A new era of dining and divine vibes at Nobby Beach.
A new era of dining and divine vibes at Nobby Beach.
Get ready, Gold Coast, because JuJu is bringing a whole new level of fun and flavour to Nobby Beach. If you’re a fan of good food, great vibes, and even better after-parties, then this new split-level venue is going to be your next obsession. With its upscale dining meets European-inspired after-hours party scene, JuJu is here to deliver high-end “mischief” with a hearty side of sophistication.
Taking over the beloved space that was once Hellenika, JuJu is the brainchild of the geniuses behind some seriously cool Brisbane venues, Trent Redman and Cody Beck. According to Trent, JuJu is all about keeping the night alive, even after the bill hits the table and sir, we concur!
Downstairs, the decor features playful touches of local art and glorious greenery, giving the place a warm and inviting vibe that says, “stay a little longer.” The lush and leafy surrounds, where earthy vibes and chic sophistication collide, are truly awe-inspiring. Think expansive trees (giving off some serious zen garden energy), and luscious greenery galore. The seating options are as diverse as the dishes; from stylish communal tables to intimate nooks for romantic post feed beverages, there’s a spot for everyone.
Or slide into an oh-so-now striped booth – perfect for those long, lazy lunches. With soft neutrals, warm wood tones, and pops of greenery, it strikes the perfect balance between laid-back vibes and high-end style.
Upstairs, the entire space is as easy on the eyes as the cocktails are on the palate. The expansive windows paired with a chic colour palette of soft pastels and earthy tones are nothing short of perfection. The ceiling drips with greenery, creating a canopy of cascading vines and let’s not forget the bar. She’s a showstopper, combining terracotta hues and ever on-trend marble.
Okay, let’s eat! Why not start with a Duck Rilette with orange marmalade and a warm baguette or perhaps a sharesies dish of Spanner crab with broken rice, turnips and sabayon might float your boat. As for mains, the Pollo Ballotina; chicken ballotine wrapped in prosciutto, dried nuts and fruits, parsley and truffle supreme is a sure thing. Or – and we can highly recommend – the chef’s selection Tommy’s TomaHawk with 1kg wagyu tomahawk and jus and yes, this dish is named after the one and only Tom Tate!
Still hungry? We won’t judge especially when there’s Bezier Curveon on offer. Think chocolate mousse, whipped chocolate ganache, chocolate sable…and we’ve possibly had a choc-induced heart attack but legit #worthit.
Not ready to leave? Us either and the real party starts when you head upstairs. Follow the dual staircases to the rooftop bar and prepare yourself for a cocktail-fuelled fancy fiesta, complete with tequila carts, a retractable roof, and DJ-saxophonist combos that’ll have you feeling like you’ve just landed in Mykonos.
As Cody puts it, JuJu isn’t just another restaurant – it’s a vibe.
“Upstairs, after 9pm, you’d be forgiven if you thought you’re in Mykonos or Mexico.” Hola and yεια all at once.
So, if you’re looking for a spot that ticks all the boxes – mouth-watering food, chic vibes, and a little cheeky late-night fun, JuJu is where it’s at. Whether you’re winding down your workweek with an epic dinner or ramping things up with rooftop cocktails and live beats, JuJu has a little something for everyone.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 12am, Sunday 11am – 12am
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Mathilde Bouby
Get ready foodie friends because the culinary scene on the Coast has a sizzling new addition. The eagerly awaited Lars Bar & Grill is ready to fire up its woodfired wizardry and pop open the bubbly on Thursday 8th August.
Nestled in the heart of oh-so-trendy lifestyle hub, The Oxley 1823, Lars Bar & Grill brings a whole new level of deliciousness to the Nobby’s/Mermaid Beach ‘hood. Mark our words; if your taste buds had a bucket list, this place would be at the very top!
