Daark Espresso, Labrador

Gold Coast cafe Daark Espresso brings together friendly service, good food, and terrific coffee. Since opening in November 2013, the cafe philosophy has never wavered. Owner Leah Smith is originally from Sydney but now calls the Gold Coast home. It’s all about sourcing the best ingredients and engaging a good core team of staff for Leah. The interior grew organically over the years, starting out with some DIY action using leftover paint from home renovations. Daark Espresso has even taken over the shop next door recently.

Similarly, the menu started out small and simple because there was no kitchen, just a toastie machine. The food evolved when Scott the chef came on board. With the addition of a full kitchen was added, the menu now changes two or three times a year.

Breakfast is focused on flavour and versatility with avo on toast, fritters, and omelettes taking the limelight. The smashed avocado and Persian feta on a slice of Brasserie Bread quinoa & soya sourdough with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, pepitas, and lemon infused olive oil hits all the right notes for a tasty, healthy start to your day.

Lunch tackles burgers, salads, and sandwiches with a vengeance. The Southern fried chicken burger is a sight for sore eyes. Crunchy fried chicken with house slaw, pickles, fresh coriander, and smokey chipotle mayo on a toasted Brasserie Bread milk bun is accompanied by sweet potato wedges and lime aioli. Wash it all down with a thick shake or a smoothie to complete your meal.

Coffee at Daark Espresso is as local as it gets, sourced from Supreme Roasters. With humble beginnings in Queensland and purely focusing on the sunshine state, Supreme Roasters locally roast in Yatala. Daark Espresso always features Supreme house blends, plus rotating single origins or feature blends depending on availability.

Daark Espresso
2/41 Musgrave Ave, Labrador QLD
7 days from 6.30am