The GC’s insatiable appetite for alfresco eats destinations is almost as relentless as our thirst for waterfront cocktails, and on the very fortuitous occasions those two interests should overlap is a very merry occasion indeed.

Over the last few years, Southport has been channelling it’s own 90’s rom-com style makeover montage, slowly removing it’s proverbial glasses to reveal – gasp – there’s been some cool main-character energy lurking under the surface all along. And boosting those cool points by about a thousand, is the brand new, euro-summer vibing waterfront Southport Pavilion.

Unlocking the true potential of the ex-De Vito Waterfront possie, the new venue boasts an impressive 300 seats and with it, a whole new era of sunset sips for Southport and surrounds.

While at times the names of some of our local rivers hardly conjure glamorous connotations (honourable mention to the ‘brown snake’) – with the new Pavilion sitting pretty over the Nerang River, it capitalises on a pretty gorg waterfront outlook to the Surfer’s skyline that will have us all spamming the’ gram as the sun sinks low.

While the multi-level venue offers the choice of several enticing areas to cosy up with a cold one, the sprawling sundecks and accompanying cabanas will undoubtedly be some pretty hot real estate as those balmy GC afternoons return.

Channelling those European rooftop vibes, there’s turquoise pops against an abundance of whitewashed timbers, picnic tables, and beach umbrellas just begging to be claimed for the ultimate sun-soaked afternoons.

The menu is a veritable ‘best of’ casual pub-inspired fare and laid-back bites, stacked with share-style eats options best enjoyed over happy hour(s), with Wings, Halloumi fries, Charcuterie, through to luxe Seafood platters all equally as suited to graze the day away.

If you’re in the mood for a little more (or if you just don’t consider yourself much of a sharer – it’s okay, your secret is safe with us) grab yourself a SoPo schnitzel – Crumbed chicken schnitzel, fries & dressed house salad or perhaps the stacked The Pavilion burger – Toasted milk bun, chargrilled wagyu beef burger, aussie jack cheese, iceberg lettuce, fresh tomato, crispy onion rings, house pickles & house-made ‘mac sauce’.

Which, while it all gets a big, delicious tick (and yes we did say tick, there), we’ll be moving right along because is anyone really coming to a venue like this for the food alone?

Certainly not us – we’ve been training our whole adult lives for the swan dive we’re about to take into the cocktail menu.

It’s hard to say if it will be the Smoke & Mirrors – Mezcal, aperol, Pineapple, Chartreuse, Tajin or the SSP- Bombay Sapphire, Choice of Strangelove tonic, Garnish of Choice to earn top spot as our official drink of spring (and every other season, for that matter).

With the warmer months – and resulting lazy afternoons – just around the corner, we’ve no doubt we’re about to see a whole lot more of the signature sunsets and obligatory sundowners at Southport Pavilion.

When: 11am-11pm daily
Where: 2 Barney Street, Southport

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

Ever find yourself in the presence of one of those enigmatic humans, radiating joy and the energy levels of a Labrador? And thought to yourself, what are they on? The answer is (almost always) coffee. An abundance of coffee. Beans on repeat.

And the sentiment rings true for a couple‘a self admitted coffee fanatics that up and opened a brand new coffee spot for the central GC to delight in. If you’re wondering just how many coffee shops does one city really need, we firmly subscribe to the Melbournian philosophy which is, the more the merrier. Literally, bc we can’t espresso just how much merrier we feel after a little cup of liquid sunshine for the soul.

Much like the Weetbix commercials of our youth, when we heard that one half of the dynamic duo behind newcomers Eight Fifty Espresso ‘does’ 6 cups a day, we quickly came to realise that fanatic, may in actual fact not be strong enough of a word.

For new owners Elise & Broden Johnson, they didn’t choose the cafe life, it chose them – after all, self-confessed coffee snob Broden hails from none other than a little town by the name of Melbourne. With a history in and around cafes, the two set to work perfecting their own range of beans a couple of years back while also juggling one of Australia’s fastest growing digital marketing agencies Yakk, and suddenly the whole 6 cups thing is starting to make a whole lot of sense because we’re exhausted just thinking about all that #stiflesyawn.

As you’d imagine their quest to create the ‘best cup of coffee they’d ever tasted’, involved a very rigorous testing and sampling process (where do we apply). Elise & Broden have also begun planting the seed for a brand new charity, TreeLabs (y’know with all that spare time we’re sure) so keep an eyes peeled for your daily cup to become feel good in more ways than one.

And we’re not gonna lie, for a hot second we did think maybe the cafe was a convenient excuse for unlimited sippin’ on the merchandise #qualitycontrol, but upon further investigation we #canconfirm anyone with an impressive range of no less than seven bean blends, who also stands behind the bold claim that their coffee is the GOAT is clearly v passionate about bringing brew-ti-ful coffee to the masses.

