Permission to eat as much as possible.
Permission to eat as much as possible.
I don’t like banquets – said no one EVER!
Thankfully we are spoiled for choice here on the GC with the best of the best. Whether you’re into modern Australian, Asian fusion, Middle Eastern or European eats, there’s a feast for every belly. So grab your mates, bring your appetite, and get ready to eat your heart out (literally) because life’s better with a banquet.
Let’s dig in!
Mr Hizola’s
Burleigh’s favourite contemporary Chinese joint, Mr Hizola’s, always serves up a cracking good time. With a menu absolutely choccas with choice, the banquet is definitely your best bet here (compulsory for groups of ten or more, and a maximum of 16 people). It’s called The Emperor’s Feast and never has a name been more fitting! For $69pp, choose one lingshi, two small dishes, one dim sum, two mains, one noodles or rice, and one salad or veg. The authentic flavours are *chef’s kiss* and there is buckley’s chance you’re leaving hungry.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Hideaway Kitchen & Bar
One of the most loved venues on the Coast has the perfect option if you want to try a little bit of everything…and then some. Obvs we’re talking about Hideaway and their epic $69pp Street Feast (minimum of two people and required for groups of ten or more). The table will be loaded up with your choice of edamame or lotus roots, three smaller plates, two bigger plates, one rice or noodle dish, and a salad or greens. Trust us, this culinary journey through the backstreets of Asia is a must!
Where: 2567 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Mamasan Kitchen + Bar
Mama has us sorted with two banger banquet menus, Yin and Yang, plating up the perfect blend of traditional and modern cuisine from South East Asia (minimum of two people). For $75pp (plus optional wine pairing for an additional $66pp), the Yin invites us to devour the likes of Panko Fried Squid, Mamasan KFC, and Wagyu Beef Red Curry. Or, for $99pp with optional wine pairing for an extra $75pp, how about some Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Spanner Crab Ravioli Dumplings, and Five Spice Salted Duck? Either way, it’s a solid ten.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Bonita Bonita
Oh Bonita (x 2), you’ve had our heart since day dot – particularly with the Feed My Belly banquet for a purse-proud price of just $45pp! Mandatory for groups of eight or more and also available for smaller groups, get your banquet on with a tasty seven-course selection of the staff’s fave dishes. The menu includes dishes like Bonita’s iconic Grilled Corn with cilantro crema, fresh cheese, and smoky paprika, Spicy Chicken Wings, and a Classico Taco of your choice. Added bonus – you can pop next door to Bon Bon Bar for a pre or post tequila!
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Kiyomi
After its recent glow-up and revamped menu, The Star Gold Coast’s award-winning Japanese restaurant, Kiyomi, is more impressive than ever. Choose from either the $175pp 10-course Omakase menu, indulging on dishes including Red Snapper and Amaebi, Bay Lobster Tempura, and 2GR Full Blood Wagyu 9+ Flank. Or don your fanciest fancy pants and splurge on the Premium Omakase menu for $300pp, including a chef demonstration that must be seen to be believed!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Justin Lane
This eternal crowd fave can do no wrong. The $59pp Feed Me menu is available for a minimum of two and required for nine diners or more. Think the likes of Byron Bay burrata to start, an insanely long list of pitch-perfect pizzas such as the pork belly, garlic, red onion, gorgonzola, buffalo mozzarella, rocket, and pear pizza, and pastas-a-plenty (our vote: gnocchi with lamb ragu, herb, and grana Padano). Extra points awarded for serving up a vegan take on the Feed Me menu which is just as lush.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Billy Chow
At Kirra’s coastal beauty, Billy Chow – sibling of Nobby Beach’s infamous Ally Chow, each meticulously curated dish is an experience to be savoured and shared. With not one but three banquets to choose from including a vegetarian option, this simply means you need to go again and again…and again! Ranging from $59 to $75pp, think Spork Belly Curry with coconut rice and leafy greens, Har Gow Dumplings with Mooloolaba prawns and pork, and Pad See Ew with organic tofu, cheong fun, egg, Chinese broccoli, soy and ginger and more. Get in our bellies!
Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Kirra
Labart
If a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant with contemporary European bistro feels and five-star food is your vibe, you really can’t go past Labart. Sink your choppers into the Shared Menu for $85pp and we dare you to find a more fabulous feed. To give you a snapshot of what to expect, there’s Black Mussels Escabeche, Gnocchi with cuttlefish, garden peas and pancetta, and BBQ Quail with sugarloaf cabbage and charcuterie sauce. Plus, you can watch esteemed chef Alex and his squad in action with the open-plan kitchen and charcoal grill!
Where: 8 West Street, Burleigh Heads
La Bella Cellar
This is a haven for discerning foodies seeking a unique dining experience, complete with dreamy drinks. For $75pp (two of more people), you’ll score five fandangle courses which will have your tastebuds in a chokehold. Drawing inspo from both local and international flavours, La Bella’s amazing chefs create dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delish. The cellar boasts an exquisite selection of wines from around the world, carefully curated to complement the delectable dishes.
