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The 2022 Annual Bar & Distillery Round Up

15 of the year’s new local sips spots to hydrate, or umm, dehydrate…

Local, Burleigh (image supplied)
Local, Burleigh (image supplied)

After slugging it out at work all week, there’s not much that could persuade us to skip a night in with takeaway and ‘Pamela, a Love Story’. Unless of course your crew are heading to a new bar or distillery, by which case it’s hoo-roo jim-jams and hello LBD.

2022 was certainly a year for epic sips spots and we challenge you to say that after a few chardys. We’ve penned the holy grail of last year’s newest power players on the GC watering hole scene, so grab your Berocca and get ready to experience 15 of the best.

Malibu Racquet Club, Bureigh Heads (image supplied)
Malibu Racquet Club, Bureigh Heads (image supplied)

BARS

The Malibu Racquet Club
Get ‘served’ like a VIP at this mid-century Southern Cali inspired A-lister. Perfect for a sunset sip, pre-dinner drink and/or sophisticated Modern Australian meal, guests can sit outside and enjoy the beautiful southern GC breezes, park inside at a table or private booth, or simply pull up a pew at the bar. Become a member and unlock a VVIP menu, with bottles ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 #A-ListerFeels.
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

FINEPRINTCO Art Bar
Sip on a specially crafted artisan cocktail as you admire classic and contemporary works (#HiSlimAaarons) at FINEPRINTCO Art Bar. Expertly fusing a gallery space with a private bar, its vibrant yet restrained aesthetic allows guests to appreciate the art and the elegance of the venue design. Also the perfect option for unique and customised private events. Do.Not.Miss.
Where: Brickworks, Shop 302, 107 Ferry Road, Southport

FINEPRINTCO Art Bar, Southport (image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
FINEPRINTCO Art Bar, Southport (image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Local
Imagine a modern, lush, insta-worthy upmarket pub with a blend of classic and refined lunch and dinner options, late night drinks, and even a breakfast menu #NotYourAveragePub. Nailing contemporary pub-grub and a coastal industrial chic aesthetic, it also houses Burleigh’s only beer garden and a tinnie bar #NuffSaid.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

La Luna Beach Club
The newest addition to arguably THE hottest (or coolest…) venue in town is La Luna Beach Club, Australia’s very first floating beach club. Modelled on life aboard a luxury yacht, imagine a sparking Mediterranean pool complete with sun lounges, plush day beds, and private cabanas. Take a dip, order a cocktail, rejuvenate, and luxuriate, before enjoying a selection of carefully curated European eats at the Beach Club’s exclusive MĀRE restaurant.
Where: Pool Pontoon, Marina Mirage, 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

La Luna Beach Club, Main Beach (image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
La Luna Beach Club, Main Beach (image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

The Beverly
Taking over from our fave of yester-year (Melba’s – upstairs), you’ll find this luxe venue thrusting us straight into the LA limelight. Paying homage to the chic coolness that oozes from the bars, clubs, and venues from La La Land, everything from the rich green, blush pink and gold-hued fit out, inane cocktails, live music, and ‘that’ baby grand piano are on point. Joey Lamattina, you’ve done it again #props.
Where: 46 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Little Vine Room
Vine means wine which means LET’S GO! An intimate space decked out in delicious deep green and apricot hues, we are fangirling hard for this place. Work your way through the beverage list curated by esteemed cocktail kween and local icon Breeana Erica, and enjoy gourmet Toasties, Jaffles, Cheese and Charcuterie Plates. Perfect for a girly catch up, drinks with your other half, or a private function to remember.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Fu Manchu Oriental Bar (image supplied)
Fu Manchu Oriental Bar (image supplied)

Fu Manchu Oriental Kitchen
Think oriental opulence meets British colonial plantation vibes…with a ten outta ten sips and eats experience. Recently undergoing a reno to inject more femininity and warmth, the new black London shopfront welcomes you into the cosy Fu Bar. Upstairs you’ll find a breathtaking a la carte dining area, an intimate private dining space, and a functions area. With chandeliers, a tropical jungle-esk wall mural, leafy ceilings, and exotic wallpapers, it’s Chevron’s best kept secret.
Where: 2/44 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island

Metabar
Oozing sophisticated cool with its New York basement feels, ‘it girl’ curves, and luxer than luxe accents, Metabar is an eats, drinks and events spot like no other. There’s indoor and outdoor dining for tapas share plates and pizza, an exclusive private mezzanine space, and luxury booth dining. The beverages are off the charts, plus there’s an area dedicated purely to live music, the secret sauce positioning Metabar as one of our region’s fiercest venues.
Where: 64 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Cloud Miner & Moon Shot, Metabar Coolangatta (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Cloud Miner & Moon Shot, Metabar Coolangatta (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

