When only the best will do.
When only the best will do.
Nobody needs to tell us about the many delicious restaurants dotted throughout our seaside city but it is nice to know our list of faves is backed by Australia’s most prestigious foodie magazine.
delicious recently released an article on Queensland’s top 100 restaurants and the Gold Coast took out 25 of the top places. Look at us go.
Here they are in delicious’ order. Prepare to get hungry.
1. Rick Shores
Found on the absolute beachfront in Burleigh, Rick Shores quickly became a favourite thanks to its incredible, Insta-worthy cocktails and THOSE BUG ROLLS. It’s truly next level and absolutely deserving of the number 1 spot.
11. Etsu Izakaya
Oh Japanese food how we adore you. Particularly that of the Etsu variety. The Mermaid Beach gem has been around for a few years now and the love is strong for their array of whiskeys and tapas-style eats.
17. Hellenika
Next up is a Greek extravaganza at Nobby’s institution Hellenika who recently underwent a classy makeover and introduced an expanded menu (and wine list). Known for their incredible eats and sophisticated, taverna vibes Hellenika is all the good things.
21. Kiyomi
The Star’s famed eatery brings us the authentic taste of Tokyo with mouthwatering sashimi (could eat every meal), crispy rice rolls and some of the best cocktails on the Coast. If you haven’t been, pop this one on your must-do-soon list and get excited.
26. The Fish House
With 180 degree Burleigh beach views and produce flown in daily from wherever the best quality can be found, The Fish House certainly deserves it’s spot on the list. Spend your next date night celebrating the tastes of the sea in the little white cottage by the ocean.
33. social eating house + bar
If you ask us, Broadbeach’s social should be waaayyy further up the top. The casual, modern Australian tapas eatery is one of the best there is. Everything is absolutely incredible and you can wash it down with an equally ridiculous cocktail.
35. Mamasan Broadbeach
Slow cooking is the name of the game at this Asian fave. Again, we’ve got tasty share plates with a unique menu including everything from Korean friend chicken to beef tataki salad. Find them in the heart of Broadbeach and try one of everything.
42. The North Room
A relative newbie on the Coast, The North Room is next up. It’s a cosy, compact space offering a seasonal menu made up of locally sourced produce in a share-style setting. Find them in Mermaid Beach.
49. 8th Ave Terrace
With a breezy balcony overlooking the ocean, Palm Beach’s 8th Ave Terrace quickly became a Coast favourite. A menu that changes monthly means your favourites won’t stick around for long but everything is so good, it doesn’t even matter.
53. TEN
Somewhat hidden behind bunker-like doors in Broadbeach, TEN is five-star Japanese dining (and service) and if you haven’t been, hurry up and go. The beverage menu is longer than your arm and the food is indescribably incredible.
54. Seaduction Restaurant & Bar
Overlooking the ocean in bustling Surfers Paradise is Seaduction with a decadent menu and beautiful sunset views. Seafood is the star here but order all the things if food is your favourite thing in the world (yes, hi).
56. Room81
Number 56 is the Broadbeach Sofitel’s signature restaurant and a longtime local fave. The menu is modern Australian fair and is made with local ingredients and European techniques. From raw dishes to share plates and entire plates not for sharing, you’ll want to eat it all.
57. Fellini Ristorante E Bar
Overlooking the pristine Marina Mirage is Fellini, an elegant Italian eatery that has certainly stood the test of time. The wine list is next-level and the seafood is as high quality as it gets. Make the trip north to try them for yourself.
61. Gemellini
We’ve got another Italian gem, this one located in Nobbys Beach. As we all know, pasta is life and when it’s combined with recipes by the owners’ Nonna, you know you’re onto a winner. Go when you’re extra hungry and order all the things.
62. Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar
Another old faithful found in Mermaid Beach is Little Truffle. As you might imagine, truffles are the hero so try to time your visit when they’re in season. Luxe ingredients and European-style sauces will blow your mind so add this one to your list of asaps.
66. Justin Lane Establishment
PIZZA. All of the pizza. Plus, a rooftop bar, and views of beautiful Burleigh and you’ve got yourself one of the Coast’s most popular. Obviously you’ll want to eat the pizza but there’s also tasty pasta and many refreshingly unique cocktails. Perfect for summer, Sunday sessions.
80. Fire Cue
Meat is the magic of Fire Cue, found in Nobbys and offering a fun, Latin American inspired vibe. With everything from tacos to ribs, you’re certain to find something to suit your tastes along with a tipple to wash it down. Meat is cooked over charcoal using an array of charcoals so flavours are out of this world.
81. Videre
Located high up on the 21st floor of RACV Royal Pines is Videre, at number 81, with a view of the pristine golf courses and wider Gold Coast. The modern Australian cuisine is five star with plenty of incredible seafood dishes to choose from. Head to Videre for a feast to remember.
82. Sparrow Eating House
Look at Nobbys bringing it home. If this list was top 100 Insta-worthy dishes, Sparrow would be at number one with their beautifully presented eats and RIDICULOUS cocktails (peanut butter martini anyone). The share dishes are simple but packed with insane flavours. They’re at number 82 but we demand a recount.
86. Jimmy Wah’s
Again we find ourselves in Burleigh and this time for a Vietnamese feast of epic proportions. Sip spectacular cocktails and share tasty tapas plates while enjoying the upbeat vibes. Perfect for a night out with the girls if you love Vietnamese cuisine with an Aussie twist.
87. Lucky Bao
So baos are fluffy little morsels that should be consumed in every flavour, particularly at Mermaid Waters’ Lucky Bao. The Asian buns are the star of the show but raw fish and curry-style dishes also grace the menu as does an Asian-inspired cocktail menu.
93. Rabbath
Oh crispy falafels, you incredible things you. Rabbath, in Burleigh, opened quietly earlier this year but their found is making a big, unmissable statement. Lebanese cuisine is what’s happening and it’s one of our absolute favourites. Everything is good, order it all.
95. Yamagen
Another Asian-inspired semi-newbie, found at QT in Surfers, Yamagen reopened recently to rave reviews. Combining traditional bites with modern twists, Yamagen are serving up everything from sushi to skewers and it’s all good. Wash it down with one of many sakis and you’ve got yourself a good time.
For the full list, head to The Courier Mail here.
Words by Kirra Smith.
Those of you who love Hellenika as much as we do will understand that it feels like it’s been years since Simon and the crew shut up shop to perch an extra level on top of the already incredible space.
Well, food-loving friends, we’re (way too) pleased to report that the newly renovated downstairs restaurant is once again open for business.
Last week we reported Simon had revamped the space he previously referred to as a Melbourne-esque taverna into a slightly more elegant Estiatorio (a restaurant you’d find in Greece).
And friends, we cannot emphasise this point enough, elegance is everywhere at the new look Hellenika even down to the blush pink crockery made by local potter Marloe Marloe.
Without a doubt everyone’s favourite area will be the tucked away corner featuring a painting of Aristotle Onassis – a Greek businessman much-loved in his passionate homeland. He’s akin to JFK in the States, and you know, Mick Fanning here in good old Oz.
The menu, while remaining largely the same features a few new dishes Simon is particularly excited about. The first is Corfu Bianco, a South Australian Kingfish baked in the oven with olive oil and lemon juice, simple and absolutely beautiful.
The second is a barrel-ripened feta imported from Greece and drizzled with olive oil and oregano and the third, Hilopites – beef shin with square pasta and tomato. We’ll take all three please.
As mentioned last week, the wine list has increased from 110 to 500 bottles with 50 brought in from Greece alone.
And you thought Hellenika went above and beyond before.
P.S We got also got a sneak peek at the rooftop bar and, in a word, it’s EPIC.
LOCATION: 2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
HOURS: 5pm to 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 4pm / 5pm to 11.30pm Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Burleigh Heads beachfront seafood restaurant The Fish House has recently added several decadent new dishes to their already impressive menu.
Famous for offering the freshest and best available seafood, flown in from around Australia every day, The Fish House is five star dining with a five star view of beautiful Burleigh beach.
A salty sea breeze swirls in through the wide front windows ensuring the entire experience is centred on the ocean and it’s offerings.
The menu, printed daily, is all encompassing, from Italian Oscietra Caviar to start to a Citrus Tart with burnt toffee and mascarpone for dessert, each dish is more exquisite than the next.
To begin, Port Lincoln Octopus grilled with oregano and chilli is the perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth flavours. The Scallop Risotto with chives and Bottarga (salted, cured fish) is beautifully buttery and can be ordered as both an entrée and a main.
Inspired by his recent trip to Thailand, Head Chef Grey Dent created a new dish, the Whole Crispy Snapper. Cooked in rice flour, giving it its crispiness, the Snapper is served with a Thai style mixed salad and Nam Jim sauce. The dish offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavours with the perfect combination of Asian fusion.
Try the Blue Eyed Trevalla – a deepwater fish – firm and mild flavored with large flake flesh and a succulent medium oiliness. It is a beautiful tasting fish served with a Spanish style saffron sauce.
For dessert, stunning flavours abound in the form of Chocolate Fondant with vanilla bean ice cream and Coconut Pannacota with mango, blueberries and honeycomb.
The Fish House is more than simply delicious, fresh food, it is an experience that must be seen to be understood.
HOURS: 12:00PM to 2:30PM and 5:30PM to 8:30PM daily.
LOCATION: 50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
The old adage “you eat with your eyes” is the philosophy behind Mermaid’s latest foodie location The North Room and the European-inspired, tapas-style dishes certainly are a sight to behold.
A bright, naturally lit space sets the scene with navy, natural wood and copper accents giving it a coastal, laidback vibe. Get up close and personal with a seat at the bar or kick back on the blue velvet, booth-style lounge.
The menu is created for share-style dining with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and will be ever-changing, as will the wine list. The premise is simply based on using the freshest of ingredients and encouraging diners to always try something new.
For the initial weeks, The North Room are plating up dishes to delight all your senses including Green Eggs and Ham consisting of duck ham, scrambled organic eggs, nettle and kalettes (half way between kale and brussel sprouts) and Whipped Cod with white anchovies, pickled onion and rye.
Don’t go past dessert and in particular the Beetroot, Strawberry and Yoghurt that sounds unassuming enough but actually consists of beetroot meringue, fresh strawberry sorbet and sour yoghurt. It’s an absolute flavour sensation.
The North Room was named for owners Tim and Shannon Stewart’s gradual “venture north” from Victoria over recent years and if opening weekend is anything to go by, it‘s definitely been worth the trip.
Probably best to book your spot in advance.
HOURS: Open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner and Friday, Saturday, Sunday for lunch.
LOCATION: 2527 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (between Ventura Rd and Cronulla Ave)
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