Where: 3 Deodar Drive, Burleigh Heads
Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar
A restaurant with Shiraz in the name can only mean great things and for banquet enthusiasts, this is where it’s at. If it’s just you and your +1, then the $79pp Banquet for Two has your names on it. If there are four or more in your group, choose from the Persian Feast Banquet ($79pp), Persian Greens Banquet ($59pp), or for the crem da le crem, the Ultimate Persian Banquet ($99pp). It’s an award-winner for a reason people!
Where: 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
Mecca Bah
With a menu is inspired by local produce, being happy, and the desire to provide guests with a taste of the Middle East and Mediterranean, it’s a hard yes from us. Offering the banquet of your dreams for a minimum of four peeps, nom your way through either the $58pp two course banquet (three mezze to share and one main per person), or the $68 three course banquet (four mezze to share, one main per person, and a dessert platter). Perfection!
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach & 10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a modern Australian cuisine fan, the multi-award flexing Social Eating House + Bar cannot be beat. For $95pp, groups of ten more can partake in banquet bliss, with the likes of King prawns, butter, garlic, cider and herbs, and Lamb shoulder 12hr cooked in yoghurt and cabbage slaw. Or, level up to the $105pp option boasting a divine dessert to finish on an extra sweet note. Complete the experience with their exquisite wine selection, expertly paired by their skilled bartenders.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen
Kirra is keeping up the pace in delivering the (delicious) goods and we can’t get enough of the new food and flavours OR this seriously ‘gramabble new space.
The beachside spot had been a little quiet on the foodie front until now and boy are the newcomers upping the ante. First Kirra Beach Hotel, then Kirra Beach House and now Kirra’s newest flavour of the week – Billy Chow.
The name might have a sense of familiarity and that’s because you’ve no doubt chowed down at Billy Chow’s sister restaurant, Ally Chow – it’s pretty much a Nobby Beach institution and for good reason.
Now, Southern Gold Coasters are getting their own taste of the pan-Asian goodness with Billy Chow officially taking up residence on the Kirra Beachfront – thank you to the food gods.
The brains behind Ally Chow – Trent and Leisha Scarr – have come together to celebrate the birth of Ally’s little brother, Billy Chow and it’s absolutely going to be one of your favourite new arrivals.
The decision to open Billy Chow in Kirra was one of nostalgia for Trent who was a surf grom from way back, spending his summer days surfing the break.
“I just love it. Kirra has a special place in my heart and I’m about sharing the love of what we do with locals and visitors – the ocean views are also a big plus”.
Owner and Executive Chef, Trent, has teamed up with Head Chef Tony Katipa – a celebrated chef with experience working in hatted restaurants across Australia and New Zealand – to bring a new flair and flavour to Billy Chow.
An aesthetic dream with peach hues all round, the light filled space celebrates its ocean frontage with a beautiful bright fit out making it the ultimate spot to settle in for a long lunch that becomes a cheeky evening cocktail – we all know the one.
The all-day dining menu is made for sharing and hero’s the Asian influenced elements you know and love, think handmade bao and dumplings, flavour full sharing dishes and Asian inspired cocktails to pair.
We don’t know a-bao-t you but we couldn’t go past the Tempura Moreton Bay Bug Bao with XO Kewpie, Cauliflower Leaf Kimchi and Dill, it was giving bug roll with a twist and we’re not mad about it.
If you’re a fan of the flavours of Karaage Chicken then the Malaysian Spiced Fried Chicken is a must try – it’s a fresh spin on an old classic and we couldn’t get enough.
We don’t normally like to pick favourite dishes (it’s like picking a favourite child) but the Ocean Trout Crumpets with XO Butter, Puffed Rice and Ice Plant bring big flavour to bite sized, so add it to the list of must-trys.
Also, we don’t want to cause alarm but pretty sure we’ve found the drink of the summer and it’s the Umeshu Bubble Tea and of course the classic Coconut Chill Margarita, because is there anything else to sip on when you’re a stones throw from the beach?
If you’re anything like us and want to sit back while the team feed you oodles of noodles then they’ve got three incredible banquet options so you can try a little bit of everything to get the full experience.
Beach views, bites and booze – the guys at Billy Chow have delivered the goods once again, you’ll want to run not wok to this one.
Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Kirra
When: 7 days for dinner. Lunch Thursday through Sunday
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Images by Pandanus Lane.
Look we’re all partial to a good hat but if you’re a chef, a hat is all that and a bag of chips. Each year, the Australian Good Food Guide awards hats to the crème de la crème in the restaurant world. Although many of our neighbouring states and cities may have once turned their noses up at the GC dining landscape, sir, times are a’changin!
This year, a whopping 21 of our fave local eats destinations scored at least one hat, and we are proud as punch! The AGFG rates each restaurant out of 20. No restaurant has yet achieved the holy grail of a perfect score.
In a twist everyone saw coming, Broadbeach cleaned up with seven venues receiving hats, including Social Eating House and Bar, which scored 14 and once again earned a special mention for its award-winning share plates.
Newcomer kōst Bar + Grill burst onto the dining scene with fanfare in August with its sleek and sexy venue and equally enticing menu, so it’s no surprise they have earned a mention (12).
Of course, a couple of The Star Gold Coast’s restaurants collected gongs, including Japanese sensation Kiyomi (15) and Modern Australian go-to for a fancy night out Nineteen at the Star (14). Miss Moneypenny’s marvellous Mediterranean menu (say that a few times) earned 12, as did longstanding steak restaurant, Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill
Rounding up Broady’s winners are grinners list with a score of 13 is The Oracle’s melting pot of Asian goodness Mamasan Kitchen and Bar.
Moving slightly south now to Mermaid Beach and the recently reopened Little Truffle has scored 15, while boutique dining superstar The North Room scored 14 and esteemed Japanese restaurant Etsu Izakaya earned a 13.
Nobby Beach also served up a winner in the form of Ally Chow (12) in all her amazing Asian glory.
Robina’s Eddy + Wolff represented with a well-earned 13. It just goes to show that the ‘burbs can cook up a winner too, not just the Insta-set-favoured pockets. Speaking of, Mudgeeraba’s intimate Japanese (and under-the-radar superstar) Anekawa, earned itself a 14.
Now let’s talk Burleigh and again, there are a few to unpack here. Rick Shores scored 13 for its delectable contemporary pan-Asian cuisine, along with Vietnamese pin-up boy Jimmy Wah’s.
Burleigh’s hidden gem, La Bella Cellar also got a nod (12).
Palm Beach’s ever-popular Balboa Italian was shown some love with 12.
Let’s journey back to the central neck of the woods, starting with Surfers Paradise’s Modern Australian superstar Palette located at HOTA, Home of the Arts, who proudly scored 15.
The QT’s Japanese phenomenon Yamagen scored 12, while the JW Marriott Gold Coast’s seafood superstar Citrique earned a 13.
Neighbouring Main Beach’s modern Australian relative newcomer La Luna scored a 12.
Anyone who still says we’re lacking in the quality eats department here on the Goldie, now is the time to concede defeat because this list of local victories confirms what we already knew – our foodie scene has officially become a force to be reckoned with and there’s plenty more to come…
Words by Belinda Symons.
The Star Gold Coast’s signature Japanese dining experience Kiyomi has undergone one of the most impressive glow-ups the Gold Coast has ever seen showcasing a stunning multi-sensory experience you’ll need to see to believe. The renewal has been dubbed “a creative collision of ritual and art” and includes an elevated menu and brand new private dining space.
If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of the Kiyomi experience, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to something special; think time-honoured Tokyo craftsmanship meets the adventurousness of Australian cooking.
The brand-new magic is evident as soon as you step through the entryway, which is adorned with a blend of raw, transformative textures. The 112-seat main dining space offers a warm, welcoming vibe with Japanese calligraphy as a beautiful, decorative feature.
The recent addition of a 16-seat private dining space further elevates Kiyomi with bold graphic artwork and an intimate moody feel. The perfect option if you’re in need of a fine dining experience surrounded by quiet luxury (and a select few of your favourite people).
The private space is open for lunch with a selection of set menus and both a sushi and sashimi grazing table. Dinner choices include a 10-course Omakase menu or the Premium Omakase menu, including a Chef demonstration the likes of which you’ve never seen before.
Head Chef Winson Law, who has been led Kiyomi for the past seven years has created a menu leaning into soy and miso flavours along with the delicacy of dashi (a combination of sweet, salty, bitter and sour) which he says is quickly becoming one of the most requested tastes on the Coast.
He says, “We are fortunate in Australia to have some of the best ingredients and freshest seafood, which complements our Japanese-inspired dishes. One of our most popular dishes is because of the quality of Australian Wagyu beef. Its exquisite marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture really brings a meal to life.”
New additions to the menu include the likes of Red Snapper, sashimi and Kombujime Amaebi with pickled daikon and ginger lime dressing, Mooloolaba Prawn toast with Karashi miso, Spanner Crab and cabbage, plus aged Pork Tomahawk with apple wasabi, pork jus with Okinawa black sugar.
As always, an unrivalled drinks menu is on offer to accompany the five-star dining experience. Choose from an impressive selection of sake and Japanese whiskey, an exceptional wine list and of course perfectly crafted cocktails to reflect the magic that is Kiyomi.
So quite obviously, the next time you’re in need of a Japanese dining experience that is modern, traditional and as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world, look no further than Kiyomi, right in the heart of Broadbeach at The Star Gold Coast.
Where: Lobby Level The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: 5.30pm – 9pm, Monday – Sunday
Words by Kirra Smith
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the Casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT. Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858.
