It’s a pleasant surprise when you don’t expect too much from a corner coffee shop and then find out that all the food’s made by the chef in the oven you can see, that the coffee’s great and the service friendly and attentive.
Euphoria Espresso Café is a rare watering hole in the urban jungle of Robina. It seems that the acre loads of residents who live ‘in the middle of the Gold Coast’ are supposed to travel to Robina Town Centre for a cuppa. More than a few thank God for Euphoria, I’m sure! Better still, Euphoria’s fame has spread, and ‘locals’ from further afield travel far to get a taste of Richard and Esther Hoy’s hospitality.
Euphoria is a place where you stop in for a home style bite to eat and a coffee to rave about. It’s an unpretentious homey café with wholesome and hearty comfort food. There’s a choice of enticing salads, and various sandwich choices such as BLT and open grills, but most of the baked menu items are packed into glass-fronted cabinets: Thai chicken or Curried lentil patties, Richard’s famous Frittata, or croissants, served with salad if you wish, to have or to go.
With well over half of the brekkie dishes under $10, it’s difficult for us to make a choice between Mashed avo and feta with a poached egg on rye and a side of capsicum jam for $7.50 (eat your heart out Bernard Salt!), Buttered mushrooms with feta and a poached egg on Turkish ($8.70), Euphoria’s own Bircher muesli with banana and toasted macadamias, Greek yoghurt and honey $8.70, or Blueberry pancakes with ice cream and maple syrup $9.50.
Most lunch-style meals are $10 and under as well, such as the Pumpkin quiche with salad ($7.80), with cakes and slices $3 – $5.50
I order Asian salad with a chicken side (more than I can finish) and a coffee. There’s a little jug of delicious honeyed balsamic dressing on the side – they read my thoughts! The grinders begin their noisy work.
The house Elixir coffee is a classic Italian style espresso blend: smooth and rich, with the nutty taste I like and a chocolate finish. It’s sweet and creamy, nice and hot, with the perfect crema that I’d rush back for! There’s also a single origin on offer: Indian Attikan Pulp Sun-dried.
The freshly made dairy free fruit juices served in jam jars look amazing! The Main Squeeze enjoys a mango smoothie, rich and creamy with quality honey drizzled down the inside of the glass. He’s eyed off the cakes, tarts and brownies, preparing to swoop. Mmmm…I love window shopping! The moist Choc Chip brownie beckons from the display, as does the doorstop Banana bread. That would go down a treat warmed up on a cool day! Fresh muffins top the counter, ready to bustle out the door, and doughnuts are only $2!
He lashes out to try the house specialty Sicilian Cake, its warm apple, lemon and nut centre moist and light beneath the spoon. The cake’s a winner, even without the side of cream.
“Absolutely yummy!” I murmur, stealing a bite. Addictive, I really mean!
There are four staff working – Richard the chef, the barista, as well as Esther and a helper at front of house, but despite the busyness of the café, the service is cheery and attentive. There’s time for a chat to the regulars, a joke and a bit of banter here and there.
“How ya doin’ there?” Esther flashes a smile. Her service has been above and beyond, and she’s got attitude to burn. Smiles fill the room. Unstoppable!
Euphoria is no grand place, but the home baked food, pleasant customer service and fabulous attitude make it a winner. It’s a great little find that’s affordable, hearty and good for you. Way to go!
105/137 Laver Drive, Robina, Ph: 07 5562 5388
Open: Mon – Fri 6.30am – 3pm; Sat – Sun 7am – 2pm
NOTE: Euphoria’s baked goods are also available at their other family cafe, Bliss Espresso, outside Robina Library.
NOTE: An earlier version of this review has also been published on Blank Gold Coast.