From Tokyo to the Gold Coast – Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe makes its Queensland debut
It’s official – the Gold Coast just got a whole lot cuter. The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe has opened its pastel-pink doors at Pacific Fair, and it’s the kind of place that turns even the most serious adult into a wide-eyed kid again. Take a peek inside …
Following the success of its Melbourne flagship, this is Queensland’s first Sanrio cafe – and it’s every bit as delightful as you’d imagine. Step inside and you’ll find a world where matcha lattes meet kawaii magic, complete with heart-topped coffees, strawberry-scented air and enough pink to make Barbie blush.
There are three themed zones to explore, each designed with Instagram in mind. You can perch in the pastel-hued main dining space, wander through Cinnamoroll World (a dreamy blue-and-white enclave inspired by Hello Kitty’s best pal), or grab something quick from the takeaway bar stocked with cute pastries and character-topped drinks.
The menu blends Japanese-inspired comfort food with playful presentation. Bento boxes like crispy fried chicken with spicy sauce or tofu with sweet-soy glaze sit alongside poke bowls and katsu sandos. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the Hello Kitty High Tea ($68), a tiered feast of mini croissants, salmon wraps, macarons, mousse-filled choux buns and vanilla honey mousse – as photogenic as it is indulgent.
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The real stars of the show? The signature drinks selection. From the Hello Kitty apple-strawberry tea slush to the PomPomPurin mango smoothie and the Bad Badtz-Maru Oreo milkshake, each one is an adorable ode to a Sanrio icon. Matcha fans can sip the Keroppi Kreme matcha milkshake or iced-yuzu matcha latte – guaranteed mood-boosters.
Of course, you can’t leave without visiting the retail store, brimming with Gold Coast-exclusive merch, plush toys and limited-edition collaborations. “Following the incredible response in Melbourne, we’re thrilled to bring the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe to Pacific Fair – a perfect setting to celebrate the joy of kawaii culture,” says Silvia Figini, chief operating officer of Sanrio.
Whether you’re bringing the kids, celebrating with friends or simply in need of a serotonin hit with your coffee, this cafe delivers pure happiness in every sip, bite and photo.
The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe is now open at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Head to The Directory for opening times.