Just a lazy block or two (who could say for sure, pls don’t count on us for directions #perpetuallylostaf) back from our fave Broadwater Parklands, Eight Fifty Espresso has been officially waking up Southport one cup at a time since earlier this month. It’s excellent brews for both central GC inhabitants and also, we’re pretty certain the collective productivity of the Coast’s entire CBD just skyrocketed.

Those Melbournian roots have entered the chat, because the slick new laneway-esque vibes of our newest takeaway coffee hookup is a sight for sore eyes. Glowing like a sapphire green gem among an urban sea of concrete, if the decor isn’t already giving us the green light to sidle on up then the big ol’ illuminated word coffee is a literal sign from above for our weary eyes. Nestled right into the Yakk HQ streetfront #convenient, we’re pretty sure this hole-in-the-wall takeaway pit-stop will now be unofficially fuelling all business meetings and leisurely strolls in 4215.

While you’re there, pick yourself up a bag of their signature bean blends for those days where you just cannot summon the motivation to peel yourself out of your PJ’s. Despite having seven signature coffee blends on offer, there’s not a meeeh batch among them. Each blend has been named after breeds of goats #truestory, so surely this must also make it Emma Wiggle’s fave brew too (okay so we may be speculating here). Both a nod their claim as the GOAT of coffee #weseewhatyoudidthere and to the origins of the world’s most beloved beans being discovered by a goat farmer and his wiley flock #TIL.

Now, if anyone needs us, we’ll be sipping a most excellent brew and googling pictures of goats, because *new obsession unlocked* and really, who couldn’t have a bit more cuteness in their lives. And one things is for sure, if it’s bl-eaty good coffee to-go you’re after, Eight Fifty Espresso has goat you covered.

Where: 12 Short Street, Southport
When: Monday – Friday 6.45am – 2.45pm

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.

Who can go past a good lunch deal? Not us. It’s the closest we can get to a mini-vaycay during the work week. Meal prep? Not here. Because nothing says treat yo’ self like ghosting the soggy 3-day old leftovers in the fridge in favour of a feast for one – because who doesn’t want a reason to escape their desk jail for just an hour – or two.

And we don’t know what it is but for some reason a cheap feed just tastes better… Maybe it’s the cost of living talking or maybe, we’re just a sucker for a bargain. Whether you’ve given up the will to meal prep (guilty) or you’re looking for a boozy long lunch to kick the weekend off (Friday counts as the weekend, right?) we’ve discovered that the Gold Coast is not afraid of a sweet deal – thanks a lunch for that!

The thing is, long lunches and us go together like cheese and pizza so we’ve done the hard – and hungry – work to find the most irresistible lunch deals to get you through every single day. We got you!

BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar
If you have already checked out one of the Oracle’s newest kids on the block then let us give you a reason to. Blowfish has launched their new midday dining experience with two delicious courses for $69. Get your pick of an entrée and main, or main and dessert if you’re guilty of being a sweet tooth like us. You’ll find a bunch of Blowfish faves like fresh oysters, Moreton Bay Bug rolls and Whole Black Sole gracing the menu from the sea, and for the land lovers the steak tasting board has your name written all over it.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

El Ranchero
El Ranchero has the perfect offering to ring in the weekend. And yes, lunchtime Friday is the start of the weekend as far as we’re concerned, because all emails received on a Friday afternoon, are absolutely next week’s problem. The aptly named Frothy Friday’s include $5 beers and $1 wings specials from midday, with a DJ spinning tunes from 5pm so you can get that good times rolling. El Ranchero has welcomed brand spanking new truck ‘Let’s Get Toasted’ by experienced local foodie Marc Nickalls. This fun little van is full of delicious one handed bites, perfect for kicking off the weekend.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads

Kin
Spice up the ol’ sushi lunch date with a Pan-Asian moment at Kin, giving you a fresh twist of classic Japanese cuisine. Get the chargrilled salmon, bug bao, salmon sashimi or some other goodies for $25pp, along with a complimentary glass of beer, wine, bubbles or a Grey Goose Spritzer and at this point you’re just losing money not going. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they’ve got happy hour for not just one hour, but five, with specials running from 12-5pm. We’ll cheers to that.
Where: 5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Mozza Mozza
Experts agree the Weekend Bottomless Disco Brunch at Mozza Mozza is one surefire way to bring that weekend vibes (it’s us, we’re the experts). $75 gets you a tasting-style menu with the best Italian bites like Focaccia, Warmed Olives, Arancini Balls, Margherita Pizza and Calamari Fritti, perfectly paired with bottomless Mimosas and Spritz selections. And let the good times really Aperol with a $15pp upgrade to bottomless Boozy Slushies #bottomyesplease.
Where: Cnr Olsen Ave &, Musgrave Ave, Southport