DISTILLERIES

White Oat Distillery
Helping reinvent the once sleepier end of the Coast is Biggera Waters’ White Oat Distillery. Pumping out top-notch gins like a boss, the ‘Covid baby’ of three GC mates has quickly become a destination in itself. With award-winning distiller Tudor Duxbury’s fresh take on classic tastes, an on-fleek fit-out, and ‘wise but cool with a hint of old school’ vibe, it’s a must-visit.
Where: 13-14, 211 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters

White Oat Distillery, Interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
White Oat Distillery, Interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Cauldron Distillery
This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim, featuring an established vineyard, lush rolling green meadows and a Prohibition style gin and cocktail bar. Earning a nod in Lonely Planet’s top ten destinations to visit in 2022, you won’t just fine amazing gins and Queensland inspired craft bevvies, but also mouth-watering Modern Australian tapas with native ingredients. Or keep it simple with a BYO picnic rug amongst the vineyards and complimentary lawn games.
Where: Cauldron Distillery, 89 Cauldron Estate, 123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain

Winchester Distillery
Available for functions only and the ultimate IYKYK, this speakeasy distillery tucked away in the burbs nails the intimate, moody, industrial vibe. Accommodating up to 120 bods, if offers exclusive access to phenomenal small batch artisanal liquors and liqueurs. Producing spirits by hand (even the ethyl alcohol, flavours, colours and most of their tinctures), you won’t find their booze anywhere else. Trust you gintuition and check it out.
Where: 38 Kendor Street, Arundel

Burleigh Barrels Brewery, interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Burleigh Barrels Brewery, interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Burleigh Barrels
Made for and by the locals in the heart of Burleigh, this 2022 newcomer achieved cult status at the speed of light. Just a 10-minute walk from bustling James Street, hook yourself up with crisp lagers, caramel amber ales and ladies, if you’re all about a vino or cocktail (duh), there’s plenty of those. Also a smokehouse (drool), the flavours in their food are ‘pitcher’ perfect.
Where: 3-4/105 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads

Two Mates Taphouse
With a name like Two Mates Taphouse, you just know the place is going to be a big, warm, amber ale-infused hug…and you’d be bang on the money. Brother venue to the Lismore Two Mates Taphouse, it was born from a love of families, mateship, and bringing communities together. The vibe is welcoming, approachable and relaxed, and it even boasts a fully operational kitchen #NoFoodTrucksHere.
Where: 2/235 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes

Two Mates Taphouse, Varsity Lakes (image: ©2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Two Mates Taphouse, Varsity Lakes (image: ©2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Hound & Stag Brewing Co.
The latest in a string of venues fostering the northern GC’s long awaited coming-of-age has just opened across the road from Harbour Town – and it’s a clanger! Hound & Stag Brewing Co is its name and if you’re a fan of the almighty amber ale (or any other boozy beverage), a top-notch feed and a bloody good time, this one’s for you.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel

Hound & Stag Brewing Co, Arundel (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Hound & Stag Brewing Co, Arundel (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Straddie Brewing Co
Just across the water, you’ll find this three-level architecturally designed showstopper. The ground floor welcomes you with double-height glass windows and the awe-inspiring brewery. Up the stairs you’ll find a 90-seat taproom with eye-popping art installations, and the top deck featuring panoramic views of the BrisVegas CBD skyline, the Glasshouse Mountains, and the stunning Redlands Coast #ShowUsYourSunsets. Plus there’s a menu with plenty of fancy local seafood inspired sharesies.
Where: 5 Junner Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)

The Annual 2022 Restaurant Round Up

La Luna Restaurant interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
La Luna Restaurant interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Last week our amazing cafe’s were in the limelight and this week, it’s our ravishing restaurants’ turn to shine shine shine!

Presenting our annual round up of the GC’s nosheries, tried and tested and guaranteed to please tastebuds of any persuasion. Cracking Modern Australian, Asian, European and American fare to name a few, it’s all here and waiting to be savoured all day and twice on Sundays.

On your marks, get set, EAT!