Helmed by Lars Kollrepp, son of Oskars on Burleigh founder and Gold Coast hospitality legend Marty Kollrepp, this joint is basically a Michelin Star in the making. With over two decades of experience and a resume that reads like a who’s who of top-notch dining (think Executive Chef of all Simon Gloftis’ Brisbane restaurants, including Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster, Sunshine and Sushi Room), it’s safe to say Lars would bring home the gold if cheffing was an Olympic sport.
“I had the dream of opening my own restaurant for a very long time,” he says. “I jumped at the chance when it came. I have a deep appreciation for fine dining cuisine, gained through my many years in the industry; however, being a Gold Coast boy, I love the laid-back lifestyle it brings.”
“My aim for Lars Bar & Grill is a restaurant where simplicity meets modern flavours, and quality dining and impeccable dishes meet a relaxed and welcoming vibe and where people can truly unwind and enjoy themselves.”
And unwind you shall. The menu is a mouthwatering mix of woodfired steaks and the freshest local seafood, promising a taste of Queensland like never before. Sink your teeth into starter and entrée style dishes like Caviar Tarts, Baked Scallops with garlic chive butter, and the decadent Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli with sage brown butter and Pinenuts.
For mains, it’s a steak lover’s paradise with ten different cuts to choose from. Each bite celebrates the region’s coastal bounty and locally sourced stockyard beef, ensuring every steak is a cut above the rest.
Perhaps a melt-in-your-mouth Pork Tomahawk with burnt onion mustard and jus gras gets you going? Or for seafood swooners, the Grilled Coral Trout with smoked tomato and capsicum is sure to float your boat.
Lars Bar & Grill isn’t just about the food though. The vibe is as important as the vittles, with a dining room seating 80 and an outdoor area for 30 more, perfect for soaking up that sweet Gold Coast sunshine. For extra special occasions, there’s a private dining room offering an exclusive space for up to 10 guests, made to order for celebrations, business meetings, or just because you deserve a little exclusivity.
With its blend of fine dining and a laid-back coastal vibe, Lars Bar & Grill is set to become the new go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. The grill is always hot, the vibes are always cool, and the food is nothing short of extraordinary so book yourselves in stat to experience this delicious new chapter in the Gold Coast’s ever-evolving culinary story.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: 5.30pm till late, Wednesday to Sunday
There’s a new kid on the block in Nobby’s and it’s quite literally all we’ve been hearing about. The doors to one of the most talked about new precincts – The Oxley 1823 – are open.
Nobby’s has long been a hive of activity for the Coast, whether you’re looking for somewhere to get your morning caffeine fix (aren’t we all) or a margarita (actually, make that 10) it’s one of the best beachside spots around.
Now Nobby’s is bringing back that charm you know and love but with all the good stuff you’ve been missing, like you know a grocer and butcher.
The Calile-esque look is a welcome addition to Nobby’s, it’s giving a resort vibe and we’re absolutely all about feeling like we’re on vacay while doing our weekly grocery shop.
Not only have the team at The Oxley brought us a gorg new hangout spot, they’re also bringing us the legends behind Rick Shores who have announced a whole new concept coming to the precinct mid 2024.
A side-step from the Asian-style menu at the iconic Rick Shores, the new restaurant concept is set to bring a Latin American flavour by their Executive Chef James Brady, who’s been wining and dining at some of the world’s top Mexican and Latin American restaurants all in the name of market research – sounds like a job for us!
The space will spread across two levels with the Latin American restaurant on level one, an open-air rooftop ceviche bar and private dining rooms so there’s literally everything you need for the ultimate long lunch all in one spot.
In stage one of the precinct’s opening, you’ll see some familiar faces, with the brains behind Burleigh institution Seadog bringing a new café to the block. Buoy (pronounced boo-ee) is promising to deliver a pared back menu that is less on frills and big on flavour, think a super considered menu with the classics you know and love as well as fresh feeds with hero quality produce.
But what about the coffee we hear you ask? Think boutique harvested coffee from Colombia poured by expert baristas with unique flavours of milo and caramel – yes, you read that right – because life’s too short for boring coffee.
Also coming back to Nobby’s, is the legendary Gourmet Meats under the guise of the Oxley Village Butcher so you can say hello to premium meats to level up your BBQ game with fresh cuts from the best farms around.
The Oxley Village Grocer is bringing all the fresh produce and groceries you need as well as market flowers for whether you’re looking for ‘just because’ blooms or something that says ‘sorry I didn’t mean to forget your birthday’ – eek.
Last but not least, all that shopping and socialising is thirsty work so the Oxley 1823 Sub Station is your stop for hydration station with juices and milkshakes that will def bring the boys to the yard, or a cheeky scoop of gelato because we’re in for a long hot summer.
We’ve been eagerly awaiting this pretty little newcomer and I think it’s safe to say it’s been worth the wait, so you know where to catch us kicking back for a bite and a beverage this summer.
Where: The Oxley, 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Opening Saturday 2nd December
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
No Gold Coasters, your eyes ‘dough’ not deceive you – at long last, the local legends behind famed pizza joints Franc Jrs and Francie’s are slinging their signature slice from a brand new location in Nobby Beach.
The newest eat-in iteration for the Franc fam – an old school vibing pizzeria – is packed with plenty of soul, promising that same trademark, ‘good, honest Italian food’ fans have long been smitten with.
Fromage fiends can settle in for their Franc fix – with laidback vibes alongside cult fave Classic pizzas, crisp, Detroit style deep-dish pies, and frozen Margi’s.
With a lineage that can be traced back to 1996, the Francie’s origin story is fascinating, rich – and similar to the effects of a few too many frozen Marg’s – a little fuzzy around the edges.
An operation now run by Anthony Pattinson, Claudia Pattinson, James Young and Carlos Lara – the charming, 60pax Coolangatta neighbourhood pizza joint known as Francie’s was born way back in an era when, along with pizza, Anthony counted Baywatch and RnB among his great loves.
The humble spot with a shoebox-vibing kitchen was soon overwhelmed by its own success – by year two they were averaging 150 peckish patrons a night – a number that blew out to 250-300 punters in the years that followed, a frenetic pace that they couldn’t maintain.
Ultimately opting to close the door on Francie’s (cue first crush levels of heartbreak), another opened in the form of Franc Jrs, the compact and casual takeaway style little bro.
When it came to delivering a new and improved restaurant offering, the challenge was retaining the charm, while scaling up and refining the offering to meet demand.
The new venue is a 60 seater with indoor and outdoor tables, opting for counter service to streamline the experience.
Complete with mob movie vibing mood lighting, red leather and wood finishes aplenty, the interior fit out is a throwback to the classic, 1940’s Italian American style restaurant.
The result is a nostalgic feeling Anthony likens to the 90’s rite of passage – hitting up the local salad bar, “like Pizza Hut’s all you can eat, only really, really good”, he adds.
Anthony’s life-long passion for slinging ‘pies’ – is immediately apparent in the drool-worthy menu.
The offering is split into three types – Traditional 13-inch ‘Francies classics’, 16-inch cheese pies and square, Sicilian ‘Detroit style’ pizzas, as well as a full vegan selection to boot.
Now pizza, along with a sneaky pun or three, is certainly something we’re no stranger to – with catchy monikers such as Francie’s Classic, ‘Sage Against the Machine’ made with fresh fior di latte, roasted mushrooms, pancetta, sage & pecorino, only further fuelling our obsession.
Fans of the Franc Jrs Signature – the loaded and crispy edged, Sicilian style slice – can get amongst Tomato, made with roasted cherry tomatoes, confit garlic, whipped lemon ricotta & chilli sauce or the cheese-packed White Stripe, topped with hot honey.
And with the calibre of slice selection the Franc Jrs crew is slinging, we certainly wouldn’t blame anyone struggling to choose.
But if the fan following for these pizza purveyors is anything to go by – satisfaction is a sure thing (and a carb coma).
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
When: 4pm-10pm Wednesday – Saturday
Words by Kellie Leader.