The Island
Okay so the weekend has arrived but the indulgent (read: boozy) long lunches are just getting started. Touted as a long, leisurely lunch for weekends, when it’s time to get your graze and goss on the only way is up – go the Island’s rooftop of course. We have two words for you: cocktail. carafes. For $79 pp you’ll get a decadent share style feed from flatbreads to pork belly bao and fried halloumi, sip back on the 2 hour bottomless cocktail package with fresh flavours in the form of a spritz and of course, wines and beer on tap.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Hail Mary
A list of the GC’s finest midday offerings would not be complete without a taco ‘bout the holy grail lunch deal that awaits at Hail Mary. $19 gets you two tacos + your choice of beer, wine, spirit or soft drink – all for less than a lobster. The $5 upgrade to a classic marg also feels like a no-brainer – albeit sadly there’s no currency slang equivalent for a $24 lunch bargain. If a Sunday session is more your vibe then you’re in luck because Sangria Sunday is serving up jugs of our favourite nectar for just $20. Let’s just say lunch and a cocktail for halfa pineapple is a pretty sweet deal.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads

Osteria Del Mare
Fridays were made for long lunching and avoiding the rest of your work responsibilities and apparently, Osteria Del Mare understood the assignment when they decided to bring out the big guns for a $45 lunch deal. Fill up with two courses of authentic Italian fare (there’s even oysters on the menu) and of course a wine, the hardest decision will be whether to get the Tiramisu or Italian Donuts with Nutella.
Where: 2/1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Maggie Choo
She’s the girl everybody wants to know, bright and cool, serving up tasty eats, some of the most unique cocktails around and, of course, bulk good vibes. Grab the girls and head in on Friday to Sunday from 12pm – 3pm to enjoy the Express Lunch. Just $38pp gets you an XO Prawn Spring Roll, Wonton Soup, Satay Chicken, Vietnamese Salad and Sorbet. Colour us impressed!

If you’re feeling more than a little peckish then Let’s Yum Cha is for you. $65 for an empress feast banquet of seven share plates and a lychee martini!
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

La Calabrese at Ocean
We’re starting to see a theme here – the Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to a bottomless brunch and quite frankly, lucky us. And clearly La Calabrese at Ocean heard that Paradise was calling and they needed a bottomless lunch – stat! With ocean views, a three-course lunch and a two-hour beverage pack from $89pp, it’s officially not just a Surfers Paradise – it’s a foodie’s paradise, too.
Where: 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Zephyr Kitchen & Bar
We want to fly away into this Zephyr – every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, thanks. With a schmick new look, the dreamy pink hues have our name written all over it – bonus points for the top notch people watching while you stuff yourself silly on the delicious eats. From $99 you can get your pick from two set menus with a mix of Mediterranean and Italian inspired dishes, plus two hours of unlimited margaritas because sometimes (always) more is more.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Tavern
They’re one of the best loved pubs on the Gold Coast, so it’s no wonder they know the way to our hearts is through a good feed. To ward off the mid-week scaries Mermaid Tavern have been brewing up a selection of $18 lunch specials that’ll make the week more beerable.  Our pick is the Crispy Skin Salmon Bowl or of course you can’t go past the classic Beer Batter Snapper and Chips combo, it’s o-fish-ially one of the best deals we’ve found.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

TGI Friday
The legends at TGI Fridays are making it feel like Friday every day with lunch specials fit for a king, take your pick from their burger, chicken and salad (if you’re #fitspo) or go all out with a half rack of pork ribs – slow cooked and with your name all over it, we hear. All that eating’s got to be thirsty work, so wash it down with your choice of a soft drink, beer or wine – prices start from $19.90 and walking home with change from a twenty sounds like a money win if you ask us.
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina & Level 1 Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Tropic Vice
There’s something about a rooftop and a bottomless lunch that just makes our heart skip a beat. Luckily for us, Tropic Vice has one of the most epic offers with two hours of Bottomless Bliss dishing up a five-course set menu with their best bites, plus two hours of all-you-can-drink margs, beer and wine for $99 per person. On your marg, get set, go!
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Gold Coast Tavern
Sometimes you just need a cheeky mid-weeky to get you going and no one knows that better than Gold Coast Tavern. Their weekday lunch menu gives your favourite pub feeds their time to shine, with everything from salt and pepper squid to your classic schnitty just $18. Lunch with enough left over to sneak a schooner? You had us at schnitty.
Where: 150 Bundall Rd, Bundall

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski