Tobias Diamandopoulos and Rosalind Pinto open Rafiki by the Park in Mermaid Beach

The owners of a buzzing hole-in-the-wall Mermaid Beach cafe have opened a sister venue featuring its “famous” toasties and “nourishing smoothies”.

Tobias Diamandopoulos has opened Rafiki by the Park at Mermaid Waters, after the success of its sister venue Rafiki by the Sea. Picture Glenn Hampson

The owners of a buzzing hole-in-the-wall Mermaid Beach cafe have opened a sister venue featuring its “famous” toasties and “nourishing smoothies”.

Rafiki by the Sea owners and hospitality duo Tobias Diamandopoulos and Rosalind Pinto are almost two weeks into trading at their new Rafiki by the Park cafe.

Mr Diamandopoulos said their latest venue had been in the works for six months after “dreaming of a space like this for years”.

After seven years of operating under the Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Rafiki by the Sea has become a staple for coffee lovers, run clubs and local families.

Tobias Diamandopoulos has opened Rafiki by the Park at Mermaid Waters, after the success of its sister venue Rafiki by the Sea. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Diamandopoulos said the opening of Rafiki by the Park “felt like the whole neighbourhood came to say hi”.

“The turnout was incredible,” he said.

“Guests have been so generous with their words and many have said it feels like their new local go-to.

“The nostalgia of old-school service and familiar Rafiki favourites with a new twist has really resonated.”

Mr Diamandopoulos said it was a no-brainer to open the sister cafe in Mermaid on the corner of Markeri St and Sunshine Blvd.

“Mermaid has always felt like home to us,” he said.

“There’s magic in this pocket of the Coast – laid-back, local and full of heart.

“Plus, it’s perfectly positioned close to our other venues Okazu Japanese Street Food/Sushi Bar and Eska Seafood.

“It made sense to build another community-focused space here where our roots already run deep.”

Rafiki by the Park has opened at Mermaid Waters, after the success of its sister venue Rafiki by the Sea. A selection of what's on offer. Picture Glenn Hampson

Rafiki by the Park is a sit-down cafe with full dine-in service on dishes including toasties, eggs benedict, chorizo scrambled eggs, a double smash burger, and brown rice crispy chickpea salad.

“It still has all the family favourites from Rafiki by the Sea, but with new additions that reflect the slower pace and greenery around us,” Mr Diamandopoulos said.

“We’ve gone back to basics — simple food done exceptionally well with that signature Rafiki flair.”

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Originally published as Tobias Diamandopoulos and Rosalind Pinto open Rafiki by the Park in Mermaid Beach