Siren Song at Salty Mermaid
Nicole May discovers the treasure shaking up Peregian Beach with a bold, ‘salty’ attitude, viral-worthy sips, and a scratch-made menu.
For co-owners Lisa and Kelly, the decision to open Salty Mermaid in Peregian Beach wasn’t a long, drawn-out negotiation; it was a 48-hour whirlwind, driven by a vision to create a space that was anything but ordinary and from the moment the doors swing open at 6am, Salty Mermaid Café is a sun-drenched departure from the mundane.
The difference here is in the detail. There are no pre-packaged shortcuts; everything is made from scratch, from the jams to the dressings. Their signature juices are canned fresh the night before, ready for the morning rush, and the bread arrives at 4am daily from Brasserie Bread.
“We wanted fun… honestly, just not vanilla,” says Lisa of their ‘not-so-typical’ aesthetic.
That spicy spirit is immortalised in their logo – a hand-drawn, gold, and feminine mermaid. Originally designed for an alluring look, her ‘salty’ personality remains a direct reflection
of the owners themselves. This attitude extends to the coolest merch and most-delicious menu, curated by head chef Emmy, who believed in the vision so much she relocated to the Coast just
to join the team.
The menu is designed to keep locals on their toes, with staples like nourish bowls and halloumi rolls sitting alongside ‘viral’ specialty drinks. Think Ferrero Rocher lattes topped with hazelnut cold foam or the Iced Vovo Matcha, which layers ceremonial grade matcha topped with strawberry coconut cloud cold foam, garnished with toasted coconut for a taste exactly like an Iced VoVo biscuit. Just wow!
Beyond the caffeine, the space is an ‘environmental’ haven – a home away from home with oversized lounge chairs and big tables perfect for mothers’ groups and community congregations.
It’s a prime location they nabbed in a two-day tide turner because they knew Peregian Beach was ready for something different. And they’ve delivered!
Stay salty!
