Sunset on Chevron — My Go-To Café on Chevron Island
I’ll be honest — Sunset on Chevron has become my regular. And once you visit, you’ll understand why.
I used to visit the original Sunset Bar & Grill at Marina Mirage for years. It was one of those Gold Coast places that just felt like a constant — always reliable, always welcoming, always good. When it closed due to the Marina Mirage redevelopment, I genuinely felt the loss. Places like that don’t come along often.
So when I heard the team hadn’t retired but had actually reinvented themselves — opening a brand new café on Chevron Island — I had to go. And what I found was something even better than before.
From Marina Mirage to Chevron Island
Sunset on Chevron is the second chapter of a Gold Coast love story — and owners Corinne Klein and Claire Storie are the ones writing it.
The two women met on the restaurant floor over 20 years ago, working side by side through the kind of long shifts that either break people or build lifelong bonds. For Corinne and Claire, it built something lasting. Together they ran the original Sunset Bar & Grill at Marina Mirage, turning it into one of the Gold Coast’s most cherished dining institutions.
When the redevelopment forced the doors closed, they could have walked away. Instead they chose Chevron Island — relaxed, local, unpretentious — and started fresh. Their loyal regulars followed almost immediately. You can see why.
Head Chef Andrew Ortlipp made the move with them, and his presence is felt in every dish. With 28 years of professional experience — including an extraordinary 17 years leading the kitchen at the original Sunset Bar & Grill — Andrew brings a sense of familiarity that loyal guests will recognise from the very first bite. His philosophy is simple: forget the fads, master the fundamentals, and let great produce speak for itself.
It Starts With the Coffee
My regular order is a latte — and honestly one of the best on the Gold Coast. Smooth, consistent, the kind you find yourself thinking about on the drive there. Fuelled by Supreme Coffee and open from 5:30am daily, Sunset on Chevron is the perfect start to any Gold Coast morning whether you’re an early riser or a relaxed brunch-goer happy to linger into the afternoon.
A Menu With Heaps of Choice
What I love about this place is the menu moves fast and has plenty of options — you’re never stuck staring at two things wondering why you came.
The Julien sandwich is a standout at lunch. Simple, satisfying, exactly what you want in the middle of the day.
The Protein Pancake Stack is a breakfast favourite of mine — and impressively it can be made gluten free too. That kind of thoughtfulness for dietary needs is rare and genuinely appreciated.
Other must-tries from the menu:
Chilli Scrambled Eggs — silky scrambled eggs folded into a buttery croissant with shallots, parmesan, chilli oil and ripe tomatoes. Already becoming a signature and you can taste why.
Fish Tacos — three soft shells packed with grilled wild barramundi, mango salsa, apple slaw, fresh coriander and kaffir lime aioli. Bright, fresh and impossible to stop at one.
Chicken Katsu Burger — panko-crumbed chicken, crisp lettuce, kewpie mayo and katsu dipping sauce with golden fries. Properly good.
Chilli Prawn, Bug & Prosciutto Pasta — fettuccine tossed through lemon, olive oil and fresh herbs with a slow-building heat that keeps you coming back for another bite.
For coffee lovers, the Coconut Cold Brew topped with pistachio cold foam is worth trying at least once.
The Vibe
The space sits in the former Lean Chef Kitchen site on Thomas Drive and has been completely transformed — 55 sun-drenched seats with a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, refined finishes and carefully curated furnishings. It feels relaxed the moment you walk in. Nobody is watching the clock here. Pull up a chair, order another latte, and let an hour disappear.
When the afternoon sun hits Chevron Island just right, that’s when the espresso martinis and margaritas step in. The Gold Coast at its absolute best.
Functions and Catering
Planning something special on the island? Sunset on Chevron offers catering and function packages for birthdays, corporate gatherings, private celebrations and long lunches — a beautiful choice for any occasion.
Worth Every Visit
Sunset on Chevron is not just a new café. It is the continuation of a beloved Gold Coast dining legacy, reimagined with heart and care by two women who clearly love what they do. If you knew and loved the original at Marina Mirage, you will feel right at home here. And if you’re discovering it for the first time, you are in for a treat.
Sunset on Chevron 📍 1/64 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island, Gold Coast 🕔 Open 7 days — 5:30am to 4:00pm