La Luna Restaurant
Oozing endless summer vibes and highbrow flex for days, The Gennari Group have outdone themselves with the luxe fit out, breathtaking Broadwater location, and refined Mediterranean and Asian fusion fare. Directly connected to the Tulum inspired La Luna Beach Club, it’s the place to see and be seen…cocktail in hand.
Where: Marina Mirage, 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

Little Tommy's, Currumbin (image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Little Tommy's, Currumbin (image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Little Tommy’s
Little bro to the ever-popular Tommy’s Italian, this takeaway-geared Italian pizzeria also invites you to sit in and enjoy an oceanside beverage. No need to make a booking, just swing in for hand-picked faves from its older sibling’s menu, plus epic new bites exclusive to this casual cool nook that’s one hot pizza ass!
Where: 140 Duringan Street, Currumbin

Local
Imagine a modern, lush, insta-worthy upmarket pub with a blend of classic and refined lunch and dinner options, late night drinks, and even a breakfast menu #NotYourAveragePub. Nailing contemporary pub-grub and a coastal industrial chic aesthetic, it also houses Burleigh’s only beer garden and a tinnie bar #NuffSaid.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Local, Burleigh (image supplied)
Local, Burleigh (image supplied)

Doko Demo V
Doko Demo is back with totally ‘radishing’ new digs, and a tofu-king good multi-cultural vegan eats menu. The funky fit out, complete with bamboo bar and cool neon signs, makes you feel like you’re in lush Bali, and the toughest decision here is whether to visit for breaky, lunch or dinner #Alloftheabove.
Where: 2/2 Sunlight Dr, Burleigh Waters, Qld, 4220

Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
The 2.0 version of this coastal Mediterranean glamour girl has an on-fleek new fit out, complementing the carefully curated (and ten outta ten) European menu. Championing simple, delicious food and an impressive wine list, make sure you enjoy a pre or post lunch/dinner cocktail at THAT bar #IYKYK.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

T’ang Court
Housed in the bougiest hotel in town, The Langham Gold Coast, of course T’ang Court is timeless and refined perfection. The very first Australian installment of the internationally acclaimed T’ang Court restaurants, it’s Cantonese fine dining at its, well, finest #AllThatAndDimSum.
Where: Level 3, The Langham, Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

T'ang Court, The Langham Gold Coast (image supplied)
T'ang Court, The Langham Gold Coast (image supplied)

Farm & Co
With industry icons at the helm, top tier paddock to plate nosh, and a genuine commitment to sustainability, it’s a Kingscliff treasure. Newly revamped with sweeping views of the Tweed region, the seasonal menu showcases fresh farm produce and sustainable wines, and we award extra points for their composting facilities and recycling program.
Where: 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen

Apex Dining
Residing in the architecturally award-winning Tweed Regional Gallery with views to Wollumbin and Mount Warning, Apex Dining serves up a world class outlook and food to match. Offering a unique combination of rustic French patisserie goodies and modern plates with a very now pan-Asian twist, breakfast, brunch and lunch here are simply tree-mendous.
Where: 2 Mistral Road, South Murwillumbah

Franc Jrs
Bringing back the simplicity, authenticity and good times of the non-pretentious 90’s dining vibe, this old-skhool Manhattan pizzeria is #rad. A reinvention of the inanely popular Francie’s, expect Detroit-style Sicilian pan pizza with epic flavours and crisp factor. Get in our bellies!
Where: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Pizza and margaritas from Franc Jrs. (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Pizza and margaritas from Franc Jrs. (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Burger Lane
With a tagline like “life is too short for bad burgers”, it was always bound to be love at first sight….and bite! No longer just a food truck, the Burger Lane crew have moved into the ex-Cross + Feather site, churning out amazing burgers, hot dogs and all-round American chow sorcery.
Where: 2/2 Grice Avenue, Paradise Point

The Hood 4221
If you’re a sucker for the 80s and 90s (umm, duh), this one is for YOU! An intimate indoor / outdoor venue serving up simple good food, hella good sips, a cracking 80’s/90’s soundtrack, and a pink neon and black infused fit out to make our teenage (and current day) selves swoon, it’s an arvo and evening must-visit.
Where: 10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen
Dripping in coastal-styled furnishings and high quality on-fleek accents, COAST is a spectacular $2.5 million-dollar dazzler with fine Modern Australian shared cuisine and breathtaking uninterrupted ocean views. In addition to the melas – especially those cooked in the Spanish-style Josper oven, COAST’s extensive wine list and 14m marble bar are reshaping the Surfers Paradise foody landscape.
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Interior Seating, COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Interior Seating, COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Oh My Greek Kitchen & Bar
Get ready to ‘Greek’ out at lunch-and-dinner o-clock with traditional yet innovative nosh, with all food – even the sauces – made fresh on site. The cocktails are also a vibe, as is the fit out which screams Greeky goodness with an oh-so-modern on fleek aesthetic.
Where: Homeworld Helensvale, 59/503 Hope Island Road, Helensvale

Georges On Sorrento
Those Covino’s are at it again, this time with Georges On Sorrento, the latest in their long-standing portfolio of Italian Stallion status nosheries. Georges features indoor seating for those who prefer the rustic vibe, and plenty of outdoor seating in a large open courtyard for an unforgettable lunch and dinner. Traditional Italian at its best.
Where: 2/20 Bundall Road, Bundall

Palm Beach Ave
A café by day and restaurant by night, the latest brainchild from The Ridgeway Group is relaxed and unpretentious yet throws Beverly Hills Hotel vibes for dayz. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Modern Australian food is as lust-worthy as the venue’s supermodel good looks.
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Palm Beach Avenue interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Palm Beach Avenue interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Falafel’s Vegetarian Kitchen
Take a deep dive into the mouth-watering, morish world of Middle Eastern cuisine and good mood food at Falafel’s. There is something here for everyone, not just vegetarians, with every single dish nailing the taste test and leaving us wanting more!
Where:  Corner of Lakeview Boulevard and Southport Burleigh Road (near the 7/11 service station on Bermuda Street), Mermaid Waters

KL Dining
Unlike other Malaysian fare on the Coast, KL Dining specialises in truly unique dishes AND pre-order specialties which you won’t find anywhere else around our city. A true food Picasso, owner and head chef Michael Chan prides himself on creating dishes using new, traditional, and unique ingredients.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters

KL Dining, Mermaid Waters (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
KL Dining, Mermaid Waters (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Little Bali Street Food
With bright colours and shiplap cladding and an alfresco dining area complete with a tuk tuk 3-wheel bike cake cart, this place is more Balinese than a Bintang singlet. The menu is filled with eclectic cuisine, just like you would expect to find on the bustling street sides of Bali.
Where: Chevron Renaissance, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

La Calabrese on Ocean
Situated right next to the pristine beach, La Calabrese is all about traditional Italian ingredients with a modern twist. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor dining, a swoon-worthy 90 square metre ocean-view terrace, and special VIP seatings for ‘dem exclusive feels.
Where: Level 1, 84 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

La Calabrese on Ocean, Surfers Paradise (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
La Calabrese on Ocean, Surfers Paradise (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

KIN Pan-Asian Kitchen and Bar
Calling the old Iku digs home, Kin’s epic reno, super cool eclectic vibes, and insanely good menu are #goals. The mixed bag of custom-made furniture, dimly lit booths, funky Japanese laneways, and boho beach vibe are only one-upped by the exceptional north-west Asian share-style nosh.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Dukes Chicken
From chicken to chips, burgers to rolls, and wraps to salads, everything at Dukes is cooked fresh daily. Serving up a cracking roast, fly the coop at lunch time, snack time (or even dinner time Wednesday to Sunday), for one heck of a hen-some feed.
Where: 4/240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes

La Casetta Pizza Bar
Another feather in GC Hospitality Group owners Jack Chaglasian and Mark Geraghty’s cap, you’ll be transported to the heart of Italy where they discovered their love for wood fired pizzas. Using the homely charm of Napoli for style inspo, dine in (it’s BYO – yasss!!) or grab and go, maybe to the beautiful Paradise Point Park over the road.
Where: Shop 9, 2 Grice Street, Paradise Point

Loaded Supreme, La Casetta (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Loaded Supreme, La Casetta (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

The Charcoal Hub
The GC Hospitality Group are at it yet again with authentic Greek goodness in the form of flame-cooked meats prepared with in-house special flavours. Choose from outdoor or indoor bar-style dining, and watch the chefs flex their culinary muscles as they cook, carve and create in the open style grill kitchen.
Where: Shop 10/ 2 Grice Avenue, Paradise Point

Seaside Kitchen & Bar
With lunch and dinner menus focusing on a casual blend of the freshest catches and traditional Thai flavours, it’s a modern fusion Thai sensation. Levelled up by the beachside location and an industrial-meets-rustic-meets-modern fit-out, it’s 2023 meets eye of the Thai-ger authenticity.
Where: 1742 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Suzy BBQ
Burleigh’s Suzy BBQ is equal parts delicious, eclectic and amazing, serving up an unmissable interactive dining experience to remember. With BBQs in the centre of every table, YOU are the one who cooks up your very own Korean feast, with bustling Seoul street vibes.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

BBQ Set, Suzy BBQ (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
BBQ Set, Suzy BBQ (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Pablito’s Mexican Cuisine and Tequilaria
Sanctuary Cove’s quintessential Modern Mexican cantina (with a slight Caribbean influence) is nothing short of spec-taco-ular. Pablito’s serves up a predominantly plant based and gluten free menu in a terracotta and cactus lovers paradise, and don’t even get us started on the 50+ tequilas and mezcals…
Where: Shop 39D Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island

Social Eating House
Recently undergoing a five-star nip ’n’ tuck and a foody fave, the award-winning Social does New York luxe better than New York. Co-owner and Executive Chef, Matthew Jefferson, cooks up share-style Modern Australian and International cuisine to dine for, with an incredible wine and signature cocktail list to boot.
Where: 136-138, 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar kitchen (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Social Eating House + Bar kitchen (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Unicorn Seafood Restaurant
Who doesn’t love an all-day menu – and an extensive, Mediterranean seafood infused one at that! Unicorn Seafood Kingscliff’s GC sibling is fittingly decked out with refreshing blue and white hues and relaxing ocean murals, serving food and cocktails which can only be described as o-fish-ally fin-tastic.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

Fishbowl
With a mission to change the face of fast food, the Sydney born FISHBOWL phenomenon is built around a customisable base and extras and who doesn’t love an element of DIY. To maximise nutrition, the menu is centred on veggies, alongside ethically and sustainably sourced seafood, meat or vegan options made fresh every day.
Where: 2 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Kami
Hatched by the Magnolia Lane boys, Kami serves up the who’s who of South East Asian bites royalty (bao and gyoza et al) for a dinner to remember. With breeze bricks, mosaic tiles, a big bifold window, funky wall art and neon lights, it’s as heavenly as its name (which means ‘God’ BTW). Amen!
Where: Shop 5/1863 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Cha Gio - Fried Rce Paper Rolls, Pork & Wombok Gyoza, Karaage Chicken, Cocktails: White Rhino & Margarita from KAMI (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Cha Gio - Fried Rce Paper Rolls, Pork & Wombok Gyoza, Karaage Chicken, Cocktails: White Rhino & Margarita from KAMI (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Zephyr
This casual yet sophisticated space specialises in Mediterranean inspired food, served with a side of cool elegance, tropical feels, and oodles of REAL foliage! The open-plan layout is welcoming and perfect for people watching, and after dinner transitions into a bustling bar with DJ’s and live tunes.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tweed River House
Perched on banks of the Tweed River with sweeping views of majestic Wollumbin and lush green hinterland ranges, this renovated century-old riverside plantation oozes 1930s style…with a French twist. Relax on the veranda, in the ambient dining room, or in the open air lawn bar and indulge in a delicious French inspired lunch or dinner.
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah

Toro’s Pizza
Palmy locals are tickled pink with Toro Pizza’s intimate Italian eats, and its cool collision of Mediterranean and Moroccan vibes. With an on-trend pinky peaches-and-cream colour palette offset by classic blue Moroccan tiled tabletops, the fit out is as delish as the nosh, and the topping on the pizza? It’s BYO!
Where: Shop 2/7 Eighth Ave, Palm Beach

Siblings Kirra, Coolangatta (image supplied)
Siblings Kirra, Coolangatta (image supplied)

Siblings
Once a humble Pizza Hut, the iconic and heritage listed beachside Kirra Pavilion has been reincarnated! Siblings, founded by local restaurateur royalty Jarrod Kyle and TJ Cianci, is a modern Australian brunch and dinner showstopper, dripping with 1950’s Miami beach vibes goodness.
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra

Joe’s Deli
Influenced by Italian and American street food with a south pacific nod, celebrity chef Patrick Killalea brings us a plethora of locally sourced and imported deli delicacies. Grab and go or soak up the New York vibes, with booth seating and 90s hip hop bangers blaring on the boom box.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

JD Classic Sandwich & Joe's Pills beverage, Joe's Deli (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
JD Classic Sandwich & Joe's Pills beverage, Joe's Deli (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Junior’s Deli
Junior’s Deli gives classic American food the Aussie treatment, with scrumptious made to order sandwiches and the best house made pickles and preserves you’ll find outside of New York City. With a focus on takeaway but offering in-and-out seating, a seasonal menu and weekly specials, you’ll pickle this as your new fave brunch and lunch spot.
Where: 2/51 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba 

Rubi Red
World-renowned chef Michael Lambie has taken over the ex Hellenika and Miss Mee digs, creating  the ultimate it-girl dinner haunt. The exciting and eclectic modern Asian menu features some of Michael’s much-loved dishes, along with Rubi originals created with local and regional produce.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Bird Royale
Slinging bougie charcoal chicken like you’ve never experienced, Dave Galvin and SITE Hospitality’s Bird Royale is #CluckingAwesome. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they even deliver AND offer kerbside collection from 5pm via an open-air chicken shop window.
Where: Brickworks Ferry Road (next to Merlot Coffee), 107 Ferry Road, Southport

Mozza Mozza, Southport (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Mozza Mozza, Southport (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Mozza Mozza
Iconic owner Dave Galvin has brought classic share-style Italian and fun feels to the northside with Mozza Mozza. Perfect for a fam-bam dinner, long lunch or lazy Sunday sesh, expect a little theatre and some 80’s / disco tunes with your meal and beverage of choice.
Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen Avenue & Musgrave Avenue, Southport

Xenia Grill
With more authentic Greek nosh than you can poke a souvlaki stick at, Xenia’s lip-smacking recipes hail from co-owner Dino Georgakopoulos’ family kitchen! In fact, they have created an environment where customers feel like they’re part of ‘the family’ with a plethora of delicious food, laughs and good times to share.
Where: 30 Peak Avenue, Main Beach & 52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta 

Ashmore Tavern, Ashmore (image supplied)
Ashmore Tavern, Ashmore (image supplied)

Ashmore Tav
Local fave for over 40 years, Ashmore Tav has undergone an epic $5 million reno and sports some serious a la mode flex. There are sleek new indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a glossy new gaming room, a large sports bar and adjoining balcony, a gourmet kitchen, and a fresh menu with traditional tav fare plus fresh new eats.
Where: 161 Cotlew Street, Ashmore

Nahm Thai
Located in the newly renovated Paradise Centre, Nahm cooks up traditional Thai and Asian dishes with spectacular flare and finesse. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and boasting a beachfront balcony, some of their dishes even include liquid nitrogen, plus you’ll find bubble smoke on select cocktails!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Miang Kam, Nahm Talay Thai (image supplied)
Miang Kam, Nahm Talay Thai (image supplied)

The Annual 2022 Cafe Round Up

Delothor, Southport (image: ©2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Delothor, Southport (image: ©2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Yep it’s that time again! Each year we like to whip up an annual café round up to make sure you’re au fait with the movers and shakers on the GC café scene.

Now there are almost too many to mention coz LBH, our region is overflowing with caffeine/breaky/brunchy/lunchy goodness these days, but feel free to use this as a fail-safe checklist next time you’re keen to hit up somewhere new and totally nom-worthy #You’reWelcome.

SERVED
SERVED is Australia’s first charity-owned, not-for-profit coffee shop #bravo. Oz’s fastest growing charity Serving Our People launched this new hole-in-the-wall coffee haunt at its Mermaid Beach headquarters, promising a side of feel-good-factor with your caffeine hit or refreshment.
Where: 2582-2584 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (entrance via 4-6 Seaview Avenue)

Good Day Coffee Palm Beach
Younger sibling to Tugun’s ever-popular Good Day Coffee, Palm Beach now has its very own GDC installment taking over the space where Watson Bloom once lived. Serving up coffee, breakky, snacks, brunch and lunch, it has the same ‘friendly place for friendly people’ vibes as its big sis #GoodGenes.
Where: 1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Good Day Coffee, Palm Beach (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Good Day Coffee, Palm Beach (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Corner Coffee
The southern GC’s newest grab-and-go must-try! Unlike many convenient pitstops for your fuel (aka coffee), breaky, lunch on the run, or sweet or savory snack, this one offers healthy, gluten free eats and vegetarian options and legit, where have you been all our process-food-infused lives?
Where: 134 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads

Pasture & Co
Embracing the eco-friendly philosophy with gusto, Pasture & Co (2.0) is a unique family-friendly café ticking all the boxes; d-lish healthy eats, prime location, tranquillity with a vibe, friendly service, and an environmental conscience. Using local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, you’ll find epic vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo fare….and they even cater for omnivores!
Where: 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley

Delothor Patisserie
Pumping out sensational Asian inspired pastries, desserts and drinks, this two-story Southport sweet tooth’s haven is our kinda kryptonite! Founders Alexia Kang and her cousin’s pastry prowess is celebrated far and wide, and their dreamy central Southport space is as delicious as their eats.
Where: 29 Davenport Street, Southport

Tarte Market
The newest Tarte in town, Tarte Market joins Tarte Bakery Café and the Tarte Takeaway window, this time making all things healthy, clean and beach-bod-friendly. With New York and Parisian influences, feast on salads made fresh to order, with the option of including as many house-made ad-ons as your tastebuds desire.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Tarte Market (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Tarte Market (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Herringbone
Perched opposite the Southport Library, you’ll find the irresistible Herringbone. Embracing the ‘simple is best’ premise, this tastefully designed minimalistic café lets its sensational Australian and Italian inspired menu take centre stage #drool.
Where: 27 Garden Street, Southport

Mark Daniel’s Patisserie
If you’re a regular at Robina Town Centre or Runaway Bay Shopping Centre, chances are you’ve popped into Mark Daniel’s Patisserie mid-shop to refuel. With everything baked fresh daily, pair your obligatory coffee with cakes, slices, cupcakes, macaroons, croissants, doughnuts, toasted sangas, bagels and OMG – dessert JARS!
Where: Runaway Bay Shopping Centre, 10/12 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay & Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Tugun Market Co. exterior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Tugun Market Co. exterior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Tugun Market Co.
A destination store for local produce and products, make sure you grab a delish Campos coffee and a bite to eat while you’re there, and let your mini-me’s frolic in the special kids’ area. Changing up the food shopping experience, Tugun Market Co. offers a point of differentiation to the larger supermarkets, delivering a unique and enjoyable food shopping journey.
Where: 499 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun

Rise Bakery
Combining a high-end French bakery with a tres elegant fit out, salon de thés vibes, and a (well-stocked) champagne bar, what’s not to love?! Located at Sanctuary Cove, there’s no better setting for coffee sipping, croissant munching, and people watching.
Where: Shop C/ 4 Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Fruit Tart and Chocolate Eclair, Rise Bakery (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Fruit Tart and Chocolate Eclair, Rise Bakery (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

MC’s Sandwich House
MC’s Sandwich House is the new face on the Burleigh sandwich scene, offering their tantalising take on sangas from around the globe. Made fresh to order and available until sold out, pop in to celebrate quality sandwiches with both classic and outside of the box ingredients.
Where: 83 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads

Gluten Free 4 U
The Broadbeach arm of the popular Gluten Free 4 U franchise has already ‘grained’ a cult following with those who suffer with food allergies and intolerances, thanks to delicious treats, Parisian café vibes and traditional bakery feels – sans the stuff that makes you feel ick. Gorg yourself with 100% gluten and nut free goods, plus a wide range of dairy free, soy free, egg free, yeast free and fructose free products, take-home meals and speciality cakes.
Where: Bel Air On Broadbeach, 2633 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

A selection of pastries with a Pink Latte and Matcha Strawberry Latte, Moli Patisserie & Cafe (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
A selection of pastries with a Pink Latte and Matcha Strawberry Latte, Moli Patisserie & Cafe (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Moli
No ho-hum sausage roll or #basic beverages here! With a minty fresh green aesthetic, Moli Patisserie and Café is Broady’s answer to all your brekkie, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea (more concisely put, everything except dinner) prayers. Feast your eyes on a variety of Asian style cakes made fresh each and every day, levelled up teas, stellar coffees, and refreshing cold press juices.
Where: Moli Patisserie and Café, Shop 8&9, Qube Building, 29 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

Market Organics Wholefood Cafe
Serving up relaxed, nutritious and delicious eats seven days a week, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, smoothie or meal before doing your weekly grocery haul. A one-stop-shop for your wholefood needs, Market Organics boasts an extensive 100% certified organic produce department, bulk food section, variety of refrigerated and dry goods, a Wellness Hub, and a herbal dispensary.
Where: 201 Ferry Road, Southport

Butlers Tea Room & Noshery interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Butlers Tea Room & Noshery interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Butler’s Tea Room + Noshery
Serving up delicious contemporary cuisine and the most exquisite teas and liquid treats you ever did see (or taste), the eclectic Butlers Tea Room + Noshery has our hearts a-flutter! It’s a secret find in the European countryside (well it’s in Burleigh…but you’d swear otherwise), and stop the press; they serve….wait for it….spiked teas #ThereIsAGod.
Where: 12/197-207 Reedy Creek Rd, Burleigh Heads

Bowl & Blend
Poke enthusiasts, juice junkies and Acai fans listen up! Slinging healthy Hawaiian eats and sips like a boss, Bowl & Blend is the home of high quality, organic, ethically sourced and reasonably priced fare, made with hand-picked local ingredients.
Where: 64 Griffin Street, Coolangatta

Owner Kim Udomdj in front of the Menu board, Bowl & Blend (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Owner Kim Udomdj in front of the Menu board, Bowl & Blend (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Grazeway
An on-trend, buzzing, indoor/outdoor café with a show-stopping upscale, casual dining menu, this one’s a winner! Add the fact that they create edible art with their instagrammable grazing tables, boards and platters, Grazeway is eating and entertaining #goals.
Where: Shop 1/1 Tibbing St, Nerang

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Tutti Frutti Acai Bowl, Pulled Pork & House Hash Brown, Kids Watermelon Wonder Smoothie, Iced Coffee, Le Petit Grazing Box, Green Gringo Smoothie and Open Truffled Omlette, Grazeway (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Tutti Frutti Acai Bowl, Pulled Pork & House Hash Brown, Kids Watermelon Wonder Smoothie, Iced Coffee, Le Petit Grazing Box, Green Gringo Smoothie and Open Truffled Omlette, Grazeway (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

We’re ferry impressed with this Straddie brewery!

