Hello it’s 2020 in case you missed that. In celebration let’s discuss everything that opened on the Coast in 2019 (but in two parts, because long).

Here are all the restaurants and bars and what a year it was for exceptional newbies. Enjoy. 

St Helens bar + kitchen
Kirra became home to a modern, laidback venue boasting share-style eats, hand-crafted cocktails and glimpses of the ocean. Perfect for a laidback feast after a day in the sun.
Where: Shop 2, 78 Musgrave St, Kirra

Finn McCools
A good time Irish bar opened in Surfers Paradise bringing loads of fun, the coldest of beers and eats that go with both of those things perfectly. The perfect addition to the Surfers dining/drinking scene.
Where: 39 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Rosella’s Bar
Burleigh scored a sweet new Australiana bar by the name of Rosella’s that quickly became a firm favourite amongst locals. It’s all-Aussie everything from eats to cocktails, wines and beers and we’re big fans.
Where: 6/1734 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Goto Restaurant
A Japanese venue opened up in Southport bringing one of the coolest fitouts around plus of course, a menu filled with mouthwatering goodies including a signature dish of Champon Noodles (a healthier version) of ramen. Yum.
Where: Southport Central, 9 Lawson Street

Harry’s Sports Bar
Everybody’s fave Burleigh Heads steak restaurant Harry’s divided their space into two and opened a sports bar filled with epic memorabilia, tons of frosty beers and some of the tastiest eats there are. Best.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Grand Dynasty
The Oasis Broadbeach got an authentic new Chinese restaurant with some of the best dishes we’ve sampled in early 2019 and you should get in there to sample it ASAP.
Where: Broadbeach Mall, The Oasis Shopping Centre, Surf Pde, Broadbeach

La Diosa Mexicana
We love Mexi-foods. Especially traditionally prepared, flavour-filled ones paired with a specialty bar menu featuring all of the margaritas. Go try it out for yourselves. It’ll knock your little sombreros off.
Where: Shop 11, Circle on Cavill, 3184 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Black Hops II
The legends at Black Hops opened their second venue up Biggera Waters way and it’s very spacious and very well fitout and there are many an exceptional beer on tap for your sipping pleasure. Food trucks too, fun.
Where: 14 / 665 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters

Cross + Feather
The northern Gold Coast got a five-star venue in the form of Cross + Feather. Hailing from the UK, the owners are serving up exceptional eats and a cocktail list to match. Do yourself a favour.
Where: 2/2 Grice Ave, Paradise Point

Eddy + Wolff
An intimate little space opened in Robina, hidden away and serving up some of the best eats and drinks the Coast has to offer. By the people who created Can Tho Kitchen up north, it’s an absolute must-visit.
Where: 12-217/219 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Hyde Paradiso
Overlooking the ocean in Surfers Paradise is chic new bar and restaurant Hyde Paradiso who have created much-loved venues all over the world. It’s one of the most Insta-worthy interiors around and the menu is very good also.
Where: Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise, Level 2, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Little Itoshin
The team behind beloved Gold Coast institution Itoshin opened a second venue in Miami, aptly named Little Itoshin and serving up the same high standard of eats in an intimate little space. We love.
Where: Shop 6/110 Mountain View Ave, Miami

Stoked Wood Fire Pizza
The crew behind Nook brought us Stoked and we were pretty happy about it. They’re got many an exceptional flavour on offer and they obvs deliver so you don’t need to do anything except enjoy.
Where: Stockland Burleigh Heads, West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads

Cychos Buffalo Wings
Fried chicken. What a tasty treat. Which is why it’s a really good thing that Cychos Buffalo Wings opened in Southport bringing us exactly that. On burgers, solo, in all the best ways.
Where: 6 Young Street, Southport

Madam Fu
Sister venue to long-established Gold Coast eatery FuManchu, this newbie is brought modern Asian dishes to Isle of Capri with a side of water views. The menu is packed with modern flavours combining Asian and European influences.
Where: Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri

Moana Restaurant and Bar
It’s a seafood extravaganza at another Isle of Capri newbie, Moana Restaurant and Bar and you’re going to want to sample this tasty spot. On the menu are all of the locally sourced seafood dishes and all at very affordable prices.
Where: Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri

Oi Izakaya
Love you Japanese eats. Especially if you’re of the authentic, extremely delicious variety and tucked away in a little back alley at Burleigh Heads. Oi Izakaya is bringing all of those things and more and we’re here for it. Try it ASAP.
Where: Shop 4-6, 30 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Nahm Kitchen & Bar
Some of the best Thai food on the Gold Coast can be found at newbie Nahm Kitchen & Bar on the mall at The Oasis Shopping Centre Broadbeach. The dishes are made up of all the flavours you know and love but with a modern twist that will see you devouring every single one.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

Belvedere Stonemill
How good is Italian food. Especially when it’s pasta in a wheel of cheese, topped with more cheese. Yep, Mushroom Gnocchi in a baby wheel of Pecorino cheese is a thing at Belvedere Stonemill in Burleigh. Get it.
Where: 1638 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Project Tokyo
Mermaid Waters scored big time with Project Tokyo who are serving up share-style Japanese dishes that are both delicious and pretty and we predict you’re going to want to sample every single thing. Very good this one.
Where: 90 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters

Brucie’s
A new gin and wine bar opened in Broadbeach bringing local sips and charcuterie boards to us lucky locals. Everything is sourced locally and everything is very, very delicious. Perfect for after work tipples.
Where: Shop 5/24 Queensland Ave, Broadbeach

Pepé Italia Deli
The Palmy newbie opened to absolutely rave reviews bringing a more casual style of Italian eats to their Burleigh venue and we dig it. There’s also takeaway meats and cheeses and meals like lasagnas and pastas that you can simply just heat up and claim you made yourself. Excellent.
Where: Pavilions Palm Beach, 10 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach

Caracara
Tugun was lucky enough to nab themselves a top notch Mexican eatery and tequila bar by the folks at Lockwood Bar in Burleigh. The eats are all absolutely taste sensations and there’s a delightful array of margaritas and mezcals to wash it all down. Don’t miss out on this one.
Where: 455 Golden Four Drive, Tugun 

Raw + Rice
A sleek, new poke bowl spot opened up in Coolangatta bringing fresh, healthy eats to the people. It’s the work of a couple of Sunshine Coast lads to whom we are very grateful. Choose your own adventure or opt for an already curated bowl. It’s all good.
Where: 2/110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
The beloved Gold Coast institution got quite the makeover in 2019 including a giant games section, retractable roof, new menu and a whole new good time vibe. It’s now a pretty new drinking hole right in the heart of Surfers.
Where: Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Fat Freddy’s
A fun new sports bar opened in Broadbeach complete with nine big old screens behind the bar alone plus an EPIC menu, boozy milkshakes and some hilarious artworks. So all the best things. They hit a home run with this one guys.
Where: 2663 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (entry via Surf Pde)

The Bavarian
Beers and schnitzels is quite the combination and one we’ve all been fans of for quite some time thanks to an array of German venues across the Coast. The latest of which opened in Robina complete with a big old outdoor eating area. It’s the goods.
Where: The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Love Italy
Fast, fresh Italian food is the name of the game at Surfers Paradise’ Love Italy. There’s plenty of fab pizzas and share-syle dishes to indulge in plus a range of Italian cocktails to wash it all down. Yummy.
Where: 8 Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise

Miss Moneypenny’s
The long-awaited Noosa favourite moved into Broadbeach and everybody was very happy about it. The stunning venue boasts fine dining without the fuss and the menu is made up of all the very best options from bar bites to pizzas, entrees, mains, sides and desserts. Exceptional cocktails too.
Where: 50 Surf Pde, Broadbeach

Margarita Cartel
Mexi-goodness moved into Burleigh Heads in late September bringing a bit of a unique spin to everyone’s favourite cuisine. Margarita Cartel offers many a margarita as well as $12 Espresso Martinis and a menu absolutely packed with delicious eats.
Where: 2/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Meat & Co
If you are a lover of mouthwatering, cooked-to-perfection meat feasts complete with authentic house-made sauces, you’re in luck. Meat & Co opened in Broadbeach and you can find those things and many more.
Where: 4/90 Surf Pde, Broadbeach

Surfers Paradise Beach Bar
With it’s lovely views of the sparkly ocean, an excellent array of all your favourite cocktails and tasty eats from sister-biz Surfers Paradise Beach Café, the new beach bar was exactly what we needed.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Surfers Paradise

Nobby’s Rock
A low-lit bar opened in Nobby’s bringing a whole new vibe to the suburb along with an array of guzzle-worthy cocktails and a menu perfectly matched. It’s all localled sourced and organic where possible and that’s just fine by us.
Where: 2243 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach 

Gallura Italian
Exceptional Italian fare was bestowed upon Tweed Heads last month in the form of Gallura Italian and aren’t they the lucky ones. Offering Sardinian, coastal-inspired eats with a focus on fresh seafood it’s some of the absolute finest Italian food ever.
Where: 1/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads 

Fig + Frankies
Fig + Frankie’s opened down a little side alley in Broadbeach bringing share-style eats and a tasty slew of cocktails within a chic, intimate little setting. The cocktails are numbered rather than named and they’re all worthy of your love and adoration. Where: 2707 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria
The man himself gifted us with an exciting newbie last month and Pacific Fair were the ones lucky enough to score it. The menu is packed with authentic pizzas and pastas and it’s perfect for after a spot of shopping.
Where: Pacific Fair, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach 

Mr.
Simple by name, decadent by nature is the idea behind Nobby’s newbie Mr. It’s the work of the team behind Forreal Kitchen and Nobby’s Arc’s recent revamp so you know the menu (and the cocktails) are five-star.
Where: 28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach

i like ramen
Bringing their signature ramen, panko mushrooms (love you) and a whole lot of epic cocktails, the boys moved back home to Nobby Beach and they’ve been overrun by lovers of their magical goodies every since.
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Loki
Taking up space where Hellenika once lived, the Meditteranean-inspired space is serving up delicious eats and of course, an array of epic cocktails that are some of the very best around. Perfect summer vibes here.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Goukai Ramen
Burleigh Heads became home to an authentic ramen bar who are serving up a few varieties of delicious broth as well as Japanese beverages and tasty sides too.
Where: 3/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Light Years Asian Bar and Diner
The Byron Bay and Noosa fave finally moved into Burleigh and everybody fell in love with the stunning interior, exceptional eats and creative cocktails. It’s perfectly at home here and we are absolutely stoked.
Where: 1848 Lower Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Moxy’s Rooftop Bar
A sweet, new rooftop bar, Moxy’s, opened in Cooly with 180 degree ocean views and plenty of good vibes. It’s a small bar so you can order food in while sipping on one of the many DELICIOUS cocktails the team have whipped up.
Where: 2/152 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Nightcap
A new dive bar was a fun addition to Nobby Beach. Especially one with live music, late night revelry and everything you’ve come to expect from the people who brought us Nightjar, Soho Place and Hideaway Kitchen and Bar among others. It’s epic.
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Burleigh Bar + Bites
A sophisticated little bar and restaurant opened up on James Street bringing tasty cocktails and share plates to the people. It’s an intimate vibe perfect for lunching with the ladies or date night of course.
Where: 12 James Street, Burleigh Heads

The Sporting Globe
Robina Town Centre scored an impressive new sports-themed venue in the form of The Sporting Globe in late December. With 50 high definition screens, you absolutely won’t miss a second of the live sporting action.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Bay Pho
A Byron Bay favourite opened in Tweed Heads and their ramen is as authentic and tasty as it comes. If you’ve visited the southern version, you’d know they offer many options of the traditional noodle soup including beef and brisket, chicken, tofu, and the Bay Pho special noodle soup – all of which are also on offer at our very own Tweed Heads space.
Where: Tweed City Shopping Centre, Minjungbal Dr, Tweed Heads South

That’s a lot, thanks for sticking with us. Stay tuned for the café version. Resting now, bye.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Imagine how proud your grandma would be if you opened a café, so proud right? Now imagine how proud she’d be if you opened a café, named it after her and sold jams and pickles made from her original recipes to the people of the Gold Coast. Next-level.

Now most of us will probably never manage to make our grandmas that proud but there are a couple of local lads who will (and no doubt have already). Those two are Matt Schnitzerling and Nate Bultitude – owners of Banora Point’s sweet new eatery Dulcie & Edna.

Imagine how proud your grandma would be if you opened a café, so proud right? Now imagine how proud she’d be if you opened a café, named it after her and sold jams and pickles made from her original recipes to the people of the Gold Coast. Next-level.

Now most of us will probably never manage to make our grandmas that proud but there are a couple of local lads who will (and no doubt have already). Those two are Matt Schnitzerling and Nate Bultitude – owners of Banora Point’s sweet new eatery Dulcie & Edna.

Now the menu is filled with delicious things too, served up by two Chefs who have quite the impressive rap sheets. Josh Garard was the senior chef at Far North Queensland’s Nunu; a hatted restaurant we have long wanted to visit and Cam Perrins (who is quite the baking extraordinaire) hails from the impressive likes of Botanica and Pearl Cafe.

Everything on the menu is made from scratch and each one is fresh and beautiful and we want to go there every day.

There’s a Broccoli and Potato Hash with zucchini, green sauce and poached eggs. YUM. The Chickpea, Beetroot and Miso burger (what) is the absolute goods as is the Crumbed Fish Sandwich, The Three Egg Omlette with ocean trout and the Pumpkin and Chickpea Falafel Bowl. All the things honestly.

To drink there’s coffee obviously – from Parallel Roasters in Brisbane – plus cold pressed juice from Hrvest, Kombucha, smoothies and MILKSHAKES. How good are milkshakes.

There’s also bread and croissants from beloved Burleigh Baker so you can take stuff home also.

It’s pretty much a dream come true this one guys.

Soon the crew will be selling said jams, relishes and pickles from said grandma recipes along with somebody’s famous cheese sticks, which is probably the greatest thing we’ve ever heard.

Get up there guys, it’s a goodie on all fronts.

LOCATION: 11/21-25 Amaroo Drive, Banora Point
HOURS: Monday to Friday 6.30am until 3pm, Saturday 6.30am until 2pm and Sunday 7am until 2pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Happy days Helensvale, your quality coffee and epic ears prayers have been answered in the form of a brand new brunch spot, Bear Boy Espresso.

Having only opened their doors in the last week, the new space on Hope Island Road (just off the motorway) has already become a firm favourite amongst locals and if you’re not a northern dweller, we suggest scheduling in a little trip ASAP.

Bear Boy, named for owners Brodie and Andy Howard’s love of the name Bjorn (meaning bear in Scandinavian), can be found on a corner block and it’s open and spacious with high ceilings and both indoor and outdoor seating.

A peachy terracotta bench inspired by travels through India is the centerpiece of the newbie with greenery dripping from the ceilings and a neon bear face on the back wall bringing it all together. We love.

The menu is filled with the breakfast and lunch staples you know and love but all with a little bit of extra goodness and some boasting a little Asian twist.

Come 2020 (so like, tomorrow), the menu will be changed seasonally so you can probably manage to try something different every time you go.

For now there are tasty treats like Mango Bao made up of a cinnamon spiced, fried bao with fresh mango, compote and coconut ice cream. So good.

There’s also the Big Bear Benny with a crispy potato waffle – made in-house, two poachies, housemade hollandaise, wilted spinach and your choice of bacon, garlic and thyme mushrooms or Tasmanian smoked salmon. Also very tasty.

For lunch, the Skinny Bear Salad Bowl was quite special with a house falafel, quinoa, kale, pickled red cabbage, radish, avocado, sweet potato, ginger puree, edamame beans and drizzled with sesame oil. LOVED this.

There are also lunchtime burgers and a chorizo linguine that sounds like absolute heaven on a fork.

Coffee-wise the crew are using Single O out of Surry Hills for two reasons; the first being, it’s excellent and the second being the brands’ ethical practice when it comes to paying farmers properly and ensuring dollars go back into the farms to continue the quality of bean growth. Great.

Bear Boy’s house roast is called Killer Bee but they’ll also be featuring micro roasters throughout the year and will focus on educating folks on specialty coffee including hosting cupping events.

All in all it’s a beautiful space with both quality food and coffee and will no doubt lead the charge in the northern Gold Coast’s growing foodie scene.

Get up there and show them some love.

LOCATION: Shop 66, 502 Hope Island Rd, Helensvale
HOURS: 6am until 4pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith