Coastal European, share-style dining awaits in Mermaid Beach.
Coastal European, share-style dining awaits in Mermaid Beach.
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
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Radiating good vibes and a tropical, Caribbean theme perfectly suited to its balmy just-off-the-beach location, Poké Poké is bringing brightly coloured bowls of goodness to Mermaid Beach.
Poke bowls have taken the world by storm of late but in case you haven’t heard, the healthy bowls originated in Hawaii and are made up of crunchy salad, tender chunks of fish or meat, mouth watering sauces, nuts, seeds, noodles…any number of things and Poké Poké is leading the charge.
From the street, the first thing you notice is a custom carved front wall boldly enticing you to join the party. Inside the space pops with colour – an emerald green bench seat lines one wall while a neon pink sign beams in the corner declaring “okey dokey time for poké” and bunches of green bananas hang in a wide, sun-lit window.
It’s reminiscent of a tropical island takeaway joint with plenty of space to perch inside and watch the magic unfold or outside on the grass if you’d prefer.
Owner Morgan Walsh, one half of Mermaid Beach favourites Bonita Bonita and BonBon fell in love with the bowls on a recent trip and, as a lover of all things colourful, knew there’d be a market for them here.
At Poké Poké bowl options are abundant. Fresh Off The Boat is made up of the freshest salmon with edamame, zoodles, seaweed and radish on brown rice with wasabi mayo. If you’re in the mood for something warm, the Caribbean inspired roti bowls are for you. Go with the Chicken Curry bowl made up of taro and potato on coconut rice with roti.
Smoothie bowls are a thing too – try the Avocado and Kale with spinach, almond milk and banana.
Of course there are fresh and cold press juices, wine and beer and a soon-to-be-launched cocktail menu. You need never leave.
Don your most colourful Hawaiian get up and your favourite pluggas and get down there, there’s way too much fun to be had.
LOCATION: Cnr Alfred Street and Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: 8am to 8pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
It’s a seafood extravaganza at Beachside Pavilion, the latest addition in a long line of recently revamped spaces in the Broadbeach Mall.
Formerly Alto Cucina & Bar, at the beach end of the foodie strip, the restaurant has been transformed into a bright, airy eatery with a street side terrace area and decked out in suitably cheery beach theme.
With an emphasis on fresh seafood, Beachside Pavilion has brought a unique menu to Broadbeach inspired by their close proximity to one of our most popular beaches.
To start, try the cooked-to-perfection Oven Baked Scallops on the shell with spiced tomato cream, wakame, sesame seeds and fish roe. If you love raw fish go for the Hiramasa Kingfish Ceviche with rockmelon, coriander, red onion, lime and radish.
For a lighter main the Ocean Trout Poke Bowl with quinoa, avocado, radish, sesame seaweed, edamame, red onion, spinach and kewpie is perfectly fresh and oh-so good for you.
Of course if you’re after the cooked variety, there are plenty of options. Try the Baked Whole Snapper with lemon, mustard, olive oil, dill, chips and a mixed leaf salad or Squid Ink Orzo Pasta with blue swimmer crab, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, scampi bisque and chilli.
If you’re out for a special occasion don’t think about ordering anything other than Beachside Pavilion’s Signature Chilli Mud Crab. It’s served with tomato, coconut cream, egg, coriander, special tomato chilli sauce and charred sourdough. It’s everything good about going out for dinner.
Beachside Pavilion is the perfect casual dining space, just a short stroll from the beach and with a soon-to-be-opened takeaway area, perfect for when you need a quick bite before heading back to the sand.
HOURS: 7am until late every day
LOCATION: The beach end of Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