Straddie Brewing Co. beers (image supplied)
Straddie Brewing Co. beers (image supplied)

If there’s one thing we can’t get enough of – besides shirt’n’short sets and binging Wednesday on Netflix – it’s breweries. We’d happily spend our days bouncing from one to the next and it would be more of a wobbly stagger than a bounce, but our point remains. Well, this particular brewery involves a ferry and shut up, it must be somewhere #HighKeyGoals if a boat ride is involved (it is).

Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)

After a 12-month build and much anticipation from #e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e, Straddie Brewing Co opened its doors to their Island Brewery at Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island. Two months young, this architecturally designed showstopper is collecting fans as quickly as we collected Jonathon Taylor Thomas posters in the mid-90s.

Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)

Located mere minutes from the Sealink Ferry Terminal, let’s take a moment to applaud founders Kylie Taylor, Troy Beaven and Andrew Sydes. The ground floor of the three-level brewery welcomes you with double-height glass windows revealing stainless steel fermentation tanks, and a 10hl brewhouse. Get your steps up and venture to the 90-seat taproom on the first floor, which also houses eye-popping art installations like the 3.6 metre wall mural by Queensland artist Jarad Danby #artyfarty.

Mural by Queensland artist Jarad Danby, Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
Mural by Queensland artist Jarad Danby, Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)

The working brewery feel certainly aren’t compromised, as you look down into the brewhouse and speaking of looking down, a visit to the top floor is a highlight. We’re talking a deck situation friends, seating another hunji or so bods with panoramic views of the BrisVegas CBD skyline, the Glasshouse Mountains, and the stunning Redlands Coast. The sunsets here are simply beyond, and we love nothing more than an amber sundowner with our amber sundowner.

Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)

Speaking of the top floor and epic views, it also boasts an exclusive ‘Brewery Caretakers Unit’ which can be booked by the night on AirBnB! Taking into consideration the obvious (a brewery downstairs) and the breathtaking outlook to Moreton Bay and Russell Island, this place is as sought after as the Kmart air fryer.

Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)

Now let’s unpack the most important information: the frosty Bronsons. The brewery’s two bars both have 12 taps pouring the six core ranges of Straddie beers:  Point Lookout Lager, Amity Pale Ale, Myora Springs Gose, Manta Dark Lager, Jumpinpin IPA, and Mid Track Session Ale with taproom only ‘Sandpit Series’ beers constantly rotating. Now pouring Sandpit Series #1 – Rock Stout and Sandpit Series #2 – Super Pale, plus a couple of craft beer guest taps, the sand-filtered water that flows from Straddie’s aquifer is perfect for brewing and is an important part of the soul of Straddie beer. Non-beer drinkers don’t fret, coz there are hand-picked artisanal spirits, non-alcoholic spirits, and a stellar wine list, ensuring no-one exits without adequate hydration.

Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)

We all like a snack…or feast…with our refreshments and thanks to Chef Casey Burke, there’s both in abundance. The mostly sharing-style menu includes plenty of Straddie’s iconic seafood eats like Market Fish Ceviche with fennel and caper remoulade, and Handmade Fettuccine a la Marinara with pipis, black mussels, prawns, capers chilli and garlic. Perhaps a chow down of Beef Tataki with barrel aged Tamari and house made ponzu is more up your alley, or Smoked Kangaroo loin with chilli Quandong jus. Or, get stuck into the ultimate beer partner fare; one of the drool-worthy neo-Neapolitan style hand-stretched pizzas.

Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)

So join us and say G’day (and cheers…on repeat) to the brews, fresh food, brewery tours, and mint ocean views at the island home of Straddie Brewing Co.

Where: 5 Junner Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island
When: Taproom: 11am – 9pm Monday, 4pm – 9pm Thursday, 11am – late Friday to Sunday. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Kitchen: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 8:30pm Monday & Thursday to Sunday. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
Straddie Brewing Co., North Stradbroke Island (image supplied)
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