EAT + DRINK
TROPIC LIKE IT’S HOT AT THIS FRIENDLY SEASIDE CAFÉ Get your Vitamin C – and Vitamin Sea – at Rafiki
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ucked away at the entrance to Mermaid Beach Surf Club, you’ll find the sunniest, happiest corner in 4218. With arguably the best location like, ever, Rafiki’s breathtaking ocean views are just one reason why locals flock to this cute tropical café in droves. Plus, the simple yet lush menu reflects the café’s salt of the earth style, filled with fresh, colourful, and high-quality ingredients to nourish the body and soul. Advocating good friends, good times, and good vibes (#howgood), this gem is always overflowing with peeps straight off the beach. Others are meeting friends to shoot the (ocean) breeze over an iced latte, popping in for a refuel after their morning deep burn, or sinking a smoothie with the ankle biters in tow. Plus, a whole lotta folk swing in with their fur babies and yay to that, coz canines and cafes go together like copy and paste. 20 | insidegoldcoast.com.au
The outdoor dining area is lined with a handful of picnic bench style tables and seating to accommodate the peeps who want to sit and marinade in Rafiki goodness. With big shady umbrellas for protection, you won’t get a side of sunburn with your soy cap. Those who miss out on a table or are waiting for their grab-and-go can chill on one of the café’s benches, then head over to the golden sands to enjoy their eats/sips. Oh and let’s not forget the bench spot below the instafamous timber Rafiki sign #LemmeTakeASelfie. Starting off as a hole-in-the-wall, five years on, it has spread its wings and become a power player on the Mermaid/Nobbys café scene. Although it may have grown exponentially in popularity, it hasn’t lost any of its OG appeal, still connecting the