Rafiki by the Park brings big breakfast energy to Mermaid Waters
If you’ve ever tried to nab a seat at Rafiki by the Sea on a sunny Gold Coast morning, you’ll understand why its owners Rosalind Pinto and Tobias Diamandopoulos quietly opened a second outpost just a few blocks inland. Meet Rafiki by the Park – a spacious, sit-down sibling spot that brings everything you love about the original with the added benefits of parking, shade and elbow room, to a new leafy address. Here’s everything you need to know about the new neighbourhood noshery …
Situated next to Crocker Park in Mermaid Waters, the new Rafiki location marks a natural evolution for the team, who had outgrown their beachside digs. “We were running out of room – especially in the kitchen,” Tobias says. And with their other business Okazu right next door, this space, which has sat vacant for some time, made perfect sense. While the original is a geared towards a grab-and-go pitstop, Rafiki by the Park is built for lingering.
The good thing about more space is that it’s given them the freedom to expand the food offering. The menu is an ode to familiarity done well, think old-school breakfast faves – eggs your way, bacon and egg rolls, eggs benny, and a notably generous chicken parmi. Burgers, nachos and a clutch of specials on rotation round things out, while takeaway cabinet staples cater to those en route to the next errand or park hang. Rafiki regulars will also be pleased to know the famous rockin’ pesto chicken toastie has also made its way to the new venue. Crispy, melty and comforting, it’s the kind of menu item that you try once and never stray from again.
In a nice twist of fate (and family), the cafe’s beans are roasted locally by Tobias’ brother under the label Kuki Coffee, based in Burleigh Heads. The roast – a Tanzanian blend – is smooth, clean and designed to complement the Gold Coast morning ritual. Rafiki’s cold brew, in particular, has won fast fans. “It’s my daily go-to,” Tobias admits. “The flavour is just that good.”
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Rafiki by the Park isn’t trying to reinvent anything, it’s about anchoring a community that already exists, offering a warm, reliable space to gather, sit, chat and share something good, Tobias tells us. “We just wanted to create a space where people feel welcome – where they don’t feel like going out has to be this big, expensive ordeal,” he adds. “Cafes should be that little bit of luxury you can afford. A great coffee. A plate of something you love. Without blowing the weekly budget.”
With rising costs making everyday moments feel increasingly rare, Rafiki by the Park’s affordable, community-first approach feels refreshing. “I think we’ve lost a lot of that connection over the last few years. So, we’re focused on bringing it back.”
Head to The Directory for Rafiki by the Park’s opening times