
Its longevity says a lot, too. In a food scene where new venues open and close constantly, a spot that has stuck around this long has clearly built a genuinely loyal local following.
The two suburbs compared
While close together, Palm Beach and Currumbin each have a slightly different food personality worth knowing before you visit.
| Suburb | Food vibe | Best for | Standout venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach | Health-focused, sustainably sourced | Salads, juices, Mexican | Dalas Kitchen, Goodness Gracias |
| Currumbin | Relaxed, beachy, casual | Smoothies, quick fresh bites | Various beachside cafes |
Currumbin: juices, smoothies and beachside cafes
Currumbin’s food scene leans casual and beach-friendly, with a strong focus on fresh juices, smoothies and quick, wholesome bites suited to a day by the water.
Several local cafes here offer strong plant-based options as a matter of course, reflecting the area’s broader health-conscious, active lifestyle. It is a great spot to grab something fresh before or after time at the beach or the nearby wildlife sanctuary.
Currumbin Alley, a well-known surf break, gives the area a distinctly relaxed, early-morning energy — the kind of place where a quick, healthy breakfast before or after a surf is just part of daily life rather than a special occasion.
That same energy carries through to the food. Menus here tend to favour simple, fresh combinations over anything overly fussy, which suits the unhurried, sand-between-your-toes atmosphere of the area perfectly.
It is also worth exploring on foot if you can. Both Palm Beach and Currumbin reward a slow wander far more than a quick drive-through, with plenty of small, easy-to-miss spots tucked away from the main strip.
A morning here rarely feels like a checklist to work through — more a slow unfolding of coffee, a swim, and whatever fresh, simple meal catches your eye along the way.
Bring a reusable water bottle and a bit of sun protection, and you have more or less everything you need for a proper day exploring this end of the coast.
Whatever you choose to eat, chances are it will taste even better with sand still on your feet and the sound of the ocean somewhere nearby.
A relaxed pace worth adjusting to
One thing worth knowing before you visit: this end of the coast runs on a slower clock than Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.
Service is generally relaxed rather than rushed, and many venues close earlier in the evening, geared more toward daytime and early-evening dining. Planning around that rhythm, rather than against it, tends to make for a much better visit.
A weekday visit also tends to be noticeably quieter than a weekend, particularly around Palm Beach’s more popular spots — worth keeping in mind if you would rather avoid a queue.
Pack a little patience either way. The relaxed pace is exactly what draws people to this part of the coast in the first place, and rushing through it rather misses the point.
Cold-pressed juices and smoothies worth trying
This part of the coast does juices and smoothies particularly well, and it is worth taking advantage while you are there.
- Cold-pressed green juices for a nutrient hit after a swim.
- Tropical fruit smoothies, naturally suited to the beachside setting.
- Smoothie bowls for something more filling as a light meal.
- Turmeric or ginger shots for an extra wellness boost.
Worth the trip further north
If your exploring takes you further up the coast, The Cardamom Pod in Southport offers a different, equally worthwhile plant-based experience — a fully vegan menu inspired by the traditions of Indian cooking.
Browse our full plant-based menu, or see our guide to vegan-friendly dining across the whole Gold Coast for more suburb-by-suburb detail. For visitor information on the wider area, Destination Gold Coast is a useful resource.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palm Beach good for vegan food?
Yes — Palm Beach has a genuinely strong plant-based scene, anchored by venues like Dalas Kitchen and Goodness Gracias, both well loved for fresh, flavourful vegan food.
What is Dalas Kitchen known for?
Dalas Kitchen is a largely vegan salad bar with locations in Palm Beach and Nobby Beach, known for fresh, sustainably sourced salads, cold-pressed juices and raw sweet treats.
Is there vegan Mexican food in Palm Beach?
Yes — Goodness Gracias serves plant-based Mexican food in Palm Beach, including burritos, tacos, nachos and sides, and has been a local favourite for years.
What about Currumbin?
Currumbin has a more laid-back, beachy food scene with several cafes offering strong vegan options, especially smoothies, juices and fresh bowls suited to the area’s relaxed, surf-focused lifestyle.
Is The Cardamom Pod near Palm Beach or Currumbin?
No — The Cardamom Pod is in Southport, further north on the Gold Coast. If you are exploring the southern beaches, it is a worthwhile detour on your way up or down the coast.
Keep exploring
For more, read our guides to the best vegan eats in Burleigh Heads, vegan eats near Surfers Paradise, and the best açaí bowls on the Gold Coast.
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